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SINGAPORE: Passengers, many with picnic mats and coolers, flowed from the packed ferry to the St John’s Island jetty this past Sunday morning (October 25), taking selfies and videos of the island as they landed.
Most headed for a causeway linking St John’s and Lazarus Island, which was already full of fishermen. In a sheltered bay, free divers and snorkelers practiced and took courses.
Passengers disembarking at St John’s Island jetty.
Hikers continued to the green areas and Lazarus Beach, where they jumped into the water or enjoyed picnics with friends and family.
On a stretch of the beach, Mr. Ahmad Taufik Mohtar, 33, and his extended family had set up three tents and were well equipped to spend a day at the beach with bathing gear, fishing poles and food.
“We planned this trip because I think we are running out of places to go in Singapore,” he said. “At least we Singaporeans have the opportunity to roam and learn new things or new areas.”
Visitors play in the water in a bay on Lazarus Island.
With travel still restricted, Singaporeans have flocked to the outlying islands on their days off.
Ferry services told CNA that demand for their services has increased significantly and that more people are visiting the southern islands, such as Kusu and St John’s.
Ryden Fang of Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services said that since the start of Phase 2, the number of passengers has increased by 20 to 30 percent both on weekdays and during weekends.
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“To meet demand, we have increased our ferry frequencies, deployed additional ferries and hired additional manpower to act as safe distance ambassadors / ushers at the pier,” he said in an email.
Marina South Ferries said they have about 50 percent more business than before the circuit breaker.
“Now we see many more Singaporeans rediscovering Singapore,” said Managing Director Eric Wong.
“Mondays and Fridays see a substantial increase in traffic now (as) people are clearing the game nationwide.”
READ: COVID-19: Annual pilgrimage to Kusu Island limited to 500 people per day
He said that while the slightly older or religious people were heading to Kusu Island, the younger crowd was heading to Lazaro Island and San Juan Island.
There are also more adventurous visitors who go to Sisters’ Island to snorkel in the marine park.
All online slots to visit Kusu Island by ferry for two weekends have been fully reserved for this year’s pilgrimage season. Only 500 people are allowed to visit the island each day as part of measures to control crowds amid COVID-19. Jeraldine Yap with more.
During the Kusu pilgrimage season, which is October 17 to November 14, those who want to visit the island must make a reservation.
The number of visitors is limited to 500 people per day, and capacity has been reached on weekends, the Singapore Land Authority said.
MORE VISITING PULAU UBIN
There has also been an increase in store business in Pulau Ubin, bringing relief to Ubin store owners after they had to shut down due to the “circuit breaker” due to COVID-19.
Koh Bee Choo, who runs Comfort Bicycle Rental & Trading, said business has increased 30% on weekends. He’s also seen a little more people on weekdays.
When CNA was there on a Thursday morning, there was a steady stream of cyclists renting rides from their shop near the jetty.
Koh, who has lived in Pulau Ubin for five decades, said he hopes this will continue as he wants more people to enjoy nature and the great outdoors.
“I’ve seen more Malaysians visit, I think because they can’t go home,” he said in Mandarin.
Singapore residents, unable to travel for pleasure at the moment, are flocking to islands like Pulau Ubin during Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening. (Photo: Chew Hui Min)
Cyclists and hikers gather in the main town of Pulau Ubin on October 15, 2020 (Photo: Chew Hui Min)
A van driver, who asked not to be identified, said his vehicle has had more reservations for tours and tours of the island to see its sights, such as Pekan Quarry and Chek Jawa. A seafood restaurant that CNA visited also said the number of customers on the weekends has increased by 10 to 20 percent.
The National Parks Board (NParks) said there has been a significant increase in visits to Singapore’s nature reserves, gardens and parks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Pulau Ubin, there was an increase from 5,700 visitors in April to 39,000 in September. In recent years, the island receives around 20,000 visitors in September, a spokeswoman said.
A wild boar in Pulau Ubin. (Photo: Chew Hui Min)
NParks said that with an increase in visitor numbers, it encourages all visitors to be socially responsible and to keep green spaces safe for all.
“We urge everyone to play their part and wear masks when not engaging in strenuous exercise or consuming food, drink or medication, and to maintain a safe distance of at least one meter from other visitors, for their own safety and that of those around them, “he said.
“Visitors must also stay in groups of no more than five people and not mix between groups.
“At Pulau Ubin, we encourage visitors to refrain from crowding around the main town and jetty area and move to open spaces whenever possible.”
Visitors are also encouraged to check safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg for the latest updates on visitor levels before visiting the green spaces.
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