East Coast & Changi Guides

East Coast Park and Changi at a glance

East Coast Park is a long, narrow seaside park on Singapore's south-east coast. It has beaches, cycling paths, barbecue pits and places to eat, and local families fill it at weekends. Further east, Changi Village has a quiet seaside feel, a hawker centre and boats to the island of Pulau Ubin.

The east is a good choice for a slower day away from the city centre. Bring sun cream, water and a hat, as some stretches have little shade.

Things to do at East Coast Park

The park runs for around 15 kilometres along the coast. Most visitors come to cycle, walk or relax by the sea. Read more on our East Coast Park page.

• Cycling and skating: Shops in the park rent bicycles and skates. Separate tracks help keep cyclists and walkers apart.
• Beaches: The sandy shore is good for a walk, a paddle or a picnic under the trees.
• Barbecues: Public barbecue pits are popular with groups. Book them in advance through NParks, the national parks agency.
• Sea views: Large ships wait at anchor offshore. They make a fine sight at sunset.

Where to eat in the east

Seafood and satay

The east coast is known for seafood. Look for chilli crab, which is crab cooked in a sweet and spicy tomato-chilli sauce, and black pepper crab. In nearby Marine Parade, Roland Restaurant is a seafood restaurant serving local crab dishes. Seafood is often priced by weight, so ask the price before you order. Find more in Best Chilli Crab & Seafood in Singapore.

Satay is small skewers of grilled meat served with peanut sauce. Try Haron 30 Satay or Alhambra Padang Satay, two Malay satay stalls in the East Coast area.

Hawker centres

A hawker centre is a large food hall of small, low-cost stalls. The east has some good ones.

• East Coast Lagoon Food Village sits inside the park, close to the sea. It is a good stop after a bike ride.
• Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre is a neighbourhood hawker centre in Bedok, popular for an evening meal.
• Changi Village Hawker Centre is the place to eat before or after a trip to Pulau Ubin. Nasi lemak, coconut rice with sambal chilli and sides, is a favourite here.

For a sit-down meal, Fico is an Italian restaurant in the East Coast area.

Changi Village, Changi Point and Pulau Ubin

Changi Village is at the far east of mainland Singapore, near the airport. It has a hawker centre, a few shops and Changi Beach Park close by. The Changi Point Coastal Boardwalk runs along the shore and makes an easy walk with sea views.

From Changi Point Ferry Terminal, small bumboats cross to Pulau Ubin in around 10 to 15 minutes. Boats usually leave once they have enough passengers, so there is no fixed timetable. Bring cash for the fare.

Pulau Ubin is one of the last places in Singapore with an old village feel. Rent a bike near the jetty and ride the island's quiet roads. Nature lovers can visit Chek Jawa Wetlands on the island's eastern tip. Boardwalks there pass through mangroves and along the shore. Check NParks notices for any closures before you go.

Getting there and where to stay

• To the park: Take a taxi or bus. You can also ride the Thomson-East Coast Line to a station near Marine Parade and walk in through an underpass. Check a map for the nearest entrance.
• Changi Village: Take a bus from Tanah Merah MRT station, or a taxi from the city.
• Bring cash: Some stalls and the Pulau Ubin boats prefer cash.

Few hotels sit right by the park. Many visitors stay in nearby Katong, at hotels such as Village Hotel Katong. Katong is also worth a visit for its colourful Koon Seng Road Shophouses. Near Changi Village, Village Hotel Changi is a four-star hotel and Changi Cove is a boutique option. Both are handy for early flights.

FAQs about East Coast Park and Changi

Is East Coast Park free?

Yes, the park is free to enter. You pay only for bike rental, food and, if you book one, a barbecue pit.

Can you swim at the beaches in the east?

Many people paddle and swim at the beaches. Follow the signs, swim with a friend and stay out of the water during storms.

How do I get to Pulau Ubin?

Go to Changi Point Ferry Terminal in Changi Village and board a bumboat. The trip takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and boats leave once they fill up.

What is the best time to visit East Coast Park?

Early morning and late afternoon are cooler and good for cycling. Weekends are busy with families, so weekdays are quieter.