Singapore may be a small city-state, but it offers a surprisingly diverse range of camping experiencesâperfect for a nature getaway! Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or a place to enjoy some fun family-friendly activities, there are plenty of things to do while camping. From the lush greenery of Pulau Ubin to the sandy hidden beaches of Lazarus Island, these are the five best places to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors in Singapore.
1. Camp at Pulau Ubin for a rustic experience
As one of the last remaining rural areas in Singapore with its unspoiled beaches, tranquil forested hills, and abundance of wildlife, Pulau Ubin is the perfect place to get back to nature.
Three camping sites are available at Pulau Ubin: Jelutong, Mamam, and Endut Senin. Jelutong campsite is the most popular camping spot at Pulau Ubin due to its closest proximity to the village (10min-long walk) and availability of campfire facility; Mamam campsite is situated next to the sea with plenty of privacy, while Endut Senin is located next to the forest, ideal for those who prefer a more enclosed space.
There are no cars on the island, so visitors must either walk or cycle around. But there are certainly plenty of fun activities to do at Pulau Ubin! Explore Chek Jawa Wetlands by foot and look for wildlife like local and migratory birds, crabs, and monitor lizards. You can also hike up Puaka Hill to check out the stunning quarry scenery, or go for the most adventurous ride of your life at Ketam Mountain Bike Park.
With plenty of things to do, camping on Pulau Ubinâaway from the hustle and bustle of Singaporeâis an unforgettable experience.
How to get to Pulau Ubin: To get to the island, take a 15min-long bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal any time from 6:00am to 7:00pm. There is no fixed schedule and the bumboat leaves whenever 12 individuals fill the seats on the boat.
Price: S$4 per person, with an additional S$2 to bring a bicycle onboard.
Pro-tip: Do bring along more food and water as Pulau Ubin is as ulu (deserted) as it gets. Pack them in airtight containers to avoid attracting unwanted guests to your tents!
2. Camp at East Coast Park for action-packed fun
Nestled in the east, this idyllic park offers arguably the best views of Singapore's skyline. Camping here is perfect due to its many park connectors that link to different parts of Singapore, including Changi Airport and Marina Bay Sands.
Feel like taking a ride to explore the area? Take a leisurely bike ride to the nearby Jurassic Mile through the Changi Airport Connector. Explore the area before making a pit stop at the Hub & Spoke cafe. For adventure seekers looking for more thrilling fun, dive into water sports activities like wakeboarding, sailing, and kayaking.
Similar to other parks, camping is only permitted at designated areas at East Coast Park. In this case, itâd be within Area D and Area G. Pitch your tents at Area D to be closer to the facilities (and of course people) or Area G for a more serene camping experience.
Compared to camping in Pulau Ubin, East Coast Park is a more convenient spot for camping as amenities are available throughout the park, and shops like convenience stores and eateries are also conveniently located at different parts of the park.
How to get to East Coast Park: Take the train to Bedok MRT station, walk to the nearby Bedok bus interchange, and board Bus 196 or 197 which drops you near the beach.
Pro-tip: Due to its close proximity to the eastern residential areas and ease of connectivity, East Coast Park can get really busy on the weekends. Opt to camp on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
3. Camp at Pulau Hantu to experience the diversity of marine life
The best way to appreciate the beauty of marine life is to dive right in and explore it first-hand. And there's no better place to do just that than camping at Pulau Hantu, located off the coast of Singapore.
Though Pulau Hantu is translated to âGhost Islandâ, it is teeming with plenty of aquatic life, making it a paradise for marine lovers. Get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful fishes and plants in the world, with plenty of water activities like diving, snorkelling, and fishing to try out.
Camp anywhere at the two islets Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil that make up Pulau Hantu. Choose Hantu Besar if you prefer to be close to the toilets with fresh water and lagoons where you can swim.
Discovering and camping on Pulau Hantu is a truly unique experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. There are no convenience stores or shops located on the island, so ensure that you bring all your camping essentials, water and sufficient food for your adventure.
How to get to Pulau Hantu: There is no regular ferry, so you must charter a boat from either West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier. Expect to pay from S$40 onwards per person.
Pro-tip: Bring along your Identity Card (IC) or passport. Donât forget to stock up on plenty of food and water as Pulau Hantu is an isolated and tiny private island, even more so than Pulau Ubin!
4. Camp at West Coast Park for family-friendly activities to do
For families who prefer to camp closer to civilisation, West Coast Park is perfect for you and the kids. Family-friendly activities include exploring the Marshland Boardwalk, looking at cute pups at the West Coast Park Dog Run, or having a go at the spacious Adventure Playground.
Do note that camping is only permitted within Area 3 at West Coast Park. Located near Area 3 are many play areas, food and areas to explore. You will find the West Coast Park Playground near the campsite, with the iconic pyramid structure for the young and young-at-heart to climb and try to reach the top, and a large sand pit where the little ones can spend hours building their sand castles and fortresses.
You will also find a McDonaldâs tucked in the corner of Area 3 with many families grabbing their favourite fast food bites. The most popular spot at Area 3 has got to be the grand lawn - a huge space for those who want to play various sports and ball games. Perfect to fly your kite as well!
How to get to West Coast Park: Take Bus 176 from Haw Par Villa MRT Station.
Pro-tip: Bring along your cameras to snap some Insta-worthy shots. Check out our guide to poses to get the best pictures!
5. Camp at Lazarus Island to feel like youâre overseas
For breathtaking sea views, head to Lazarus Island, another offshore island where you can fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
There are six campsites on the island, so you can choose your own adventure. Go for a dip in the sea, explore the island, or just relax on the beach. With its secluded location, Lazarus Island is the perfect place to get away from it all.
How to get to Lazarus Island: Take a ferry (takes approximately 40 minutes) from Marina South Pier* to St Johnâs Island and walk approximately 10 minutes to Lazarus Island.
Price: S$15 for adults, S$12 for kids and senior citizens. Prices vary for private yacht charters.
*Please check ferry schedules before heading down.
Pro-tip: Weâll let you in on a little secret: the best camping spots are at campsites C and D!
What do you need to prepare for camping in Singapore?
If youâre planning to camp at Pulau Ubin, East Coast Park, or West Coast Park, youâll need to apply for a camping permit from NParks. Individuals are only allowed to apply if they fulfill the following criteria:
- 16 years old and above
- Have valid residential address in the Republic of Singapore
- Do not have any existing camping permit; and
- Only allowed to camp for four days per month.
Meanwhile, camping at Lazarus Island is free, but youâll need to apply for a Temporary Occupation License from Singapore Land Authority at least seven days in advance.
Camping at Pulau Hantu is also free, but you must also apply for a permit from the Southern Islands Management. Similarly, individuals need seven days notice before their desired date of camping.
Camping essentials to bring along include:
- Tents and sleeping bags
- NParks camping permit
- Plenty of food like cup noodles, light snacks like bread, as well as water
- Cooking equipment and cutlery
- Toiletries, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent
- Torchlights and power banks
- Trash bags and ziploc bags
- Light-weight, loose-fitting clothing for the hot weather
- Swimwear if you intend to take a dip in the surrounding waters
Pro-tip: Rent or bring along a bike for your camping trips on the mainland to get to amenities quickly, especially if youâre craving for that cold bottle of Coke or a warm, fluffy burger!
Experience the outdoors like never before by camping in Singapore
Camping is one of the best ways to connect with nature and enjoy some time away from the busy city life. Get ready to pack your camping gear, pitch a tent, and fall asleep under the stars in Singapore!
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