Best Singapore Beaches
Conveniently linked by a kilometer-long causeway to the southern tip of Malaysia, the tiny city-state of Singapore (just 580 square kilometers) makes a gentle gateway for many first-time travelers to Asia, providing Western standards of comfort and hygiene alongside traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian enclaves.
Its downtown areas are dense with towering skyscrapers and gleaming shopping malls, yet the island retains an abundance of nature reserves and lush, tropical greenery.
Regarding Singapore beaches, there are two main areas.
East Coast Park Beaches
Sprawling along the airport parkway between the airport and the central business district, the East Coast Park is probably the favorite outdoor hangout for Singaporeans. You can rent equipment at several spots for canoeing, wind surfing, cycling and roller blading in case you get board of lying on the beach.
East Coast Park has a sandy beach that is ideal for families and children to spend the day on. Come here to stretch your legs and relax on the beach near Car Park E2 (near the lagoon). You don’t have to carry your sand toys if you don’t want to; there are facilities where you can rent them. There are also kiosks where you can rent bikes to round out your Beach experience. In addition to the beach at E2, there is one in front of Parkland Green at Area C.
Apart from swimming, the Aloha Sea sports here provide incredible ways to enjoy the water. Stand up paddling (SUP) and windsurfing courses with a trainer are available in both newcomer and advanced levels from this location. The center also offers the option of renting SUP and windsurfing equipment. They also have SUP boards for children to use so that they can participate. Aloga Sea Sports is located near the Area E Lagoon.
Sentosa Island Beaches
Heavily promoted for its beaches, sports facilities, hotels and attractions, and ringed by a speeding monorail, the theme-park island of Sentosa is a contrived but enjoyable place.
Two attractions outshine all others on Sentosa. At the Underwater World a moving walkway carries you along a tunnel between two large tanks: sharks lurk menacingly on all sides, huge stingrays drape themselves languidly above you, and immense shoals of gaily colored fish dart to and fro.
The other major-league attraction is the Images of Singapore Exhibition. Here, life-sized dioramas present the history and heritage of Singapore from the fourteenth century through to the surrender of the Japanese in 1945.
Probably the best option, though, after a trip on the monorail and a visit to one or two attractions, is to head for the three beaches on Sentosa’s southwestern coast.
Created with thousands of cubic meters of imported white sand and scores of coconut palms, they offer canoes, surf boards and aqua bikes for rent.
The water here is great for swimming and Singapore does not demand the same modesty on its beaches as Malaysia, although topless and nude bathing are out.
Changi Beach
Besides the beach at East Coast Park and those on Sentosa Island you can try the smaller beach at Changi Village, called Changi Point.
If you want to avoid the crowds at East Coast Park, go to Changi Beach. A trip to the beach in the early morning will provide you with sights that even ECP cannot match. As the tide goes out, you’ll be surprised how far you can walk away from the shore. Look closely at the small pools of water to see sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, and other sea creatures. Enjoy nature at its best by catching the sunrise. If all that walking makes you hungry, stop by Changi Village Hawker Centre for breakfast. That’s a great way to end a trip to Changi.
The beach is calm, and frequented mostly by locals who set up camps and barbecues to hang out all day. There’s kayak rentals along the beach, and in Changi Village you’ll find, in addition to a huge hawker center, quite a few international restaurants and pubs to hang out in and have a fresh seafood lunch when you get hungry.
Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach is a hive of activity, with several beach clubs – Ola Beach Club, Coastes, and Sand Bar – and a variety of water sports activities. Choose among superfast doughnut rides, stand up paddleboards, or even a jet blade encounter at Ola Beach Club.
Tanjong Beach
Apart from being home to Tanjong Beach Club, Sentosa’s southern tip stretch of beach is one of the most beautiful in Singapore. It is shaped like the number three from above, with fine light yellow sand and coconut trees that frame each evening’s spectacular sunset. On weekdays, the area is quiet and tranquil, despite being a popular swimming spot for both humans and dogs. On Saturdays and Sundays, the area is transformed into a non-stop weekend beach party.
Palawan Beach
This span of calm water and fine grain sand, situated between Sentosa’s Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach, is regarded as the most family-friendly of the three. Relax on the beach while making sandcastles or picnicking.