Originally named Sekijang, St John’s Island has a history as diverse as the marine life surrounding it. St John’s Island is located 6.5 km off Singapore’s southern coast. Today, St John’s Island may seem like a tranquil getaway. But its shores whisper tales of a past far removed from idyllic beaches.
In 1819, Stamford Raffles anchored off St John’s Island. This was one day before establishing a British trading port on Singapore. The island served as a crucial meeting point. Local representatives assured the British of a friendly reception. The island became a signal station. Its flagstaff reported ship sightings to Government Hill. By 1830, the station fell into disrepair. The flagstaff relocated to Mount Faber in 1833.
As Singapore’s immigrant population grew, so did the risk of epidemics. St John’s Island transformed into a quarantine center in 1874. It wasn’t just for immigrants. Muslims returning from Mecca also passed through its gates. The center expanded. It eventually included muster sheds, boiler houses and even a plague hospital. By 1924, St John’s Island could house 6000 people. It became one of the largest quarantine operations in the British Empire. Not everyone received equal treatment. Cabin class passengers bypassed quarantine. Chinese coolies allegedly faced harsh conditions. In 1976, air travel made boat arrivals decline. The quarantine station closed.
St John’s Island then served as an internment camp during both World Wars. German men were detained here during World War I. During World War II, enemy foreign nationals were interned. Even Japanese women and children were held here temporarily. The Malayan Emergency saw St John’s Island resume its role as a detention center. Political prisoners, including future Singaporean politicians were detained here. Detainees included People’s Action Party members. They were released after the 1959 general election. Operation Coldstore in 1963 brought more detainees to St John’s Island.
From 1955, St John’s Island sought to curb opium addiction. The Opium Treatment Centre opened. It offered a three-phase program. This program involved withdrawal, rehabilitation and follow-up. By 1966, it had rehabilitated over 4000 opium addicts. In 1973, the center became a Drug Rehabilitation Centre. It aimed to treat all types of drug addicts. The rehabilitation center was shut down in 1975.
St John’s Island also provided refuge for those in need. It housed residents of Lazarus Island after a high tide. In the mid-1970s, it sheltered Vietnamese refugees. Plans emerged to transform St John’s Island into a resort. A holiday camp with sports facilities was established. Today, St John’s Island is home to aquaculture research facilities.
St John’s Island has expanded. Land reclamation increased its area. Lazarus Island and Seringat Island were merged and connected via a causeway. The island is home to endangered plants and animals. These creatures include the Asian Drongo Cuckoo. It also includes nesting grounds for the Hawksbill Turtle.
The island’s story is a testament to Singapore’s ever-changing landscape. From a gateway for trade to a haven for research, St John’s Island continues to evolve. It beckons with natural beauty. It also whispers stories of resilience and transformation.