Every Singaporean has been to East Coast Park (ECP) at least once, be it for a BBQ night out, family outing or a casual date with your S/O. Frolicking or jogging by the beach are some of the common reasons people head down these days, but the 15KM-long park stretching from Changi all the way to Marina Bay area has much more to offer for a whole day out.
Image credit: Changi Airport Group
Some say the East side is ulu, but never would we have thought we’d one day see dinosaurs here.
You could say they’re typically found in a Steven Spielberg film, in USS or even in our kopitiams in the form of “milo dinosaurs”. Well now, you can also experience them in a whole new way, for free, at Changi Jurassic Mile, the new cycling path that links Changi Airport to East Coast Park.
Image credit: Changi Airport Group
Within a 1KM stretch, more than 20 dinosaur statues can be found chilling by the pavement, wreaking havoc and doing other surreal things like quenching their thirst at a nearby pond.
Image credit: @crazydavefitness
The installment is so realistic, there’s even a T-Rex trying to bust its way through the metal fence of the connector. All you’ll need is some Jurassic Park theme songs to convince yourself you’re in John Alfred Hammond’s prehistoric theme park!
To enter the area between Fridays to Sundays, visitors have to place a booking in advance on PlayPass Changi Airport, due to safe distancing requirements. Read below for the best way to experience this route.
Address: Airport Boulevard, Singapore
Have your young’uns unleash their inner monkey while getting a good dose with Vitamin D at the spacious Marine Cove outdoor playground, complete metal slides, netted bridges and rope ladders. Right next to is a toddler-safe sensory play area with bendy mirrors to have a good laugh at your twisty and swirly reflections.
Address: 1000 East Coast Park, Singapore 449876
Alternatively, swing by Raintree Cove for their vibrant pink toddler-friendly swings that are wide and netted for extra safety.
Address: 1018 East Coast Park, Raintree Cove S, Singapore 449877
Image credit: @signaporewakepark
Instead of surfing the net all weekend long, pick up wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park at the East Coast lagoon. Wakeboarding combines skateboarding and surfing, where you’ll be strapped on a board pulled along the surface of the water in a circuit.
The sloped ramps dotted along the route are also opportunities for you to pull off some sick stunts!
Address: 1206A East Coast Park, Singapore 449891
Website
The park has 2 camping zones where you can pitch your tent to spend a night. Combine it with a BBQ sesh with your pals to complete the camping experience. You might also find that it takes you completely off-grid, which is a refreshing experience for those who’d like a break from urban life.
That doesn’t mean those not too keen on being subject to the discomfort of sleeping in great outdoors – read: mozzies, no light and tight space – have to miss out.
Upgrade your camping experience to glamping, for a Bear Grylls experience with rugs instead of ruggard. The giant tents that fit up to 6 are inbuilt ventilation windows and fans and come with double air mattresses and even flamingo floats as seats.
Public toilets are scattered around the park so there’s no need to worry about answering nature’s calls, or getting a shower.
Register for your camping permit here and book your BBQ pit here
Read more about glamping at East Coast Park.
Camping areas: Area D and Area G
*Phase 2 restrictions apply
Image credit: @dudeinglasses
Stretching out into the sea, Bedok Jetty is a wonderful spot to take a breather. Jog or cycle along its length, or bring along your fishing rods for a therapeutic fishing session with your fishing kakis. It’s one of the few spots in Singapore where you’re allowed to fish legally!
Image credit: @technospaz
The best time to visit is before dawn, as you’ll be able to catch an unobstructed view of the sun breaking through the horizon.
Address: East Coast Park Service Road, 449876
Image credit: PAssion WaVe @ East Coast
Take things up a notch with watersports at PAssion WaVe @ East Coast, located a 5-minute-walk from carpark F3. Stand up paddling and windsurfing equipment is available for rental at affordable rates if you’re experienced in either of the sport.
For complete greenhorns, no worries – you can still have a go with their beginners courses. Prices begin from $55 for a stand up paddling course, and from $92 for a full-day Basic Windsurfing Course for PAssion Members. Non-members can also sign up at $61 and $102 respectively.
After a day in the sun, you can also relax and refuel at High Tide Bistro & Bar, located within the outlet.
Address: 1390 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468961
Image credit: @chasbudo
Cycling is a breeze here – especially so because the land is flat, with dedicated cycling lanes that span from one end of the park to the other.
The new Changi Jurassic Mile is quite a sight to behold and it’s best explored via a 3.5KM bike route. We’ll recommend starting from East Coast Park and ending at the airport, where there’s the new Parisian-style Hub & Spoke cafe to refuel at, and clean shower facilities.
Image credit: @jenslolafit
If that isn’t challenging enough physically, try starting from Pasir Ris, cutting through East Coast Park and ending your journey at Gardens By The Bay. Follow one of these bicycle-friendly Eastern Coastal Park Connector routes – the cycling distance varies depending on what route you choose but expect to spend a full day on this.
Bicycle shops in the area include Bike Stop, Our Family Corner and Go Cycling. Prices for adult bikes range $8-$12 per hour, tandem bikes from $15 per hour and 4-seater quad bikes at $30-$45 per hour.
The easiest way to get there is by driving and parking at one of their > 10 car parks lined along the length of the park. Car park locations and parking rates can be found here.
For those taking public transport, Bedok MRT is the nearest station to the park. From there, Buses 31, 137, 155 or 196 will take you to the middle of the park, where attractions like East Coast Lagoon Food Village and Singapore Wake Park lie.
For more park guides, check out:
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