East Coast Park beach, Sentosa Palawan, Siloso beach, Pasir Ris beach, and Changi beach are some of Singapore’s most well-known beaches. But did you know that there are some lesser-known remote and/or hidden beaches, some of which only appear when the tides are low? If you’re feeling adventurous, curious, or like to go off the beaten path, here’s my list of Singapore’s 8 must-see beaches:
- Sentosa’s Secret Beach
Sentosa’s hidden beach is a rocky beach with small caves where many sea creatures can be seen when the tide goes out. I recommend hiking only when the tide is 0.8 metres or lower. This hike is quite challenging because you must climb over rocks and discover numerous small caves in the rock formations. Despite having the name Sentosa, this beach is definitely off the beaten path.
- The beach at Tanah Merah
This is an artificial beach near the Tanah Merah ferry terminal that is currently closed. However, volunteers will be able to visit this beach when assistance is required to clean up the beach. Hard coral reefs and seagrass are only found in Chek Jawa.
- Punggol beach
The Punggol beach is easily accessible via frequent buses departing from the Punggol bus interchange. The beach’s boulders distinguish it from other beaches in Singapore. However, there is a dark past lurking behind the beauty: On February 28, 1942, the Japanese army used the beach to shoot 300 to 400 civilians.
- The beaches of St John Island, Lazarus Island and Kusu Island
My favorite beaches on Lazarus Island are those found there. They are not only one of the cleanest beaches in Singapore, but their turquoise-blue’ish shade and fine sand bring them closer to beach paradises around the world than any other beach in Singapore. These beaches are ideal for a weekend beach getaway without having to leave Singapore.
Some of the island’s beaches, like Sentosa’s hidden beach, are only accessible when the tide is low. As a result, I recommend visiting the islands at low tide.
- The wild beaches on Pulau Ubin – Chek Jawa beach, Mamam beach, Jelutong beach, and much more
Tanjong Chek Jawa are 100-hectare wetlands on Pulau Ubin’s south-eastern tip. Mamam and Jelutong beaches are both close to the campsite and easily accessible.
The wilder beaches that face the Johor Strait are off the beaten path and difficult to reach on foot. Kayak is a better option. I might try bashing through the jungle to find a path, and when I do, I’ll invite more people along for a hike. To keep me motivated, I’d like to hear from any daring souls who want to find a way to those untamed beaches. If you’re interested, please let me know in the comments or by messaging me directly.
Disclaimer: Whatever path I find will be extremely adventurous — there will be no developed path, only a straight path through the jungle.
- Sister’s Island beaches
Another off-the-beaten-path option: To get to this island, charter boats from West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier are required. The intertidal area in this marine park is most suitable for visitors during low tides of 0.4 metres or less. Did you know that Singapore’s waters are home to 32% of all hard coral species found worldwide, 200 sponge species, and 100 reef fish species? The National Park organizes trips to the island, but I never seem to get a spot. I’m thinking about hiring a boat for us.
- Palau Hantu’s beaches
To get here, you’ll need to charter a boat from West Coast Pier, just like you would for St. John Island. It is possible to hike over to the smaller island during low tide. You could also go snorkeling or fishing. Did you know camping is permitted on Pulau Hantu (but not on Sister’s Island)
- Sembawang beach
This is one of Singapore’s few natural beaches that is also easily accessible. Simply take the bus from the Sembawang MRT station. The surrounding area has a rich history: it was once home to the massive British Royal Navy, and it looks quite different from the rest of Singapore. A short hike here will lead you to black and white colonial houses, the Beaulieu house, bunkers, an old mosque, an old gate, and so on.
So Singapore isn’t all that boring after all! I hope you enjoy discovering Singapore’s off-the-beaten-path beaches as much as I did.
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