The best coastal and waterside trails in Singapore

Enjoy the sea breeze at Changi Bay Point, a 140-metre-long boardwalk that provides a beautiful view of the waterfront. Located along the Changi Bay Park Connector, the boardwalk is made out of slip-resistant glass fibre and reinforced concrete – but retains a natural and rustic feel thanks to timber fixtures and landscaping efforts (see the photogenic lalang by the coast). To get close to the water, you can walk onto a breakwater connected to the boardwalk. Otherwise, take a seat at the pavilion and simply enjoy the sea view. 

Sengkang Riverside Park was awarded the ABC Waters Certification (that stands for Active, Beautiful, and Clean Waters) as an excellent example of how the protection of our water resources can be creatively integrated with urban planning in a sustainable manner. Over Sungei Punggol, you can also find Singapore's largest man-made wetland, the Sengkang Floating Wetland. Cross the bridge to get closer to the floating island of aquatic plants or sit on the seats shaped like orange slices on the bridge for a breather. 

Bay East Garden is the second largest garden in Gardens by The Bay. While its main area is famous for attracting crowds to attractions like the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, Bay East Garden offers a tranquil respite – but with the same stunning views of the city skyline from its waterfront lawns. It is the perfect place to have a picturesque picnic, read a book, go for a run or stroll, or even practise your photography skills.

One of the best parts of this park is its hidden beaches. There are many trails you can embark on once you reach the island – choose to go on the coastal trail. It might take you away from the main path but there's more to see including mangroves, rare endangered trees, grasslands, and even otters.

Part of the Southern Ridges, the park contains the only rocky sea-cliff in Singapore, and offers a panoramic view of the sea and cliff-side vegetation. On top of that, keep your eyes and ears open for local birds. It is not uncommon to hear songs of a variety of bird species, including the magpie robin and black-naped oriole. If you like your coastal walk to have a side of history lessons, remnants of World War II such as tunnels and a fort also provide an educational experience for visitors.

Changi Beach bears the unsavoury reputation of being the site of the Sook Ching massacre – but that’s a long time ago. Because the beach, one of the oldest in Singapore, is located so far away from the city centre that it has remained relatively undeveloped. And that’s a good thing. Unlike East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park has a distinct kampong vibe. You’ll feel it the moment you sink your toes into the white sand. In fact, we daresay that this park is your best bet if you want to escape the weekend throngs. Rent bicycles for the family and hit the nearby Park Connectors, or book one of the 20 barbecue pits across the entire park – and since most people flock to its cousin on East Coast, it’s relatively easier to score one here.

Rower's Bay Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir is so named for its popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts.  The park's boardwalk has become popular with those in the neighbourhood as the best spot to view the sunrise or sunset, and amenities such as shelters, vending machines, a do-it-yourself bicycle repair station and toilets are available for cyclists or those seeking reprieve from our tropical heat. The wetlands surrounding the boardwalk have also been filled with plant species that will attract and provide a habitat for native wildlife in the area.

Rower's Bay forms part of the first phase of the planned 150km Round Island Route (RIR), which will connect parks around Singapore - yes, you will eventually be able to cycle around the entire island. The completion date of the RIR is set for 2035, so you have plenty of time to train.

A coastal park offering a northern view of the sea, Woodlands Waterfront Park is linked to Admiralty Park via the Northern Explorer Loop. Besides jogging and cycling tracks, this 11-hectare park houses a huge playground and a 1.5km-long waterfront promenade that faces Johor Bahru. You'll find many anglers trying their luck on the jetty – join in or just enjoy the views of the Causeway (since we can't cross over to travel any time soon).

Strap on your best walking shoes and trudge through the swamps of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to learn more about the flora and fauna that call this mangrove forest home. Weekly, volunteer-led tours – they regularly change – introduce the plants, birds, insects and other indigenous species found in this ASEAN Heritage Park (Singapore has two, the other being Bukit Timah Nature Reserve). This wetland reserve of mangrove swamps, ponds and the secondary forest is also home to 140 species of birds. Take a spot at oberservation hides or rent binoculars to bird-watch. There are also nature trails where you can also spot mudskippers, monkeys and climbing crabs on the mangrove boardwalks.

The most famous beach in Singapore, East Coast Park stretches along the eastern coast of Singapore from Changi Airport, past the numerous restaurants at East Coast Seafood Centre to Fort Road. There are dedicated cycle and walking paths, bicycle and rollerblade hire stalls, a skate park, and barbecue and camping areas.

Go for a jaunt through Pasir Ris Park with the kids in tow. While the coastline view is a plus, explore the mangrove swamp using the boardwalks and bird-watch at the three-story viewing tower. Playgrounds and pony rides keep the kids entertained, while nearby barbecue pits and nature trails ensure parents can keep an eye out for their little ones.

Whisk yourself to the south-eastern end of Ubin for the islet’s main attraction: Chek Jawa. The wetlands and its rich ecosystem are best seen during low tide – stroll down the kilometre-long boardwalk and keep your eyes peeled for colourful sea critters such as the peacock anemone and biscuit sea star. If you’d like to add some adrenaline rush to the trip, sign up for the island’s kayak tours and paddle through the coastal mangroves. You might just be able to have a close encounter with jellyfish, kingfishers and (if you’re lucky) otters.