8 Best Beaches in Singapore: Top Coastal Spots, Activities & Scenic Views

The best beaches in Singapore offer a tropical escape amid its urban skyline. From the lively shores of Sentosa to the quieter stretches on the eastern coast, the beaches near Singapore city blend tropical relaxation with easy urban access, thereby making them perfect for quick getaways, scenic walks, and sunset views. Whether you wish to wade in the calm lagoons, cycle along the palm-fringed paths, or watch cargo ships against a tropical horizon, the best beaches in Singapore deliver distinct experiences for different travel styles.

Key Takeaways

• Sentosa Island dominates: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches offer the most developed facilities, lifeguards and family amenities, with entry fees of Rs. 300 (SGD 4) via Sentosa Express or free via boardwalk.
• Free mainland alternatives: East Coast Park, Changi Beach and Pasir Ris provide authentic local experiences with no entry fees, though facilities and lifeguard coverage vary.
• Island escapes require planning: Lazarus Island and Pulau Ubin deliver pristine, uncrowded experiences but need ferry bookings (SGD 15/ Rs. 1,000 and SGD 4/ Rs. 300 respectively) and self-sufficient preparation.
• Best visiting times: Weekday mornings offer the calmest atmosphere and coolest temperatures (26°C-28°C). Avoid weekends and school holidays.
• Budget wisely: A full beach day ranges from Rs. 500-800 at free beaches to Rs. 2,500-4,000 on Sentosa, including transport, food and activities.

Best Beaches in Singapore on Sentosa Island

Siloso Beach – Best for Water Sports, Activities & Nightlife

Siloso Beach ranks among the most lively Sentosa Island beaches. This southwestern corner has the most energetic atmosphere from dawn until the evening. The beach is free to access and features beach volleyball courts, kayak rentals, and sunset beach clubs that define Singapore’s coastal social scene. The beach maintains consistent shallow water that makes it Singapore’s safest swimming location for beginners. 

• Location: Southwestern Sentosa Island
• Best For: Groups, water sports enthusiasts, nightlife seekers

Palawan Beach – Best Family-Friendly Beach in Singapore

Palawan Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Singapore. The beach specialises in family recreation with two protected coves featuring the calmest water conditions on Sentosa. A pirate-style suspension bridge connects the mainland to a small islet marking the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia”. The beach’s main attraction is the HydroDash, which is the first floating aqua park in Singapore. 

• Location: Central Sentosa Island
• Best For: Families with children, couples seeking activities

Tanjong Beach – Best for Couples & a Peaceful Luxury Beach Day

Tanjong Beach occupies the southern tip of Sentosa and offers the most tranquil atmosphere on the island. The crescent-shaped shoreline has soft sand, gentle tides and a distinctly more refined energy than its neighbours. Tanjong Beach Club defines the beach’s character with its Mediterranean-inspired design. The club features an infinity pool, cocktail menu, and relaxed Mediterranean vibe.

• Location: Southeastern Sentosa Island
• Best For: Couples, sunset viewers, travellers seeking a quieter atmosphere

Best Mainland Beaches in Singapore

East Coast Park – Singapore’s Largest Coastal Park 

East Coast Park in Singapore stretches 15 kilometres along Singapore’s southeastern shoreline, making it the country’s largest coastal park. Unlike Sentosa’s resort beaches, East Coast maintains a more natural, local character. The beach itself runs parallel to extensive paved paths designed for cycling, rollerblading and jogging.

• Location: Southeastern Singapore 
• Best For: Families, authentic local experience, budget travellers

Changi Beach – Best for Plane Spotting, Heritage & Quiet Strolls 

Changi Beach occupies Singapore’s eastern tip, offering a distinctly different atmosphere from Sentosa’s polished shores. This 28-hectare coastal park maintains a kampung (village) atmosphere, with casuarina trees lining the shore and a long, narrow strip of sand. The park includes barbecue pits, camping facilities and children’s playgrounds. The Changi Boardwalk offers peaceful sea views and connects to Changi Village, where local restaurants serve excellent seafood. 

• Location: Northeastern Singapore
• Best For: Photography enthusiasts, peaceful walks, budget travellers

Punggol Beach – Best for Peaceful Escapes & Sunset Photography

Punggol Beach occupies Singapore’s northern coastline with views across the Straits of Johor toward Malaysia. This coastal park sees fewer visitors than other beaches, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. The beach combines fine sand with dramatic, large black granite boulders that create striking landscape photography opportunities.

• Location: Northern Singapore
• Best For: Sunset photography, peaceful walks, couples and budget travellers.

Pasir Ris Beach – Great for Families, Nature Walks & Sunrises 

Pasir Ris Beach combines coastal recreation with ecological education through its integration with Pasir Ris Park. The beach attracts families who appreciate the combination of seaside relaxation and diverse park activities. Children can enjoy pony rides at Gallop Stable or climb the three-story viewing tower for bird watching. The mangrove boardwalk provides excellent nature education, showcasing Singapore’s coastal ecosystems.

• Location: Eastern Singapore
• Best For: Families with children, nature education, sunrise viewers and local experience.

Best Island Beaches Near Singapore

Lazarus Island – Most Pristine & Secluded Beach in Singapore 

Lazarus Island in Singapore delivers the most pristine beach experience with white powdery sand and clear turquoise water.  Connected to St. John’s Island by a 100-meter causeway, Lazarus remains relatively underdeveloped as compared to Sentosa’s commercialised beaches. The beach with coconut palms provides natural shade and resembles what many imagine when picturing a tropical island.

• Location: Southern Islands
• Best For: Couples seeking privacy, photographers, adventure travellers

Pulau Ubin – Rustic Island Experience With Cycling & Nature Trails

Pulau Ubin preserves the last remaining kampung (traditional village) environment in Singapore through its 1,020-hectare island sanctuary. The island attracts visitors primarily for cycling through its rustic trails and exploring Chek Jawa Wetlands, one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems. Mamam Beach offers basic camping facilities and a sandy shoreline suitable for swimming during high tide.

• Location: Northeastern Singapore islands
• Best For: Cyclists, nature enthusiasts, families seeking adventure and photography.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Beach in Singapore for Your Trip

The best beaches in Singapore cater to distinctly different beach experiences within a compact geographic area. From Sentosa’s polished resort shores to Lazarus Island’s pristine sands, from East Coast Park’s multigenerational cycling culture to Changi Beach’s plane-spotting appeal, each location provides distinct experiences. Plan your Singapore beach activities with Pickyourtrail’s Singapore Tour Packages and experience the thriving tropical beach culture. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Beaches

Are Singapore’s beaches safe for swimming?

Yes, the main recreational beaches on Sentosa Island and at East Coast Park are monitored for water quality and have lifeguards on duty at designated swimming areas from 9 am to 7 pm. The water is clean. Always swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards supervise. Avoid swimming during low tide when the water can be muddy, and watch for sudden depth changes, especially at Sentosa beaches.

Do I need to pay to enter Singapore beaches?

All public beaches in Singapore are free to access. However, Sentosa Island charges admission: Rs. 280 (SGD 4) via Sentosa Express or Rs. 140-400 (SGD 2 to 6) for cars depending on time of day. You can enter Sentosa for free by walking across the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity. East Coast Park, Changi Beach, Pulau Ubin, Lazarus Island and other beaches have no entry fees.

Which Singapore beach is best for families with young children?

Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island is specifically designed for families. The lagoon has shallow, calm water perfect for children. HydroDash floating obstacle course welcomes kids aged 6 and above. The beach offers playgrounds, shaded areas, family-friendly restaurants, and clean facilities, including free showers and changing rooms. Lifeguards patrol regularly, and the suspension bridge to the small islet provides extra entertainment.

Can you swim in the sea at Singapore beaches?

Yes, you can swim at Sentosa beaches (Siloso, Palawan, Tanjong), East Coast Park during high tide, and Lazarus Island. The water is clean but not crystal clear due to shipping traffic and natural sedimentation. Changi Beach and Punggol Beach are less recommended for swimming due to the absence of lifeguards and murkier water. Singapore waters are generally safe, with jellyfish stings being rare.

What’s the best time to visit Singapore beaches?

Weekday mornings and early evenings offer the most comfortable conditions with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. For Sentosa beaches, arrive before 10 am to secure good spots and avoid midday heat. East Coast Park is pleasant for early morning tai chi, cycling, or sunset viewing. Changi Beach excels during late afternoon for plane-spotting and sunset photography. Avoid peak times during school holidays and weekends when beaches get significantly busier.

How do I get to Lazarus Island from Singapore?

Take a scheduled ferry from Marina South Pier to St. John’s Island. Ferries cost approximately Rs. 1,000 (SGD 15) for a round trip. From St. John’s Island, walk across the 100-meter paved causeway to Lazarus Island. Ferries run throughout the day but may be suspended during certain periods, like the Kusu Pilgrimage in October. Private yacht charters offer alternative access. There are no facilities on Lazarus, so bring all food, water, and supplies.