LION CITY HUB • NATIONAL EDUCATION & HERITAGE
Sisters’ Islands Marine Heritage
Discover coral reefs, coastal biodiversity and the legend behind Singapore’s first marine park.
Protecting Life Beneath the Waves
The Sisters’ Islands are linked to a popular legend about two sisters whose devotion gave the islands their name. Today, they form the heart of Singapore’s first marine park, created to protect coral reefs and marine life while supporting research and education. The park includes the Sisters’ Islands and reef areas near St John’s Island and Pulau Tekukor.
At Big Sister’s Island, visitors can learn about coastal habitats and conservation, while other areas remain restricted to protect sensitive ecosystems. Big Sister’s Island adds another layer to the story. The publicly accessible island offers nature experiences and interpretation focused on coastal and marine biodiversity.
Coral Reefs shows how the area changed while retaining links to its past. Reef habitats around the islands support hard corals, fish and many other organisms in Singapore’s busy southern waters. This context helps readers connect the place with Singapore's wider development.
Did You Know?
Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is Singapore’s first marine park and supports conservation, research and education, in local memory and heritage today.
The traditional legend tells of two devoted sisters, Minah and Linah, whose story became associated with the islands, both historically and today.
What Makes Sisters' Islands Special
Big Sister’s Island
The publicly accessible island offers nature experiences and interpretation focused on coastal and marine biodiversity. Its story adds context to the district's changing landscape and community life.
Coral Reefs
Reef habitats around the islands support hard corals, fish and many other organisms in Singapore’s busy southern waters. Its story adds context to the district's changing landscape and community life.
Sisters’ Islands Marine Park
Singapore’s first marine park protects reefs around the Sisters’ Islands and nearby waters while supporting conservation, research, education and responsible nature appreciation. It endures.
Island Legend
The story of Minah and Linah expresses themes of family devotion and remains part of Singapore’s maritime folklore. It helps visitors connect Island Legend with the wider history of Sisters' Islands.
Trail Routes
Route 1: Faith & Multi-Religious Harmony
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Duration: 1.5 hours on foot | Distance: 1.2 km
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Focus: Trace South Bridge Road and Telok Ayer Street to observe Singapore’s religious co-existence, where Buddhist temples, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, a Chulia mosque, and a Chinese Methodist church stand side by side.
Route 2: Early Immigrants & Street Life
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Duration: 1 hour on foot | Distance: 900 m
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Focus: Walk down Pagoda Street, Smith Street, and Sago Lane to discover the history of rickshaw pullers, Samsui women, high-density tenement living, and heritage street murals.
Route 3: Clans, Trade & Pioneer Leaders
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Duration: 1.5 hours on foot | Distance: 1.8 km
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Focus: Explore Bukit Pasoh Road, Club Street, and Ann Siang Hill—the historic strongholds of dialect clan associations, elite pioneer clubs, and traditional shophouse architecture.
