Head to your neighbourhood's gloriously green park for a jog, run, cycle or simply for a breath of fresh air
Beyond Singapore's towering skyscrapers and tourist traps are pockets of green spaces. Regardless of which area you are in, you're bound to find a park nearby. These parks are home to a variety of gorgeous blooms and interesting wildlife – a clear indication of the Garden City's rich biodiversity. And nothing beats seeing the different species of birds flying above you as you walk, jog, run or cycle through the scenic parks, which are mostly linked by Park Connectors.
To save you some time (and the extra distance from home), we've rounded up the best park in each neighbourhood. Now, lace up for those endorphins.
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Fort Canning Park
When it's not the grounds for some of Singapore's hottest and coolest gigs or music festivals, Fort Canning Park can be quite lovely. A beacon of Singapore's history (it's home to Malay kings and the site where Singapore surrendered to the Japanese), boasts some sprawling lawns and located in a convenient and central area. Read our comprehensive guide to Fort Canning Park here.
Telok Ayer Green
Sandwiched between two national monuments, the Thian Hock Keng temple, and Nagore Durgha Shrine, Telok Ayer Green sits hidden from the usually busy main streets. Telok Ayer used to be the landing site for immigrants in Singapore and the park is also designed after the original shoreline. You'll find some sculptures in the park which pay tribute to its history like a sampan used to carry goods, a Chinese lantern procession and an Indian milk trader.
Ann Siang Hill Park
The Ann Siang area is known for its great restaurants and heritage shophouses that warrant a picture for the 'gram but stick around a little and take a little detour from the street and you'll find a lush spot of respite. Who knew that between buildings and offices, there's enough space for a pretty park as well as different tree species, in particular, the tamarind, cinnamon, nutmeg, and breadfruit trees?
Pearl's Hill City Park
Built around a reservoir on top of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, this park is quite the hidden spot in the city. Take a short stroll from Outram Park MRT Station and with a little trek, you're on top of a hill where you can relax in the wooded ambience, feed the terrapins in the pond, spot the occasional squirrel, or continue your jog.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Established in 1859, the Gardens is a tranquil respite from the city buzz. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features attractions like a swan lake where black Australian swans reside and the Evolution Garden Walk, a well-landscaped plot containing the fossilised remains of ancient trees. It's also home to the world's largest collection of orchids – some 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, plus the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim – at the National Orchid Garden. Here are all the best things to see and do at Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Esplanade Park
Though it has been in the city since 1943, Esplanade Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore – and also one that showcases many of Singapore's landmarks. It is one of the best parks to go during your lunch breaks (when the offices are reopened) as well as you stroll through to look at the Lim Bo Seng Memorial, the Cenotaph and the Kim Seng Fountain while reflecting on the sacrifices made by those before us.
Duxton Plain Park
Known for its buzzy eateries and bars, there's never a quiet or boring day in the Duxton and Keong Saik precinct. If you do need some respite, Duxton Plain Park is a narrow but lush park, flanked by shophouses. There are plenty of benches in the shaded areas where you can sit and watch pigeons or see the black stray cat who lives in the area basking lazily in the sun. There is also a mysterious and solitary Muslim tomb in the area which is believed to hold special powers.
Gardens by the Bay
With all-around picturesque views, lush green spaces, amazing play areas, larger-than-life sculptures, and stunning nature trails, it's hard to give Gardens by the Bay a miss. The Bay East Garden is the best spot for views of the waterfront. There's also plenty of shade from the trees and if you need the toilets, it's a short walk away from the spot. Have a fun day out with the whole family with our ultimate guide to Gardens by the Bay.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is renowned for having one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the world. Besides hundreds of animal and insect species, it also contains more tree species than the whole of North America. Weekends are busy with walkers, nature lovers, and mountain bikers, so come on a weekday if you prefer a quiet trek. There are four walking trails. A steep paved path takes you directly to the peak, but more interesting are the unpaved trails; route 3 (green) follows a winding forest path, past caves used by Japanese soldiers in World War II. After the hike, head to the adjacent Hindhede Nature Park to look at the quarry lake. Explore Bukit Timah with our handy guide.
Hindhede Nature Park
If you're looking for a quick but scenic run, head to Hindhede Nature Park located next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve which has easy trails and well-defined footpaths. There also several exercise pits within the park for you to work on your reps and elevate the workout. Lush and serene, it is also an excellent spot for wildlife watching as it is home to inhabitants like the banded woodpecker, clouded monitor lizard and plaintain squirrel so it pays to keep your eyes open when running. The main highlight of course is the picturesque Hindhede Quarry which is located at the end of the park.
MacRitchie Reservoir
Singapore’s oldest and most popular nature park is a haven for joggers, families and weekend strollers. To get into the rainforest proper, the MacRitchie Trails around the reservoir offer easy boardwalk treks and ambitious hikes, ranging from 3 to 11-kilometres in length. The highlight is the TreeTop Walk (temporarily closed for maintenance), a suspension bridge positioned 25-metre above the forest floor, which connects the two highest points in the reserve and offers splendid panoramic views. Wildlife, from flying lemurs to tree frogs and pangolins, is abundant but rarely seen. Long-tailed macaque monkeys are more common, but be wary: some can be quite ferocious, as they’re used to being fed by irresponsible visitors. Rediscover Singapore's oldest and largest reservoir with our ultimate guide.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
One of the largest parks in Singapore, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park comprises two sections, separated by Marymount Road. Intersecting the length of the park is the starting portion of the Kallang River, which flows down from Lower Pierce Reservoir. Make the most with the park's amenities including a dog run, a playground, and a water park.
Rower's Bay Park
Rower's Bay Park is so named for the reservoir's popularity with kayaking enthusiasts. If you're sticking to the land, the park's boardwalk is an ace spot to explore the surrounding wetlands without getting dirty. It's filled with plant species that provide a habitat for native wildlife in the area. Rower's Bay also forms part of the first phase of the planned 150-kilometre Round Island Route (RIR), which connects parks around Singapore – yes, you will eventually be able to cycle around the entire island. The completion date of the RIR is set for 2035, so you have plenty of time to start building your stamina.
Hampstead Wetlands Park
While The Oval is bustling with the brunch crowd, next to it is the tranquil Hampstead Wetlands Park. Though just a small pocket of green, the former marshland area has seen been spruced up so that it looks like a garden with a pond now. Though there are observatory decks and railings (so you don't fall over!), the area has retained its rustic element and is not as 'polished' as other parks. You can easily explore the place in under 30 minutes but keep the peace – it's a favourite haunt for birdwatchers in Singapore.
Sembawang Hot Spring Park
The hot spring in Sembawang is a peculiar attraction in Singapore. First discovered back in 1909, it was popular among villagers who believed that the water had healing powers. Now, after undergoing a revamp, the reopened Sembawang Hot Spring Park is where visitors can learn about the history and geology of the place, reminisce about the old kampung days by strolling through the fruit trees and edible plants, and of course soak their feet in hot waters at the pool or the wooden basins provided. A tip: remember to pack your slippers.
Admiralty Park
You best believe there are 26 slides at this 27-hectare park situated on a hilly terrain with Sungei Cina river running through it. Don’t mistake it for just any regular park – because of its undulating terrain, the park is fitted with unique slide designs and is loosely separated into three main play areas: Junior Play, Adventure Play and Family Terracing Play. It's home to Singapore’s tallest tube slide in a public park, standing at 9-metres high and 23-metres long. But that’s not the longest one in the park yet – that title goes to The Curved Roller Slide, a 34-metre long outdoor slide lined with black tubes similar to that of a conveyor belt for easy sliding.
Woodlands Waterfront Park
A coastal park offering a northern view of the sea, Woodlands Waterfront Park is linked to Admiralty Park via the Northern Explorer Loop. Besides jogging and cycling tracks, this 11-hectare park houses a playground and a 1.5kilometre-long waterfront promenade with a seafood restaurant great for family meals. Stick around till the evening to see the city lights of Johor across the strait.
Punggol Waterway Park
This park offers four unique themes with something in-store for visitors of all ages. The Nature Cove features a picturesque view of the waterway, with a large green space to pause for a breather. The Recreation Zone is equipped with a play area and a fitness corner. The Heritage Zone offers gorgeous greenery along the stretch of the old Punggol Road, and the Green Gallery consists of a peaceful trail along the park's natural terrain. The Rope Bridge and Kelong Bridge are great for cycling or inline skating activities.
Lorong Halus Wetlands
Though a scenic spot on Punggol, Lorong Halus Wetland is also an educational place where you can learn about the unique water bio-treatment system which uses plants as part of the treatment process. Every pond you see in the park is part of the system. Stroll through to read more about the process and how each pond contributes to this system. The most stunning views can be enjoyed by the Serangoon Reservoir or on the famous red bridge that links the residential part of Punggol to the park
Coney Island
It's not exactly an island, neither is it your average neighbourhood park. But making your way to this end of Singapore is worth the adventure. Good thing you don't need a ferry to get to the island – just a pair of good walking shoes will do. This ecologically sustainable park uses timber from fallen trees for all the signage in the park, benches and the boardwalk over the mangrove swamp. Everything on the island is kept rustic and as it is, so expect hidden beaches and some wildlife out and about. Here's what you should not be missing out on in Coney Island.
Yishun Nature Park
More than just your average green space, the award-winning Yishun Nature Park – designed by Ong and Ong no less – is home to over 800 trees from 73 different species and has a unique collection of rainforest trees called the dipterocarp arboretum. There's also a range of playgrounds and play facilities, a nature trail (with jackfruit, coconut and rambutan trees), and rain gardens that offer educational opportunities.
Mount Faber
Covered by lush rainforest and with landscaped slopes, Mount Faber is a lovely spot, especially at dawn and dusk. Formerly part of Telok Blangah Hill, it was renamed in 1845 after British engineer Captain Charles Edward Faber, who built the narrow winding road that leads to the summit. A jogger's haven, it is also popular with tourists because you can stand next to the Merlion for that quintessential Singapore souvenir shot. Did we also mention that it's one of the best sunset viewing spots in Singapore?
Telok Blangah Hill Park
If you must know, Telok Blangah Hill Park is part of a very huge park. While the other parts of the Southern Ridges are HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Park are more well known, don't put down this park just yet. There are heaps to do like getting on the trek for the Forest Walk or admiring flowers at the Terrace Garden, a popular spot for wedding photos.
HortPark
Pick a spot that suits your aesthetic and taste at HortPark – there are 20 themed sections here, including a stunning Silver Garden made up of light-reflective plants and Balinese-themed garden. Plus, there's plenty of shade around for when you need to get out of the scorching sun. HortLawn is the best spot to plop down for a breather. It's spacious, and extremely pretty, so snap 'em pics to keeps.
Labrador Nature Reserve
Part of the Southern Ridges, the park contains the only rocky sea-cliff in Singapore, and offers a panoramic view of the sea and cliff-side vegetation. It is not uncommon to hear songs of a variety of bird species, including the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole. Remnants of World War II such as tunnels and a fort also provide an educational experience for visitors. Find out more about this breezy coastal park and its fascinating history with our ultimate guide.
Changi Airport Connector
The newly opened 3.5-kilometre Changi Airport Connector allows you to run, jog, skip, walk, and cycle to Jewel Changi Airport and the terminals from East Coast Park or any of the Park Connector Network (PCN), and vice versa. It’s also home to the city’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs Changi Jurassic Mile, as well as pit stop facility Hub & Spoke where you can rent bicycles from GoCycling, cool off with a pay-per-use shower after a sweat session, and dine under the stars at Hub & Spoke Café which offers a menu that captures a colourful, multi-cultural variety – from toast and kopi to eggs Benedict and bubble tea.
Tampines Eco Green
Continue along the Pasir Ris park connector towards Tampines and you’ll come across sprawling greenery formed by open grasslands, freshwater wetlands, and a secondary rainforest – you'd never guess they wrap around one of the most populous neighbourhoods in Singapore. Wade through the greens as you take on the walking trail within the sanctuary to uncover its rich biodiversity, featuring many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and spiders. No cycling is allowed in the park, though, but you can either push your bike along the trail or leave them at the designated parking spots nearby.
Pasir Ris Park
The family-friendly Pasir Ris Park boasts playgrounds, maze gardens, and bird-watching towers, as well as nearby barbecue pits and open lawns. There are also nature trails, walks by the mangrove swamps and the coastline, and a three-storey lookout tower for a breath-taking view of it all.
East Coast Park
East Coast Park stretches along the east coast of Singapore from Changi Airport (great for plane watching the A380), past the numerous restaurants at East Coast Seafood Centre to Fort Road. There are dedicated cycle and walking paths, bicycle and rollerblade hire stalls, a skate park, and barbecue and camping areas. Did we mention the beach for that fresh, salty breeze?
Bedok Reservoir
Another alternative to East Coast Park for the Eastsiders is the sprawling Bedok Reservoir. Tranquil and quiet, a run around the park – one loop is 4-kilometre – will definitely do wonders to clear your mind. There are a lot of picturesque spots in the park like the floating boardwalks and waterside platforms to cool down after a workout as well for the full zen experience.
Changi Beach Park
Because the beach, one of the oldest in Singapore, is located so far away from the city centre that it has remained relatively undeveloped. And that’s a good thing. Unlike East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park has a distinct kampong vibe. You’ll feel it the moment you sink your toes into the white sand. In fact, we daresay that this park is your best bet if you want to escape the weekend throngs. There are nearby Park Connectors to cycle through, and a jog here is always accompanied by the cooling sea breeze.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Strap on your best walking shoes and trudge through the swamps of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to learn more about the flora and fauna that call this mangrove forest home. This wetland reserve of mangrove swamps, ponds, and the secondary forest is also home to 140 species of birds. Take a spot at observation hides or rent binoculars to bird-watch. There are also nature trails where you can also spot mudskippers, monkeys, and climbing crabs on the mangrove boardwalks.
Kranji Marshes
Home to 170 species of birds, 54 types of butterflies, and 33 different kinds of dragonflies, this nature reserve is the perfect recreation area to observe and enjoy the island's wildlife. At 57-hectares and with a range of natural and green habitats, Kranji Marshes is Singapore's largest freshwater farmland. It was cultivated since the ’70s when the Kranji reservoir was dammed, forming a wild diversity of terrains such as marshland, grassland, and secondary forests. Read our guide to Kranji Marshes for more things to do.
Jurong Lake Gardens
Home to the flora and fauna in the west, Jurong Lake Gardens is deemed as the largest nature wonderland in the heartlands, spanning a whopping 90-hectares. The gardens include Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade – previously known as Jurong Lake Gardens West, Jurong Lake Gardens Central and Garden Promenade respectively. The grounds are specially landscaped and designed for families and the community to come together to play, learn, and bond. Check out our guide to Jurong Lake Gardens for more awesome things to see and do.
Bukit Batok Nature Park
The serene Bukit Batok Nature Park was developed on an abandoned quarry in 1988. There are lookout points that afford stunning views of the quarry, along with footpaths to cycle and jog on and a moderately easy hiking trail through the foliage. For a bit of history, head to the WWII memorial, which commemorates the location of one of the fiercest battles that took place in Singapore.
West Coast Park
This family-friendly park 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. Its massive space is also ace for cycling. The best spot is at Area 3 which has views of the sea, playgrounds with obstacle courses, and a flying fox.
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