East Singapore

Escape Theme Park

Singapore’s own theme park at Pasir Ris has been thrilling visitors for years with its huge range of fun rides. There’s a Go-Kart track, Pirate Ship, Water Ride and Roller Coaster among other thrill rides to whirl you in every direction in a heart-beat, while there’s also a range of family rides that will suit the younger kids as well. Escape is also near Wild Wild Wet if you want to make a day of amusement park action. Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close. Tel: +65 6581 9112. Opening hours: 10am-10pm Sat-Sun, School Holidays and Public Holidays. Getting there: Pasir Ris MRT or bus 3, 6, 12, 17, 32, 89, 354, 358. (back to top)

Wild Wild Wet

It gets really hot here in Singapore, so why not cool down at Singapore’s newest water theme park – Wild Wild Wet. The park has nine water rides ranging from thrilling water slides to kids paddling pools that will cater to all the family. There are plenty of fully trained lifeguards on duty as well so you’ll have some peace-of-mind taking the kids. Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close. Tel: +65 6581 9128. Opening hours: 1pm-7pm Mon/Wed-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat-Sun, School Holidays and Public Holidays. Closed on Tuesdays. Getting there: Pasir Ris MRT or bus 3, 6, 12, 17, 21, 89, 354, 358. (back to top)

Changi Chapel and Museum

The Changi Chapel and Museum commemorates the various POW camps that were situated at Changi where the Japanese occupiers held Allied prisoners of war during their occupation of Singapore from 1942 until 1945. The museum provides a reminder of the island’s wartime past, and a glimpse for those who only know modern-day Singapore of what the island’s defenders went through. Inside the Museum are a range of objects donated by former POWs as well as the Changi Murals, painted by war veteran Bombardier Stanley Warren, and the recreated Changi Prison Chapel, built originally by the prisoners. One of the more famous prisoners held here was future author James Clavell, who would go on to write the book King Rat which was based on his experiences in the prison. He would later go on to write such famous books as Shogun, Taipan, Gaijin and Noble House. Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707. Tel: +65 6214 2451. Opening hours: 9.30am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Prices: Free entry, but tours cost $8 adults, $4 children and take 45-60min. Getting there: Tanah Merah MRT Station then bus 2, or Tampines MRT Station then bus 29. (back to top)

East Coast Park

Probably the most popular place in Singapore for locals on the weekend, East Coast Park is Singapore’s answer to Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Along this 20km stretch of beach there’s plenty of places to hire rollerblades and bicycles as well as restaurants and bars. East Coast Park is best enjoyed during the week when there’s not so many people around. Getting there: Orchard MRT Station, then bus 16. (back to top)