Singapore is home to plenty of nature spots and bustling green oases. If you think you’ve checked off all the nature reserves and parks and your go-to walking trails and cycling routes aren’t as thrilling anymore, these new and upcoming parks in Singapore will give you much to be excited about.
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Image credit: NParks
The Eastern Corridor stretch is formed by park connectors progressively opened since 2021. It was completed in February this year, and the full pathway measures 18km, linking 8 different parks and outdoor recreation spots along the way.
This is part of an NParks initiative called City In Nature; by 2030, they aim for every household to be situated within a 10-minute walk from a park – fabulous news for nature lovers!
Beyond just standard shrubbery and paved pathways, the Eastern Corridor makes use of multi-tiered landscaping to strategically accommodate special breeds of flora and fauna.
The enhanced structures allow plants like the Bread Flower, Silver Joey, and Hilo Beauty Elephant Ear to thrive. Wildlife species like owls, kingfishers, herons, and monitor lizards will also be drawn here as a prime habitat.
Cycling enthusiasts looking to conquer this trail can set aside roughly 3 hours, but there’ll be plenty of kopitiams, cafes, and even supermarkets along the way for you to rest and refuel. The route will also bring you through various parks across Pasir Ris, Tampines, and Bedok – so worry not about lack of toilet stops on your journey.
Image credit: Ng Eng Hen via Facebook
In late 2023, a new 2.2km section of Pasir Panjang Park Connector was unveiled. You might recall an existing 450m section of the park connector opening in 2021. These are part of ongoing NParks route additions aiming to link Labrador Nature Park and West Coast Park, which will wind up measuring 17km.
Image credit: NParks
By completion, a total of 13 parks in the southern region will be linked for an epic hiking or cycling trail. Of these, 3 will be themed attractions with unique features.
For instance, Pasir Panjang Park Connector has elements paying homage to its coastal location overlooking Singapore’s southern port terminals. Seek some shade from various shelters constructed from repurposed shipping containers, and check out nautical artefacts like cannons and anchors.
Image credit: NParks
Opened in April 2024, the Buona Vista Community Node is a 1.6-hectare space situated along the beloved Rail Corridor. You can find it between the Metropolis business centre and Elementum office building, which is great because hidden gardens near offices are always appreciated. Nothing like a nature sanctuary to escape to amidst your 9-5!
Image credit: NParks
The stretch is located within walking distance from Buona Vista MRT station, an interchange between the East-West Line and Circle Line, serving as a prime hangout spot for those who live or work in the south-western region.
Features include a children’s playground, fitness areas with different machines catering to grownups and seniors, and a photo-worthy street art space so you can snap your fitspo pics.
Buona Vista Community Node website
Image credit: Desmond Lee via Facebook
In 2019, the iconic Japanese Garden closed for redevelopment. Come September this year, it’ll reopen as part of the westside gem that is Jurong Lake Gardens. The Japanese Garden reopening welcomes a new Water Lily Garden, where you can marvel at Singapore’s largest water lily collection.
A smart water management system will be implemented in this space, boosting the park’s sustainability levels. Apart from being a stunning backdrop for photos, there’s a centrepiece modelled after a sinkhole or natural well. It’s designed to harvest rainwater to channel back into the park’s water systems.
Image credit: NParks via Facebook
Then we have the Sunken Garden, a zone which gives major Maze Runner vibes – minus the danger. Stroll through a path of calming waterfall spouts and vertical walls overgrown with a variety of plants called epiphytes.These nifty plants grow on the surface of other plants, and derive nutrients from the surrounding air, rainwater, and even debris.
Image credit: NParks
There are 2 exciting new projects slated for completion by March 2025: a park connector along Sungei Pandan, and a pedestrian bridge across the river along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). These will comprise the Sungei Pandan Park Connector, which completes a loop around Sungei Pandan between the AYE and Pandan Reservoir.
The park connector will also be linked to the upcoming Old Jurong Line Natural Trail – said to be completed by end of this year – spanning from Clementi Forest to the International Business Park beside Sungei Pandan.
Ayer Rajah Expressway.
Image credit: Jnzl via Flickr
Meanwhile, the bridge will repurpose an existing bridge that is currently lined with cables running along the AYE. Pedestrians will then be able to use the space to breeze between Jurong East and West Coast.
These developments are all part of a big-picture plan for increased connectivity in the West, alongside the construction of the Jurong Region Line – which will encompass 24 MRT stations and 3 interchanges. Fingers crossed that this means far-Westies will stop being the brunt of “Go Jurong need bring passport sia” jokes.
Adding onto Gardens by the Bay’s range of domes and floral gardens is Kingfisher Wetlands, a 15,000sqm reserve home to over 200 native mangrove trees. Not only is this nature sanctuary free to enter, but it also boasts intricate water features to help plant and wildlife species in the area flourish across 3 zones.
Located on a hill about 45m above sea level is Bukit Gombak Park. Its facilities include a 400m looped hill trek, a butterfly garden that’s home to over 20 species of butterflies, a nature playground with a 5.3m-long slide, and Bukit Gombak’s first dog run for your furkids to roam unleashed.
Image credit: NParks
Before the Pasir Panjang Park Connector, there was Pasir Panjang Park – a community-built park that features sandy terrain reminiscent of the area’s coastline. You’ll be greeted by a nature play garden that offers interactive equipment for your little ones to play with, along with cool sculptures of maritime artefacts by the walkway.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz via Instagram
Those who’ve already made their way around Chek Jawa Wetland can check out the new Coastal Arboretum on their next getaway to Pulau Ubin. Situated on the west side of the island, this huge mangrove is home to 500 trees of over 70 native coastal species, and critically endangered plants such as the Sea Tristania and Damak-damak Tahun.
Image credit: @w.i.l_son via Instagram
It may be impossible to walk on water, but ABC Waters at Jurong Lake Gardens comes close to that feeling thanks to its floating boardwalks. This 3,850sqm park stands as Singapore’s largest man made floating wetlands and is made up of a series of enclosures and water-based plants.
Check out the Tropical Montane Orchidetum – a cool oasis with 16-degree temps situated within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Sembcorp Cool House is an air-conditioned glasshouse that’s home to over 150 orchids you won’t ordinarily find at your neighbourhood park.
Fragrant & edible plant zones
Image adapted from: NParks, @mmaayyuudd via Instagram
As one of the best community gardens on our Little Red Dot, Jurong Lake Gardens’ Therapeutic Garden is where you can find a variety of plants arranged thematically in Fragrance, Plant, and Edibles zones, with fun features like a stone chess table. Meanwhile, the Children’s Discovery Area has several play elements like a “piano” pathway, swing sets, and a giant xylophone.
New entryway points after restoration
Visit prominent landmarks such as the Singapore Quarry Bridge and the Bukit Timah Road Truss Bridge during your hike.
Image credit: NParks
Though parts of the Green Corridor have been open for a while now, the restored Rail Corridor (Central) offers hiking enthusiasts a 4km trail that stretches from Hillview to Bukit Timah Railway Station. Along the trail are over 1,500 native trees and shrubs such as the Red Tree Shrub and the Tampines Tree.
Weekly hiking trips and basking in the #outdoorlife are regular activities for a lot of Singaporeans. So if you’re looking for new green spots to explore, these new and upcoming parks will pave the way for lots of new adventures.
Check out our other guides on local parks and nature spots:
Cover image adapted from: NParks, Desmond Lee via Facebook
Last updated by Renae Cheng on 27th August 2024.
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