Travel with Xiuren

Singapore is known for its iconic gardens like the Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay, but beyond these well-known attractions, there are many local parks that not only add green spaces to the city but also serve the daily needs of its residents.

These parks are thoughtfully designed to support community life, promote healthy living, and even integrate smart environmental solutions—like wetlands that naturally filter rainwater. Here’s a closer look at some of them

1. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Address	google map link Walkable from – Bishan MRT Station – Bright Hill MRT Station
Food Options	– Many local food options near Upper Thomson MRT – Or pick from any eateries at Junction 8 Mall (Bishan MRT)
More Details	PDF Link Click to find out how to best enjoy the park

Originally created to bridge Ang Mo Kio and Bishan New Towns, this park has grown into a favorite spot for locals of all ages. With facilities such as a football field, a floating amphitheatre, and a natural pond, it’s more than just a place to relax; it’s a community hub.

Residents enjoy morning group exercises like qigong (a slow movement exercise mostly done by elders in SG) and chapteh (a local childhood game) sessions, and even participate in bagua walks around the park’s trees to boost their energy. The park’s development was a significant project, showing early examples of Singapore’s commitment to building multi-use spaces for public well-being.

2. Woodlands Waterfront Park

Address	google map link Walkable from – Woodlands North MRT Station (15mins)
Food Options	– Local Halal food option within the park – Or pick from any eateries at Causeway Point Mall (Woodlands MRT)
More Details	PDF Link Click to find out how to best enjoy the park

Situated along Admiralty Road West in Woodlands, this park offers an 11-hectare retreat with a large playground and a 1.5-kilometre-long waterfront promenade. It’s an ideal spot for picnics and outdoor events with spacious lawns and scenic vantage points that overlook the Straits of Johor.

A 25-kilometre explorer loop connects this park to nearby green spaces, allowing visitors to experience the coastal beauty and even catch a glimpse of the modern developments in Johor Bahru—all without crossing any borders.

3. Jurong Lake Gardens

Address	google map link Walkable from – Lakeside MRT Station (5 mins) – Chinese Garden MRT Station (5 mins)
Food Options	– Local Food Options at Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre (15 mins walk) – Or pick from any eateries in the park.
More Details	PDF Link Click to find out how to best enjoy the park

As Singapore’s third national garden in the heartlands, Jurong Lake Gardens covers a vast 90 hectares and features themed areas like the Lakeside Garden and both Chinese and Japanese gardens. Designed as a true people’s garden, it encourages families and communities to gather and enjoy nature right in the middle of the bustling Jurong Lake District. This park is a fine example of how urban planning can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

For Starbucks lovers, there is one there that overlooks the lake, with both

4. Sengkang Riverside Park

Address	google map link Walkable from – Kupang LRT Station (8mins)
Food Options	– Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop (Local Halal Western Food) – Local food options at Food Courts nearby

Located by Sungei Punggol, Sengkang Riverside Park is an excellent example of sustainable urban design. Spread over 21 hectares, the park includes several open spaces and a specially constructed wetland.

This floating wetland—officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong—is designed not only to connect the park with the adjacent Sengkang Sports Centre but also to naturally collect and filter rainwater using aquatic plants. The innovative design has helped attract more birds, dragonflies, and other wildlife, earning the park an ABC Waters Certification for its eco-friendly approach.

5. Choa Chu Kang Park

Address	google map link Walkable from – Choa Chu Kang MRT Station (5 mins)
Food Options	– Macdonald’s with great view and sunshine – A few Halal eateries at SAFRA

A special mention goes to Choa Chu Kang Park, which is a personal favorite. I often visit for the gym facilities. This park, including the SAFRA building, is a great reminder that local green spaces are designed with the community in mind, providing both recreational opportunities and a natural escape.

Singapore’s residential parks go beyond simple recreational areas—they are key elements in a larger vision of sustainable, community-focused city planning. Each park tells its own story of how urban green spaces can serve diverse functions: from promoting fitness and social interaction to showcasing innovative ecological solutions like wetlands for water filtration.

If you’re planning a visit to Singapore and want to experience these local parks firsthand, or if you’d like a guided tour through these green spaces, please feel free to drop a form submission below. I’d be delighted to show you around and share more about the city’s thoughtful planning and community spirit, at no cost!