Aerial view of Siloso Beach on Sentosa, with its sandy bays, small islets and palm trees

Things to Do

Island & Beach Guides

Sand, sea and quiet islands: where to find Singapore's best beaches and how to reach the southern islands.

Beaches in Singapore are small and calm, but they make a pleasant break from the city. This page collects our guides to Sentosa's beaches, coastal parks and the quiet southern islands.

Below the list, you will find how to reach the main beaches and islands, what to bring and when to go. Use it to plan a lazy morning by the sea or a full island day.

Plan it with EatStays: Sentosa Island Day Out.

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What to expect from beaches in Singapore

Beaches in Singapore are calm and easy to reach, and many are man-made or topped up with imported sand. Most face the Singapore Strait, so you will see ships at anchor offshore. Do not expect big waves or clear tropical water. Instead, expect soft sand, shady trees, showers, toilets and food close by. Entry to public beaches is free.

Sentosa's beaches

Sentosa, a resort island off the south coast, has the best-known beaches in the country. Three main beaches line its southern shore.

Siloso Beach is the liveliest, with beach sports and beach clubs. It sits near Fort Siloso, a restored coastal fort.
Palawan Beach suits families, with calm water and a rope bridge to a small islet.
Tanjong Beach is usually the quietest of the three.

Walk in from VivoCity along the Sentosa Boardwalk, or ride the monorail or the Singapore Cable Car. Island buses link the beaches, but routes change, so check the official Sentosa website. See Sentosa Island Day Out for a full plan. To stay by the sea, browse Sentosa & Resorts.

Coastal parks on the main island

East Coast Park runs for many kilometres along the south-east coast. It has sandy stretches, cycle paths and barbecue pits, which you book ahead through NParks. For a cheap meal, try East Coast Lagoon Food Village, a hawker centre in the same area.
Changi Beach Park is a long, quiet stretch of coast in the far east. Planes pass overhead on their way to the airport.
Pasir Ris Park combines a beach with a mangrove boardwalk and play areas.
Coney Island Park is a rustic island park in the north-east, joined to the mainland by bridges. Its small beaches feel wild and quiet.

Southern islands and Pulau Ubin

For quieter sand, catch a ferry from Marina South Pier to the southern islands. The trip is short, yet the islands feel far from the city. Facilities are basic, so bring your own food and water.

St John's and Lazarus Island are joined by a walkway. Lazarus has a calm, curved beach that is often quiet on weekdays.
Kusu Island is small, with lagoons, a Chinese temple and a Malay shrine on a hill. It gets busy with pilgrims during the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Please visit both places of worship with respect.

Off the north-east coast, Pulau Ubin is reached by bumboat, a small motorboat, from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. It is better for cycling and nature than for swimming. On its eastern tip, Chek Jawa Wetlands shows rich shore life at low tide.

Tips for a beach day

Time it well. Go in the morning or late afternoon. The midday sun is strong all year.
Pack for the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a light cover-up. Shade can be limited on the islands.
Swim with care. Swim only where it is allowed, and follow flags and signs. Jellyfish appear at times, so read any notices.
Watch the sky. Thunderstorms can arrive quickly. Leave the water if you hear thunder.
Leave no trace. Take your rubbish with you, and do not collect live shells or animals from the shore.
Cover up off the sand. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but wear a top in shops and food centres.

Read our Weather & Best Time to Visit topic before you plan. For water sports ideas, browse our Outdoor & Water Activities topic.

FAQs about beaches in Singapore

What is the best beach in Singapore?

For most visitors, Sentosa is the easiest choice, and Palawan Beach is good for families. For quieter sand, try Lazarus Island.

Can you swim at beaches in Singapore?

Yes, at many of them. The water is warm and usually calm. Swim only in allowed areas and follow posted signs.

How do I get to St John's and Lazarus Island?

Take a ferry from Marina South Pier to St John's. Then walk across the link to Lazarus. Check ferry times before you go.

Are the beaches free?

Yes. Public beaches on Sentosa and the main island are free. You pay only for transport, such as the ferry to the southern islands or the monorail to Sentosa.

When is the best time to go to the beach?

Weekday mornings are calm and cooler. Weekends and school holidays are busier, especially on Sentosa and at East Coast Park.