Singapore has earned itself a reputation of being the land of food and shopping. Not surprisingly, eating and shopping are two favourite pastimes for most Singaporeans. However, locals have started to explore activities in the vast outdoors in the last few years as Singapore residents are always looking for the newest things to do. Parks are one of the best places to visit, with their open-air areas, varied layouts and routes. Here are eight interesting parks that are more off-the-beaten-track.
If it’s your first time visiting these parks, here are some useful tips and things to do, so that you can experience the best of what these parks have to offer. Best of all, the facilities in these parks are free for all to enjoy!
1. Slide to your heart’s content at Admiralty Park
Admiralty Park offers a whopping 26 different slides for both the young and young-at-heart to enjoy! Photo credit: NParks
The largest park in the north of Singapore, Admiralty Park cleverly capitalised on its hilly terrain to offer 26 different slides for visitors of all age groups to enjoy. The enthralling park features three main play areas — Junior Play, Family Terracing Play and Adventure Play.
Junior Play
The first children’s play area at Admiralty Park, ‘Junior Play’ is designed with gentler slopes for younger children between two and five years old. Located near the junction of Woodlands Avenue 5 and Riverside Road, the playground features lime green tube slides leading down from the hill, taken over by open metallic ones from a terrace-like intermediary. After enjoying the thrilling slides, kids can also have fun playing with soft white sand situated between two hollocks, also a perfect spot for parents to introduce their little ones to experiential play.
The highlight of the playground — and of Admiralty Park — is Singapore’s first family slide. Spacious enough to accommodate a family of four, the gentle slopes make the slide safe and even easy to climb back up! To catch your kid’s reaction to their first ever swing, try the Expression Swing that is designed with both a bucket and regular seat so both of you can swing together.
At a section of the Junior Play area is an inclusive playground — there’s a wheelchair-friendly swing and merry-go-round with convenient manoeuvring to allow the kids to control their own movements.
Family Terracing Play
The ‘Family Terracing Play’ area comes with longer and steeper slides and it includes climbing nets, geared towards slightly older children. The 23m-long and 9m-high double-barrel metallic tube slides are central to the playground’s design. Being the longest tube slides in Singapore, families and children visiting this part of Admiralty Park should definitely give this a try. Race your kids down for some gravity-driven exhilaration!
There are other attractions within the playground as well, including underground slides, a zipline circuit and climbing nets.
Adventure Play
For a unique take to playground fun, head to the ‘Adventure Play’ area. Here, you’ll find two sets of roller slides. Start with the shorter blue-lined one before enjoying a pump of adrenaline as you make your way down the 32m-long LED-lit High Adventure Roller Slide designed with curved angles. Whether you are young or young-at-heart, this park allows you to slide to your heart’s content.
Frequently Asked Questions About Admiralty Park
What to do at Admiralty Park?
Aside from enjoying the magnificent slides Admiralty Park is known for, embark on a journey of discovery amid the various flora and fauna found in the park — there are over a 100! From mangroves and riverine to dragonflies and monkeys, you can find the best of nature in Singapore right here!
How big is Admiralty Park?
Admiralty Park covers 27ha of land. The 26 slides occupy 7ha of urban area, with the remaining dedicated to housing over 100 species of flora and fauna. Grab a map online if you’re keen to explore the whole of Admiralty Park or need help in making your way around.
How to get to Admiralty Park?
From Woodlands MRT, you can walk to Admiralty Park in 15 minutes. If you prefer to take a bus, you can board 903 from Woodlands Bus Interchange and alight at Block 18 along Marsiling Road. Admiralty Park is just a three-minute walk away. For those driving down, you may enter the park from Riverside Road.
Address: 31 Riverside Road, Singapore 739087
2. Enjoy unobstructed panoramic view of the Straits of Johor at Woodlands Waterfront Park
Take a walk out to the end of the jetty at Woodlands Waterfront Park to enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of the Straits of Johor.
Less than 2km away from Admiralty Park sits the Woodlands Waterfront Park. Here, you can enjoy a spot of fishing along the 400m jetty at the park, or simply take a walk to the end of the jetty to take in an unobstructed panoramic view of the Straits of Johor. Evenings are one of the best times to visit, and shutterbugs would not be disappointed by the beautiful sunset that lights up the coastline with different hues of orange. If you have worked up an appetite after all these activities, head over to the Rasa Istimewa Waterfront restaurant (halal certified) at the entrance of the jetty to feast on some homely seafood dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woodlands Waterfront Park
What to do at Woodlands Waterfront Park?
There’s plenty to do at Woodlands Waterfront Park. Besides catching the stunning views of the Straits of Johor or cycling down the longest jetty in Singapore, there’s a playground located behind the waterfront promenade that features high play elements like bridges and towers. Your little ones can imagine themselves in the heat of a Ninja Warrior course right here! If you’re looking for a scenic escape, you can also trek or cycle across the park and challenge yourself to some adventurous trails.
What is the size of Woodlands Waterfront Park?
Woodland Waterfront Park covers 11ha of land, comprising a waterfront promenade that is 1.5km long, walking and cycling trails, and lush greenlands.
How to get to Woodlands Waterfront Park?
Woodlands Waterfront Park is easily accessible via public transport. Board 856 at Woodlands Bus Interchange and alight 11 stops later. If you’re travelling from Yishun, you may board the same bus from the interchange. The park is also accessible via the Thompson East Coast line. For those driving down, you can drive along Riverside Road and make your way down to Admiralty Road.
Address: Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759956
3. Dip into a natural hot spring at Sembawang Hot Spring Park
You can enjoy a relaxing foot bath at the cascading pool, or bring your own bucket to collect the hot spring water.
Dipping into a hot spring in tropical Singapore might not appeal to some folks. However, like eating ice-cream on a cold winter night, this is something that you should try at least once in your lifetime. The newly renovated Sembawang Hot Spring Park features a four-tiered cascading pool, where visitors can soak their feet in Singapore’s only natural hot spring. Sitting areas have been marked out clearly with yellow tape at the edge of the cascading pool, to help visitors keep a safe distance from one another. For those who prefer more privacy, bring your own bucket to collect the hot spring water to soak in sheltered rest areas nearby. For the full hot spring experience, you can bring your own eggs to cook at the egg cooking station as well!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Why does Singapore have hot springs?
Naturally, hot springs are a result of the contact between groundwater and solid igneous rocks. The water is heated up by the hot rocks when it enters the earth’s crust at about 3km underground. The rising pressures from high temperatures then cause the water to seep through the cracks and out of the ground as hot springs. Geologists in Singapore have reported that the exact source of the hot springs at Sembawang is unknown. However, its origins can be traced to its actual location in Bukit Timah.
What can I do at Sembawang Hot Spring Park?
One of the interesting things to do at Sembawang Hot Spring park is to cook some eggs! Just bring a pail, a few raw eggs and utensils (don’t forget some pepper and salt, of course). Aside from that, you can enjoy a nice foot bath at the edge of the cascading pool, explore the park's history and learn about its various local fruit trees like belimbing and lychee, and have a nice warm cuppa at the glasshouse cafe.
How do I get to Sembawang Hot Springs?
There are a couple of buses you can take near Sembawang MRT station, such as 858, 856 and 859, that’ll take you to the park. For those travelling down by car, drive along Sembawang Road and make a turn towards Gambas Avenue. If you’re coming from Yishun, you may take the road along Yishun Avenue 7 before entering Gambas Avenue.
Address: Along Gambas Avenue
4. Check out the remnants of a British military battlement at Labrador Nature Reserve
Visitors can explore war relics, artillery pieces and machine gun posts dating back to World War II. Photo credit: nparks.gov.sg
Labrador Nature Reserve offers visitors the unique experience of being able to explore Singapore’s rich biodiversity and military history at the same time. Situated on a World War II site, visitors who are keen to learn more about Singapore’s history can check out the remnants of what used to be a British military battlement, including a machine gun post and artillery pieces.
At the end of your trek, there are barbeque pits where you can make your own barbeque dinner, while enjoying a picturesque view of the sea. Do note that in light of the current COVID-19 situation, the barbeque pits are currently not available for booking. As an alternative, walk further along the coast towards the Keppel Bay area to check out the restaurants and cafes there such as The Three Peacocks which offers alfresco barbeque dining. If your legs can go a longer distance, there’s also the waterfront dining at Keppel Marina to enjoy your meal with great views of anchored yachts by the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador Nature Reserve
How big is the Labrador Nature Reserve?
Labrador Nature Reserve is 22ha wide, and it is one of the parks connected to the Southern Ridges via a 9km stretch of interconnected open spaces.
What can we do at Labrador Park?
There are many things to do at the Labrador Nature Reserve Park! Walk along the seafront promenade to enjoy the breeze. Cycle down the Labrador Jetty and spot Singapore’s one and only rocky sea cliff on its mainland. You can also walk out and make your way to the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk for a quiet stroll.
How do I get to Labrador Park?
From Labrador Park MRT station, you can walk along Labrador Villa Road to reach the Nature Reserve. Take Telok Blangah Road and turn at Labrador Villa if you’re driving down.
Address: Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119187
5. Stroll along Singapore’s longest man-made waterway at Punggol Waterway Park
Take a leisurely stroll along Singapore’s longest man-made waterway. Photo credit: firststopsingapore.com
Punggol Waterway Park and My Waterway@Punggol are joint projects by the National Parks and Housing Development Board to transform Punggol into a vibrant Waterfront Town. The 4.2km waterway links up Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon rivers, to increase park and water frontage for the housing estate while providing a green respite for residents.
With ample greenery and relaxing lawn areas, the park is prime for a dose of nature and relaxation on the weekends. Switch up your daily exercise or walk routes by planning for one along the Punggol Waterway Park. As most of the park is unsheltered, we recommend walking either early in the morning or close to dusk to avoid the heat. Fitness enthusiasts can go for runs here while those looking for a breath of fresh air can relax on the benches situated along the park and enjoy a book amidst the breeze. The park also features five Insta-worthy bridges worth exploring, as well as a sand and water play area to keep the young ones entertained.
Be sure to pack your water bottles and small granola bars for when you get peckish! If you’re due for dinner, there’s plenty of food options available along the park. From hearty local favourites and gourmet pizzas to delectable desserts, you won’t run short of options when you’re here.
Note: the water play area is currently closed till further notice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Punggol Waterway Park
How do I go to Punggol Waterway Park?
As Waterway Point is located near Punggol Bus Interchange and MRT, you can drop off at either of these stops to access the mall and park. You can take the opportunity to grab some snacks and drinks at the mall before embarking on your walk. A 10-15 minute walk from Punggol Central Road to Sentul Crescent Road will get you to the park.
You can also take the LRT train from Punggol station to Damai LRT station. Upon alighting, just walk towards Punggol Road and follow the path leading to the Waterway.
When was Punggol Waterway Park built?
The park was built by 23 October 2011 and spans 12.25 hectares. It is Singapore’s first man-made waterway by the Housing Development Board (HDB) and has four themed areas: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone, and Green Gallery.
What can I do at the park?
Taking a leisurely stroll along the park is a common favourite activity among the young and old. If you’re looking for a high-adrenaline activity, cycling and inline skating are two other common modes of travel along the park.
Bicycle rental is available at Bikes @ Waterway at SAFRA Punggol, where adult, child, and quad bikes are available. Be prepared for a two-hour cycling journey as the entire route along Punggol Waterway takes approximately two hours to complete.
Looking to unwind? Bring your pooch for a much needed walk in the evenings after work to get some fresh air and catch sight of the birds flying by.
Address: Sentul Crescent Road, Singapore 821313
6. Engage in exciting play attractions at the Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park
Located at the topmost level of Jewel Changi Airport, the Canopy Park is home to a plethora of attractions in addition to its beautiful scenery. Sunlit by day and sparkling under the night sky, 14,000sqm recreational wonderland appeals to the young at heart with its one-of-a-kind features. Forming a key part of Jewel, you can not only indulge in fun activities but also dine under the marvellous canopy and its luscious foliage.
Whether you’re into photography or spending the day out with your kids and family, this indoor green haven is the ultimate place to be. Stroll or bounce along the net attractions - Bouncing and Walking Nets. Then put your brain to the test as you conquer the various mazes and navigate your way out of its meandering paths. Be sure to pack a couple of towels and your water bottles as you explore these giant nets and Singapore’s largest hedge maze!
For something a little more laidback, head over to the grassy bumps known as the Foggy Bowls. Let the little one’s imagination take flight as they play amongst the clouds. Adults can kick back and simply relax in its mysteriousness. Other attractions like the Petal Garden and Topiary Walk feature stunning blooms and is surely one to revel in as you take a contemplative walk. With other spots like the Mastercard® Canopy Bridge, Discovery Slides and more, this playscape will leave you in awe of its modern architecture and elevate dimensions of interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canopy Park in Jewel
What is special about the Mastercard® Canopy Bridge?
Suspended 23m above ground, Jewel Changi Airport’s Mastercard® Canopy Bridge is 50m long. It offers a fantastic view of the iconic Rain Vortex, located at Jewel’s nucleus. You’ll undoubtedly be in the midst of the nature-themed entertainment and retail complex’s centrepieces. Designed with a glass-panel flooring that provides a dizzying view down to Level 1, get your heart racing as you cross the bridge. With fog emitting at both ends, thrill-seekers and even the cautious at heart can get a taste of what it is like to walk on clouds - cloud nine, that is.
What can I do at the Canopy Park at Jewel?
A world-class attraction, Canopy Park features unique offerings. Some of these include the Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, Topiary Walk. But that is not all that you can spend all your time and energy on! The Canopy Bridge is sure to tickle the fancy of the thrill-seekers too! If crossing the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is on your bucket list, this is a great one to start with to get a taste of famed skywalks. The Discovery Slide, Sky Nets and Canopy Mazes are also the first of its kind play attractions.
What are the Canopy Park opening hours and ticket prices?
The Canopy Park is open from Monday to Thursday, 10:00am to 10:00pm. Opening hours on Fridays to Sundays, eve of and public holidays are longer, operating from 10:00am to 11:00pm.
There are various Canopy Park tickets to choose from, depending on the Jewel attractions you choose to visit. The standard Canopy Park ticket will allow you to visit the Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, and Topiary Walk from prices as low as S$3. Canopy Park promotions are also aplenty - so keep your eye out for them on the Jewel Canopy Park promotions page.
Jewel Changi Airport Canopy Park ticket prices
Standard Rate (Adult/ Child) |
S$8 |
Singapore Residents* (Adult/Child/**Student/Senior) |
S$6 |
CapitaStar Members & Changi Rewards Members Special Rate [Available at Jewel Concierge Counters (L1, 2, 5)] (Adult/Child/**Student/Senior) |
S$5.40 |
Child: 3 - 12 years old | Senior: 60 years old and above
All Child ticket holders must be accompanied by a paying Adult.
# Minimum height requirement is 110cm.
* Applicable for Singapore citizens, permanent residents, employment pass, work permit and dependent pass holders. Proof of residency may be required at the point of ticket purchase and upon admission.
**Current students of local Universities, Polytechnics, Junior Colleges, Institutes of Technical Education and Secondary School holding a valid student photo ID are eligible to purchase student ticket. Verification will be done at the point of entry.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666, Level 5
7. Revel in history at Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a historical site and park located in the heart of Singapore. Once the site of a fort built by the British in the 19th century, it served as a key defence location during World War II. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, offering a variety of activities and attractions.
Fort Canning Park is perfect for picnics. The beautiful surroundings around you make it a fantastic place to consider for a date. If you enjoy exploring the remnants of history, walking around the park will bring you closer to war-time structures, including the Battlebox. Look out for the Fort Canning Lighthouse too, a significant monument during Singapore’s bustling harbour days.
From the top of Fort Canning Hill, bask in the magnificent view of the city – photography lovers will go wild with this one! For your Outfit Of The Day shots, head to the Tree Tunnel, which is one of the most photographed spots of the park.
Children will enjoy an afternoon of fun at the western slopes of the park, where the Jubilee Park playground lies. Interestingly, the vicinity was once home to the National Theatre, Van Kleef Aquarium and River Valley Swimming Pool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Canning Park
What is unique about Fort Canning Park?
Fort Canning Park is unique for combining rich history with beautiful natural surroundings. Amid the lush greenery and historical landmarks, there’s always something to explore here for every visitor and traveller. Families can also bring their children down for an adventure on the park’s walking trails where they’ll learn a thing or two about Singapore’s history, or have fun at the Jubilee Park playground where nature meets play.
Can I visit Fort Canning Park for free?
Yes, Fort Canning Park is free for all to enter. You will only need to pay admission fees during events, performances and concerts.
How do you get into Fort Canning Park?
There are several ways to access Fort Canning Park in Singapore:
By foot: Fort Canning Park is located in the central part of the city and is easily accessible by foot from many nearby hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. You can enter the park from various gates, including the main entrances at River Valley Road (The Foothills) and Hill Street (Old Hill Street Police Station). You may also use nearby park connectors – Dhoby Ghaut Green, Istana Park and Raffles Place Park.
By public transportation: Fort Canning Park is well-connected by public transportation. The nearest MRT stations are Dhoby Ghaut station (Exit B), Clarke Quay Station (Exit E) and Fort Canning Station (Exit B). You can also take bus numbers 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 162, 174, 174e, and NR6 to get to the park.
By car: If you are driving to Fort Canning Park, there are several paid car parks available within the park. You can enter the park from the main entrance at River Valley Road or the Hill Street entrance.
By bike: Fort Canning Park is a popular destination for cycling, and there are several bike-sharing stations located near the park. You can also bring your own bike and park it at one of the designated bike racks within the park.
8. Enjoy the breeze at East Coast Park
A popular recreational area located on the southeastern coast of Singapore, East Coast Park spans over 185ha and is incredibly popular for hosting barbecues, kite flying, camping, picnics, cycling, jogging and more.
Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like kayaking, windsurfing and more. Those who love cycling and rollerblading can rent or bring their own equipment and complete the trail from one end of the park to the other. Connecting bridges from the park will also take you to the city centre. It’s helpful to grab a map of East Coast Park online so you know how far you are between one pitstop and another. There are also playgrounds that’ll occupy your little ones. Let’s not forget the skate park, where you can make speedy moves while enjoying the scenery of the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Coast Park
Which part of East Coast Park is best?
East Coast Park is a large recreational area spanning 185ha, so it's difficult to pinpoint a specific "best" part of the park. Different people may enjoy different parts of the park based on their interests and preferences.
Ultimately, the best part of East Coast Park will depend on what you're interested in doing. Whether you want to spend a day swimming and sunbathing, enjoying a barbecue with friends and family, or participating in sports and activities, East Coast Park has something for everyone. Grabbing a map of East Coast Park online will help you find the route where you’re headed.
How much does it cost to rent a bike at East Coast Park?
Depending on where you’re renting, the time and your choice of bike, rentals at East Coast Park range from S$8 to S$20. You may also rent a bike from Hub & Spoke and cycle down the Changi Airport Connector towards East Coast Park.
How do you get to East Coast Park?
There are several ways to get to East Coast Park, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. Some options include:
By public transportation: East Coast Park is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the MRT. You can take 16, 36, 55, 76, 31, 135, 155, 196 and 197 to Marine Parade road and walk to the park via the East Coast Park Connector. Alternatively, you can take bus service 401 from the city centre and get off at any of the stops along the way.
By car: If you're driving to East Coast Park, you can take the East Coast Parkway (ECP) expressway and exit at the appropriate exit for the area of the park you want to visit. There are several parking lots throughout the park, which may have fees for use.
By bike: If you're cycling to East Coast Park, you can take advantage of the dedicated cycling and rollerblading path that stretches along the entire length of the park. This path connects to a number of connectors, making it easy to get to the park from other parts of Changi Precinct. For instance, you can cycle from Singapore Changi Airport to East Coast Park via the Changi Airport Connector.
Singapore’s tropical climate has naturally led most locals to prefer spending more time indoors, in air-conditioned places. However, the pause in overseas travel during the Covid-19 period has pushed many to explore the great outdoor spaces and activities that Singapore has to offer. With our guide, it’s time to arrange a family day out or an outing with friends, to appreciate the many greenery and outdoor spaces in Singapore.
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