SINGAPORE: Big Sister’s Island has officially reopened to the public on October 28, following three years of extensive upgrades. The revamped island now features exciting new attractions, including a floating boardwalk, a coastal forest trail, & a lagoon tidal pool. Providing visitors with a closer look at Singapore’s rich marine & terrestrial biodiversity.
Key Highlights:
New Attractions on Big Sister’s Island:
- Floating Boardwalk: Singapore’s first floating boardwalk spans 220 meters. Allowing visitors to view vibrant coral reefs & diverse marine life, no matter the tide level. This unique structure doubles as a research site, featuring 63 coral panels to facilitate coral growth.
- Lagoon Tidal Pool: The revamped tidal pool retains seawater during low tides, creating a safe habitat for marine plants & animals. Visitors can enjoy intertidal walks, snorkeling, & swimming while observing local wildlife, such as otters & sea turtles.
Conservation Efforts:
- The reopening highlights the importance of conservation, as Big Sister’s Island is part of the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Singapore’s first marine park dedicated to preserving marine biodiversity. The park is home to species like the black tip reef shark, copper band butterfly fish, & giant carpet anemone.
- While Big Sister’s Island is now open to the public, Small Sister’s Island remains restricted for dedicated marine conservation purposes to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Protecting Marine Biodiversity:
- The National Parks Board (NParks) is committed to safeguarding marine ecosystems from threats like climate change & pollution. Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, spoke about the need to balance commercial activities with environmental conservation.
- A recent oil spill from an energy company pipeline on October 20 did not impact the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance in protecting these delicate ecosystems.
Visitor Information:
- Access to Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is now available via ferry from Marina South Pier. Ferry services, provided by Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services, resumed on October 29, offering convenient travel for visitors.
Sister’s Island Exciting New Features:
Floating Boardwalk:
- This 220-meter boardwalk is a standout feature, enabling visitors to get an up-close view of corals & marine life. Five “moon pools” along the boardwalk facilitate marine research, allowing scientists to study natural & transplanted coral formations.
Lagoon Tidal Pool:
- A smaller lagoon has been transformed into a tidal pool that retains seawater during low tide, creating a sheltered area ideal for the growth of mangroves & seagrass. This tidal pool is home to diverse marine life, including common sea stars & various marine plants.
Future Marine Conservation Projects:
- Singapore plans to establish a second marine park on the southern islands of Kusu & Lazarus. These islands are celebrated for their coral diversity, hosting 97 & 141 species of coral respectively, including some rare varieties.
Enhanced Education & Research Initiatives:
- SingTel has invested S$1 million (US$760,000) through the Garden City Fund to support the development of the tidal pool & boost marine research. The funding includes an underwater video system that will engage the public & turn the tidal pool into an educational “marine classroom.”
The newly revamped Big Sister’s Island offers visitors a chance to explore Singapore’s marine biodiversity while emphasizing conservation, education, & research. This reopening provides a unique opportunity to experience nature up close, fostering a deeper appreciation for marine conservation.
