Given the recent restrictions imposed on the nation to contain the spread of Covid-19, its become an ongoing challenge to keep up an active, outdoorsy lifestyle — especially with the default arrangement of work-from-home and the called for closure of many gym centres and facilities.
Why not engage in some physical fun and activity, whilst surrounded by beauty and nature? Singapore contains over 350 parks and four nature reserves scattered across the island — but the 10 hidden parks we bring to your attention below, present readers with the chance to explore several nature-filled environments in crowd-free settings. Go ahead, and check out the nearest one to you!
Before visitations, do be mindful to adhere to safe management measures and keep up to date with new guidelines and restrictions announced. Head over to National Park Singapore’s noticeboard, for Covid-19 updates and learn how to stay active both safely and responsibly! Image Credit: NParks Facebook Page
Sembawang Park
Nestled up in the North of Singapore, and facing the John Straits, Sembawang is a lovely hidden park, which makes for a perfect getaway from the rigors of fast-paced city life. This unique escape also offers a glimpse into Singapore’s naval heritage. Take a stroll along the restored pathways used during the British occupation, visit the Sembawang jetty, the Beaulieu House, or even the remains of the 1920s Seletar Pier. Otherwise, have a blasting good time at the maritime-themed playground (and its huge battleship-inspired play area) which pays homage to the park’s past as a naval base.
Once the park’s scheduled maintenance is completed by September 2021, visitors can also enjoy one of Singapore's few natural beaches remaining! Image Credit: NParks Facebook Page
Tampines Eco Green
Keen on spending time in a sanctuary of flora and fauna, along with some indulgences for recreation and leisure? Tampines Eco Green has got you covered. With natural habitats such as freshwater wetlands, open grasslands, and a secondary rainforest — visitors are likely to forget they are surrounded by the concrete jungles of Singapore! Be informed, this ecopark doesn’t allow pets or cyclists; instead, you could bring along a friend to partake of the sights and sounds of this intriguing park.
It also features the first flush-free eco-toilet in a public park. This waterless, chemical-free system converts human waste into compost using wood shavings and bacteria. Odour-free and fashioned with a good ventilation system — it’s all ‘Hakuna Matata’ Image Credit: National Parks Singapore website
Coney Island Park
Off the Northeast coast of Singapore lies Coney Island Park (also called Serangoon Island). With a lovely view of Johor Bahru, this park is as far away from the civilisation of the mainland as one can get. The rustic island park today remains virtually untouched, and is an attracting factor for visitors who frequent this spot. The island’s charm can be felt through the many park signages, boardwalks and benches — having been carved out of timber from uprooted Casuarina trees around the island.
Start exploring this ecologically sustainable park from either its East or West entrances, or opt for guided walks conducted by National Parks volunteers and learn more about the area’s diverse biodiversity and rich history. For an interesting fact behind the name: In the 1950’s, there were plans to turn the island into a resort modelled after the amusement park at Coney Island, New York. Image Credit: National Parks Singapore Website
Zhenghua Nature Park
In the west of Bukit Panjang lies the stunning 17.3-hectare Zhenghua Nature Park, serving as a green buffer for the Central Catchment Reserve. As a vital ecological linkage between nature reserves and forested areas in the West, this destination boasts rich wildlife — 37 bird species have been spotted, including the Flameback Woodpecker and the Olive-baked Sunbird — along with a diverse species of plants. Don’t be shocked to see long-tailed macaques and monitor lizards sharing pathways too! Facilities include a multi-purpose event lawn, an exercise station, a children’s play area, and a 2.5km jogging/cycling track which runs parallel to the BKE. Image Credit: National Parks Singapore Website
Jurong Eco Garden
Spotted beside Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in the west, and located in Cleantech Park, Jurong Eco Garden serves as a green space for respite for the community around the business park and for the residential community in the vicinity. This park, which remains well-hidden (even from adventurous University students!), boasts a suite of green features, and is home to more than 139 species of flora and fauna. If that isn’t bait enough — parallel to the park lies Show Kwang Pottery Jungle, Singapore’s oldest surviving dragon kiln! Image Credit: Jurong Town Corporation Website
*Disclaimer: While some areas at JEG are temporarily closed for redevelopment, the garden remains accessible to the public.
Pasir Ris Town Park
The sanctuary of Pasir Ris Town Park shouldn’t be confused with its neighbour, Pasir Ris Park. Situated right opposite Pasir Ris MRT and the White Sands Mall, its a beloved green lung within the residential estate. The wide open spaces and amenities it carries makes this a fond destination amongst residents, and notably popular among anglers. It’s hardly surprising, given there’s a three-hectare seawater fishing pond! Non-professionals could rent a rod from the fishing shop and challenge themselves at the well-shaded fishing spot. Image Credit: National Parks Singapore website
a. Along, Pasir Ris Central, Opposite Pasir Ris MRT Station, Singapore 519639
Chestnut Nature Park
On the other side of Zhengua Nature Park (see above) lies Chestnut Nature Park, an 81-hectare nature trove along the edge of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This hidden park is Singapore’s largest nature park to date! Aligned with ongoing habitat enhancement programmes, CNP has been planted up with native tree species. Take a stroll past the Braided Chestnut trees (Castanopsis inermis), Singapore Walking-Stick Palms (Rhopaloblaste singaporensis) and the Jelutong (Dyera costulata). Visitors here can enjoy a range of leisure activities — from hiking or mountain-biking to bird watching. Image Credit: National Parks Singapore website
Pearl’s Hill City Park
For respite from the busy roads and streets of the nearby Central Business District and Chinatown, drop by the relatively well-hidden oasis of Pearl’s Hill City Park. Strategically located, the park is built around the Pearl’s Hill Reservoir on the top of a hill, sheltered away from the city’s bustle. Visitors can immerse themselves in the wooded ambience and serenity of the space — which is filled and lined with Tembusu trees. Look out for the lotus plants in full bloom, they provide a vibrant splash of colours across the pond’s still waters! Image Credit: National Parks Singapore website
a. Along Chin Swee Road, Pearl's Hill Rd, and, Singapore 169879
Ketam Mountain Bike Park
Visitors will reach Ketam Mountain Bike Park, once they onboard a 10-minute ferry ride away from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. This green haven on the offshore island of Pulau Ubin boasts a rustic charm and challenging routes for mountain-biking enthusiasts. Even for non-cyclists, the park remains a hotspot among visitors to the island. At its highest point, Ketam offers a bird’s eye view of Pulau Ubin (a view well worth it!). For a post-bike or a post-hike indulgence, head to the seafood restaurant on the island, or fuel up with a cooling coconut! Image Credit: National Parks Singapore website
Kent Ridge Park
This historic Kent Ridge Park is ground for one of the last battles in Singapore fought during World War II. History buffs and visitors can visit the nearby “Reflections at Bukit Chandu” (RBC) museum. The exhibits showcased here, tell the takeoff one of the most fascinating tales of heroism during the war.
*Disclaimer: RBC was closed to the public for major redevelopment from 1st October 2018, and was expected to reopen to the public in the first quarter of 2021. However, it remains closed as the project is still in development at the moment. Visit this website for more information.
Otherwise, the Kent Ridge Park remains teeming with life, and continues to attract nature enthusiasts from around the country. Stroll along the Canopy Walk — an elevated boardwalk measuring 280-metres. In the meantime, keep a sharp eye for the rich wildlife featuring Sunbirds, White-crested Laughing Thrushes and Doves. Once you reach the vantage point, take in magnificent view of Singapore’s offshore islands, like Sentosa and Pulau Duran Darat. Image Credit: National Parks Singapore website
