Beaches

Singapore beaches are dirty but well maintained and environmentally "Green". Air polution is low due to the surrounding sea. At several of the beaches, you can spend an entire day of enjoyment. Swimming is not recommended by locals. Due to the numerous ships that pass the straits of Malacca the water quality is considered poor, although it is officially within "the normal variations" and "the recreational water guideline". But there are plenty of other things to do.

East Coast Park: Along the parkway between the airport and central business district is located the East Coast Park, the most popular for outdoor activities among Singaporeans. You can hire equipment for canoeing, wind surfing, cycling and roller blading. And you can book a BBQ oven for cooking. Many parts of the beach are shady, with a nice fresh breeze.

Sentosa Beach: Beside the sandy white beaches are many man-made attractions, such as pedal cars, aqua-bikes, and fun bugs, and beach activities like canoeing, windsurfing, and swimming. Fascinating flora and fauna abound. You can also enjoy historical enclaves, adventure theme parks, and golf. With several five-star hotels, Sentosa Beach offers romantic dining under the stars and nighttime entertainment including a musical fountain, a night market, and the Enchanted Grove of Tembusu. Sentosa has everything a visitor could desire in a holiday venue.

Changi: As one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore, this beach brings back happy memories for the many Singaporeans who frequented it in the '60s and '70s. With beautiful white sand extending into the park at several points, the beach forms a continuous stretch of wide open area dotted with coconut palms, BBQ pits, park benches, and Shelters. A jogging track and other amenities have recently been added. Visitors can now jog or cycle along the winding tracks from Changi Point to Changi Ferry Terminal and back. This is the place where everybody would like to gather at the weekend for picnics, swimming, barbecues, or overnight camping. Relaxing here, you can look out to the sea overlooking Pulau Ubin, enjoying the gentle sea breeze rustling the coconut palms as the waves roll gently onto the white sandy beach. You can bring your own picnic or buy food at nearby Changi Village.

Take the subway to Bedok or Tanah Merah Station and catch public bus SBS No.2; it takes about 30 minutes to reach Changi Village. Tip: While there, try the famous Nasi lemak, coconut rice served with fried fish at food centre stall 53 or 54 -- but be prepared to wait.