Best beaches of Singapore
Palawan Beach is popular with families on Sentosa
Singapore may not be as renowned for its beaches as neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, and many other Southeast Asian countries, but that does not mean there are none to be found. In fact, many islands make up this tiny nation and ensure there is plenty of beach space for everyone to enjoy.
Without doubt, the most popular place in Singapore for beaches is Sentosa Island, the country’s resort island, which is where locals like to go during their days off to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The three best beaches on the island are Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach and Siloso Beach and, if time permits, they are certainly worth seeing as the experience provides a different insight into this fascinating, culturally diverse state.
Palawan Beach is one of the most popular beaches among Singaporeans due to its special location and because it is so family friendly. The beach is viewed as being particularly special as it is the country’s southernmost point and thus represents continental Asia’s most southerly point as well as the closest place to the equator.
Sentosa Island has developed into a significant part of Singapore, particularly as numerous attractions have opened up over the years as its popularity increases. Among the most visited places for tourists is the world renowned Universal Studios theme park, Aqua Park and the Marine Museum.
Head to the Imbiah Lookout area of Sentosa and you’ll find further attractions such as the Tiger Skye Tower, Butterfly and Insect Kingdom, 4D Cinema Theatre complex, the Merlion of Sentosa and a wonderful cable car ride which, from the top, provides fabulous views of the island. More on activities.
In truth, Palawan Beach certainly doesn’t resemble your idyllic tropical paradise which is displayed on postcards from around the globe, but that’s part of the fun - it’s different and you’ll never run out of things to do. There is an open-air theatre which features impressive animal shows with trained monkeys and parrots. The renowned Dolphin Lagoon and Underwater World are also close by the beach and will offer a memorable experience swimming with the sea creatures.
You can’t escape the fact that this is perhaps as built up as a beach island in the tropics gets. A further instance of this is the Palawan–Tanjong Beach Tram which connects two of the main strips of sand. It’s hardly like sailing over crystal clear waters on a speedboat to the next destination but, let’s face it, it’s convenient.
Tanjong Beach is popular with couples
Tanjong Beach is one of Singapore’s most beautiful bays and is renowned for being Sentosa’s relaxed, intimate beach. This picturesque area is perfect for those who enjoy pleasant views, romantic walks along the sand and stunning sunsets – namely, it’s a place for couples.
Adding to the appeal, the beach is located a fair distance from the majority of the most popular tourist attractions and is the smallest of Singapore’s three main beaches. Tanjong has no restaurants, pubs or shops, but the colonial-style Tanjong Beach Club welcomes visitors to take advantage of its beautiful pool, fantastic eatery and stylish bar.
However, as Sentosa is really rather small, it is not exactly far to get to some of the more lively places if you fancy a change of scenery. The rainforest is only a few minutes from the beach, and there are some excellent hiking and walking trails nearby, such as the Sentosa Feng Shui trail – a popular, not terribly strenuous, amble that’s popular with couples.
If it’s liveliness you’re looking for, Siloso Beach is the place to be. This is perhaps the busiest area as it’s where the majority of water sports take place and houses the most restaurants and bars. This free-time party zone is particularly popular among the youth of Singapore and is home to the world’s biggest fun themed wind tunnel – the iFly parachute experience – and the Azzurro Beach Club, one of the island’s most renowned sports and disco complexes.
The marina theatre, Songs of the Sea, features extravagant water-music shows that are particularly beautiful in the evening. The beach is also home to the country’s only remaining coast fort building, Fort Siloso, and a tour round the complex will inform you of much of Singapore’s history, particularly during the World War ll era. For a less educational option, the MegaZip Adventure Park contains some of the world’s longest zip wire rides. More on Sentosa Island.
Changi Beach is low-key but by the airport
Those who prefer nature above city life should look no further than Punggol Beach. It may not be spectacular, but it does offer a relaxed atmosphere and some of Singapore’s best nature. The beach is nowhere near as frequented as others on the island and most who do come here are locals. The calm waters offer great appeal to anglers and, due to the popularity of fishing, many of the restaurants serve fresh catch from that very morning.
There are also some lovely excursions around Punggol too, past green fields and through little villages. The neighbouring Pulau Ubin Island is popular for its nature and boasts beautiful authentic villages in which you can wonder around for hours. In addition, views of neighbouring Malaysia can be seen from certain points.
For more relaxation and nature, Changi Beach is another option. The nearby Singapore River features beautiful mangrove swamps and the vicinity is home to a number of worldwide unique birds. It’s location near the Changi International Airport means planes are constantly flying overhead, but the noise from the sky is not yet reciprocated by that on land as this beautiful beach has yet to be popularised by the Singapore locals. More on Singapore attractions.
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