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.
The surrounding reefs support hard corals, fish and many other organisms in Singapore’s busy southern waters. The legend of Minah and Linah adds a story of family devotion to one of the country’s most important marine conservation sites.
Did You Know?
Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is Singapore’s first marine park and supports conservation, research and education.
The traditional legend tells of two devoted sisters, Minah and Linah, whose story became associated with the islands.
What Makes Sisters' Islands Special
Big Sister’s Island
The publicly accessible island offers nature experiences and interpretation focused on coastal and marine biodiversity.
Coral Reefs
Reef habitats around the islands support hard corals, fish and many other organisms in Singapore’s busy southern waters.
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.
Island Legend
The story of Minah and Linah expresses themes of family devotion and remains part of Singapore’s maritime folklore.
Trail Routes
Route 1 Big Sister’s Island
Explore how marine protection, coastal habitats and visitor education shape the island’s landscape.
Duration: 75–105 minutes · Distance: 1.0–1.2 km · Stops: 4
1. Arrival Area
Sisters’ Islands Marine Park protects coral reefs and marine life while supporting research and education. Big Sister’s Island introduces this managed conservation landscape, where visitor facilities and protected habitats reflect the relationship between public access and care for Singapore’s marine environment.
2. Floating Boardwalk
The floating boardwalk combines visitor infrastructure with coral habitat and research functions. Its design connects opportunities to learn about marine biodiversity with conservation work, illustrating how a recreational feature can also support the protection and understanding of underwater ecosystems.
3. Coastal Forest Trail
The Ocean Network Express Coastal Forest Trail introduces vegetation adapted to island conditions and leads towards a Hilltop View Deck. It highlights the importance of terrestrial habitats within a marine park, connecting coastal plants with the wider conservation of reefs and surrounding waters.
4. Lagoon Observation
The lagoon tidal-pool programme supports learning about mangroves, seagrass and intertidal life. Its changing conditions reveal the influence of tides on coastal habitats, connecting ecosystem restoration with education about the relationships between land, water and marine biodiversity.
