To many Singaporean citizens and residents, living near East Coast Park is a welcome respite from the bustle of the busy city’s centre, offering a lifestyle that feels significantly different than living in other neighbourhoods.
For residents around Vela Bay, the park is not just a weekend destination but part of everyday life. Morning jogs along the coastline, evening walks by the sea, and spontaneous cycling trips become easy habits when Singapore’s most beloved parks sit just minutes away.
Yet, these lush, tranquil surroundings still enjoy proximity to the city’s centre and other key destinations which lie just a short drive or MRT ride away, offering excellent connectivity and convenient commuting.
East Coast Park
Drawing an estimated 7.5 million visitors annually, East Coast Park is Singapore’s largest park at 185 hectares, stretching 15km along the southeastern coastline and covered with endless recreational facilities.
For lucky East Coast residents, East Coast Park is not simply a weekend destination for selected outings, but it has become a daily extension of home and routines.
For Vela Bay residents, you can access the park from the Bayshore underpass, cycle east to Changi Beach Park via the 12km Coastal Park Connector (passing the Changi Jurassic Mile), or west toward Marina Bay via the Eastern Coastal Loop.
The total connected network exceeds 40km of uninterrupted riding. While multiple bike rental kiosks operate along the park for visitors, most residents have their own bikes.
Water sports options include Singapore Wake Park (cable wakeboarding at East Coast Lagoon), stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The Marine Cove playground and the Coastal PlayGrove with its four-storey vertical climbing structure are the main draws for families with young children, while Xtreme Skatepark caters to older kids and teenagers.
For runners, the park connector network links East Coast Park to Bedok Reservoir Park (a 4.3km loop around the reservoir), giving Bayshore residents access to two entirely different running environments within a 10-minute bike ride of each other.
The Food Scene
The East Coast area is the epitome of food-crazy Singapore, where dining isn’t just an activity, but an obsession.
East Coast Lagoon Food Village (short walk/bike ride): This legendary hawker centre sits directly on the beach. This open-air food centre houses some of Singapore’s most well-known hawker stalls selling all the local favorites.
Katong and Joo Chiat (10 min drive / 3 MRT stops): In Singapore’s Peranakan food heartland, this area boasts loads of local favorites and one of Singapore’s most vibrant independent F&B strips with specialty coffee, natural wine bars, craft bakeries, and restaurant concepts.
Siglap (5 min drive): The neighbourhood dining strip along Upper East Coast Road, this is where locals eat on weeknights. Less polished and more down-to-earth, the area also houses wine bars, Japanese izakayas, and trendy bakeries.
Bedok 85 Food Centre (8 min drive): The East’s most legendary supper destination that operates late into the night. The BBQ chicken wings and bak chor mee draw crowds across the country.
Upper East Coast Road shophouses: Walking distance from Bayshore, heritage restaurants sit alongside newer cafes.
Weekend Shopping and Errands
As of now, it is important to note that the Bayshore area doesn’t have any major retail options, which will change with the Bayshore Drive integrated development. Until then, residents rely on existing malls nearby.
Bedok Mall (3.2km): The nearest full-service mall with a FairPrice Finest supermarket, cinema, food court, and a good spread of retail.
Parkway Parade (5.4km): The East Coast’s anchor mall with a Cold Storage supermarket, department stores, and Marine Parade’s community hub.
Siglap Centre and Upper East Coast Road shophouses: For daily essentials, pet supplies, hardware, and neighbourhood service.
i12 Katong (4km): Small and cosy lifestyle mall serving the Katong-Joo Chiat belt.
Flourishing Expat Community
The East Coast has historically attracted a healthy share of Singapore’s expatriate community, particularly families. Changi Airport is a 10-minute drive, making international travel a breeze, while numerous international schools like Canadian International School at Tanjong Katong, Global Indian International School, and Australian International School are all within a short drive.
This tenant profile matters for investors, as expat families typically sign 2-year leases, are less likely to break leases, and are willing to pay premiums for proximity to schools and outdoor recreation.
Healthcare
Singapore’s stellar healthcare system offers a wealth of options, like Parkway East Hospital, approximately 4km away, and Changi General Hospital at 8km.
Multiple GP clinics operate along East Coast Road and within the Bayshore cluster itself, while the upcoming Bayshore plans include healthcare facilities along the community spine.
Find out more about Vela Bay’s Price and PSF details.