Singapore has plenty of lesser known parks and gardens to be discovered, such as East Coast Park.
PHOTO: NPARKS
Singaporeans are avid travellers, maximising their leave days to go overseas as often as they can. So, it’s unsurprising that being marooned on this island for most of the year has struck many with cabin fever during the global pandemic.
One way that jetsetters are remedying this is by exploring their own backyard, says Tan Jun Chao, a director at the National Parks Board (NParks).
“Because of the global travel restrictions, we see more people flocking to our parks and gardens to quell their wanderlust,” he says.
Tan, who joined the agency in 2017, oversees parks and gardens in south-east Singapore.
“My work in parks has helped me realise how important green spaces are to our urban life. Greenery can really contribute to our mental, physical and emotional well-being,” he adds.
Tan Jun Chao has been with NParks since 2017, and oversees the parks and gardens in the south-eastern parts of Singapore.
PHOTO: NPARKS
Perennial favourites such as East Coast Park and Bukit Timah Reserve have seen an uptick in visitors, but the city has plenty more to offer, he adds.
He suggests four alternatives here to get you off the beaten path:
Eastern Coastal Loop
This 42km-long route connects several trails in the east and traverses through a variety of urban landscapes, ranging from neighbourhoods and town centres to reservoir parks, riverine waterways, coastal waterfronts and beaches.
Walking, cycling and rollerblading are popular ways to take in the great outdoors.
PHOTO: NPARKS
“Visitors can start their journey at any of the many stopovers along the trail — from green spaces and parks, such as Pasir Ris Park and East Coast Park, to other places of interest like Singapore Sports Hub — and take a break at various food establishments along the way.”
The trail can be tackled in a single day, but can also be easily enjoyed in segments, with each park offering something different from the rest.
The trail can be tackled in a single day, but can also be easily enjoyed in segments, with each park offering something different from the rest.
Marina Reservoir Route at the Eastern Coastal Loop
The Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower (bottom right) offers lovely views of the Marina Reservoir and the National Stadium.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
This extension to the Eastern Coastal Loop is ideal for those who love to soak up the stunning southern cityscape. The 8.3km trail is popular with cyclists, runners and rollerbladers. It starts at the Singapore Sports Hub and snakes down to Tanjong Rhu Promenade, which has a lookout tower with a lovely view of the Marina Reservoir and the National Stadium.
The trail continues through Gardens by the Bay before making a U-turn around Marina Barrage and leads back towards Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and the F1 Pit Building.
Changi Beach Park
Changi Beach Park has decades-old trees and a rich history.
PHOTO: NPARKS
“Changi Beach Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore that still retains a kampung ambience,” Tan says. The site is rich in World War II history and the area is dotted with mature trees, which have been designated as Heritage Trees.
These are tree species earmarked for conservation because of their age, size or rarity. The Changi area is home to seven, including the Kelat Hitam, a 30m-tall tree with a gnarly, twisted trunk shaped by decades of exposure to directional winds. The park is the end point of the Eastern Coastal Loop and Tan recommends renting a bicycle here to explore further.
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a portal to the past, with a surprising biodiversity.
PHOTO: NPARKS
You can go even further afield by taking the bumboat to Pulau Ubin, which departs near Changi Beach Park.The island is home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Here, you can spot wildlife such as the Greater Mousedeer, bats like the Ashy Roundleaf Bat and birds like the Straw-headed Bulbul.
He adds: “I fell in love with Pulau Ubin’s laidback and natural setting when I was 17. I have to mention it as it is my favourite spot.”
Pro tip: Be sure to visit the Safe Distance @ Parks portal here to check crowd levels before leaving for the park.
