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Business Insider/ Erin Liam
- Lazarus Island is located 5 miles from Singapore’s mainland.
- During my recent visit, I spent one night in a glamping tent and another in a tiny house.
- The tiny house offered more comfort, while the glamping tent provided an authentic escape from urban life.
In August, I took a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore to discover Lazarus Island, one of eight islands in the Southern Islands group.
This was not my first visit; I had previously explored the island in 2021 when it lacked any accommodations. Back then, day-trippers would typically return to the mainland before sunset.
Now, those wishing to stay overnight on this 47-hectare island can do so without needing to carry camping gear. Visitors can choose between two newly established lodging options: a cozy tiny house or an upscale glamping tent.
Tiny Away, launched by Big Tiny—a startup based in Singapore—opened its doors on Lazarus last May. Meanwhile, Into the Woods set up nine luxury tents run by partners Ray Lee and Sam Wong back in February.
These developments are part of an initiative by local authorities aimed at enhancing tourism on Lazarus Island. According to Sentosa Development Corporation—a body under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry—the goal is to foster rustic adventures and promote sustainable tourism across these Southern Islands.
The two accommodation types are situated approximately 1,000 feet apart with both priced at SGD 380 (around USD 290) per night after taxes and service fees. My trip expenses were covered for both stays as part of Business Insider’s coverage.
While Singapore boasts a vibrant hospitality sector—with two hotels featured among
The World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2024—alternative lodging options have only recently begun gaining traction. From unique shipping container hotels within themed parks to wild glamping experiences at Singapore Zoo, travelers now have more unconventional choices than ever before.
“Post-pandemic travel trends show that people are increasingly seeking experiential journeys for both domestic and international trips,” noted Prudence Lai—a travel consultant with Euromonitor—in an email response. She emphasized that modern travelers prefer investing in genuine local experiences over material possessions.
Comfort Found Within The Tiny House
Business Insider/Erin Liam
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The exterior of the glamping tents exuded luxury with features like queen-sized beds along with cooking facilities and air conditioning units available for guests’ convenience.
A significant drawback was that using restrooms required me to put on shoes each time due to their distance from my tent; this involved walking through sandy paths which could be inconvenient during nighttime hours when visibility was low.
Due primarily to space limitations and budgetary constraints faced by Into The Woods’ founders—they opted against installing ensuite bathrooms—guests must walk three minutes away towards communal restroom facilities equipped with four separate showers instead.
Several fellow visitors expressed similar frustrations regarding navigating dimly lit paths leading towards toilets late at night!
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The Unique Appeal Of Glamping Tents
Business Insider / Erin Liam
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Lazarus Island offers limited activities beyond its single convenience store alongside water sports facilities operational only during weekends; thus there isn’t much else available nearby!
Inside Tiny Away however—I discovered they provided televisions complete with Netflix subscriptions which made it challenging for me personally—to disconnect completely! As such—I indulged myself watching romantic comedies instead!
Conversely—the ambiance created within our glamorous camping experience encouraged me toward unplugging entirely embracing slower-paced living styles instead! With unreliable Wi-Fi connections present—it forced me into utilizing coloring books/journals provided onsite allowing moments dedicated solely toward self-reflection despite initial feelings restlessness creeping up initially!
<This may also stem partly due simply because coming from land-scarce regions like Singapore where small spaces dominate everyday life doesn’t feel particularly novel anymore either… However residing beachfront certainly felt special indeed! The proximity allowed us access just mere feet away from sandy shores where dogs frolicked freely amongst other guests enjoying themselves too once last ferry departed creating almost private beach vibes altogether!
<Both lodgings came equipped featuring cooking utensils plus portable stoves enabling guests preparing meals themselves if desired too! During mine—I chose preparing food via Into The Woods while opting microwave meal delivery service offered through Tiny Away respectively!
A Refreshing Retreat From Urban Life Awaits You Here…
Erin Liam / Business Insider
Both types provide excellent opportunities escaping fast-paced lifestyles experienced daily—it genuinely felt as though we weren’t even still located anywhere near bustling metropolis known as “Singapore” anymore either… Yet despite all positives associated here—they don’t come cheap either unfortunately.
Nightly rates matched those found among some five-star hotel chains situated back home—for instance twin deluxe rooms currently priced SG$380 Shangri-La Hotel itself according current listings available online today too !
Taking into account premium pricing attached here meant just spending single night sufficed enough satisfaction derived overall experience gained throughout journey undertaken together !
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