Finding peace and quiet in Singapore can sometimes feel like trying to spot a hornbill in the HDB heartlands – rare and fleeting but not impossible. Tucked away in the east lies a serene, little-known patch of wild greenery where dirt paths replace concrete and bird calls drown out the rumble of MRT trains whizzing by.
What is Tampines Eco Green?
Tampines Eco Green is a 36.5-hectare park that's as close to untouched nature as it gets in this part of town. Unlike the other more manicured parks of Singapore, Tampines Eco Green is made up of marshlands, secondary forests and freshwater ponds. It opened in 2011 and is a popular spot among bird-watchers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a bit of peace without leaving the neighbourhood.
Where is Tampines Eco Green?
The triangular park is located between Tampinese Avenue 9 and 12, the TPE expressway and Sungei Tampinese canal. It's easy enough to get to, with entrances along Ave 12 and via Sun Plaza Park, and it’s linked to the broader park connector network if you're on foot or two wheels.
What can I see at Tampines Eco Green?
Plenty, actually. According to NParks, there are more than 75 species of birds here, including herons, parakeets, weavers and hornbills. During our walk, we also spotted butterflies, a tree snake, chickens and a whole gang of terrapins sunning themselves near the marsh.
Look out for rustic touches like recycled-wood benches, signage made to blend into the landscape and Singapore’s first waterless composting eco-toilet. It’s basic, but it gets the job done. Just don’t expect a sink and any running water so make sure to pack some wipes or hand sanitiser.
Things to do at Tampines Eco Green
There are three interconnecting trails at Tampinese Eco Green, namely the Diversity Trail (1.2km), Marsh Trail (800m) and Forest Trail (1km), totalling around 3km. You should be done in one to two hours if you do the full loop but it's also easy to take a shortcut and finish up quicker if you need to.
How do I get to Tampines Eco Green?
MRT: A 15–20 minute walk from Tampines MRT through Sun Plaza Park.
Bus: Hop on services like 2N, 28, 29, 293 or 553
Car: There's no official car park here so you'll need to park at the nearby HDB blocks and walk over.
Bike: You can’t cycle inside Tampines Eco Green, but you can push your bike or lock it near the entrance.
How much does it cost?
Tampinese Eco Green is free to enter.
Is it accessible?
Tampinese Eco Green is open daily but you should leave the park by 7pm as there is no lighting here at night. The inner trails are grassy and not wheelchair friendly but the outer park connector is paved and accessible.
When’s the best time to visit?
Early mornings and late afternoons are perfect, with cooler weather, more animal activity and fewer people. Bring insect repellent unless you’re keen to donate blood to mozzies.
Are pets allowed?
Nope. To protect the wildlife, pets aren’t allowed. And neither is cycling, fishing, camping, BBQing or large group gatherings. Please don't feed the animals either.
Tampines might be one of Singapore’s densest neighbourhoods, but this wild patch proves there’s always room for nature. It’s quieter than your typical park, rough around the edges in the best way, and full of unexpected flora and fauna.
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