If you've been meaning to escape the mainland without actually leaving Singapore, your window is closing. The Lazarus Island eco-cottages — those charmingly rustic beachfront stays that became one of the island's worst-kept travel secrets — are shutting down after their trial project wraps up.
The closure was announced on 27 March, with the final bookings open through to 31 January 2027. Since launching, the cottages have welcomed over 8,300 visitors, proving that Singaporeans are perfectly willing to pretend they're on a tropical holiday without needing a passport.
What Made Lazarus Island Special
For the uninitiated, Lazarus Island sits in the Southern Islands cluster, accessible by a short ferry ride from Marina South Pier followed by a walk across the causeway from St John's Island. The ecotourism trial project transformed a quiet, largely undeveloped island into an overnight destination with simple but comfortable cottage accommodation.
The appeal was straightforward: pristine beaches without the crowds of Sentosa, stargazing without light pollution, and the novelty of sleeping on an island that most Singaporeans had never set foot on. The cottages offered a genuine back-to-nature experience that felt worlds away from the concrete jungle, despite being a 30-minute ferry ride from the CBD.
Why It's Closing
The ecotourism cottages were always framed as a trial project, designed to test whether sustainable overnight tourism could work on Singapore's southern islands without compromising the delicate ecosystem. With 8,300 visitors and counting, the demand side of the equation has been emphatically answered — people love it.
What comes next for the site remains to be seen. The trial's success will likely inform future plans for the Southern Islands, which have long been earmarked for greater recreational development under the Long Island master plan. Whether that means upgraded facilities, expanded capacity, or an entirely new concept, the data from this trial will be invaluable.
How to Book Before It's Gone
Bookings remain open until January 2027, which sounds like plenty of time until you consider that weekend slots tend to vanish within hours of being released. The cottages accommodate small groups and are particularly popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and the increasingly common "digital detox" getaway.
Prices have remained remarkably accessible throughout the trial period, positioning the experience as a genuine alternative to the usual Sentosa staycation. A night on Lazarus Island costs a fraction of what you'd spend at a resort hotel, and the bragging rights of saying you camped on a Singapore island are worth the mosquito bites.
What to Do While You're There
The island's main draw is its crescent-shaped beach — arguably the most beautiful stretch of sand in Singapore. The water is surprisingly clear by local standards, and snorkelling off the shore reveals a modest but colourful collection of marine life. Kayaking is another popular activity, with guided tours available around the island's coastline.
For the less athletically inclined, Lazarus Island excels at doing absolutely nothing. Bring a book, a hammock (if the cottages don't provide one), and enough sunscreen for a small army. The lack of commercial establishments means you'll need to pack your own provisions — there's no 7-Eleven on this island, which is frankly part of the charm.
Evenings are the real highlight. Without the ambient light of the city, the stars come out in force. If you've never seen the Milky Way from Singapore, Lazarus Island on a clear night is your best shot. Pair that with a portable speaker, some wine, and good company, and you have the makings of a genuinely memorable evening that didn't require clearing immigration.
The Bigger Picture
The Lazarus Island trial represents something encouraging about Singapore's evolving relationship with its natural spaces. As the city-state densifies, the appetite for accessible nature experiences has never been higher. From the Southern Ridges to the Rail Corridor, Singaporeans are increasingly seeking green escapes within their own borders.
The cottages' 8,300 visitors in a relatively short trial period sends a clear signal: build it (sustainably), and they will come. Whether the next chapter for Lazarus Island involves permanent eco-lodges, glamping pods, or something else entirely, the appetite is there. Book now, because this particular chapter is closing.
