Keppel Island | Southern Region

Keppel Island is a small, privately-owned island in Singapore, located to the south of the main island, near the HarbourFront and Sentosa. It is part of the Keppel Group and is situated within the Keppel Bay area, which is renowned for its marina, waterfront properties, and leisure amenities. While the island itself is not typically open to the public, it plays a significant role in the urban landscape of Singapore’s southern coastline.

1. Location and Overview

Keppel Island is located near the southern part of Singapore, adjacent to the Keppel Bay area, which includes some of Singapore's most luxurious waterfront properties and leisure facilities. The island is part of the Keppel Harbour, one of the most important ports in Singapore, and is located just off the southern tip of Sentosa Island.

Proximity: The island is very close to other significant areas like HarbourFront, Sentosa, and Mount Faber, with stunning views of the coastline, nearby islands, and the Singapore Strait.

Keppel Bay: Keppel Island is surrounded by Keppel Bay, home to the Keppel Bay Marina, which is one of the top luxury marinas in Singapore. The area is known for its exclusive properties, yachting facilities, and leisure spaces, making it a sought-after waterfront locale for the affluent.

2. History and Development

Keppel Island's development is closely tied to the Keppel Group, a conglomerate with a history rooted in shipping, offshore, and real estate. The island and its surroundings have seen substantial development over the years, including luxury residences, commercial developments, and the Keppel Bay Marina.

• Keppel Group: The island is owned by the Keppel Group, one of Singapore's largest multinational conglomerates, with interests spanning across real estate, offshore, infrastructure, and investments. In particular, the company has played a significant role in the development of the Keppel Bay area, transforming it into a high-end waterfront precinct with residential, commercial, and leisure facilities.

3. Keppel Bay Marina

One of the main attractions near Keppel Island is the Keppel Bay Marina, which is one of the most exclusive yacht marinas in Singapore. The marina caters to luxury yachts and private vessels, offering premium berthing facilities and services. The marina is part of the larger Keppel Bay development and features state-of-the-art amenities for yacht owners and boating enthusiasts.

Luxury Yachts and Boating: The marina is home to a variety of luxury yachts and boats, attracting yacht owners from around the world. It provides services like boat maintenance, repairs, and storage, as well as a range of recreational and leisure facilities.

Residential and Commercial Developments: The Keppel Bay area around the marina is home to luxury waterfront properties, such as the Reflections at Keppel Bay — a distinctive residential development designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. These properties offer stunning views of the marina and the surrounding coastline, with access to exclusive leisure and recreational facilities.

4. Leisure and Dining

While Keppel Island itself is not open to the public for recreational activities, the surrounding Keppel Bay area offers a variety of leisure and dining options for visitors.

Dining and Entertainment: There are several restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Keppel Bay area, particularly around the marina and its surrounding developments. These dining venues offer both local and international cuisine and provide a relaxed, upscale environment with views of the waterfront.

Clifford Pier and Keppel Bay: Visitors can enjoy a range of waterfront dining options with views of yachts docked at the marina. The surrounding area also features boutique shops and recreational spaces for those looking to explore the lifestyle offerings of the Keppel Bay precinct.

5. Keppel Island and the Environment

Though Keppel Island itself is not typically a tourist destination, its surrounding waters are part of the rich marine ecosystem of Singapore's southern coast. The waters around Keppel Bay are home to a variety of marine life, and the area is a popular spot for sailing and boating activities.

• Sailing and Yachting: The island's proximity to the Singapore Strait and Sentosa makes it a prime location for sailing and yachting activities. Boat tours around Keppel Island and the nearby coastline are a popular choice for visitors interested in exploring the southern coastline from the water.

6. Access and Transportation

Keppel Island is not open to general public access, and as such, there are no direct ferry or public transport services to the island. However, the surrounding areas, such as HarbourFront and Sentosa, are easily accessible by public transport.

HarbourFront MRT Station: The HarbourFront MRT Station, which is located a short distance from Keppel Bay, is a major transport hub that connects to various parts of Singapore via the North-East Line and the Circle Line. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Keppel Bay.

Sentosa: Since Keppel Island is close to Sentosa, visitors can reach Sentosa via the Sentosa Express monorail or the Sentosa Boardwalk from the HarbourFront area.

Private Yacht: Those with private yachts or boats can easily reach Keppel Island and its marina, as the area is accessible via Keppel Bay.

7. Conclusion

Keppel Island is a small but significant part of Singapore's southern coast, nestled within the luxurious Keppel Bay area. While the island itself is not a public destination, its proximity to notable landmarks such as Sentosa, the Keppel Bay Marina, and the surrounding waterfront developments make it a prominent feature of Singapore’s southern landscape. The area is home to high-end residential developments, world-class yachting facilities, and scenic leisure spaces, making it an exclusive destination for those looking to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle by the water.