Stargazing is one of those activities you probably never knew you could do in Singapore – but guess what, there are more places for you to do it than you probably think! For starters, it’s a completely free activity that does not require much planning (unless you are planning to snap professional photographs).
Due to the light pollution and high-rise buildings in Singapore, it can be difficult to find a good spot where you can have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, but not totally impossible!
Here are some of the best spots to stargaze and catch the occasional lunar eclipse at, as recommended by stargazing experts and professional photographers:
1. Seletar Rocket Tower
Situated in Upper Seletar Reservoir, this rocket tower is more than just another Instagrammable place.
Although not a new feature (it was built in 1969), photographers started realising that this is the perfect spot for stargazing, thanks to the unobstructed view of the night sky from the 18 m tall, 6-level rocket. It is also situated a good distance from multiple light sources such as HDB flats, hence you get darker skies that are perfect for spotting stars.
How to get there: Take bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange and alight at the fourth bus-stop once the bus turns into Mandai Road from Upper Thomson Road.
2. Changi Boardwalk
If you live in the east, you’re in luck – this side of Singapore offers many great places for stargazing and catching of lunar eclipses when they happen, thanks to its distance from the brightly-lit city centre.
Also known as Changi Point Coastal Walk, Changi Boardwalk is nestled at the western end of Changi Point. It consists of six distinct sections and offers a clear stunning view of the coastline, making this a popular spot for a leisurely evening stroll. Take a walk here after dinner and wait for the sky to turn dark – the starry view you get is absolutely satisfying.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT station. From there, take bus 2.
3. Changi Beach Park
Changi Beach Park is one of the oldest beaches in Singapore, so most of the older folks will know that this is a top spot for catching a meteor shower or simply watching the stars at night.
It has a distinct kampong vibe that attracts a sizeable crowd that is smaller than that of, say, East Coast Park, making this a great place to hang out at if you want to stargaze without the noise.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT Station. From there, take bus 2.
4. East Coast Park
East Coast Park is well-known for being a cycling hub and picnic location, but did you know that this is also one of the most popular stargazing spots among photographers and astronomy enthusiasts? Once the sun sets, you will see many photographers setting up their gear across the park in hopes of catching great shots!
You’re encouraged to sit on the soft warm sand and enjoy the sounds of the gentle waves for a relaxing night out. Alternatively, you could go to the peak of the bougainvillea tower for a better view, or hold a BBQ at Pits 57 – 66 with your family and friends under the star-studded sky.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Bedok MRT Station. From there, take either bus 401 (weekends only) or bus 197 to Marine Parade Road outside Parkway Parade and walk through the underpass.
5. Labrador Park
Labrador Park is part of the Southern Ridges and contains the only rocky sea-cliff in Singapore, offering a panoramic view of the sea, cliffside vegetation, and of course the unfiltered night sky littered with bright stars.
What makes stargazing at Labrador Park really special is the fact that this park is home to a variety of bird species, including the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole, so you can revel in the beautiful chirping of these birds as you count the stars up above.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Labrador Park MRT station.
6. Lorong Halus Bridge
The Lorong Halus bridge stretches over the Punggol Waterway and offers an amazing stretch of the sky for you to look at as you walk down the bridge.
It is located very far from the city centre and takes quite a bit of effort to get to, but that also means it’s considerably less crowded than other stargazing places and far from light pollution – no pain, no gain!
How to get there: Take the LRT to Riviera station and then walk to Lorong Halus Wetland.
7. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Although located near the Orchard area, Botanic Gardens is one of the most tranquil places in Singapore with less light pollution. Although the view here may not be as spectacular as that of other stargazing spots, it is still a great choice if you don’t want to travel so far.
You are encouraged to soak up the starry view while relaxing at the open fields by the Eco Lake, Symphony Lake, Swan Lake, and the Bandstand – there are also occasional free open-air concerts at night, so you can enjoy the music while looking up at the stars in the sky.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Botanic Gardens MRT Station.
8. West Coast Park
This family-friendly park is the go-to for many families on weekends, but it’s not as crowded as you may fear it to be. For starters, it sits on 50 hectares of land that includes a camping site, barbecue pits, a dog run, and a huge playground with eight sets of play areas – there’s plenty of space everywhere!
Bring your very own telescope and set up camp on its lush grass patches, or just sit along the shoreline and watch the lights from both the ships and stars. There is also a McDonald’s located in the park if you want to grab supper with your friends after stargazing.
How to get there: Take bus 175 from Clementi Bus Interchange and alight opposite McDonald’s at West Coast Park.
9. Springleaf Nature Park
Opened to the public in 2014, the 6-hectare Springleaf Nature Park is located around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and is home to over 80 species of birds, making this one of the best nature parks to hang out at if you live in the central area of Singapore.
This park is widely-acknowledged to be one of the top 3 least light-polluted spots in Singapore, so it is extremely popular among astronomy groups that organise stargazing parties. Feel free to join them – they will be more than happy to share their stargazing expertise and tips with you!
How to get there: Take bus 138, 167, 169 or 980 and alight at the bus stop outside the former Nessea Club.
10. Yishun Dam
This secluded area is so far-flung that it used to be accessible only by taxi or car – it was only in recent times that a bus service was added, but even so you’ll still have to walk a bit to get to this stargazing spot.
Facing the northern sea, Yishun Dam is usually very quiet so you can have an undisturbed conversation with your friends while appreciating the twinkling stars.
How to get there: Take bus 804 from Yishun Bus Interchange and alight at the 10th stop (along Yishun Ave 1).
11. Science Centre Observatory Singapore
For those who want an even closer look at the stars, you can actually get some help at the Science Centre Observatory!
The Science Centre Observatory organises free weekly stargazing sessions every Friday from January to mid-November. Between mid-November to December, the observatory conducts these sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays.
You can marvel at the clear view of the stars, moons, and even planets using their sophisticated telescopes. Even if you have never used a telescope before, rest assured that the Science Centre staff and members of The Astronomical Society of Singapore (TASOS) will be on site to guide you.
How to get there: Take bus 66, 178, 198 or 335 to the bus stop outside Science Centre. You can also take bus 66 or 335, or walk 8 minutes from Jurong MRT Station.
12. Andromeda Observatory Singapore
Located at the Galaxy Community Centre (CC) in Woodlands, the Andromeda Observatory hosts weekly stargazing sessions on Fridays and Saturday. You just need to pay SGD1 in order for a chance to use the powerful telescope to view the solar system, including the Andromeda Galaxy that the observatory is named after.
If you love to watch the stars and want to keep coming back, you can also sign up for a 12-month membership for only SGD12 (SGD10 for Passion Card members).
How to get there: Take the MRT to Admiralty MRT Station, then walk for 5 minutes.
13. Pulau Ubin
Many astronomy enthusiasts and photographers will tell you that the best place to stargaze is overseas, and they are not wrong – Pulau Ubin, the island northeast of mainland Singapore, is possibly the best place in Singapore to stargaze and catch spectacular lunar eclipses. Thanks to the fact that there are so few households and no high-rise buildings left on the island, there is also less light pollution at night in the area, so you’ll have a higher chance of seeing stars.
You can hike or cycle in the day, indulge in a hearty dinner at one of the seafood restaurants located near the jetty, and then spend the night camping at either the Marman Campsite or Jelutung Campsite to do stargazing at the quiet beaches. You don’t need a permit to camp at one of the campsites, but it is advisable to inform the Pulau Ubin Police Post about your plans.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then board bus 2 to Changi Village Bus Interchange. Walk to the Changi Point Jetty nearby to take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin.
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