What should I be aware of?

Not all have facilities: Besides Sentosa and Labrador Beach, the more remote islands only have basic facilities (toilets, shelters). Bring along all your needs: food, drinking water and other essentials. Please do not litter. Bring back all your litter and dispose of it on the mainland.

Don't swim outside the safe zone: Currents around the islands can be dangerous. Do heed all warning signs and stay well within the safe areas which are clearly marked.

• Danger lurks in waters off Sentosa about the dangers of swimming outside the safe zone, by Tanya Fong Straits Times 2 Feb 06
• Beware sea current when tide is low or high
  Letter from Patrick Low Soh Chye Straits Times 10 Apr 07
  

• Stonefish on Sentosa no surprise
  Letter from Eng Ting Ting (Ms) Straits Times Forum Online 21 Nov 05
  

Appropriate footwear is vital: appropriate footwear include diving booties or closed, hard-soled sports shoes with shoelaces.

Open sandals allow small creatures to nibble at your toes! Shoes without laces (e.g., with velcro) will part from your foot when you step into mud.

Do NOT wear these on the shores: open sandals, slippers, flip-flops, high-heels and other fancy shoes.

Do NOT go barefoot on the shores! Besides sharp litter, there are all manner of creatures that will defend themselves unpleasantly should you accidentaly step on them.

Do NOT walk with your shoes encased in plastic bags. This reduces the grip of your shoes on the ground. The ground can be slippery with seaweed and mud. You may then fall and not only get mud all over yourself (not just your shoes), but you may also get injured.

Wear light, breathable clothing. You will be comfortable in shorts and T-shirt.

Other useful items to bring

• Extra pair of footwear to change into for the journey home.
  
• Hat to protect from the sun. It can get hot on the flats on a sunny day.
  
• Enough drinking water. Ideally, 1-2 litres per person for a day trip.
  
• Raingear (raincoat, poncho) and plastic bags for electronic items.
• Insect repellent: while there are few biting insects out on the intertidal flats, there are plenty in the forest and at the shore.
• Sunscreen: the sun can be particularly strong on a sunny day.
• A notebook to take note of what you saw. Why not start a nature journal? It's a fun way to record your visit and learn more about what you saw.
  

• Warning, venture at your own risk By Chang Ai-Lien The Straits Times 9 Aug 05
  YOU'RE more likely to get hit by a car than attacked by a wild animal in Singapore. But it could happen. We present the how-not-to-get-yourself-killed/maimed/ poisioned guide to enjoying the outdoors
• Watch Your Step: Study Shows Life in Tidal Areas at Risk
  John Roach National Geographic website, 25 Jul 05