Visitors to the Southern Islands can now enjoy a more complete leisure experience with the opening of Sol by BDC, a convenience store by Bespoke Dining Club (BDC), and Lazarus Sea Sports Centre (LSSC), operated by watersports company Camelot. Hot on the heels of these openings is Into the Woods, a locally owned start-up offering nine glamping units which will also be launched in Q4 2023.

Joining Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island, which launched in April, a convenience store and non-motorised water activities are now available on Lazarus Island (image courtesy of Big Tiny)

In line with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC)’s commitment to offer light-touch projects that promote rustic adventure on the Southern Islands, the enhancements aim to transform the connected islands of Seringat, Lazarus, St John’s and Kias into an even more alluring get-away haven for nature-lovers, both locals and tourists alike. Conveniently accessible from a dedicated jetty at Sentosa Cove, the islands are just a short 15-minute boat ride away. This range of new offerings now completes the earlier launched Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island, a series of five compact accommodation units by Big Tiny since April 2023, and a bicycle rental kiosk by Gogreen Eco Adventure on St John’s Island.

Ms Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, SDC, said, “Travellers today are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment. We are proud to partner with like-minded businesses that place importance not just on profitability but also on championing sustainable tourism. With our additional offerings, we hope that our guests can immerse in the unique biodiversity and nature that the Southern Islands has to offer like never before, as an extended getaway beyond Sentosa.”

Partnering nature groups to promote eco-tourism

The new offerings on the Southern Islands have been planned in consultation with various nature groups, such as Friends of Marine Park (FMP), ensuring that operators adopt best practices that take the need to protect the island’s natural environment into consideration.

In addition, a “Discover the Southern Islands” guide has also been collaboratively developed, providing guidelines for visitors to enjoy their time at the islands responsibly. The guidelines include “Do’s and Don’ts” when encountering wildlife and waste management instructions, among other useful tips. The guide will be available online at https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/things-to-do/attractions/southern-islands/, while visitors to the Southern Islands are also encouraged to scan a QR code on their ferries to download the guide, facilitating a better experience for them.

Providing convenience through Sol by BDC

Storefront of Sol by BDC (image courtesy of Bespoke Dining Club)

Making food and beverage options readily available to visitors of the Southern Islands, Sol by BDC offers a curated selection of day-to-day necessities and groceries. These include microwavable ready-to-eat meals and ready-to-grill food items curated by Chef-owner Samuel Quan¹ that guests can purchase, along with barbecue pits that utilise eco-friendly materials.

In line with the Southern Islands’ positioning as an eco-tourism destination, Sol by BDC’s storefront is repurposed from shipping containers, while its food offerings incorporate locally sourced produce, such as seafood, herbs and vegetables, from offshore local fish, hydroponic, and vertical farms in Singapore.

Promoting eco-conscious fun through LSSC by Camelot

Visitors enjoying floating yoga at LSSC (image courtesy of Camelot)

LSSC offers a range of non-motorised water activities, such as stand-up paddling, kayaking and floating yoga boards – a first in Singapore – for visitors to participate in amid the scenic waters of the Southern Islands.

Large groups may also consider their group kayaking tours for community building events. The centre’s operations also keep the island’s natural environment in mind, such as the use of a single designated launching zone for all watercrafts, which ensures minimal impact on the area’s seabed.

Living life unhurried through Into the Woods

Rounding up the new initiatives is Into the Woods, a series of nine glamping units that enable guests to experience overnight beachfront glamping on the Lazarus Island. Set to open in Q4 four 2023, each unit provides comfortable glamping options for up to four visitors, encouraging urban dwellers to take a break from the city and reconnect with nature.

Artist’s impression of Into the Woods (image courtesy of Into the Woods)

With an emphasis on bringing visitors closer to nature, specially curated welcome kits will be provided for guests. The kit contains items such as “plantable” stationery and a natural watercolour painting set, inviting guests to rejuvenate and enjoy a slower pace of life through low-intensity activities such as painting and drawing during their stay.

Mr Stephen Beng, Chairman, FMP, said, “We are encouraged by SDC’s mindful initiatives that enable visitors to experience our Southern Islands in positive ways. Responsible operators can help contribute to our island culture, of conservation and community first, that forms the basis of sustainable tourism. With the FMP community’s support, exchanges between operators and visitors strengthen nature literacy and reinforce harmonious living especially in our multi-use land and sea scapes. We all must work together if we are to achieve sustainable outcomes and continue enjoying the many benefits our coastal and marine ecosystems provide.”

Those looking to visit Lazarus Island, Seringat Island, Kias Island, and St. John’s Island, are encouraged to depart from Sentosa Jetty @ Cove, with the islands only being a 15-minute boat ride away. Visit here for daily ferry bookings, schedules and more information.

¹ Chef Samuel runs Eclipse by BDC at Yue Hwa Building and was the overall champion for Team Singapore, at the Culinary Olympics held in Germany, 2016. Other credentials include stints in Les Amis, Joel Robuchon, as well as the 3 Michelin-starred Aponiente in Spain.

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