Are you stressed out, in need of shaking some pounds, and feeling embarrassed about your empty Instagram page? Well, if you said yes, it is of no surprise. Those are general thoughts that occur in everyone’s minds from time to time. Still, though, if you do want to address these needs, why not head out for a nice, long walk at a park, nature reserve or a waterfront? You’ll be able to get your exercise fix, spend time with friends, and have many perfect photo opportunities!
But first, a note on bikes.
Image Source: Pexels
A Note on Bikes
There is a recent trend to rent bicycles to get about at parks, and it is recommended that you use them throughout your journey. But between MoBike, OBike and OFO, which one do you choose? There’s no easy answer, it all comes down to preferences and the ongoing offers available, or if they’re accessible in the first place. Do consider having all three apps so you can experiment with them and be flexible!
With that out of the way, here’s a list of perfect parks and recreation places to explore with your friends or family that might not have crossed your mind yet.
Parks & Recreation #1: Labrador Nature Reserve
Image Source: NParks
Labrador Nature Reserve is situated on the southern part of Singapore, in a quiet and unassuming area. Here, you can roam the park grounds, or waltz up the jetty to get a closer look at the sea. Watch the ships in the foggy distance, and let the cool breeze rush past you. If that gets stale for you, then continue up the trail towards Dragon’s Teeth Gate and the Berlayer Beacon, who serve as sentries over Singaporean waters. The walk continues and melts into the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk, where you can spy upon wildlife such as flower crabs. As if that wasn’t enough, if you’re feeling nervy, continue along Keppel Bay and marvel sleek watercraft and striking condominiums all around you. The icing on the cake? VivoCity is a stone’s throw away where you can relax after a long day of exploring.
Have a look at NPark’s e-brochure to find out more, from maps to detailed descriptions.
Summary:
Getting There: 15 minutes walk from Labrador Park MRT or a 5-minute drive up Labrador Villa Road to the carpark adjacent.
Length: About one and a half hours walk if you’re taking your time sightseeing and relaxing.
Difficulty: Easy, with dedicated level-ground pathways.
Parks & Recreation #2: Woodlands Waterfront
Image Source: Singapore Walking Routes
Still dwelling on the subjects of sea views, Woodlands Waterfront is situated on the opposite compass point from Labrador Park, all the way up in the North. Enjoy expansive parkland and long boardwalks along the waterline, and even step up on Woodlands Jetty. You can also bring along your picnic basket for a nice meal in the sun, on the many perfect picnic spots! If picnics are not your cup of tea, you can drop by Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant for some seafood, or double back to Causeway Point at Woodlands. All in all, it is a fantastic place for a nice breezy walk without having to worry too much about being out of breath or getting lost.
Take a peek at NParks comprehensive e-brochure for Woodlands Waterfront!
Summary:
Getting There: Bus 856 from Woodlands Interchange or Yishun Interchange, or by driving (there’s a carpark attached)
Length: About an hour and a half of walking around, more if you’re staying for activities
Difficulty: Easy, lots of paths and directions
Parks & Recreation #3: Sentosa Beach
Image Source: Colin Koh
Admittedly, Sentosa isn’t an unpopular place to go. However, perhaps it deserves more credit, and it’s always magical to revisit it to see what’s changed and what’s the same. Sentosa boasts three man-made beaches side-by-side so that you can take a long walk hopping from one to the other. Walk from Siloso Beach to Palawan Beach, and finally, to Tanjong Beach in one afternoon, or stop at any one of them to enjoy some watersports such as swimming or canoeing. Visit the southernmost point of continental Asia, or drop by on the cluster of shops selling foodstuff. If you’re a history buff, Fort Siloso holds some fantastic views on its Skywalk and provides fascinating information on Singapore’s wartime history. There’s so much to do that you can get easily distracted on your journey across the island.
Check out Sentosa’s own descriptions of the beaches here!
Summary:
Getting There: Drop off at Harbourfront MRT and take the Sentosa Express in VivoCity all the way down to Beach Station. Alight and explore, or take the specialised trams to a specific spot. You can also drive in on the road dedicated to Sentosa comers-and-goers.
Length: 2 hours, or much more if you go off on a tangent
Difficulty: Intermediate, and fun!
Parks & Recreation #4: HortPark/ Southern Ridges/ Kent Ridge Park
Image Source: Colin Koh
Still in the Southern locality, this is no hidden gem, but those who are ready for a big challenge should tackle this. The hilly trail and route are full of little surprises. From a tiered garden pictured above to breathtaking views atop Mount Faber, to the famous Henderson Waves, this long walk will prove rewarding. If you’re looking for a further, added challenge, cross over to neighbouring Kent Ridge Park for a quieter and more ethereal experience. Featuring denser foliage, this park will make even the most experienced hikers sweat. Other connected areas include a cluster of museum and dining in Gillman’s Barracks, or the Labrador Park trail mentioned above.
Make use of NPark’s e-brochure to plan your trip!
Summary:
Getting There: Drop off at Harbourfront MRT and make your way up Marang Road to start your journey. A car park is available.
Length: 3+ hours, depending on your route and speed. Prepare to spend your entire day here!
Difficulty: Challenging, lots of ups and downs and the atmosphere would be very humid.
Parks & Recreation #5: Changi Boardwalk
Image Source: Wikipedia
If you’re from the East and do not want to make long trips down, don’t worry, Changi Boardwalk has got you covered. This breezy trail is getting more and more shrouded in the face of significant change around Singapore. Still, it has held on to its history, and the old-timey boardwalks around the waterfront will have you reminiscing the past. Wander along the coast and set your sides on Singapore’s past, and perhaps you might want to take a boat to Pulau Ubin. Otherwise, you can explore the inner roads and take your time enjoying the scenes, or visit the nearby food centres for some of the best fares Singapore has to offer. Finally, you might want to plan your trip right to catch the sunset!
You know the drill, another NPark e-brochure!
Summary:
Getting There: There are bus stops near the park itself, use Google Maps to find a suitable route depending on your location.
Length: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
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