#13 Park Hopping
Editor: Hye Soo Seol @hyssl.kr
For nature lovers, especially those who love camping or hiking, living in Singapore can be challenging. The highest "mountain" is Bukit Timah Hill, at 163 meters. It's actually more of a hill than a mountain. While it's close to the sea, it's also a busy cargo port, so swimming can be dangerous. Nevertheless, Singapore maintains a wealth of green space with its numerous parks and nature reserves. Parks, in particular, offer a convenient way to absorb phytoncides, both in daily life and on vacation, making them a frequent destination. So, where are some worthwhile parks in Singapore? I've taken the time to explore. Take a look at the map below and let's explore.
Singapore Parks Travel Map
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also close to Dempsey Hill, which can be considered Singapore's version of Hannam-dong, an upscale neighborhood like Brooklyn’s Williamsburg and LA’s Silver Lake. So we recommend visiting them together. While smaller than Seoul Olympic Park, it's larger than Ilsan Lake Park, making it a better option to choose specific areas rather than trying to see the entire park on a hot day. The most famous area is the National Orchid Garden, where you can see a variety of orchids found only in Southeast Asia. Other attractions include man-made lakes like Swan Lake and Symphony Lake, as well as the Rainforest Zone, which features a natural rainforest.
Caution! Komodo dragons may appear at any time.
@East Coast Park 
This park, along the east coast, has been featured frequently in previous articles. Since I live nearby, it's my favorite park. Weekend morning runs along East Coast Park (abbreviated as "EcoPark," or "ECP" to the locals) and having an iced americano at Starbucks are incredibly satisfying. While running, I encounter a diverse range of people: people walking their dogs, parents out with their children in strollers, groups playing pickleball on the sand, kids laughing while one exhausted dad pedals a four-seater family bike, and others lounging on camping chairs or picnic mats, reading books or sharing homemade meals. Since moving to Singapore, I’ve felt noticeably more at ease—and I’m convinced that East Coast Park (or “ECP,” as locals call it) deserves at least 70% of the credit. Looking out at its peaceful scenery, my worries seem to dissolve, and only what truly matters remains, like pebbles left behind after a wave. Because so many people come here for rest and recreation, the park is well-equipped with food and beverage options. Beyond the ever-reliable Starbucks, you’ll find PS.Cafe, McDonald’s, and a handful of other cafés and restaurants that feel like rest stops along the coast. One particular treat is the oversized sugarcane juice you can grab from the hawker center—kind of like the Singaporean equivalent of Korea’s “so-tteok so-tteok” (sausage-and-rice-cake skewers). If you enjoy running—or if you’re visiting Singapore with a relaxed itinerary—I highly recommend spending some time at ECP.
And afterward, head over to Joo Chiat Road to explore cafés and restaurants that reflect the city’s youthful, creative energy.
The flat, well-paved road is perfect for runners. Continuing west, you'll reach Marina Bay Sands.
This park was built along a reservoir near Changi Park. I first visited it for this article, and I don't think I'll be returning. Regardless of the park's beauty, its accessibility is a major issue. True to its name, this park was built along a reservoir. While the landscaping isn't particularly impressive, the trees, carelessly planted, create a grandeur reminiscent of something out of the movie Avatar.
Once the site of Bidadari Cemetery, it recently underwent redevelopment and has been transformed into a park enjoyed by many. It's conveniently connected to Woodleigh MRT station, but given its residential location, it might seem out of place for a tourist destination. In Korea, it's reminiscent of Ilsan Lake Park. Walking along the wide entrance, you'll find a large artificial lake with an artificial island in its center. It's the perfect place to relax or take a stroll after dinner.
TMI alert! I heard a tip about the park's beauty and wanted to visit for a report, but it was only a 30-minute bike ride from home or an hour by public transportation. I eagerly set off on my bike. As befitting the monsoon season, it started to rain, and with a stop at a hawker center, the ride ended up taking an hour. The park was quiet and peaceful after the rain. The artificial island gave me the impression that it was "really Singapore." While the bug-free, well-maintained park was a pleasant environment for Singaporeans, it also felt like an unnatural environment. I vividly remember my childhood, when my family would climb the hill behind our house, stepping on the dirt, listening to the chirping of crickets, and being bitten by countless mosquitoes. Growing up in Singapore, I wondered if I wouldn't be able to experience those things. I ended my trip to Bidadari Park with a series of fantasies, wondering how humans should coexist with nature. Wasn't even that a presumptuous thought?
@Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a renowned tourist attraction in Singapore. Located in the heart of the city, it's an easy stop for a refreshing phytoncide respite during your travels. While it's famous for its iconic Tree Tunnel photo, there's much more to see here. Formerly a British military stronghold, Fort Canning Park boasts a variety of historic sites, including a British fort, palace ruins, and 19th-century historical buildings. Designated a Singapore Heritage Preservation Site, it's a place steeped in Singapore's history.
