Sunrise in Singapore – it’s always a fascinating moment when the skies turn from light blue to a pastel blend of pinks and oranges. Instead of leaving it up to chance to be surprised by the changing skies every dawn or dusk, here’re some of the best places to catch the sunset or sunrise in Singapore so you don’t miss the spectacle.
But before you scurry off with your cameras and picnic mats, make sure to take note of these timings: As of now, the sun rises at 6.46AM and sets at 6.50PM.
P.S.: If you enjoy being outdoors, check out these articles too:
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Located at the easternmost point of Singapore is Changi Boardwalk. It’s a 2.2KM stretch of lush greenery on one side and calming sea on the other, and it is divided into 6 distinct trekking trails. The aptly-named Sunset Walk is where you’ll want to be to chase the sunset.
There you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the waters while facing the west – the perfect spot to catch the golden sun before it sinks into the horizon. Later into the night, you’ll also be able to spot the lights of Punggol from the same spot.
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Visit the Kelong Walk for a blast from the past. Inspired by the kelongs that once populated Singapore’s seas, the boardwalk extends to a platform bridge that stands on wooden stilts.
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It is much easier to catch a sight of the sunrise here, though. Anywhere along the boardwalk will provide you with a stunning front-row view of the rising sun. So come by early to scour through the area and find a comfy spot.
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Located at the heart of the Tuas industrial area is Tuas Lalang Field – now a favourite wedding shoot location. It’s a fairytale-like setting with tall grass and lalang that occupies an otherwise barren field, and there are no high-rise buildings around to photobomb your snaps.
You’ll need a car to get around here, so make sure to get a pal that drives to tag along.
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Kranji Reservoir Park is a less populated area that’s all green and natural for the perfect picturesque morning or evening. Apart from the bountiful space for a picnic, you’ll find lots of wildlife here too. If you look hard enough, there are hummingbirds, blue-tailed bee-eaters and eagles perched on the branches of trees.
There are plenty of empty benches facing this beautiful sunset
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There might even be otters taking a nap amidst the tall grasses. A quick walk around the area and you’ll also find memorial plaques that honour the sacrifices made in the infamous Battle of Kranji.
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Heritage bridge
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Lower Seletar Reservoir Park has many different viewing decks to suss out for sunset views, but one that’s frequented by photographers is the Heritage Bridge.
Paying tribute to Singapore’s past as a fishing village, this bridge is reminiscent of a kelong experience with uneven sticks flanking the sides. Walk along the platform and you’ll reach a spacious viewing deck at the end with a raised platform where you can have a seat.
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Other scenic hideouts include the jetties near PA Water-Venture, where you can rent equipment for dragon boating or kayaking.
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There’s also an open space with a multi-purpose stage where performances are held occasionally and a separate water play area for kiddos. For a little more adventure, venture out of the park and explore the rest of the infamous Yishun.
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Avid hikers would know Mount Faber Park as one of the more scenic hilly terrains in Singapore. The trail runs 10KM long, connecting the park all the way to Labrador Nature Reserve. The highlight of this trail is Faber Point where you’ll get a stunning bird’s eye view of the neighbourhood surrounding the area.
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During the sunset or sunrise in Singapore, watch how the skies add a dramatic touch to the neutral colours of the neighbourhood. Another plus point for this area is the relatively quieter environment so there won’t be a Hunger Games competition here for the best spot.
Find the colourful steps on your way up the trail
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Other sites worth a visit on your climb up include the Poland’s Bells of Happiness at the garden next to Arbora restaurant and a small Merlion located at the highest point of the park.
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A 10-minute bumboat ride that costs a mere $3 from Changi Point Ferry Terminal can get you to Pulau Ubin – a small island where kampungs still stand today. The best place to catch the sunrise here is along the sandy beaches, the nearest one being just a short 5-minute walk from the jetty. Make sure to slather yourself with insect repellent and get your flashlight ready as it’s a little dark in the wee hours.
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Consider catching the earliest ferry ride at 5.30AM to give yourself ample time to familiarise with the area before spotting the sunrise.
It’s slightly trickier to catch the sunset here. Unless you’re willing to pay $36 for the whole return boat or you’ve plans to stay overnight, you won’t be able to stay on the island till sunset. The last ferry usually sets off at 6PM so that’s an hour too early to catch the skies in transition. But if you’re in a large group, you can try making plans with the ferry operator for your preferred timing.
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Other activities you can do here include cycling and checking out the mangrove swamps of Chek Jawa Wetlands.
Read our article on the last postman in Pulau Ubin here.
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For a change in cityscape, Woodlands Waterfront Park has a scenic view of the Straits of Johor. A long boardwalk connects all the different bridges and viewing spots in this park so that’s plenty of space to settle down and find the perfect location to admire the sunset or sunrise in Singapore.
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There’s also a large playground for both kids and adults to climb on. You can expect a two-storey high structure webbed with net bridges and ladders. If that’s not enough, this park is also linked to Admiralty Park, where the longest slides in Singapore are located.
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There’s also a seafood restaurant, Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant located along one of the bridges. Enjoy a hearty meal of seafood dishes or western selections right after catching the sunset.
Rasa Istimewa Restaurant
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Think Marina at Keppel Bay and expensive yachts come to mind. But one thing you can do there without stacks of cold hard cash: catching the sunrise or sunset. While you can expect the same dreamy skies to take centrestage, the fleet of anchored yachts add to the idyllic nature of the scene.
Stroll down the boardwalk to truly experience the luxurious vibes of the area and while you’re at it, look down into the sea ‘cos rumour has it that marine life such as clown fishes inhabit the waters underneath. After which, drop by the restaurants to complete your day with an alfresco meal.
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Right up north of Singapore is Sembawang Park. It’s usually quiet, being frequented only by those residing nearby. Because the park is flanked by a beach, it’s also a great place to catch both the rising and setting sun. Anywhere along the park gives you a stunning panorama of the changing sky.
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This park has a rich history to it that’s still being preserved in the form of conserved war bunkers and a natural hot spring.
Sembawang Jetty
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A less crowded location to catch the changing skies is Tanjong Rhu or more specifically, the Tanjong Rhu Promenade trail that runs under the ECP highway alongside the waters of Marina Bay. You won’t get the typical sun-over-the-horizon shot here but you will get an equally stunning picture with the clear water reflecting the urban landscape.
View of the sunset from Tanjong Rhu Pebble Bay
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A walk down towards the Singapore Indoor Stadium will lead you to the Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower – another quiet spot to catch a view of the colourful skies against the cityscape.
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Just 10 minutes away is a cluster of malls – Kallang Wave Mall, Leisure Park Kallang and Singapore Sports Hub – where you can have a meal or get sporty with activities like kayaking or dragon boating.
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Sunrise at East Coast Park
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East Coast Park is a favourite for a day out on the beach. Aside from the usual plethora of outdoor activities like rollerblading, cycling and kayaking, this place also offers a promising view of the sunrise and sunset from anywhere along its sandy shores. The only thing you’ll have to keep in mind is: the sun rises from your left and sets on your right here, not the other way round.
Bedok Jetty
Image credit: Gordon Calder
For starters, you can check out Bedok Jetty or set yourself down on the breakwater near carpark F2. Rumour has it that these two points offer the best views – the former sends you further out into the sea and positions you closer to the glorious sun while the latter offers an unobstructed view of the sun floating above the sea.
The park gets crowded during weekends so to avoid any disappointment, come by well ahead of time. Or better yet, plan a glamping session and claim a spot for your own.
Read our article on glamping companies that’ll help do all the dirty setup work for you here.
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Marina Barrage is a go-to for picnics under the clear blue sky. And it’s not news that it offers some of the best views of the rising and setting sun. Make sure to come early to beat the crowd and lay your mats on the spacious green lawn that’s located on the rooftop of the barrage.
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It’s also a popular kite-flying spot because of its ample space, where you can run around freely without worrying about crashing into others.
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A popular spot for late-night hangs up north is Yishun Dam. Along the Yishun Avenue 1 stretch is a breakwater of uneven rocks and stretches of grass where you can sit down and comfortably watch the surfacing or dipping of the sun.
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If you follow the dam, it’ll lead you to a little forested area where you’ll find many casting their fishing lines into the sea.
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You might also spot airplanes here, given how Seletar Airport is nearby.
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Many of us know Punggol Waterway Park for its 8KM long promenade. There are many different bridges and viewing decks but look out for the Sunrise Bridge, which is flanked by Sungei Serangoon on one side. It has been named as such for a reason – you’ll get some of the best views of the sunrise from here.
Sunset with Jewel Bridge in sight
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Right at the other end where Sungei Punggol bounds the trail is the Sunset Strip with Jewel Bridge at the heart of it. It has been named fittingly for the impressive views from the area.
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Drop by Punggol Waterway Point that’s a mere 5-minute walk away for an array of food and entertainment options like a free kids’ water playground. But don’t just limit yourself to the mall, Punggol has a lot to offer from stylish HDBs to container eateries.
Image credit: Kris Setyawan
A favourite location among photographers to get a scenic shot of the changing sky against iconic buildings in Singapore is Merlion Park at Marina Bay. Here, you’ll get to capture a photo of the Singapore Flyer, Art Science Museum, the Marina Bay Sands building and the Merlion all in one frame.
Image credit: Ken Goh
Because it is a touristy area, it could get a tad crowded so make sure to scout for a spot that’s nearer to the water bank for a better view.
Marina Bay Sands’ light and water show
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An extra treat when you park yourself here for the evening: a free laser and water show at Marina Bay Sands. It runs daily so even if you miss the sky’s performance, there’s still this colourful display to catch at these timings.
Read our article here to find out about other things you can do around the vicinity.
Instead of catching the sunset or sunrise in Singapore by luck, make it an outing with your loved ones to these places and admire one of mother nature’s wonders. The best part is most of these areas double up as great picnic spots and some can even host outdoor activities like kite-flying, and kayaking.
For more ideas on what to do in Singapore, read our other articles:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top-left): @hweeeming, @winfredk, @xaneethewanderlust, @coachjames1988
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