20 reasons to visit the East Coast in Singapore, other than the park

Stretching more than 15 kilometres and welcoming around 7.5 million visitors each year, East Coast Park is probably Singapore’s most popular park.

But, if you’re only on the East Coast for the park itself, you’re missing out on other great things it has to offer.

Neighboring Joo Chiat, Geylang, Paya Lebar and Bedok have history on their side, no more so than culture-rich Katong!

In addition, nearby Kallang has plenty of free sporty and splashy activities to try, while Siglap is a expat-friendly enclave.

What are you waiting for? Head out!

1. Katong Antique House

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Book a showing of the Katong Antique House, a bona fide restored Peranakan home with time-tested pieces of the past. 

2. Iconic shophouses

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Since you're here, take a stroll down Koon Seng Road in Joo Chiat to admire the multicoloured shophouses built by Peranakans before the second World War.

3. Hotel Indigo

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What better way to immerse yourself in the culture than to actually stay there, though?

Check in to the Peranakan-themed Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong Hotel (housed in the former Joo Chiat police station) for a mini-staycay.

It's got a secret rooftop infinity pool, and an authentic (and chic!) eatery Baba Chews on the ground floor. 

4. Singapore Sports Hub

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Or, you can work up a sweat at the Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang - some facilities like the beach volleyball courts are free to book, while the gym facilities make one of the best fitness deals around.

5. Splash-N-Surf

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Meanwhile, the kids won't be short of entertainment, with the free Splash-N-Surf water playground at Kallang Wave Mall.

6. Glory Catering

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Hungry? Sample beloved local dishes at some of Singapore's most enduring establishments and stalls. A must-try: authentic Nonya at Glory Catering in Joo Chiat along East Coast Road.

7. Birds of Paradise

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At this Michelin-recommended gelato shop on East Coast Road, the frozen treats include botanical flavours like Strawberry Basil, Pandan, fresh Mango sorbet and more.

The made-to-order waffle cones are infused with rosemary, and taste like nothing around! Warning: There's often a queue out the front door on weekends.

8. Old Airport Road food centre

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Fancy a little bit of everything? Located in Katong, Old Airport Road Food Centre is one of Singapore's largest, and has amazing Fried Hokkien Noodles, Fish Head Curry and more.

9. G7 Sin Ma Live seafood restaurant 

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Over on Geylang Road, G7 Sin Ma Live Seafood Restaurant serves one of the best frog claypot porridge in town. It's kind of like chicken on steroids.

10. The Tuckshop - Assembly

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Need more evidence that Geylang is more than just a red light district? Brunch cafe-meets-bar The Tuckshop is a riverside hangout with a unique local twist.

11. Cafe Melba

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In Katong, Cafe Melba, a portmanteau of (Melb)ourne and (A)sia also serves a mean brunch.

12. Alt. Pizza

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Back on East Coast Road, Alt. Pizza is a fuss-free, affordable option that's great for groups.

Go for the Design-It-Yourself option - it says there are more than 650,000 combinations!

13. Rabbit Carrot Gun

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A few blocks down, boutique resto Rabbit Carrot Gun can cover all of your comfort-food bases.

14. Shopping malls

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Like much of Singapore, your best shopping options are at the malls. Here, the largest and most modern are Parkway Parade in Marine Parade and KINEX in Geylang.

15. Boutique shopping

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Malls not your thing? A stroll down Joo Chiat Road will reveal lots of quirky retail options. The WYLD Shop (pictured), which is run by one of our 2019 Expatpreneur Award winners, is a must-stop for cosy, chic fashions and lifestyle items, while The AC is beloved for its excellent curated collection of indie brands.

You can even pick up some vinyl (records, that is) at Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee!

16. Instagram-y street art

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This mural  at the junction of Joo Chiat Terrace and Everitt Road features two children play-fighting with a paint roller and a mop dipped in paint.

It was done by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, the same artist behind the lively street art in the heritage city Georgetown, Penang!

Tip: Keep walking north on Everitt Road, and you'll find the laid-back Smokey's BBQ American Smokehouse & Bar.

17. Boo-ti Parlour

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Nestled in a shophouse, this cosy beauty parlour offers nail services as well as facial treatments.

Using only top-notch nail products such as Gellyfit, ORLY, Zoya and Bio Sculpture Gel, the manicurists here are extremely meticulous.

18. Marine Cove playground

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Okay, okay - we would be remiss, if we didn't cover some of the highlights along East Coast Park.

Kids will love the 3,500 square metre vibrant playground with sensory play panels and loooong slides at Marine Cove.

19. Singapore Wake Park

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Give wakeboarding a go at the Singapore Wake Park. Kids from 6 and complete beginners are welcome to participate, too.

While there, grab a bite to eat at the adjacent, open-air Coastal Rhythm cafe, or walk or bicycle east to Siglap along ECP's recently renovated path, and get your hands messy cracking into Chilli or Black Pepper Crowd Crab and other local seafood delicacies at long-standing chains like Long Beach and JUMBO Seafood there.

20. Xtreme skate park

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Also in the Siglap stretch of ECP, the Xtreme skate park is built to international competition standards, and all for SG's skateboarding and BMX communities. It caters to beginners as well as professionals.

 This article was first published in The Finder.