Palawan Beach and Palawan Island: A Tropical Escape | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuidePalawan Beach is often called the ‘family-friendly’ heart of Sentosa’s coastline. Flanked by Siloso Beach to the west and Tanjong Beach to the east, it is famous for its calm, turquoise lagoons, and soft white sand. The highlight of this area is a small offshore islet known as Palawan Island, which is linked to the main beach by a picturesque suspension bridge and holds the title of the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia, even though technically this is not correct.
You can either walk here from Beach Station, or take the free Sentosa Beach Shuttle.
A = Palawan Beach
B = Palawan Island
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
Why You Should Visit
This is the best spot on the island for a mix of relaxation and a ‘geographic’ milestone. While Siloso is for parties and Tanjong is for seclusion, Palawan offers the most balanced atmosphere. Crossing the swaying suspension bridge is a quintessential Sentosa experience, leading you to a tranquil islet where you can stand at the edge of the continent (symbolically) and look out at the endless horizon of the South China Sea.
What is Special About It?
- The Iconic Suspension Bridge: Made of wood, rope, and chain, this bridge sways gently as you walk across the water. It is a favorite spot for photography, especially when framed by the palm trees on either side.
- The Southernmost Point: Once you cross the bridge, you are on Palawan Island. A wooden sign officially marks the spot as the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia, providing a great ‘bragging right’ for your visit.
- Dual Viewing Towers: The islet features two four-story wooden observation towers connected by a high-level walkway. Climbing these towers provides a bird’s-eye view of the beach, the island’s interior, and the massive cargo ships anchored in the Singapore Strait.
- The Palawan @ Sentosa: This recently refreshed lifestyle destination on the beach features a variety of unique sub-attractions, including HyperDrive (an indoor electric go-kart circuit), UltraGolf (an 18-hole beachside mini-golf course), and the Splash Tribe sandcastle-themed water playground.
- HydroDash: Usually anchored in the lagoon, this is Singapore’s first floating aqua park—a massive inflatable obstacle course where you can climb, slide, and leap into the sea.
History and Facts
- From Reef to Island: Palawan Island was originally a natural reef known as Terumbu Palawan. Through land reclamation in the late 20th century, it was expanded into the permanent sandy islet you see today.
- The ‘Southernmost’ Debate: While Singapore is an island and the islet is further separated by a bridge, the claim to being the southernmost point of ‘Continental’ Asia is based on the fact that Singapore is connected to Malaysia (and thus the mainland) by a permanent causeway.
- Etymology: The name ‘Palawan’ is likely a variant of the Malay word Pahlawan, which means ‘warrior’ or ‘hero’, echoing the island’s history as a strategic lookout point.
- Safety First: The beach is closely supervised by Beach Patrol Officers; for your safety, you should always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours |
Beach: 24 hours; Suspension Bridge/Towers: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
Admission Fee |
Free to access the beach and the islet |
Best Time to Go |
Late Afternoon (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM) for cooler temperatures and the best golden hour lighting. |
Getting There |
Take the free Beach Shuttle from Beach Station and alight at the Palawan Beach stop. |
Accessibility |
The beach has wheelchair-accessible boardwalks. However, the suspension bridge and viewing towers are not accessible for wheelchairs or heavy strollers. |
Snorkeling |
There is no snorkeling; the water is very hazy, and the sea floor is sandy |
Traveler Tip
If you are visiting on the first Sunday of the month, the Southernmost Point islet usually closes early at 5:00 PM for sunset yoga sessions. On all other days, try to be on the viewing towers around 6:15 PM; the sea breeze is at its strongest then, and you can watch the sky begin to change color just before the bridge area closes for the evening.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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