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A Local Guide to East Coast Beach, Singapore for Nonstop Coastal Adventures

I’ve lived in Singapore all my life, and East Coast Beach has been a constant backdrop. From simple picnics to late-night cycling trips, there’s something comforting about the salty breeze and the line of ships just offshore. It’s a place that feels familiar yet always gives you space to breathe. 

In my teens, we’d skate along the paths until our legs ached, then cool off with coconut water from a nearby stall. Now, on quieter mornings, I prefer a stroll with a kopi in hand, watching fishermen cast their lines as the sun rises. The energy shifts with the hours, never quite the same twice. 

If you’re heading there, keep things simple. Pack a light meal, rent a bike, or just sit under the casuarina trees and let the day roll by. Here’s your guide to East Coast Beach, the way locals enjoy it. 

Where is East Coast Beach?

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East Coast Beach is at the southeastern shoreline of Singapore, just within East Coast Park. It extends for a few kilometers along the Singapore Strait and is bordered by the East Coast Parkway. 

It is popular for its cycling trail, barbecue spots, and spaces where both locals and visitors gather. 

How to Get To East Coast Beach 

By MRT or Bus: Ride the East West Line to Bedok (EW5) or Eunos (EW7). From Bedok, hop on Bus 401 (weekends/public holidays) or Bus 31 (daily). From Eunos, buses 13,43, or 197 stop near East Coast Park Service Road. Expect a 10-15 minute walk from the bus stop to the shore. 

By Car or Grab: Set your map to East Coast Park. Carparks F, G, and H are the usual choices and are close to the main beach areas. 

By Taxi: Tell the driver to take you to East Coast Lagoon Food Village. It’s a common landmark and drops you near the sand. 

By Bike: The Park Connect Network links East Coast to Changi, Marina Bay, and Kallang, so it’s a popular cycling route. 

On Foot: From Marine Parade or Katong, use the pedestrian underpasses that lead straight to the park. 

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to East Coast Beach is early morning for a calm walk or a quick ride before the sun climbs. Late afternoons bring cooler air and lively crowds as families gather and cyclists pass by. Sunsets are slow and warm, perfect for a picnic of fresh seafood nearby. 

What to Do at East Coast Beach

Pedal your way along the coast

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Riding a bike along East Coast Beach feels easy and unhurried, with the sea breeze following you as you go. The track runs for a good stretch, so you can decide if you’re up for a slow roll or a bit more of a workout. 

Trees offer just enough shade, and once in a while, the view opens wide to the water. 

As you bike, there are lots of small stops along the way that make the ride feel relaxing. You can stop for an iced coffee at a nearby café or pause on a bench where you can just sit back and watch ships quietly moving past. 

Fire up a barbecue pit

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East Coast Beach is where people go when they want to pair the sea breeze with the smell of food on the grill. The barbecue pits line the park, and most groups come prepared with skewers, wings, or simple bites that cook well over charcoal. 

Grilling here isn’t rushed. While the food cooks, kids play along the sand or cycle past. Friends settle into the shade with cold drinks, swapping stories as the smoke drifts through the air.

By the time the sun starts to dip, plates fill up and conversations slow down. It’s an evening that makes you want to stay put a little longer. 

Wind down with a sunset

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There’s something about sunsets at East Coast Beach that makes the whole place slow down in the right way. The sky starts to layer itself with soft oranges and purples, and the water mirrors every change. Ships on the horizon turn into tiny silhouettes, their lights blinking as evening comes in. 

It’s a view that makes you pause, even if you’ve spent the whole day cycling, playing, or grilling. The breeze gets cooler, the chatter softens, and the park takes on a calm glow. Watching the sun sink here feels simple, showing off its best hour before night settles in. 

Play with your furry pets

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Weekends at the East Coast beach have become a little ritual for me and my dogs. They race ahead the moment we step onto the sand, tails going a mile a minute. The open stretch and steady sea breeze make it a perfect spot for them to play.

We usually stop under the trees after a round of fetch. There are water points nearby, so it’s easy to keep them hydrated while I sit back and watch them settle down. Sometimes, other dog owners join in, and the dogs make their own little group. 

Later in the day, the beach gets quieter and the sky starts to glow. That’s my favorite part – just sitting there with them as the sun dips over the water. 

Go for a swim

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If you’re looking to cool off, East Coast Beach is a good place for a swim. The water is generally calm, making it easy to wade in and float without much effort. It’s not as busy as some other beaches, so you’ll have space to move around.

After your swim, find a spot by the shore and let the breeze dry you off. Families often gather nearby, kids splash close to the edge, and cyclists roll past on the track behind you. Showers and rest areas are within reach, so you won’t feel rushed to leave.

Late afternoon is the best time to go. The water cools, the beach feels more relaxed, and it’s easy to just enjoy the simple pleasures of being by the sea. 

Where to Eat and Drink Near East Coast Beach

East Coast Lagoon Food Village 

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Address: 1220 ECP
Phone: +65 6442 1588
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 AM to 10:30 AM; 4:00 PM to 10:45 PM
  • Wednesday-Thursday: 4:00 PM to 10:45 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:45 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:45 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM

East Coast Lagoon Village is a true hawker-style spot just steps from the beach. Rows of stalls serve everything – from smoky satay and barbecue stingray to a plate of char kway teow, all cooked fresh while you wait. Plus, the open-air setup adds to that casual, Singaporean food-center feel.

Go in the evening if you can. The lights come on, the grills fire up, and the chatter grows louder as families, cyclists, and beachgoers settle in. Tables fill quickly, but the quick turnover keeps things moving.

It’s one of the easiest ways to end your day by the water – cold drinks, hot plates, and that unmistakable mix of hawker smoke and ocean air. 

PS. Café by the Sea (East Coast Park)

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Address: 1110 ECP
Phone: +65 6708 9288
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:

  • Sunday-Thursday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday-Saturday: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Website 

PS. Cafe by the Sea at East Coast Park has the kind of setting that feels made for lazy afternoons. Its big windows pull in the light, and the breeze slips through just enough to remind you the beach is close. Inside, it’s bright but calm, with plenty of space to settle in.

The menu keeps things familiar but done well. Most people go for the truffle fries first – they come hot, thin, and loaded enough to share. If you want something heartier, the seafood pasta with clams and mussels is a solid pick, full of flavor without feeling heavy. 

It isn’t the cheapest café around, but the servings are generous and the pace feels unhurried. You pay for the space, the view, and the chance to linger a bit longer. 

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant @ East Coast

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Address: 1206 ECP, #01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Center
Phone: +65 6442 3435
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:

  • Monday-Friday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM; 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Website

I like ending a beach day at Jumbo Seafood along the East Coast. You can smell the cooking before you even see the sign – a mix of spice and seafood that pulls you in. The place is busy most evenings, with tables full of families and groups still sandy from the park. 

The chili crab is what everyone talks about, and it’s worth it – sweet, a little spicy, and best eaten with fried mantou to scoop up every bit of sauce. The black pepper crab has its own crowd, sharper and more fragrant. 

Once you’ve tackled the crab, it’s easy to keep the table going with a plate of cereal prawns or some fried you tiao to share. 

Where to Stay Near East Coast Beach

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong

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Address: 88 East Coast Road
Phone: +65 6723 2001
Pricing: $$
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Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong keeps things easy if you need a place nearby, whether for a quick stay or when friends visit. Breakfast is sorted with a free Halal buffet at The Great Room, and there’s a Grab & Go corner for a light bite before you head out. 

When the day slows down, Baba Chews next door does solid plates – think Wagyu burgers, gambas, or their Assam Halibut Risotto – with a few cocktails that nod to Katong flavors. 

There’s a small gym to keep your routine going, reliable Wi-Fi throughout, and parking if you need it. With East Coast Park just a short walk away, it’s easy to slip out for a ride or a stroll after work.

Village Hotel Katong

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Address: 25 Marine Parade Road
Phone: +65 6344 2200
Pricing: $$
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Village Hotel Katong blends the old charm of the neighborhood with a sense of ease that makes saying here feel familiar. The lobby carries touches of Peranakan design – patterned tiles, warm colors, and small details that nod to the area’s heritage without feeling overdone. 

That same character carries over to the dining experience at Katong Kitchen. Its breakfast comes with a spread of Peranakan favorites like laksa and nasi lemak, served alongside familiar international picks. 

As for the rooms, everything is spacious, with light wood finishes and simple touches that make them feel homely rather than sterile. If you’re here for a few days, you’ll find it easy to settle in – whether you’re working nearby or just exploring the East Coast. 

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

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Address: 86 East Coast Road
Phone: +65 6723 7001
Pricing: $$$
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Staying at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong feels like stepping into the neighborhood’s story. Peranakan tiles and vivid murals brighten the lobby, and small, well-chosen details give the place an easy, welcoming charm. 

Breakfast at Baba Chews is a joy – laksa, Assam Halibut Risotto, and familiar favorites that make you slow down and savor your morning coffee. Later, floating in the rooftop infinity pool while looking out over Katong is a simple pleasure you don’t forget, and the gym is handy if you need a quick boost. 

Pets are part of the fun, too. With dog-friendly amenities and an alfresco dining area, your furry friends can sit by your side as you sip a cocktail or enjoy a meal. The entire place has a warmth that makes staying here feel like a little escape.