The East Coast of Singapore is popular among the locals for its 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, the fleshpots of Geylang offer cheap lodging and late-night food, and the East Coast also offers Singapore's solitary flashback to the past, the rustic little island of Pulau Ubin.

The East Coast area runs from Kallang for 18km to Changi Airport and has long been popular with expats. It’s usually breezy, and the East Coast Park with its cycling, running and entertainment options is a great attraction. There’s a mix of houses and condos for various budgets, and many people say that once you’ve lived in this area, it’s hard to move away. The ECP, KPE and PIE motorways provide easy access to the city, the north and the airport. UWC South East Asia, the Canadian School and Chatsworth have campuses here too, and there are also good preschools.

One popular attraction in this part of Singapore is also the East Coast Park which is synonymous with outdoor revelry. This is the place where some seven million locals and tourists flock to for the variety of sporting, entertainment and dining attractions. Along with this 15-kilometre stretch of beach, you’ll find hordes of cyclists and rollerbladers enjoying the sun and sea breeze, while cable skiing and water sports are on offer for those who prefer wetter pursuits.

How to Get There

By Train

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.

By Bus

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.

By Taxi

Taxis are convenient to get around with however they can be expensive as they are metered. Regardless, only take metered taxis, as you’ll be guaranteed a fair rate.

Tourist Attractions

The Changi Museum

The Changi Museum was built in honour of the spirit and commitment of those who rose from the depths of adversity; the Museum inspires future generations to come and deepen their appreciation of the heroic and inspirational stories that unfolded in Changi during the war. The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore, in particular, the Changi area, during the dark years of World War II.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang

Housed in an old Peranakan shophouse, Singaporeans know this shop best for its dumplings (kueh chang), but they've opened up their second story for visitors and also operate a Peranakan restaurant and gift shop with pottery, beadwork, kebayas and more. While most of what you see comes from China (as it did even back in the old days), some of their wares are still made in Singapore, and they conduct regular cooking and art classes.

Koon Seng Road

The road is named after Cheong Koon Seng, born in the 1800′, who was one of the first thirteen students at Singapore’s Anglo-Chinese School. Until the 1970s, the area was inhabited by Peranakan Chinese, which explains the colourful and unique Chinese architecture to be found in the area. These perfectly painted Peranakan-themed houses (Peranakan meaning descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago) are now a popular spot for budding photographers, tourists and fashion models visiting the city looking for a colourful backdrop for their photography. Each house is painted in a different pastel, and each property tells its own story.

Hotels

Aqueen Heritage Hotel Joo Chiat

Aqueen Heritage Hotel Joo Chiat is located in Singapore, 200 m from the Geylang Serai Market. Built in 2016, the 3-star property is within a 7-minute walk of One KM Mall, Tanjong Katong Complex and City Plaza. Paya Lebar Square is 800 m from the hotel and Mustafa Centre is 5 km away. All rooms come with a flat-screen television with cable channels, a kettle, free toiletries and a desk. Rooms also include an en-suite bathroom with a hairdryer and a bidet. Guest rooms at the hotel feature air conditioning and a wardrobe. An Asian breakfast is served each morning at the property. Guests can dine in the in-house restaurant, which serves local cuisine.

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong

The comfortable Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong is placed close to the beachfront. It is about 7 km away from the centre of Singapore. Behind the ethnic facade of Holiday Inn Express, Singapore Katong lies contemporary interior. The hotel's elegant rooms are appointed with individual climate control, a mini bar, cable TV with on-demand movies, a private safe and coffee/tea maker. Offering views of the surrounding area and city, the 18 sqm rooms come fully carpeted, with quality bedding, fresh linen and soft and firm pillows. Major Singapore sights nearby the hotel are Nex and Singapore Indoor Stadium. In the morning a buffet breakfast is served at the lobby. Guests can share a meal in Old Hong Kong Tea House and Waraku - Katong Branch, located about 100 meters away.

Betel Box Backpacker Hostel

Located on Joo Chiat Road, "Betel Box" is the result of many years of experiences in hostelling, backpacking and budget travelling around the globe and meeting like-minded travellers. It embodies everything that is needed in a backpackers’ hostel: friendly, respectful, addictive, aesthetically pleasing, functional and representative of all cultures in Singapore. The hostel’s slogan "Live Like A Local" allows guests at the Betel Box Hostel to enjoy the creature comforts available at the hostel and take advantage of its location in a culturally rich part of town as well as to easily reach all parts of Singapore.