8 Best Sights in Singapore

A lesser-visited gem of a park in the northeast of Singapore, uninhabited Coney Island (aka Pulau Serangoon) boasts hidden white-sand beaches and plenty of mangrove-draped trails through coastal forests, casuarina woodlands, and grasslands filled with flora and fauna. Start at Punggol Point Park, where boats and a bridge go to Coney Island Park. There are five main beach areas, and the 2.5-km-long Coney Island Park Connector to explore by bicycle or walking. GoCycling at Punggol Jetty rents bikes for S$10 an hour. On selected Saturday mornings in the months of June, November, and December, National Parks volunteers conduct two-hour guided walks. Amenities: toilets. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking; cycling.

This breezy, 460-acre seaside park isn’t just one of Singapore’s largest beaches, it’s also the most popular, with a plethora of dining and recreational activities. There’s fun for the whole family here, whether you choose to cycle along the bike-dedicated paths, go waterskiing, have a seafood dinner, or even camp overnight, though if you do want to camp, remember to apply for an electronic camping permit first ( nparks.gov.sg). A cable-ski park, Wake Park ( singaporewakepark.com), is set up around a lagoon for wakeboarding enthusiasts. You can also go windsurfing, winging, sailing, or simply take a dip in the sea. Aloha Sea Sports Center ( www.alohaseasports.com) offers rentals, storage, and courses, and also organizes occasional races. Further away along the wide, well-manicured park are public barbecue pits, 7.5 km (4.7 miles) of sandy beaches, and a hawker center. Before the upcoming Thomson–East Coast MRT Line connects the park with other parts of Singapore in 2024, a taxi or public bus is your best bet for getting here. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing; winging.

This wide, sandy beach is a hive of activity thanks to the concentration of beach clubs, water-sports centers, and nearby attractions such as the Mega Adventure Park. There are a number of casual eateries along the stretch of sand, and in-line skaters zoom up and down the promenade. For swimmers, there are red and yellow flag markers (swim here), as well as beach patrol officers if help is required. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming.

Shaped like a numeral three from above, this stretch of beach is busy on weekends thanks to the always vibing beachfront Tanjong Beach Club. It's also popular with dog owners and their water-trained pooches. Come on a weekday if you fancy having the beach all to yourself. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming solitude.

Sentosa Island isn't all fancy hotels and beach bars—there's also the natural, biodiverse area of Tanjong Rimau. Located at the far end of Siloso Beach, it is home to many creatures like red egg crabs, hairy crabs, sea snails, and occasionally, octopuses that can be spotted at low tide. For an experiential journey led by volunteer guides, join the Siloso Headland Intertidal Programme. The closest amenities are at Fort Siloso Skywalk or Silver Shell Cafe. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.