Water activities at 3 Sentosa beaches still on hold a day after crocodile first sighted
This is the first reported crocodile sighting around Sentosa’s waters to date.
A crocodile sighting in the waters off Sentosa Cove on Jan 31, 2026. (Photo: CNA reader)
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SINGAPORE: Water activities, including swimming and kayaking, were still halted at Sentosa's Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches, a day after a crocodile was spotted in the waters off Sentosa Cove on Saturday (Jan 31) evening.
The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) said in a Facebook post that the National Parks Board (NParks) and SDC were alerted to the sighting.
"As the sighting was assessed to be valid, a joint team was immediately activated to search for it. The search by NParks and SDC is currently ongoing."
In an update on Facebook, SDC said it and NParks were aware of reported sightings of the crocodile on Sunday off the waters of Marina South Pier on Sunday.
NParks activated a team to conduct surveillance there, SDC said.
Monitoring and surveillance efforts at Sentosa and Marina South Pier are ongoing, SDC said.
Earlier on Sunday, SDC told CNA that this is the first reported crocodile sighting around Sentosa’s waters to date, and that joint search and surveillance operations were continuing.
"As the island is surrounded by natural waterways, occasional wildlife sightings may occur from time to time."
Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches remain open, water activities are not allowed as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing search, with SDC earlier saying it had “stepped up" patrols and monitoring across Sentosa’s beachfront areas, and safety signs are in place.
Additional measures, if needed, will be implemented in consultation with NParks, it added.
The Singapore Land Authority on Sunday also advised members of the public, in a Facebook post, to avoid water activities at St John’s, Seringat, Lazarus and Kusu Islands until further notice.
Pictures and videos of the crocodile swimming off Sentosa Cove first circulated on social media on Saturday evening, with crowds gathering along the shoreline.
SIGNS PUT UP
When CNA arrived at Palawan Beach at 10.28am on Sunday, signs warning of a crocodile sighting had already been put up to alert the public.
The suspension of water activities prompted the postponement of the MetaSprint Series Aquathlon event along Palawan Beach.
"We understand this is disappointing - many of you have been looking forward to this event and have trained extensively for it. However, the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff remains our highest priority," organisers MetaSport said in a statement on its website on Sunday.
Members of the public are advised to stay calm and back away slowly if they encounter a crocodile, and not approach, provoke or feed the animal.
They should also adhere strictly to safety signs and instructions on the ground.
Any sightings or encounters should be reported to NParks' Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.
In 2023, a nearly 3m-long saltwater crocodile was put down over public safety concerns. It had been sighted on a beach at Marina East Drive and later found near East Coast Park.
Then-Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How said the crocodile had been assessed to pose a “significant risk” to public safety.
Additional reporting by Charmaine Jacob.
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