The island nation of Singapore is awash with beautiful shores to suit every mood. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids, reconnecting with nature, partying with friends, seeking spirituality or relaxing with a good book, there’s a sun lounger for you within easy reach. Read on to discover your perfect island and beach…
St John’s Island
What was once a quarantine station for sufferers of infectious disease is now a retreat for those looking to escape the city. St John’s Island is a haven of aquamarine lagoons, immaculate beaches, postcard-worthy picnic spots and handsome trekking routes, all ringed by coral reefs and mangroves. Part of Singapore’s popular Southern Islands development, which has benefited from upscale tropical landscaping, St John’s is also a launch point for island-hopping trips, connected by ferry routes to neighbouring destinations, including Kusu and Lazarus. Stay the whole day or start your journey here.
Kusu Island
Kusu means tortoise in Hokkien and you’ll find plenty of these fascinating reptiles at the island’s sanctuary. You may even spot a few tortoises while snorkelling around the pretty beaches, but it’s Kusu’s religious shrines and temples that are the main draw. A soothing spiritual ambience prevails with three Islamic Malay shrines, said to bestow fertility as a blessing, and old Da Bo Gong Temple, built in 1923. Just 5.6 kilometres south of Singapore, Kusu is easily accessible by public ferry via St John’s Island. In the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar (between September and November) prepare to be joined by thousands performing prayers in the Kusu Pilgrimage.
Lazarus Island
Often overlooked by tourists, locals love Lazarus Island, connected to St John’s by a 100-metre causeway, which takes around 20 minutes to cross on foot. Lazarus’ powdery white beach – some would say Singapore’s best – is worth the walk. The sand was imported from Indonesia, while the coconut trees are Malaysian. At weekends, it’s a magnet for yacht owners, who bring their gleaming vessels to anchor in the lagoon. During the week, if you’re very lucky, you may just get the place to yourself, but be sure to pack supplies – there aren’t any shops on this slice of paradise.
Sentosa Island
In the unofficial contest to be crowned as home to Singapore’s best beach, Sentosa squares up to its Southern Islands neighbour Lazarus – but really everyone is a winner in this cluster of islets. Sentosa’s dreamily tranquil Tanjong Beach is a favourite haunt for sundowners, Palawan Beach is committed to family-friendly pursuits and Siloso Beach is the place to get active. Throw in Universal Studios Singapore theme park, Singapore Cable Car and some hip hotels (hello, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove), and you can see why Sentosa, easily accessible by road, is called ‘The State of Fun’.
East Coast Park
Sitting pretty along the south-east coast of Singapore, East Coast Park has it all: 15 kilometres of talcum-soft sand; all the latest water sports for hire; hip restaurants, bars and cafes, and pretty picnic spots shaded by coconut palms. Join the perpetual parade of cyclists and skaters – some heading to the challenging Xtreme SkatePark – or plant yourself in the cashmere sand and watch the world go by. When hunger knocks, head to East Coast Lagoon Food Village to sample the hawker specialities on offer.
Changi Beach Park
At Changi you’ll find one of Singapore’s oldest beach parks, an atmospheric 3.3km stretch of coast in the eastern region, fringed by lush parkland dotted with barbecue pits. Far from the city centre and consequently less crowded than its counterparts, the park exudes what locals call “a kampong vibe” – old Chinese village charm. Runners, skaters and cyclists enjoy its tracks, while the sea sports on offer include kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. Conveniences include toilets, changing room, cafes and restaurants, and affordable local hotels making this holiday spot a popular weekend retreat.