In the country that never sleeps, catching an early morning sun can be a compelling activity. Apart from the buildings and cascades that decorate Singapore, there are some wooing and versatile sites to catch the sunrise and the sunset.
Sunrise Timings in Singapore
6:58 AM
Sunset Time in Singapore
7:15 PM
Here are some of the must-visit sites to watch the sunrise and sunset in Singapore:1. Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage is a dam that was formed as a confluence of five rivers of Singapore. It is a park planted with trees and laid with cycle tracks. The Singapore skyline can be seen against the rising and setting sun from the opposite side of the park. Apart from watching the sunrise and the sunset, the park is typically a jogging and picnic destination.
Location: 8 Marina Gardens
2. Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a hill with was once the Headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks. To reach the hilltop, you are going to have to trek for about 25 minutes. There are now nine historical gardens mounted on the 48-meter tall hill, each of which serves as an amazing sunrise and sunset watching destination.
Location: River Valley Road.
3. Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is an offshore island in the northeast of Singapore. Ferry rides and bumboats are available from 5:30 AM from Changi Point Ferry Terminal every day. If you don’t want to miss out on the sunrise, then set your alarm clocks to 6:00 AM. The area around has a glimpse of Singapore in the 1960s. The Pulau Ubin is filtered with crisscross footpaths, bike rentals and cycle trails.
Ferry Ride Fee:
SGD 3 for 15 minutes
Location: Northeast Singapore
4. Marina Bay
This is the area that most people working in corporate cross every day, due to the adjacent Central Business District, but very few actually get here early enough to catch one of the most spectacular views of the sunrise. The early morning skyline of Marina Bay is a sight to behold. If you hang out here long enough, you can visit popular attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, etc and also shop at the posh malls nearby.Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue
5. Changi Boardwalk
If watching the sunrise from a coastal front is your thing, you need to be here at 6:30 AM. The most amazing sunrise, followed by exercise, makes for a perfect start to the day. The visitors are spoilt for choice as they can choose to jog on the 2.2 km concrete boardwalk or on the sand at Changi beach right opposite the Boardwalk.Location: 7A Gosport Rd
6. Pasir Ris Park
Pasir Ris Park is one of the largest parks in the country. It is open 24 hours and is an amazing camping site. Watch the sunset and fall asleep under the stars, and wake to the most magnificent view of the sunrise, accompanied by the sound of sea waves from the beach along the park. If you want to reconnect with nature, you can head to the three-storeyed bird watching tower later to observe birds in their natural surroundings.Location: Along, Pasir Ris Central, Opposite Pasir Ris MRT Station
7. Yishun Dam
While Yishun dam is a favourite go-to destination for watching sunset and sunrise in Singapore, frequented by friends and families alike to spend some quality time. It isn’t everyone’s first choice when it comes to catching a mesmerizing view of the sunrise. And that makes it even better. Less crowd, more silence, just being with yourself and your thoughts makes it a perfect spot for the early risers.Location: Yishun Ave 1
8. Punggol Waterway Park
The fact that one of the bridges here is called the Sunrise bridge is a testimony to it being one of the best sunrise spots in Singapore. Post sunrise, you can engage in activities such as inline skating, cycling, jogging; if you have kids, and you happen to pick a holiday to visit here, you can make an outing of it by playing with them in the water playground.Location: Sentul Cres, Punggol
9. Coney Island
An ecologically sustainable park focused on conservation of energy and water, Coney Island gives you a splendid view of the sunset and sunrise in Singapore, while giving you the satisfaction of a place contributing in some way towards climate change. You can catch a guided tour of the park later, and learn about the biodiversity and history of the park, as well as try to spot the 80 different species of birds found here.Location: Off the northeastern coast of Singapore within the town of Punggol
10. Merlion Park
Merlion symbolizes Singapore’s identity as a fishing village, back when it was known as Temasek. At the Merlion Park, this heritage is combined with a splendid view of the country’s skyline against the backdrop of the setting and rising sun. It is a popular spot with tourists as well as photographers. Don’t forget to take a selfie while here.Location: 1 Fullerton Road, One Fullerton
11. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay itself is a delight to the eyes in the evenings when it is lit up. But early morning, when the sunlight is reflected from the adjacent Dragonfly lake, it is a visual treat like no other. Head here at around 5:00 AM to see the transition from artificial to natural lighting, with the most beautiful sunrise ever, in the midst of fresh air, and head to one of the many joints nearby for a scrumptious breakfast.Location: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
12. Woodlands Waterfront Park
Morning strolls along the pathway of the 11-hectare extensive park often manifest a magnificent sunrise in Singapore. The 1.5 km long promenade overlooks the Straits of Johor. Visitors usually carry their bicycles and roller-skates in the park laid down with cycle tracks. Other everyday morning activities include exercise and working out.
Location: 6A Admirality Road
13. Mount Faber Park
Located on Bukit Timah Hill, the stumpy slopes of Mount Faber Park offer yet another glimpse of the beautiful Singapore sunrise and sunset skies. The park is covered by secondary rain forest, murals of the local and culturally prominent historical events. The hill is 105 meters in height and thus proves to be a trekking spot. Other everyday activities enjoyed by the visitors include dining, bird watching, exercising and reviewing the heritage site. There are cable cars available to reach the top of the hill.
Cable car fee: (per head)
Adults: SGD 35
Children: SGD 25
Location: Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Road
14. Kranji Reservoir Park
Kranji Reservoir Park was built in the memory of martyrs who lost their lives in the battle of Kranji during World War II. Apart from being a picnic spot and a fishing reserve at designated areas, the park can be visited for watching the sunset and sunrise in Singapore.
Location: 30 Kranji Way Singapore
15. Sembawang Park
Sembawang Park adheres to a picturesque glimpse of a beach sunrise and sunset. The 15-hectare vast park is also a favourite fishing spot and a barbecuing site.
Location: Sembawang Road
16. Tanjong Rhu
Tanjong Rhu is a promenade located opposite to Costa Rhu. There is a river between the two boardwalks with a connecting bridge. The site is picturesque and forms a perfect sunset and sunrise spot in Singapore.
Location: Fort Road in district Katong in Singapore
17. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park follows the Heritage Bridge. The jetties at PA Water Venture make it all the more picturesque and provide a vague surreal atmosphere. The Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is a favourite spot for kayaking and dragon-boating.
Location: East of Yishun Town
18. East Coast Park
Eastcoast Park lays on Marine Parade. The beach is a familiar picnic spot. Sports such as volleyball and swimming are some of the usual activities.
Location: E Coastpark Service Road.
Things to Carry
To catch the spectacular view of Sunrise in Singapore as a picnic, absolute essentials are
1. A mat
2. A healthy fruit bowl for breakfast (optional)
3. Sunglasses
4. Sunscreen
Usually, waking up half an hour before sunrise is enough preparation time, but it also depends on the distance of your stay form the perfect sunrise spot.
Transport in Singapore
The Mass Raid Transits or MRTs and buses start operating between 5:30 AM and 5:50 AM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the train starts from 7:00 AM, but the sunrise might be missed, so it's preferable to catch the MRTs or buses.
Singapore offers a lot more than watching the sunrise. Weekdays can begin with energising activities, and splendid Sundays can be spent barbecuing along with the sunrise.
~This article is written by Sneha Modi~