After 2.5 months cooped up at home, we’re no doubt ready to step out and breathe in some much-desired fresh air. And now that Phase 2 is in full swing, we’re more than ready to rid ourselves of our cabin fevers.
As we’ve heard, we’re free to revisit parks and beaches as they’ve reopened – of course, as long as you maintain a safe distance away from other visitors. But to save you the trouble of running into huge groups of people, we’ve sussed out these 18 hidden outdoor parks you can recharge at without fear.
Disclaimer: Before heading down, you can also check how crowded the parks are using the real-time map from the National Parks Board.
Check out our other park-related articles here:
If you happen to nursing serious beach feels, Woodlands Waterfront Park is the place to go. Situated right by the Straits of Johor, you and your kids can frolic about in the area and breathe in the salty sea breeze while you’re at it.
To get even closer to the sea, head over to the jetty. While we won’t be going overseas anytime soon, we can make do for the time being with unobstructed views of Johor across the sea.
Sembawang residents can hit up the nearby Sembawang Park for a short break away from the house. Footpaths are aplenty in this seaside park, making it a favourite for joggers and casual walkers alike.
Yishun residents can seek refuge over at Yishun Pond Park. You’ll find it right beside Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, with sprawling marshlands and trees surrounding the huge pond in the middle.
Those of you looking to stretch your legs more can opt to climb up the Spiral Tower. There you’ll be greeted with stunning aerial views of the entire park, giving you a much-needed dose of nature after being confined at home for too long.
Behind Kranji’s veneer of large unoccupied fields and rows of warehouses lies a hidden nature spot – which is the Kranji Marshes.
While the main conservation area is only open to the public via guided tours, visitors can still experience a fruitful 1km walk to the Marsh Station, where you’ll find the Raptor Tower. Climb to the top, and you’ll find incredible 360 panoramic views of the surrounding marshes.
We may not be heading overseas anytime soon, but you can mollify that wanderlust a little at Bukit Batok Town Park. After all, it’s home to Little Guilin – and standing in front of the dramatic rock formation, one could almost believe they’re in Guilin, China, at that moment.
Whether you’re itching for a jog or a simple walk, the meandering trail through the forest will provide you with enough natural sights to fuel you for the rest of the day.
Westies near Pulau NTU can head down to Jurong Eco-Garden for some respite. Picture an area around the size of 7 football fields blanketed with lush greenery and a huge pond, and that’s basically the park in a nutshell.
It’s home to a bunch of wildlife like kingfishers and lizards, but even if you can’t spot any, taking a long stroll through the place is more than enough to keep you occupied.
With tons of wide, open spaces, Clementi Woods Park has long been a hotspot for dogs and dog-owners alike. Step into the park, and the first thing you might see are puppers of all shapes and sizes gambolling around like they own the place.
It’s not just for the dog-owners, though – nearby residents can also pop by for a short jog. The numerous trees lining the paths make for a shady area, so you can go for lunchtime jog without fear of the ruthless midday sun.
You may think Chinatown a pure concrete jungle, but look a little closer, and you’ll find Pearl’s Hill City Park tucked away in its midst.
Fitness enthusiasts would love the challenges this park will pose for them. Between the numerous steps and the steep inclines, you’ll be working off the WFH-flab in no time.
Located just a stone’s throw from Labrador Park MRT, Berlayer Creek is perhaps the spot for the nature enthusiasts amongst us. The picturesque 960M-long trail will bring you through 6 different habitats that include mudflats, rocky shores, and mangroves.
For a less-crowded alternative to the famed Treetop Walk, folks living in the CBD area can swing by Kent Ridge Park. With numerous paths in its midst, head over to the Canopy Walk, where you’ll be traipsing through the blanket of trees and be treated to aerial views of the Alexandra area.
Those familiar with the Central Catchment Nature Reserve would know that the area encompasses multiple parks. But if you’re up for a history lesson to go along with your walk, be sure to hit up Thomson Nature Park.
Embark on a walk down any one of their five trails, and you’ll eventually come across the remnants of an old Hainan village.
Hiking beginners who are too afraid to take on the steep hike to the Bukit Timah summit can find a simpler alternative at Hindhede Nature Park.
Other than a few gentle inclines, the trail is an easy one for everyone to follow. The trail will eventually lead you past the Hindhede Quarry, where you’ll find dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters next to you as you sweat it out.
Those dwelling in the Central area can also opt to visit Chestnut Nature Park to stretch their legs.
Adventurous mountain bikers can take their bikes out for a spin at the designated biking trails here. They’re completely separate from the hiking trails, so you can ride freely without the fear of bumping into anybody
Head out of Pasir Ris MRT, and you’ll find the Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk. Expect to see extensive amounts of knobbly roots and twisty branches throughout this mangrove forest, making it akin to a Martian habitat.
Along the way, you’ll be able to spot various mud-dwelling creatures like the mudskipper and mud crabs, so keep your eyes peeled for them.
Considering how hidden Tampines Quarry is, stumbling across it is pretty difficult. To enter it, you’ll need to tahan your way through waist-high vegetation – so come prepared in pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
But once you emerge, what greets you will be a wondrous view of the lake, which resulted from a former sand quarry filling up with rainwater.
Not many Easties know about Tampines Eco-Green – and truly, without any designated entrances or gates, stumbling upon its premises is almost a feat by itself.
But once you actually do set foot in it, you’ll be greeted with 36.5 hectares of natural wonders.
Fun fact: all man-made items like information panels are made out of recyclable goods – they’ve even got an eco-toilet that uses wood shavings to break down everything.
Nestled between Punggol Point Walk and Riverside Walk, the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk is the most convenient riverside escape for all North-Easties.
Considering that it’s pretty far from any HDB estates, it’s thus the perfect location to recharge away from Punggol’s concrete jungle. With the 2.4KM trail past the breathtaking Punggol coastline, it’s just what the doctor ordered for a refreshing change of scene away from your home.
Drive along the Tampines Expressway, and chances are, you would’ve spotted the Sengkang Floating Wetland.
Apart from simply strolling around the place, take some time to appreciate the biodiversity in the area. It’s home to various fruit trees like star fruits and chiku, and the planted marshlands also attracts a horde of wild birds that aren’t the mynahs or the famous yellow bulbul.
With Phase 2 now in place, heading out to celebrate is almost certainly in the books. So if you’ve grown tired of working out in the confines of your home, you can visit any of these hidden outdoor parks in Singapore for a bout of fresh air.
But while you’re out and about, do remember to don your masks and maintain social distance at all times. For extra precaution, you can check through the crowd levels at the park you’re going to before you actually pop by.
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