Whispers of the past echo across the water. Little Sisters’ Island. A name that conjures images of tragedy and resilience. Before you lies a small islet. It’s part of a larger story. A story woven from legend and marine life.
Little Sisters’ Island one of the Southern Islands. It’s a tiny jewel off Singapore’s main island. Its Malay name Pulau Subar Darat means Small Sister Island. Its bigger sibling is Big Sister’s Island. They are separated by a narrow channel. This channel can be treacherous for swimmers and divers. Strong currents run through it.
Legend speaks of two sisters Minah and Linah. They were inseparable. One day Linah met pirates. The pirate chief wanted to marry her. Minah tried to save her sister. Both sisters drowned in a storm. God touched by their bond transformed them into two islands. Little Sisters’ Island and Big Sister’s Island. They stand together forever. Another legend says a storm blew the sisters apart onto separate islands. Both stories tell of an enduring sisterly bond.
Little Sisters’ Island is not open to the public. There is a turtle hatchery there. Big Sister’s Island however welcomes visitors. Snorkelers love the warm water and vibrant reefs. You can see a variety of corals. There are nudibranchs octopuses even hard corals. Long-tailed macaques also make their home on Big Sister’s Island. Be cautious. They can be aggressive. Don’t feed them.
In 2014 Singapore established the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. It’s a protected area. It includes the waters surrounding the islands. It also includes parts of St John’s Island and Pulau Tekukor. The park helps preserve Singapore’s rich marine habitats. Visitors can explore the area with guided walks and diving.
Little Sisters’ Island’s story is a powerful one. It combines a tragic legend with a vibrant present. The island is a sanctuary. It’s a place of remembrance a haven for marine life. It’s a testament to the enduring power of nature and the stories it whispers to those who listen.