Great parks and gardens for days out on days off. Shaded walk by the sea on the East Coast Park or whole days cycling adventures on Singapore own Coney Island. Enjoy a shaded walk by the sea on the East Coast Park or whole days cycling adventures in Singapore own Coney Island. Tropical beaches and rain forest for relaxing, exploring and learning all easily accessible by car and public transport in no time.
Public Parks and Garden across Singapore
East Coast Park
For a leisurely and enjoyable way to spend your day, you should visit East Coast Park in Singapore. It is a scenic and spacious park that offers a variety of activities, attractions and amenities for all ages and interests. View of the shipping lane, don’t worry the beaches are not polluted, Singapore shipping is highly regulated. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit the East Coast Park.
Located along the southeastern coast of Singapore, running parallel to the fabulous East Coast Parkway (ECP) an express way linking the city and the airport. The east coast park was built on reclaimed land. It has a panoramic view of the sea and the city skyline, as well as a refreshing sea breeze. You can admire the beauty of nature and the urban landscape at the same time. Also providing a fascinating view of Singapore shipping harbored safely in Singapore protected territories, waiting access to the worlds largest port out side of China and second largest in the world.
World-class skate park called “Xtreme SkatePark”, where you can enjoy skateboarding, inline skating and BMX riding. It has a street course, a vertical bowl and a combo bowl that cater to different levels of skills and challenges. You can also watch professional skaters and riders perform amazing tricks and stunts.
Water sports park called Cable Ski Park, where you can experience cable skiing, wakeboarding and knee-boarding. You can glide on the water without a boat, using a cable system that pulls you along. You can also learn from professional instructors or join competitions at this park.
Facilities for barbecues, picnics and dining. You can have a barbecue or picnic with your family and friends by the beach under the swaying coconut palms and casuarinas. You can also enjoy delicious local and international cuisines at the many restaurants, cafes and bars that line the beach.
Public restrooms that are equipped with shower facilities, so you can wash up after your activities. The restrooms are located at Areas B1, B2, C1, C4, D1, D5, F1, F2, G1 and G21. You can also find drinking fountains and vending machines at various locations in the park.
Ample car parking spaces that are available in different areas of the park. You can also access the park by public transport or taxi. The nearest MRT stations are Bedok (EW5) and Kembangan (EW6), which are connected to the park by bus.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
One of the largest urban parks in central Singapore, covering an area of 62 hectares. It is a great place for families to have a fun day out, as it features lush greenery, a meandering river, a playground, a dog run, and various dining options. The park is also home to a wide array of biodiversity, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and fish.
The park has two main sections: Pond Gardens and River Plains. Pond Gardens is located near Bishan Road and has four large ponds where you can see lotus flowers, water lilies, and aquatic animals. River Plains is located near Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 and has a naturalised river that flows through the park, creating a scenic and serene environment.
There are several walking trails in the park that you can explore, ranging from 1.5 km to 3 km in length. The trails are mostly paved and flat, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You can also rent a bicycle from the kiosks near the park entrances and cycle along the park connector network that links the park to other green spaces in Singapore.
The Spa by the River: This is a relaxing spot where you can enjoy a massage or a facial treatment by the river. The spa offers various services such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and body scrubs. You can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the cafe next to the spa.
The Inclusive Playground: This is an all-access play facility for children with different abilities. It features wheelchair-accessible swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds, as well as sensory play elements such as musical instruments and tactile panels. The playground aims to promote social inclusion and interaction among children of all backgrounds and abilities.
The Butterfly Habitat: This is a small garden that attracts various species of butterflies with its colourful flowers and plants. You can observe the butterflies as they flutter around and feed on the nectar. You can also learn more about their life cycle and behaviour from the information boards.
The park has several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a snack after your walk: “Grub” is a casual dining place that serves burgers, pasta, salads, and desserts made with fresh and quality ingredients. They also have a selection of craft beers and wines to go with your food. “Burp Kitchen & Bar” for bar food burgers pasta and bear. The clown also has a branch of his burger joint.
To get to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, you can take the MRT to Bishan or Ang Mo Kio stations and then take a bus or walk to the park entrances. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi to the park. There are four car parks in the park: Car Park A near Bishan Road; Car Park B near Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1; Car Park C near Marymount Road; and Car Park D near Sin Ming Avenue.
Thomson Nature Park
Thomson Nature Park is a nature park in Singapore that opened in 2019. It covers an area of 50 hectares and is located next to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The park is unique for its rich cultural heritage as the site of a former Hainan Village that was established in the 1930s by immigrants from Hainan Island in China. It is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species such as the Raffles’ banded langur (a type of monkey) and the straw-headed bulbul (a type of bird).
The park has five walking trails that span a total of 3.8 km. The trails are mostly dirt paths and boardwalks that follow the former village’s road network. They are moderately easy to walk, but some sections may be steep or slippery. You can also rent a bicycle from the kiosk near the park entrance and cycle along the trails.
The Ruins and Figs Trail is a 0.8 km trail that showcases the heritage highlights of the Hainan Village. You can see the carefully conserved ruins of some of the village houses, such as the headman’s house, the provision shop, and the barbershop. You can also see some of the fig trees that were planted by the villagers for food and medicine.
The Stream and Ferns Trail is a 0.7 km trail that allows you to appreciate the freshwater habitat in the park and observe the diversity of ferns and aquatic animals. You can see the clear stream that runs through the park and supports various fish, crabs, and dragonflies. You can also see different types of ferns, such as the bird’s nest fern, the staghorn fern, and the resurrection fern.
The Rambutan Trail is a 0.9 km trail that leads you through a fruit orchard that was once cultivated by the villagers. You can see various fruit trees, such as rambutan, durian, jackfruit, and mango. You can also spot some wildlife, such as squirrels, birds, and butterflies.
The Macaque Trail is a 0.7 km trail that brings you closer to the forest edge where you may encounter some of the resident macaques (a type of monkey) in the park. You can learn more about their behaviour and ecology from the information boards along the trail. You can also see some of the native plants that provide food and shelter for the macaques, such as figs, palms, and lianas.
The Langur Trail is a 0.7 km trail that takes you to one of the best spots to observe the rare Raffles’ banded langur in its natural habitat. The langur is a black-and-white monkey that is critically endangered in Singapore and only found in a few forest patches. You can use binoculars or spotting scopes to look for them in the treetops.
The park has a visitor centre where you can learn more about the history and biodiversity of the park through interactive exhibits and displays. There is also a restroom and a water cooler at the visitor centre. There are no restaurants or cafes in the park, but you can bring your food and drinks and have a picnic at one of the designated areas.
To get to Thomson Nature Park, you can take bus number 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT station or bus number 167 from Upper Thomson Road and alight at Old Upper Thomson Road opposite Sembawang Hill Food Centre. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes to reach the park entrance. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi to the park. There is a car park near the visitor centre with about 30 lots.
Labrador Nature Reserve
The Labrador Nature Reserve is located in the southern part of mainland Singapore, along Labrador Villa Road. It is home to the only rocky sea cliff on the mainland that is accessible to the public. It is also the site of many historical relics and natural artefacts, most of which date from the Second World War and earlier periods of time.
The park is divided into two main areas: the nature reserve and the coastal walk. The nature reserve is a forested area that contains a variety of flora and fauna, such as 70 kinds of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and numerous tree species. The coastal walk is a boardwalk that runs along the shoreline and offers a panoramic view of the sea and the nearby islands.
The best way to explore the park is to start from the Berlayer Creek entrance, which is near the Labrador Park MRT station. From there, you can follow the mangrove trail that leads to the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk, where you can enjoy the breeze and the scenery. Along the way, you can spot various wildlife, such as mudskippers, crabs, herons, and kingfishers.
After crossing the boardwalk, you can enter the nature reserve and follow the Alexandra Garden Trail, which will take you through a lush forest with many interesting plants, such as fig trees, rubber trees, and “Membusu” trees. You can also learn more about the history of the park by visiting the war relics, such as the artillery pieces and machine gun posts that date back to WWII.
The trail will end at the Carpark A entrance, where you can exit the park or continue to explore other attractions, such as the Labrador Secret Tunnels, which are underground passages that were used by British soldiers during WWII. You can also visit Comchest Green, which is a park extension that showcases many species of plants and flowers. The total length of the walk is about 2.5 km and it will take about an hour to complete.
You can stop and rest at any of the benches or shelters along the way. There are also toilets and water coolers available at both entrances. You can also find some eateries nearby, such as Tamarind Hill Restaurant or Keppel Club. To get back to your starting point, you can either take a bus or walk back along the same route. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a Grab from Carpark A. There are also bike-sharing services available if you prefer to cycle around.
Hindhede Nature Park
Hindhede Nature Park is a hidden gem located next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It is a tranquil and scenic park that offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, families, and hikers. The park features a quarry pool, a playground, a visitor centre, and several walking trails that showcase the rich biodiversity of the park.
One of the highlights of the park is the Hindhede Quarry, which was once a granite quarry site. The quarry pool is now filled with clear water and surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation. You can enjoy the stunning view of the quarry from the lookout point or the wooden platform near the water’s edge. The quarry is also home to some wildlife, such as fish, turtles, and monitor lizards.
Another attraction of the park is the Hindhede Nature Trail, which is a 0.8 km loop trail that takes you through the secondary forest and past some rare native plants. Some of these plants are named after Singapore, such as the Singapore Rhododendron and the Singapore Kopsia. You can also spot some birds, squirrels, and butterflies along the trail.
The park also has a playground for children to have fun and an exhibition gallery at the visitor centre to learn more about the history and ecology of the park. The park is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as the trails are mostly flat and well-paved. The park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily and admission is free. You can get to the park by bus or car from Bukit Timah Road or Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Windsor Nature Park
Windsor Nature Park is one of Singapore’s newest parks that opened in 2017. It is located near Upper Thomson Road and serves as a green buffer zone between Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the urban areas. The park has three hiking trails and a canopy walkway that showcase the natural beauty and diversity of the park.
One of the trails is the Hanguana Trail, which is named after a genus of plants that are endemic to Singapore. The trail is lined with rare native plants that have been conserved or reintroduced in the park. Some of these plants include orchids, ferns, gingers, and palms. The trail also has a freshwater stream that supports various aquatic animals.
The third trail is the Drongo Trail, which features a sub-canopy walkway that allows you to observe the fauna that lives under the canopy level. You can see some monkeys, flying lemurs, civets, bats, and drongos in this layer. You can also learn more about their behaviour and ecology from the information boards along the walkway.
The park also has a visitor centre where you can find interactive exhibits and displays that educate you about the history and biodiversity of the park. The park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily and admission is free. You can get to the park by bus or car from Upper Thomson Road or Marymount Road.
Coney Island
A small island located off the northeastern coast of Singapore, near the town of Punggol. It is also known as Pulau Serangoon, which means Serangoon Island in Malay. The island covers an area of about 133 hectares and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. A natural park that conserves the island’s biodiversity and rustic character.
With various habitats, such as coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves, and casuarina woodlands. These habitats support a wide range of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. Some of the plants that can be found on Coney Island Singapore include the critically endangered Sea Hibiscus, the nationally, extinct in the wild, Sea Gutta, and the locally rare Sea Teak. These plants provide food and shelter for many birds, insects, and other animals.
Some of the animals that can be seen on Coney Island Singapore include the smooth-coated otter, the oriental magpie-robin, the spotted wood owl, the bay weaver, the monitor lizard, the long-tailed macaque, and the Malayan water monitor. These animals are part of the island’s rich wildlife and contribute to its ecological balance.
Coney Island Singapore is a great place to visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can explore the island by walking or cycling along its trails and boardwalks, or by visiting its beaches and playgrounds. You can also learn more about the island’s history and environmental initiatives from its signage and exhibits. It is worth arranging to meet up with friends and make a full days adventure day of it, so here is a possible schedule for your day:
- Meet at the Punggol MRT Station at 9:00 am. You can take the North East Line (NEL) to get there from any part of Singapore. The MRT ride takes about 30 minutes from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.
- From the Punggol MRT Station, walk to the Punggol Bus Interchange and take bus 84 to Punggol Road End. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes and costs $0.772. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from one of the bike-sharing services near the MRT station and cycle to the island.
- Arrive at the West Entrance of Coney Island at around 9:30 am. You can rent a bike from the kiosk there if you don’t have one. The bike rental costs $8 per hour or $32 per day. You can also explore the island on foot if you prefer.
- Start your exploration of the island by following the main path that runs through the island. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Serangoon Reservoir, the coastal forests, the grasslands, and the Casuarina woodlands. You can also spot some of the 80 bird species that live on the island, such as woodpeckers, kingfishers, and bee-eaters.
- Stop at any of the five beach areas that are accessible from the main path. These beaches are not suitable for swimming, but they offer a quiet and relaxing place to rest and have a picnic. You can also look out for some of the wildlife that inhabits the island, such as otters, monitor lizards, squirrels, and monkeys4. Be careful not to feed or disturb them, though.
- Visit the Casuarina Exploration playground near the West Entrance. This is a fun and natural play area made from recycled wood and materials. You can challenge yourself with the mini obstacle course or just have some creative fun with the wooden pieces.
- Head to the East Entrance of the island by 12:30 pm. You can either take the same route back or follow a different trail to see more of the island’s biodiversity. You can also snap some photos at the iconic Coney Island gates that mark both entrances of the island.
- Exit the island and cross the Serangoon Reservoir Dam to reach Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park 6. From there, you can take bus 84 back to Punggol Bus Interchange and then take the MRT back to your destination. Alternatively, you can cycle back to Punggol MRT Station if you have a bike.
- The total distance covered by this itinerary is about 10 km and the total duration is about 4 hours (excluding travel time). You can adjust the pace and duration according to your preferences and abilities.