Singapore is an island city. It has several beaches. According to Wikipedia, East Coast Park is a beach and a park on the southeastern coast of Singapore. It stretches along the south of Marine Parade, Bedok and Tampines.
Originally, it was opened in the 1970s, after the Singapore government had completed reclaiming land off the coast at Katong, from Kallang to Changi.
My stay in this small part of the country was worthwhile, thats why I am sharing with you what you can do here.
1. Swim or relax at the East coast beach
This beach, like many others is wide and has the natural decoration of palm trees litttered around the shores. Some of them are as tall as a 5 storey building, at least in my non-mathematical estimation.
For many people, this beach has different uses. I decided to explore new things there and it became my regular hidding spot for several days throughout July 2023.
First, the brown sand pit mixed with the almost turquoise or dark-bleu water reflected a unique view, at least in my eyes.
From the beach, it was possible to see fleets of ships and small boats sitting in the middle or not far from of the coast of the Indian Ocean. Apparently, the deep water harbour was the reason. I was surprised to know, a tiny city-nation like Singapore has the largest port in Southeast Asia, and one of the world’s greatest commercial centers.
A few minutes away from the natural sandpit, were small open-houses with just four large pillars and a roof. They were perfect shelters for tired people or those who want to just relax. All of them have beautiful designed smooth cemented benches. I found the irons seperating the sections on the benches, slightly weird but I guess that was to prevent the spread of COVID 19.
On other open areas, there were cemented BBQ pits, big enough for party organizers and perfect for a family outing. With a few cemented table and chairs, anyone can enjoy the fresh sea breeze while eating a delicious meal.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t savor a BBQ food because I stayed at a hostel and they didn’t have kitchen utensils.
Holidays are for resting and I can afffirm I fully rested at this beach.
What did I do at the East Coast beach?
On some days, I dressed and planned to just go sit at the benches closest to the ocean and enjoy the refreshing breeze while listening to a sermon or watching a funny TV talk show.
Other times were just for prayers and deep reflection about my life. On one day, it was just for me to write my book and blog. A few times, I worked (had online lessons) there when there weren’t many people. That background sound of the ocean was an extra relaxing effect, at least in my opinion.
However, on a few occasions, I didn’t hesitate to jump into the ocean in swimsuits, hoping to calm down my body temperature from the hot Singapore unfriendly sun. I will not describe myself as a diver but I enjoyed the warnness of the ocean water as it splashed on me at every embrace of the numerous waves.
I felt it was relatively deeper than the Jambiani Zanzibar beach, but it was perfect to enjoy bouncing with the waves as they hit my body without pity.
The grains of the sand were big and it wasn’t uncommon to see large particles of broken planks, cans, and plastic trash in the water. Many were washed to the shores. However,it wasn’t enough to hinder my joyful swimming moments.
On several occasions, I saw some people (non gabbage-workers), quietly picking such trash and making a rubbish pile at the edge of the sandpit. Presumably, the gabbage company came to collect it though I never saw them there.
What was unique about this beach?
On Saturdays and weekends, I noticed the whole atmosphere was different. Many people came with friends and family to have BBQ parties and socialise with colleagues. Several people pitched portable volley ball courts and had fun laughing and playing for hours at a time while drinking.
Picnics for famlies seemed to be the most common thing everyday. Sometimes, when I went there or stayed till 8pm, I saw countless mats on the sand and around the grassy areas with small groups of people having supper together while chitchatting. The evenings were more crowded and noisy. People seemed to spend time with family intentionally, I really liked that about Singaporeans.
A few kilometers from the cemented benches area was a big motorable tarred road. To my surprise, individual cars were not allowed to drive there. It didn’t take long for me to notice that the road was meant for cyclers, roller skaters, and runners. There were dozens of pedestrians strolling on one side, presumably because they didn’t want to soil their shoes with the sands. How awesome is that?
I don’t remember seeing this in any other country I have visited. The Singaporean government must be applauded for maintaining their gift of nature in a sustainable way. Everyone from babies in strollers has something to do beside the beach. This is a must see.
2. Relax at the East Coast park and eat
You will think a park is a place with trees alone. That’s what l thought too until I saw a different kind of park. One area had trees as expected but l didn’t see anyone sitting there or doing anything. On the other side, there were many restaurants. I recall a Mexican, Starbuck, Italian and a host of others. Even a large pet shop was spotted in one of the blocks.
On another large area, there was just a plain field with well-kempt grass as if it was a football field, except there wasn’t a goal post.
Sometimes, l saw children and adults playing ball games there. My surprise was to see bird watchers enjoying colorful parrots singing and playing. It really was a great site to behold. Some people made bird stands and allowed their parrots out of their cages to walk on the sticks almost like a performance. The smiles on their owners faces were unmatched. I could tell, they were excited about their decision of making that pet choice.
One night, I decided to quench my grumbling intestines with cheese pizza at one Mexican restaurant. The size of the whole pizza was small and tasty. It was extremely crunchy and thin. I haven’t been to Italy so l couldn’t compare but it felt lighter than the thick Korean pizzas I was familiar with.
Without any surprise, it was $25 SGD. That was still enough to calm the war in my stomach.
3. Take a street walk and admire arts sculptures around East Coast
Arts is a reflection of creativity. Not everyone loves admiring it.
For me, it’s one of my favorite things to do whenever l visit a country. I notice almost everything, if not everything artistic along the streets.
In my view, those are part of the culture of that area or country.
Marine Parade. as the name indicates is an ocean small town. I knew that when l booked my lodge but didn’t think l will see marine life outside in the form of art. That is, l assumed that will be an ocean discovery upon snorkeling or scuba diving.
When l saw a whole street, littered with different kinds of designed sea life like crabs, snails etc, l walked close to touch and see if it was realistic because it looked so real from afar. Silly me.
Upon a closer look, l could see the sculpturists really paid attention to detail and carved every animal as it is. Painting them the real colors was amazing to me. It really looked nice to take pics beside except l had no one to do that for me.
4. Go shopping at famous malls
Everyone who travels plans to buy something, at least thats my perspective. Though some take trips just to go shop in cheaper countries, l would say your trip to Singapore is incomplete if you don’t buy anything. Thats certainly not a standard rule.
Agreeably, prices for almost everything is expensive in this world class nation but a souvenir is the proof that you traveled there. Thats a remark from an anonymous travel fanatic.
i12Kapong Mall
On one of my usual street walks, l stumbled on the gigantic i12Kapong Mall. The size of the building from any edge of this junction is unavoidable. I liked the architectural design and was taken aback for a minute to see what was inside.
In curiosity, l walked in without any plans to buy anything. From the first floor to the third, every shop was uniquely decorated. Regardless of what was sold, it was evident the shop owners had invested a lot of time to market their products and attract customers. I was tempted to buy something from all of them. Isn’t that funny.
Before l took the excavator, l was stunned with the beautiful designs of some display cars on the ground level. They were pricey and new. I don’t recall seeing a car show inside a mall. This was one surprise for me from the main door.
As l strolled around, l found a gallery section. This, in my opinion was the most unexpected. The whole window area had stands with beautiful paintings.
My love for arts made me spend a few minutes-30mins plus here just admiring every design. I was glad the artists wrote in English to describe their ideas and it was a good opportunity to see how much Singaporeans like arts. After four paintings, l discovered, there were a few pieces from foreign painters too.
It was impressive to see that these items were on sale but there wasn’t a shop attendant. Instead, there were scanable bar codes next to each, where the artists could be contacted directly. Almost everything is going digital in Singapore.
I left marvelled at a lot of things both from the food court area to the grocery and general item sections.
Joo Chiat Complex
As soon as you alight from the bus on the main road, this average two floor large storey building can be seen. It’s not extremely architecturally designed to attract tourists but l visited it as my first mall because l was told there was a money changing shop inside. Surprisingly, the money changer’s rates were good, l almost asked how he got his money.
Inside and around, there were many stores with numerous vendors selling clothes and household items. l was able to buy some high quality clothes from there which l will cherish as my Singapore souvenir for years to come.
Eat at local East Coast restaurants
Food is a part of every culture, and people who dare to try new meals will never hesitate to take a bite regardless of where they go. I don’t classify myself as a foodie but l made an effort to try a few meals l had never eaten.
The Joo- Chiat Kampong street area in East Coast is decorated with many restaurants and shops. Almost every step, there was one. It wasn’t possible to stay hungry because of distance or suffer from indecision on what to it, because of the diversity. There were varieties, most of them barely sharing the same wall.
To my surprise, tap water is drinkable and given as complimentary at restaurants. Walk with a bottle and carry water anywhere, even at toilet sinks to quench your thirst.
EVERTOP restaurant
This big halal restaurant claims to have been open since 1989, a year after my birth. I was intrigued by that extra detail when l checked the menu. Though l was passing by hungry and unsure of what halal food was, I was open to tempt my taste boards by ordering chicken porridge.
A big black bow of hot food was served before l could grab a seat. The porridge has mainly rice, several chicken slices, fried onion and evenly sliced green spices. I heard my intestines rejoicing as l swallowed every spoonful. It was so cheap ($4SGD), I almost had to check my passport again to see if I was in Singapore. I say this to remark that, food is not extremely expensive in every restaurant as I was made to believe from reading several blogs.
Within minutes, l had injected everything in my clay bowl into my stomach. I immediately signed an agreement with myself to visit again, though l never found the time to go again.
After a semi-heavy lunch for my complaining belly, I had the joy of touring the area on foot.
Wingz restaurant
On my first street walk around the neighborhood , l stumbled on this small restaurant at the bottom edge of the street beside the main road. I didn’t hesitate to try spaghetti Carbonara. In under 4 minutes, my plate of food was served. The pasta was fresh and properly cooked. I doubted how long the sauce had been cooked but it tasted delicious.
For this place, l kept my secret contract to revisit. I went there a few more times and happily ordered Fish and Chips, rice and chicken wings etc. Their mayo sauce was tasty and l enjoyed the crunchiness of their fries and the fish skin. For some strange reason it was extremely cheaper than other places l had eaten the same meal. Here, it was just $13SGD and l felt the size of the fish was reasonable. I always left satisfied with a smile and a promise to return.
There was equally an average size 7Eleven shop beside my hostel. On very lazy days, l went there to buy already cooked food, parked in microwavable disposable bowls. The famous macaroni and cheese was one of such suppers for a few evenings. It was inexpensive ($4.5SGD) and l took just a few seconds to microwave it at the hostel.
In another post, I will give you details of the cheapest place to live in Singapore.
If you are interested to know whatelse you can do in Singapore, and other countries, please click this link.
