Bukit Canberra integrated hub
Contrary to popular belief, there are many things to do in the North than just using it as a route to cross the Causeway to JB. Enter Bukit Canberra, a sprawling integrated hub packed with a bunch of amenities, from ActiveSG’s biggest gym to its first outdoor obstacle course, just to name a few. Here’s what you can expect when you make the trip up north.
What do you need to know before visiting Bukit Canberra?
Calling Bukit Canberra “bustling” would be an understatement. The place consists of a huge indoor sports hall, gym, swimming complex, hawker centre and a plethora of green spaces. That’s not all – look forward to more facilities like a dog run park, public library, running track, and themed gardens coming your way in the near future.
But for now, the Forest Gym and Canberra Cove – an outdoor obstacle course and wading pool – have officially joined the fun.
What do I need to bring to Bukit Canberra?
For the Forest Gym stations, make sure to pack a pair of grippy shoes like the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 9 – versatile enough for trail running or hiking. Don’t forget some insect repellent to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay while you work up a sweat.
As for the Canberra Cove area, pack swimwear, towels, and a change of clothes. A bottle of sunscreen would also go a long way in preventing nasty sunburns. Of course, you’ll need a water repellent bag to stow away all your barang barang while you play.
What activities are available at Bukit Canberra?
Sports halls for a range of activities
Health is wealth, they say – and aren’t we lucky to have various facilities around Singapore that make leading a healthy lifestyle a breeze?
Bukit Canberra Sports Hall has 8 badminton courts, 4 basketball courts, 2 pickleball courts, and 8 tennis tables – all available for booking on MyActiveSG+.
The multi-purpose hall can also be transformed into an events space or to host Zumba sessions, and there are pull-out audience seats for those who want to watch all the action. Those with youngins can also sign them up for Zumba Kidz, which starts from $12 per session.
The sports hall is open from 7am-10pm daily, but we recommend you to chope your slots via MyActiveSG+ in advance so you won’t make a wasted trip down.
The “green theme” of Bukit Canberra has also been brought into the bathrooms.
If you want to freshen up before dinner, there are also chio resort-style bathrooms with shower facilities right outside the sports hall. Just remember to bring your towel and toiletries, as these won’t be provided.
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Indoor & outdoor pools
Clock in a couple of laps on your smartwatch at the swimming complex. With 4 pools in total – 2 indoor and 2 outdoor, including kids’ pools – the whole family can join in the fun whether rain or shine.
Biggest ActiveSG gym
Image credit: SportSG
Gym buffs, it’s time for a change of scenery. Head over to the ActiveSG gym – the biggest of its kind in Singapore – for a solid workout. You’ll find plenty of free weights, dumbbells, squat racks, and kettlebells to get a good pump in.
The gym is beginner-friendly too, with HUR machines that use air pressure instead of actual weights, making those exercises easier on the joints.
Water play areas
If you’re not keen on getting drenched head to toe, cool off at Canberra Cove instead. It’s divided into 2 main sections – a wading pool that’s only shin-deep, as well as a water sprinkler play area just behind for a splash.
Kick back on the edge of the pool with your feet submerged in the water as you watch your kiddos play. The mix of cool splashes and warm sunshine is just the reset you need after a long week.
But if your kiddos just want to splash around, the water sprinklers are where it’s at. Some shoot out at random, keeping your lil’ ones on their toes as they guess which one to “attack”. Once they’ve had their fill of fun, rinse off at the nearby shower area, pat dry and slip on your shoes for the next activity.
Fun obstacle course for all ages
There are 10 stations in total.
Just behind Canberra Cove lies the Forest Gym, ActiveSG’s first-ever outdoor obstacle course. Think of it as a jungle gym you would find in free fitness corners in Singapore, but with an OBS-style upgrade for an extra challenge.
Expect to engage all the muscles in your body at stations like the rope pull and mini rock climbing walls. This is where having a pair of grippy shoes will come in handy in helping you navigate safely across the stations.
Image credit: Sport Singapore
If those seem too extreme or difficult, don’t fret, there are other, simpler yet engaging obstacles around, like the mini log jump for your lil’ one to conquer. Whenever your kid needs a break from running amok in the humid “forest,” just head over to the shelter for a break.
What green spaces are available at Bukit Canberra?
Sometimes, we just want to escape for an hour or 2 for a wee bit of nature. That’s where community gardens, especially those in the heartlands, come in handy. The folks behind Bukit Canberra have shaped its landscaping around existing terrain, bringing even more nature to the Sembawang neighbourhood.
Once it’s fully open, you can expect various elements such as running trails throughout the hub, a Fruit Orchard and Food Forest where the community can grow their own plants, and a “therapeutic garden”.
Check out the Butterfly Garden, located on the 2nd floor. You’ll find various species of flora and fauna – and we even spotted some butterflies while we were there.
Cheeky tip: It’s an underrated place to take bae for a romantic stroll, especially if you live near Bukit Canberra.
Where can you eat at Bukit Canberra?
Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre
Image credit: Perence Lum via Google Maps
You’ll notice that for a hawker centre, the 44-stall Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre is surprisingly green – and we mean that literally. Shrouds of lush nature surround the place, elevating your makan time into a chill, almost therapeutic experience.
Image adapted from: @emoticongirl via Instagram, Lia Kuo Shu via Google Maps
There are many options available, from traditional bites at Nyonya Nasi Lemak (from $3.50) to fusion mala char siew fare at Liu Kou Shui (from $7). For the full lineup of stalls, check out their website.
Sundae Splash & The Community Brew
Image adapted from: ching ling Ang via Google Maps, @thecommunitybrew via Instagram
After a filling meal, treat yourself to dessert (from $4.30) at Sundae Splash. While the place itself is slightly obscure, just look out for the pool on the first floor and you’ll spot it. Alternatively, get your caffeine fix with a cup of coffee (from $3.90) at The Community Brew.
Get active at Bukit Canberra
For those who love cycling, here’s good news: Bukit Canberra is also connected via the Canberra Park Connector to the scenic Sembawang Park. So it’ll be easy to make plans to go for a jog or bicycle ride after your game of badminton.
Easties and Westies, watch out, the North side has just levelled up. With Bukit Canberra’s treasure trove of amenities – and just a 7-minute walk from Sembawang MRT station – it’s officially worth the trip.
More things to do in the North:
- Things to do in Marsiling-Woodlands
- Stellar@TE2
- Wholesome things to do in Yishun
- T-Play indoor playground at Khatib
Photography by Afiqah Amir & Andrea Wong.
Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 26th March 2025.