The best beaches in Singapore

Aside from being home to the newly revamped Tanjong Beach Club, Sentosa’s southernmost stretch of beach is one of the prettiest that Singapore has to offer. Shaped like the numeral three from above, it has fine light yellow sand and coconut trees that frame each evening’s stunning sunset. Bring your puppers on weekdays, as the beach tends to be quiet and tranquil then. The weekend is when the area transforms into a non-stop weekend beach party.

Things to eat: Unlike the other beaches, there’s only one spot for food and drinks here: Tanjong Beach Club. The restaurant underwent a revamp in 2024 and now boasts a breezy, semi-alfresco dining area, with seating options right by the sand.

Tuck into coastal woodfire cuisine, with highlights like the wood-fired half chicken and dry-aged barramundi. As for drinks, cool off with a refreshing tropical spritz or a watermelon cooler – both available in sharing jugs that serve up to four.

Things to do: Situated at the tail end of Sentosa, this stretch of beach is a prime picnic and sun tanning spot. 

Located between Sentosa’s Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach, this stretch of calm water and fine-grained sand is considered the most family-friendly of the three. Kick back on the beach with a picnic as the little ones build. 

Things to eat: Kick back at FOC by the Beach where Nandu Jubany’s hearty paellas and Spanish bites need little introduction. Combined with FOC’s oversized balloon glass gin and tonics (there are over 10 gins to choose from) and the oceanfront cabanas, you’ve got one of the best chill-out spots in Singapore.

Things to do: From the shore, there’s a small island that’s easy to swim out to. Otherwise, landlubbers can cross over to the Southernmost point of continental Asia (also the closest point to the equator) using the suspension rope bridge. While you’re here, climb up the tower for a bird’s eye view of Sentosa – the view is worth the exercise. Thrill seekers can hop on Megazip, Southeast Asia’s steepest zip line, and fly over Imbiah Hill and Siloso Beach. 

Crowned as one of the top 100 beaches in the world, Siloso Beach is a hive of activity with numerous beach clubs including Ola Beach Club and Coastes. Choose from the superfast doughnut rides, stand-up paddles or even a jet blade experience, all available at Ola Beach Club. 

Things to eat: If you’re tired of the usual beach bar menu, Ola Beach Club’s Hawaiian-themed menu of poke bowls makes for a welcome change. Its Ola Tiki cocktail is served in a tiki tumbler, different from the usual sunset cocktail. 

Things to do: Watch Siloso Beach transform into a whole new light with Magical Shores, an immersive light and sound show. This free multi-sensory experience runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm every night. 

Far away from the thronging East Coast Park and manicured Sentosa beaches lies a swathe of white sand ringing clear, turquoise waters – the serene Lazarus Island. Take the first ferry out at 9am on weekends and 10am on weekdays to St John's Island (Lazarus Island is a short walk away) and claim the sands for yourself. Other beach bums usually descend around lunchtime on weekends with their yachts and speedboats.

Things to eat: Pack everything you need from home – floats, mats, towels, and of course, food – as there are no shops on Lazarus.

Things to do: Embark on a mini adventure with Into The Woods and experience glamping at its finest. For those who like a touch of comfort, the family tent offers plenty of space and full air conditioning. While the experience embraces the spirit of camping – think outdoor cooking and shared communal facilities – you’ll still get to enjoy the soothing sound of the waves and the refreshing sea breeze.  

However hot and humid Singapore gets, there's always a light breeze blowing at East Coast beach. Popular with literally everyone, this 15-kilometre stretch is perfect for early morning tai chi classes, evening jogs, or just a moment of quiet contemplation at Bedok Jetty. There’s no shortage of rental shops, and the numerous for-rent picnic tables and barbecue pits see many weekend parties.

Things to eat: Being Singapore, it’s no surprise there’s a hawker centre nearby. The pavilion-like structure that is East Coast Lagoon Food Village is best visited at dusk for popular dishes like satay, barbecued chicken wings and assorted seafood. For café fare and a long brunch session, head to East Coast Commune or PS. Cafe by the Sea.

Things to do: There’s always a flurry of activity here. Head to the bike stations to rent a quad bike for cheesy fun or check out the wakeboarding action at the Singapore Wake Park. For kids (and kidults), there’s Xtreme SkatePark with three different areas and obstacles to practice kickflips and ollies. Slide down the giant slide at the Coastal PlayGrove – formerly known as the iconic Big Splash – and try out some of the obstacle courses there. 

Pasir Ris Park is more than just a narrow beach – as implied from its name, Pasir Ris, which means ‘beach bolt-rope’. This sprawling park has many activities to keep the whole fam occupied, such as exploring a six-hectare mangrove boardwalk and therapeutic garden. Young ones can swing by Gallop Stable for fun pony rides or climb up the three-storey tower for bird-watching. You’ll also find barbecue pits, cycling tracks, and one of the largest playgrounds in Singapore located on the western end of the park.

Things to eat: Enjoy satay, ikan bakar (BBQ seafood), hotpot and claypot dishes, as well as western cuisine like fish and chips at Rasa Istimewa Restaurant.

Things to do: Let loose at the massive playground, which features slides, space nets, rope climbing, cableways and basketball courts. If you’re feeling adventurous, spend a night at the park’s designated camp areas, and take part in water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Stretching from Changi Point to Changi Ferry Terminal, this idyllic slip of a beach dotted with lush casuarina trees makes for a popular swimming spot. But be warned, as there have been sightings of Estuarine crocodiles in the water. For a safer bet, stick to land-based fun like fishing, cycling and rollerblading along the 3.5-kilometre stretch.

Things to eat: Changi Village Hawker Centre may be famous for its nasi lemak but there are plenty of other stalls to check out too. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Makan Melaka Chendol, get chicken chop hor fun at Amigo or fish head fried bee hoon at Guang Xing Original Taste Fish Head Bee Hoon.

Things to do: While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit Pulau Ubin. Catch a 10-minute public bumboat ride ($4 per person) at Changi Jetty – it runs from sunrise to sunset – and be transported back to Singapore during the kampong days.

For the uninitiated, Punggol beach was the site of the Sook Ching Massacre in 1942 – there is an on-site heritage marker detailing the tragic event. Despite this grim history, this stretch of beach in Northern Singapore is a gem. The sand is fine and soft, there’s a collection of boulders, and it’s often deserted, even though it’s located close to Punggol Waterway Park.

Things to eat: The Punggol Settlement, a multi-restaurant venue overlooking the beach, is hard to miss. If we were to cherry-pick, Ponggol Seafood would be our choice. Previously known as Old Hock Kee, its famous mee goreng and chilli crab are signature dishes you have to order.

Things to do: Punggol Jetty sees many locals attempting to fish, although we suspect the fishermen from the ’70s had much more success. There’s also the viewing deck right above the heritage plaque, which offers an elevated view of the area. If crowds aren't for you, take a short walk to the nearby Coney Island where you can discover hidden beaches.

Facing the Straits of Johor overlooking Malaysia, Sembawang beach is one of the few natural beaches left in the country. This northside nature spot only spans 15 hectares, so it isn’t massive like the East Coast and Changi beaches. Fun fact: The nearby Sembawang Shipyard was His Majesty’s Naval Base from 1938 to 1968

Things to eat: Dine at the Beaulieu House, a seaside restaurant serving western cuisine, Chinese seafood and local delights. Or wander into Andrews Ave where Woody Family Cafe is quietly nestled in – it’s renowned for its casual Peranakan food. If not, head a couple of bus stops down to 1036 Live Seafood Restaurant for a typical zi char feast. The shophouses around this area consist of several drinking holes too, including one of the oldest bars in Singapore, Nelson Bar.

Things to do: Popular pastimes at this beach include fishing and barbecues which are great activities for bigger groups. Or, run over to the battleship playground, which has heaps of fun nautical-themed features for the young and young at heart to play with.