Experience The East Coast
Of Singapore

1. Overview

The first thing you want to know about the East Coast of Singapore is that it is a large, residential area. At first sight, it may offer little in terms of tourist attractions. But look again ... there are more hidden gems than meet the eye. Many Singaporeans, for example, love the East Coast for the 20 kilometres of white sandy beach, the sumptous food, as well as Geylang Serai (the real, true home of Singapore's Malay community).
 

2. How You Can Get There

Now, how do you get to the East Coast? Don't take a cab there ... it's too expensive a ride. The best way is to take an MRT along the East-West MRT line. This line runs the length of the Singapore East Coast, right from the city center all the way to Pasir Ris and Changi Airport.
 

3. Things You Can Do

Now, let's see. What can you do at the East Coast? Here are some of my recommendations. If you've got about one day to spare, one of the best things you can do is to visit the Changi Chapel, as well as Pulau Ubin (an offshore island). Take a lunch break at Changi Village and also try a seafood dinner.

If you're more adventurous, you should check out Geylang Serai, which is known to be the true home of Singapore's Malay community. Here, during Hari Raya festival, the whole area will light up in glorious celebration. You will see people eat and shop in the evenings, amidst a really happening night market.

Another place to go to is clearly the Changi Chapel and Museum. You can get there by taking Bus 29 from the Tampines MRT station. This place is a memorial to the infamous World War II Japanese POW camp in Singapore. You may also know as the prisoner camp from James Clavell's novel, King Rat. Although largely reconstructed and also in a different location, the replica of the original chapel is almost perfect. Informative exhibits are also abound to show you the terrible conditions of the former prison.
 

4. Oh, Check Out Those Beaches ...

And who can miss out the beaches along the East Coast? The best bits of Singapore easy side are definitely its beaches.

East Coast Park is essentially your 20 km of free beach in Singapore. This place is packed to the brim on sunny weekends. While the water is a bit on the murky side, the white sand, beautiful palm trees, and (skimpily clad) ladies on rollerblades more than make up for it. You may also rent bikes and skates for zipping around the beach.
 

5. And Did I Mention Pulau Ubin?

From the East Coast, you can also easily reach Pulau Ubin island. This island is Singapore's blast from the past - a little island off the north coast where you will still see people living on fishing villages.

You will also love the biking trails which you can get started on very easily (bike rentals are only $3 a day). Its not so easy to access the island though. You need to take the MRT to Tampines, then ride bus 29 to a terminal in Changi Village. Next, locate the jetty, then hop on a bumboat (about $2 each trip) for a short 10-minute ride to Palau Ubin. Sounds like the Amazing Race eh?
 

6. And The Most Important Thing ...

Finally, there's of course most important thing on  many Singaporeans' mind ... food! The East Coast is hands down home to many of the island's best-known culinary fare, including chilli crab, roti prata and Katong laksa.

Some great places to get food will be as follows:

• Marine Parade Laksa, 59 East Coast Rd #01-57/59. Also known as 'Katong laksa' (ask any Singaporean), this place is packed to its doors on weekends. But do take care not to step into the imitator shops. There is only one authentic Katong laksa along the East Coast.
   
• Thasevi Food, 237/239 Jalan Kayu. Here, you will find the original shop selling roti prata (this is an Indian-style bread with a curry dip). You can get it around the clock at less than $1 and there are interesting variants like ice cream or banana prata too.
   
• Jumbo Seafood, 1206 and 1208 East Coast Parkway. Extremely famous amongst expatriates, Jumbo Seafood is best known for its chilli crabs. You can also find outlets at Riverside Point, Changi and Riverwalk, but the one along the East Coast is the original and the best.
   
• No Signboard Seafood. Another great seafood place. You will see outlets at ECP and the Kallang Oasis. Very nice butter crabs ... yummy.
   
• Sin Huat Seafood, 659-661 Geylang Rd (off Lorong 35). Serves a nasty 'crab bee hoon' which is simply exquisite. Expect to wait for about an hour (yes I'm not kidding) but its worth the wait.
   

Conclusion

Related Articles

You may also wish to read the following related articles:

5 places to get great tasting snacks in Singapore
Learn about the national anthem of Singapore
Top 5 shopping havens in Singapore
The most popular electronics haunt in Singapore
Top 5 budget hotels in Singapore