There is a constant debate between the East-siders and the West-siders on which side of the island is the best. Growing up, you would have friends who live at the far ends of Singapore. Those who stay in the West whine whenever they need to travel to the East and vice versa. Making a trip to the other side of the island could almost be considered a day trip on its own.
East-siders believe that the East side is the best—and for good reasons. The East of Singapore is dotted with interesting hot spots and amazing food locations that are more than enough to make the West-siders jealous. Not convinced? Here are 15 Things To See, Do and Eat In The East of Singapore That Proves That The East Is The Best.
EAST COAST PARK
East Coast Park deserves to have an entire post of its own. Spanning across 185 hectare with a running track stretching 15km long, this is the ultimate hub for all things outdoorsy. Cycling, rollerblading, going on family runs—it all happens at this one park. We are pretty sure you have memories of the park as the ultimate chalet and barbecue spot for all your class outings. Yes, even you Westies.
Marine Cove within the park has just recently reopened after renovations, and now boasts amazing playgrounds and an expansive selection of restaurants. If East Coast Park is not the best park in Singapore, then what is?
East Coast Park
East Coast Park Service Road
Singapore 449876
Tel: +65 1800 471 7300
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Stations: Eunos/ Kembangan/ Bedok
FACTORY OUTLET SHOPPING AT CHANGI CITY POINT
Changi City Point—one of our favourite shopping malls in the East of Singapore—is where you can find many factory outlet stores. Some of the popular shops include Adidas Factory Outlet, Nike Factory Outlet and Charles & Keith Factory Outlet.
GO FISHING AT MAINLAND TROPICAL FISH FARM
The #eastiekids would probably recall spending time at Mainland Fish Farm scooping up little guppies to keep as your own. You can also feed the koi fishes on site, and go prawning with some pals!
Shop around for aquarium accessories and more at the farm. This is one of the best chill- out spots in Singapore for some weekend fun.
Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1
Singapore 519352
Tel: +65 6287 3883
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris
FEAST ON THE BEST LAKSA IN SINGAPORE
Need we say more? Katong is one of the best spots in Singapore for some sinful albeit irresistible laksa. Case in point: 328 Katong Laksa.
328 Katong Laksa
53 East Coast Road
Singapore 428771
Tel: +65 9732 8163
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota
Photo Credit: The Business Times
TAKE TONS OF INSTAGRAMMABLE PICS AT JOO CHIAT ROAD
Joo Chiat Road is a conservation area in Singapore, situated between Geylang Serai and Marine Parade Road. The pastel-hued, old-world architecture of the protected Peranakan shophouses will transport you back in time, thus making it one of the more prettier photo spots in Singapore!
Besides providing endless photo opportunities, the road is also home to some great restaurants, eateries, and shops!
Photo Credit: Gallop Stables
GALLOP AROUND WITH HORSES
Situated in Pasir Ris Park, the Gallop Stable Pasir Ris offers public riding, where you can get upclose with a horse, and even feed their 13 resident ponies!
Gallop Stables
Pasir Ris Central, Pasir Ris Park
Singapore 829168
Tel: +65 6583 9665
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris
Photo Credit: NTUC Club
SPLASH AROUND AT WILD WILD WET
Let us not forget the place that all the 90’s kids looked forward to during outings with classmates and friends. Newer water parks around the island such as Adventure Cove in Resort World Sentosa may overshadow this rustic water park, but it is a place that all Easties (or Singaporeans in general for that matter) hold close to heart.
Wild Wild Wet is still up and operating, so if you want a little trip down memory lane, just hop on down to Singapore’s largest water park! The entry prices are also pocket-friendly.
Wild Wild Wet
1 Pasir Ris Close
Singapore 519599
Tel: +65 6581 9128
Mon to Fri: 1pm – 7pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris
Photo Credit: Jeffrey and Flora
DINE AT EAST COAST LAGOON FOOD VILLAGE
Every Singaporean knows that East Coast Lagoon Food Village is one of the best places to visit for the best local dishes at reasonable prices. Char Kway Teow, Carrot Cake, Satay, and a plethora of seafood stalls. This food centre is a place we will always return to for classic Singaporean fare.
East Coast Lagoon Food Village
1220 East Coast Park
Singapore 468960
Tel: +65 6225 5632
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bedok
Photo Credit: dreamtravels4you
STROLL ALONG CHANGI POINT COASTAL WALK
This boardwalk is the ideal place to catch Singapore’s sunrise and sunset. It is tucked away in the western end of Changi Point, and gives visitors a breathtaking view of the coastline. The 2.2km-long boardwalk is well-lit and opens for 24 hours.
Changi Point Coastal Walk
7A Gosport Road
Singapore 509710
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Changi Airport
Photo Credit: Your Singapore
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PERANAKAN CULTURE AT THE KATONG ANTIQUE HOUSE
This antique house educates visitors about the Peranakan culture, featuring pretty costumes, crockery, and furniture out for display. Mr Peter Wee, the friendly owner of the Katong Antique House and a fourth-generation Peranakan himself, is always more than happy to educate visitors on his Peranakan heritage.
Katong Antique House
208 East Coast Road
Singapore 428907
Tel: +65 6345 8544
Daily: 11am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos
DIG INTO SOME LOCAL FARE AT SINPOPO
Founded by the people behind Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brad can be found along Joo Chiat Road. Everything about the café screams ‘nostalgia’—from the types of food served, right down to the retro interiors and plating.
You can find vintage tiles, chairs, and even a menu that is remodeled after old school attendance books. One of Sinpopo’s specialties includes the Nasi Lemak Set For 2 (S$25), which comprises of a selection of ingredients to go with your rice.
Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Dakota
There are many other cafes in the Tanjong Katong and Joo Chiat precinct. Check out our guide here!
Photo Credit: Forest Adventure
COMPLETE ACTIVITIES AT FOREST ADVENTURE
The Forest Adventure Course at Bedok Reservoir Park is a great place to challenge yourself with their 35 obstacles courses in four different sites. Think climbing, swinging from tree to tree, and even ‘flying’!
There is also the Kids Course, which is excellent for your little tots to hang loose and have fun.
Forest Adventure
Bedok Reservoir Road
Bedok Reservoir Park
Tel: +65 8100 7420
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Tampines
DINE AND STAY AT RABBIT CARROT GUN
This café is set in a quaint refurbished shophouse and serves up classic dishes such as Eggs Benedict, burgers, and more.
Settled above the diner is The Rabbit’s Warren. It runs a bed and breakfast concept, with five luxurious suites that will take you back in time. No need to travel far for a quick little satiation!
Rabbit Carrot Gun and The Rabbit’s Warren
47 – 49 East Coast Road
Singapore 428768
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Nearest Station: Dakota
SHOP AT THE LARGEST IKEA IN SINGAPORE
Singapore only has two IKEA outlets—one along Alexandra Road and the other in Tampines. Easties would be proud to hear that the one on our turf is the largest one in Singapore. That could only mean more shopping, and more meatballs!
IKEA Tampines
60 Tampines North Drive 2
Singapore 528764
Tel: +65 6786 6868
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris
CHANGI AIRPORT IS MERE MINUTES AWAY
Residents in the East enjoy commutes to Changi Airport! No expensive cab rides or hour-long train journeys. The airport is right on our very own turf. It is even convenient to just pop by for meals or study dates!
Changi Airport
Airport Boulevard
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Nearest Station: Changi Airport