Secret beaches in Singapore

By jonty

Lately, I’ve been feeling like time is slipping through my fingers. The kids are growing up so fast, and I’m just trying to hold onto the moments — the little ones, the quiet ones, the unforgettable ones. So any opportunity to spend one-on-one time with them, making memories, I’ll take it.

Earlier this year, we bought snorkels for a trip to Sydney. But being tropical by default, we quickly bailed on the idea once we hit the cold waters. The snorkels went unused... until recently.

Aspen and I had been chatting about the “secret beaches” — a row of quiet little spots just 20 minutes from home that always seem to be empty. We’ve cycled past them many times. So we packed our unused snorkels, some optimism, and a shared sense of curiosity, and set out for a mini adventure. We love using Singapore's extensive Park Connector Network. Kilometers of smooth tracks winding around the island that are made just for wheels and walkers.

Singapores "dinosaurs"

We were barely onto the secret beach when we had our first surprise — monitor lizards, lots of them. Lazing on the sand and tucked into the foliage, they looked like real-life dinosaurs. It felt like we had stepped into a prehistoric postcard. Aspen was wide-eyed, the way kids get when their imagination is confirmed by the real world. Even though we see these creatures every week we can’t help but stop and be amazed by them. 

We got ourselves sorted and slipped into the warm shallow waters, snorkels on, expectations low. We knew Singapore’s best reefs are down south near the islands, not near Punggol where we were. But it didn’t matter. This was about exploring together.

The water was a little murky, stirred up by the waves, but Aspen didn’t mind. After swimming around a little bit we knew to stop and stay still to let the sand settle before being able to see what we could find. it wasn’t long until Aspen saw hermit crabs — her absolute favorite — scuttling between rocks and seaweed. She gently picked them up and placed them on stones, watching them run off like tiny adventurers of their own.

Not tropical paradise. No coral gardens. But still, magic.

After the beach, we capped off our day with Aspen’s favourite Friday tradition: bubble tea. No day is truly complete for her without a sweet treat — and I’ll admit, it’s become one of those simple moments to enjoy together, because sometimes those can be the most special. 

That’s the theme of this season of life, I think. Simplicity. Presence. Gratitude.

We didn’t find vibrant reefs or schools of tropical fish. We found something even better: time together, laughter, discovery, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty right around the corner.

I’m learning that I don’t always, need to plan big trips or grand adventures to make memories. Sometimes, a short cycle, a quiet beach, and the wonder in my daughter’s eyes is enough.

We’ll be back — with Mum and Milo next time. There’s always more to explore.

Bubble tea Friday