Singapore/East Coast

[[file:Singapore East Coast banner Katong.jpg|1280px|Halal Explorer to East Coast|caption=Katong shophouses}}

The East Coast of Singapore is largely residential and offers few sights as such; most visitors just cross it on their way from and to Changi Airport. For Singaporeans, on the other hand and the main attractions are 20 kilometers of white sandy beach and the food: this is the home of many of Singapore's culinary icons. The true home of Singapore's (Malay) community is in Geylang Serai, traces of Peranakan and Eurasian culture still linger in Katong and the fleshpots of Geylang offer affordable lodging and late-night food, and the East Coast also offers Singapore's solitary flashback to the past and the rustic little island of Pulau Ubin.

Travel to Singapore/East Coast

Singapur Strand - |Beach in Pasir Ris

The East-West MRT Line runs the length of the east coast all the way from the centre to Pasir Ris and Changi Airport. The North East MRT Line travels up to Sengkang and Punggol in the island's northeast, but not to very many places of interest for even the most determined of travellers. The transport enthusiast might like the Sengkang & Punggol LRT Lines, a small light train network that traverses row upon row of apartment blocks.

If you're only heading to Katong or the East Coast Park, Bus 36 may offer a faster and more direct route as it uses the expressways. It travels from Changi Airport to City Hall and Orchard Road and back again. Get off at Parkway Parade and use the overhead bridge to walk to Katong or stop at certain bus stops (Mandarin Gardens or Lagoon View for example) along Marine Parade Road and take one of the underground walkways under the ECP to get to East Coast Park.

If you've got one day to spare, consider taking in the Changi Chapel and Pulau Ubin, with a lunch break at Changi Village and a seafood spread for dinner.

What to see in Singapore/East Coast

Tourist literature usually hawks the restored (and, in the daytime, near-empty) Arab Street near Singapore/Bugis|Bugis, but Geylang Serai is the true home of Singapore's (Malay) community. Especially during the Islamic month of Ramadan leading up to Hari Raya Puasa (Eid ul-Fitr) and the entire area lights up in celebration as people eat and shop in the pasar malam (night markets) in the evenings after the sun goes down.

The quiet Changi area has been left relatively untouched by redevelopment and hence retains a lot of significance for its World War II history. The rather serene Changi Beach was once a site of the Sook Ching massacre, which saw the occupying Japanese "cleanse" the local Chinese population by executing anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 young men suspected of having anti-Japanese tendencies. The now-abandoned Old Changi Hospital is reputed to be one of the eeriest buildings in Singapore, while the Selarang Barracks and Roberts Barracks which hold the Changi Murals are off-limits to the public.

Terraced houses along Koon Seng Road, Singapore - 20090206 - Terraced houses on Koon Seng Road

The East Coast's second area of historical interest is Katong and Joo Chiat, which retain a smattering of traditional shophouses and retail outlets specializing in Peranakan crafts and food. Another important community in Katong is the Eurasian community, who as the name suggests, are people of mixed European and Asian descent. Joo Chiat Road has in recent times grown into the favourite hangout spot of the Vietnamese community, and thus has several Vietnamese restaurants to cater to that crowd. The area is a fairly lengthy hike from Eunos and the nearest MRT station, but can be visited by e.g. Bus 12 from Bugis. There is also plenty of great food in the area.

• Koon Seng Road | A section of this short street, between Joo Chiat and Still Rds, has what are probably Singapore's prettiest shophouses. Houses on one side of the street are multicoloured, while the other has more soberly decorated shophouses with elaborate flower-themed curlicues.

Best things to do in Singapore/East Coast

Katong Map - Map of Katong and East Coast Park

The best bits of eastern Singapore are its beaches. In addition to the ones below, try Pasir Ris or Punggol to really get off the tourist trail. Camping and barbecue permits for all parks are available at AXS.

East Coast Park

• East Coast Park - The largest park in Singapore and a highly popular hangout for couples, groups of friends and families. You can take Bus 401 there (only operates on Saturdays from 2.00pm to 10.00pm and Sundays from 10.00am to 8.00pm). It goes past East Coast Park Service Road. The water's on the murky side, but the (imported) white sand, palm trees, and rollerbladers zooming past on the promenade make up for it. Water Venture rents watersports gear (kayak $5/hr, windsurfing, etc), while Ski 360 offers cable-towed wakeboarding (from $32/h). Bicycle rental is available. There are other interesting things to do like prawning over at Carpark C3 near Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), and you get to grill your fresh prawns (if you catch any in the first place). People watch or try some fishing at Bedok Jetty or shoot the breeze with your buddies over a nice cold organic juice at Harrys. For travellers who want a taste of extreme sports, remember to check out the huge =Xtreme Skatepark at F1 carpark or spend an afternoon learning to rollerblade from professional instructors at Inline Fitness. You can walk over to East Coast Lagoon Food Village for a nice plate of satay or yummy stingray after all that workout!

Changi

• Pulau Ubin - Singapore's flashback to yesteryear, a little island off the northern coast where people still live in fishing villages in houses on stilts. The island is covered in biking trails and is an excellent spot for a little steamy jungle offroading. Bike rentals go for as low as $2 a day, and the 45 hectare Ketam Mountain Bike Park has a good 10 kilometers trail. At the east end of the island, reachable by bike or shuttle bus from the jetty, are the Chek Jawa Wetlands, with a mangrove boardwalk, an observation tower and a visitor centre. Access to the island requires a bit of effort though: take the MRT to Tanah Merah and then ride Bus 2 to the bus terminal in Changi Village (alternatively MRT to Simei and then Bus 9 that passes Changi Village or Bus 29 that loops at Changi Village Bus Terminal from Tampines Bus Interchange), find the jetty, and hop on a bumboat ($5 each way) for the 10 min ride to the island.

• Changi Beach - Right next to Changi Airport, you can watch (and hear) the neverending parade of airplanes from here. You can take Bus 9 from Bedok or Simei MRT, Bus 19 from Tampines Bus Interchange or Bus 89 from Hougang Bus Interchange. All 3 buses pass by Nicole Drive, which is adjacent to Changi Beach. Usually full of local picnickers, but not too many sunbathers or swimmers around. If you walk along the beach to the southeast, you will eventually pass by Bedok Jetty and arrive at East Coast Park.

• Changi Boardwalk - A boardwalk that hugs the scenic Changi coastline from Changi Beach Club to Changi Sailing Club.

Other

• Gallop Stable - Singapore's first public riding school. Ponies only, maximum weight for riders, 70 kg.

• Forest Adventure - Live out your Tarzan in the jungle fantasies by completing this two-hour obstacle course: swing from trees to trees, climb rope ladders and finally, abseil down across the reservoir. Kids Course minimum age/height 5 years/1.1 m, Grand Course 10 years/1.4 m (under-18s must be accompanied by adult). Advance booking required.

• Mangrove Boardwalk at Pasir Ris Park - one of the few remaining stretches of mangroves in Singapore. You can spot mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and a wide variety of butterflies.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Singapore/East Coast

• Geylang Serai Market - The heart of Singapore's Muslim community and long one of the most atmospheric markets in Singapore and the original dense warren was unceremoniously demolished in 2006. The new version, opened in 2009, is a bland, vaguely Malay-styled two-story building, but it still has a wide array of (Malay) and Middle Eastern goods and gets positively packed around Ramadan.

There's a mall or shopping area at every MRT stop.

• Parkway Parade and I12 Katong are the main shopping centres in the Marine Parade area. Parkway Parade has a cluster of money changers on the first level in its forecourt. They generally give the best exchange rates in Singapore.
• Tampines is a shopping hub. There are three malls (Century Plaza, Tampines Mall, and Tampines 1) near the MRT station.
• Serangoon also has a huge mall, Nex, with the standard shops and food on every floor. The roof garden has a dog park if you get tired of humans.

Halal Restaurants in Singapore/East Coast

The East Coast is home to many of Singapore#Local delicacies|Singapore's best-known dishes, including chilli crab, Katong laksa and roti prata. The stretch of Geylang Road between Paya Lebar and Kallang MRT stations is arguably the most vibrant part of Singapore. Despite being famous for its red light neighborhood and abundance of sleazy karaoke bars and the area is also home to some of Singapore's best kept culinary secrets, and is a favourite for local residents heading out for supper with friends. Don't expect air conditioning, white tablecloths, and sommeliers though. Most budget and mid-range eateries here are in grungy but occasionally atmospheric 19th-century shophouses. You'll find quite a few fruit stalls open as well, selling durians, mangosteens, rambutans and other Southeast Asian fruits. If you're game for it, buy some and eat them right there at the roadside tables.

Food KatongLaksa - |Katong laksa at Famous 49, with belachan (spicy shrimp paste) and chopped laksa leaf on the spoon

Katong is the undisputed home of laksa and the coconutty Noodles soup that's one of Singapore's national dishes, but there's still plenty of dispute about who came up with it first and who does it best. Famous 49 Katong Laksa had a claim as the very first and has since moved to the west side of Singapore, perhaps finally marking an end to the Katong laksa wars.

• 328 Katong Laksa | This was one of the combatants of the "laksa wars" of yore. Now franchised all over Singapore, but this is the original, still supervised by the owner. Do try the otah (spicy fish paste).

• Marine Parade Laksa | Run by the people who originally ran #49, although some think the quality has gone down (see Zhen Shan Mei in Singapore/North and West#Hawker centres|Jurong for the competition).}}

Gluttons Bay, Lau Pa Sat, and Newton? Forget about those and go to Old Airport Road Food Centre GPS 1.30832,103.88587, possibly the best collection of hawker food in Singapore, and now even easier to reach using the Circle Line (it's a short walk from Dakota MRT station). From Noodles to satay to seafood and the food here is widely acclaimed and Singaporeans come from all around for dinner — which unfortunately means a crowded vehicle park and even more crowded tables. Just follow the queues and you won't go wrong.

• Mattar Road Seafood BBQ | One of the few places where you can order crab and still have money to spend elsewhere. They're famous for their chilli crabs, but the white pepper crab is something different to try.

• Whitley Road Big Prawn Noodles | Exactly as it says, big prawn noodles, although the number of prawns depends on the size of the bowl ordered. All that flavoursome soup comes from prawn heads.

For a nicer seaside atmosphere, East Coast Lagoon Food Village in East Coast Park is a popular food destination. There are even tables with the occasional sea breeze and sand under your feet. If you're savvy and the seafood here is a much better choice than the pricier restaurants in the nearby East Coast Seafood Centre. Get here by cab (or by bus as noted in #Get in).

• Kampong Rojak | Rojak with sweet dark Sauces, quality prawn paste and generous portions of cucumber, pineapple and you tiao (dough fritters).

• Musa Ikan Bakar Stall | There are at least ten satay stalls here with not much difference between them. Musa's thick and chunky peanut satay Sauce stands out though, cooked by the owners themselves.

There are plenty of other famous yet affordable eats in the neighbourhoods of the East Coast. You might have heard of the original Jalan Kayu roti prata, but it has long passed its prime. Simpang Bedok (near Tanah Merah MRT) has grown in popularity for its cluster of late night prata shops, and while the food is not particularly outstanding and the wide range of open air eateries make it a great place to eat late suppers, drink and watch football on giant TV screens. Some well-known but more difficult to reach hawker centres are Chomp Chomp at Serangoon and the Changi Village Food Centre.

• International Muslim Food - Malay-style coconut Rice with fried Chicken, chili, egg and various goodies. Quite honestly, it's not that different from what you'll get elsewhere, but the fast turnover alone means that it's fresh and tasty.

Geylang Map - Map of Geylang

Shops here tend to be no-frills affairs, but the food can be great and prices are reasonable. Katong and Siglap are other two main areas of mid-range eateries on East Coast Road.

Above all and the East Coast is associated with fresh seafood, which is often excellent, but always rather pricey; check prices before you order! The two primary clusters are in and near East Coast Seafood Centre on the East Coast Parkway further out, and Kallang Oasis nearer to the city.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Singapore/East Coast

Singapore/East Coast - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Singapore/East Coast, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Singapore/East Coast. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Singapore/East Coast and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Singapore/East Coast. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Singapore/East Coast. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSingapore/East Coast: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Singapore/East Coast.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Singapore/East Coast: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Singapore/East Coast, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Singapore/East Coast.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Singapore/East Coast, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Singapore/East Coast, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Singapore/East Coast and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Singapore/East Coast, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Singapore/East Coast, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Singapore/East Coast without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Singapore/East Coast is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Singapore/East Coast.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Singapore/East Coast is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Singapore/East Coast, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Singapore/East Coast Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most of the East Coast's accommodation consists of affordable hotels in and around the red-light neighborhoods of Geylang and Joo Chiat, many of which rent rooms by the hour. The ubiquitous Hotel 81 chain alone has 11 hotels in the area. Still, if you're on a budget and don't mind the local Halal dining, Geylang/Joo Chiat are definitely worth considering: the rates are among the cheapest in town and the late night eating options are unparalleled and the area is perfectly safe, and both the airport and the city aren't too far away.

Camping is allowed in designated areas of Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and Pulau Ubin. All have showers and toilets and are free to use for stays of up to five days, although you have to register with park officers or online at AXS.

• [https://+Hotel+Changi+by+Far+East+Hospitality&hotelId=361772&&.Zzbd71e78028e84a1796079b4-206204 Changi Village Hotel - Formerly Le Meridien Changi Village | The hotel has changed its management and gone through a long-overdue renovation. It is in Changi Village, an otherwise sleepy enclave of affordable (but surprisingly good) eateries and pubs, and is about 15 min by taxi from the airport. The hotel also provides an hourly airport shuttle bus for its guests. The downside is that it is somewhat out of the way and public transport is rather inconvenient, so visitors staying here should consider renting a vehicle to get around.

• [https://+Plaza+Changi+Airport%2C+an+IHG+Hotel&hotelId=361715&&.Zz9149f4becde44b008447b92-206204 Crowne Plaza Changi Airport - Opened April 2008, this upscale airport hotel is directly connected to Changi's Terminal 3 and easily reached from T1/T2, but you have to pass through immigration to stay here.

Telecommunications in Singapore/East Coast

East Coast Rd has a slew of affordable Internet cafes. Try Red Hot Internet Café at 63 East Coast Road or CyberWorld Communications at 67 East Coast Road, both offering rates of $1/hour.

Go Next

• Head back to the Singapore/Riverside|downtown or visit Singapore/North and West|the North and West for more WWII historical sites.

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