Southern Islands as National Parks

47 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development how can the Southern Islands be made more accessible as national parks so that more Singaporeans can enjoy them and their rustic charm and rich biodiversity can still be preserved.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The Southern Islands comprise seven islets south of Sentosa island. Apart from Pulau Tekukor, all are accessible for recreational activities. In fact, many visitors already enjoy these beaches, rustic landscapes and diving spots. These islands are accessible via commercial ferry services from Marina South Pier or through chartered yachts.

We have recently designated the Sisters' Islands Marine Park, comprising the two Sisters’ Islands, their surrounding waters, and the western reefs of Pulau Tekukor and St John's Island, as a public park under the Parks and Trees Act. This affords greater protection to key biodiversity hotspots within the Southern Islands.

The National Parks Board (NParks) has introduced guided intertidal walks and dive trails and will be facilitating visits for schools, institutes and organisations to the Sisters' Islands Marine Park. We will also add infrastructure to make Big Sister's Island more accessible. For example, NParks is sensitively developing a boardwalk, intertidal pools and a floating pontoon there. Rules will be put in place for the Marine Park so that different activities can co-exist harmoniously.