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Singapore has earned itself a reputation of being the land of food and shopping. Not surprisingly, eating and shopping are two favourite past times for most Singaporeans. However, with the current COVID-19 situation, locals have started to explore activities in the vast outdoors. Parks are one of the best places to visit, with their open-air areas and big spaces to allow for safe distancing. Here are five 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 utilises its hilly terrain to offer different types of slides Admiralty park utilises its hilly terrain to offer different types of slides

Admiralty Park offers a whopping 26 different slides for both the young and young-at-heart to enjoy! Photo credit: sassymamasg.com

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 maneuvering 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 comprise 7ha of urban area, with the remaining being a home for over 100 species of flora and fauna in Singapore. 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

Panoramic view of the Straits of Johore from Woodlands Waterfront Park Panoramic view of the Straits of Johore from 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. You can catch the stunning views of the Straits of Johor or cycle down the longest jetty in Singapore. For kids, 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

A man soaking his feet in the cascading pool at Sembawang Hot Spring Park A man soaking his feet in the cascading pool 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 in 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!

Address: Along Gambas Avenue

How to get there:

By car: There is no car park on site. Park at the nearest car park at Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road and walk about 6 minutes.

By public transport: Take bus service 167, 167e, 800, 811(A), 856, 856(A), 859, 969, 980. Alight at Sembawang Road. Walk about 6 minutes.

4. Check out the remnants of a British military battlement at Labrador Natural Reserve

A 6-inch quick-firing gun previously used in World War II A 6-inch quick-firing gun previously used in World War II

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 long 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

A top down view of the boardwalk and adventure bridge at Punggol Waterway Park A top down view of the boardwalk and adventure bridge 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

 

Singapore’s tropical climate has naturally led most locals to prefer spending more time indoors, in air-conditioned places. However, the Covid-19 situation has pushed many to explore the great outdoor spaces and activities that Singapore has to offer. Before leisure travel overseas can resume, these five parks with their big open spaces and interesting features would be great places to visit with friends and family. Be sure to follow safe social distancing practices though! If you have other parks or trails to recommend, share with us in the comments below!

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