7. Lazarus Island
Connected to St. John’s Island by a bridge, Lazarus Island is a well-kept secret and one of the most private beaches in Singapore. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the bridge to the C-shaped lagoon and one of the whitest soft beaches around.
Especially during weekdays, the tranquil beach is almost always deserted and perfect for a stroll or a swim in the clear blue waters.
Lazarus is popular for picnics, too. It offers plenty of shade in the form of coconut trees lining up the beach and a rain shelter for the occasional afternoon downpour. There are no facilities on the island (no food or accommodation available and no toilets), so anybody visiting should bring anything they need for the day.
With no entertainment options available and no development anywhere to be seen, visitors arriving on Lazarus Island can focus on sunbathing, swimming in the clear waters, and taking walks on the beach.
If you’re ready for more adventure after a few hours of relaxation, walk back to St. John’s Island and rent a boat to explore Kusu and other nearby islands.
8. East Coast Beach
Singapore’s largest park stretches for 15 kilometers right against the ocean in the southeastern coast. Like in most of Singapore, the beach here is man-made, built on reclaimed land, and offers plenty of sunbathing spots. The massive size of the park means there’s plenty of space for visitors to kayak, windsurf, and swim in their own corner, away from the crowds.
Arrive in the early morning, and you’ll find tai chi classes on the beach and plenty of people in silent contemplation at Bedok Jetty, which looks out over the calm blue waters.
Cycle and walking paths, plenty of oceanfront restaurants, camping sites and BBQ pits make this a great weekend destination, which means it’s better to arrive during the week if you want peace and quiet. Sit under the swaying coconut palms and you can easily forget that a bustling metropolis is just minutes away.
Xtreme SkatePark, cable skiing, and cycling circuits are available for those who want a more active getaway. There’s no shortage of cafés in the area, either, and the park even offers shower activities for a quick rinse off after a day playing in the sand.
