Day Trip to Pasir Ris Park

Singapore is crowded. There are nearly 6 million people living in 281 sq. miles (728 sq. km.) That breaks down to more than 20,000 people living in one sq. mile. It’s hard for me to get my mind around but when all the kids are on school break and no one is allowed to travel, you really feel the crush of people.

The good news is that most people tend to gather at the air-conditioned attractions and not in outdoor parks. It’s a pity because there are some really nice parks. For those of us who are willing to brave the heat, it creates a great opportunity to enjoy some time away from the crowds. Over the holidays, I fell in love with Pasir Ris Park. There is so much to explore and it reminds me that I do indeed, live on a tropical island.

Things to do

Pasir Ris Park is located on the northeastern coast of Singapore. It is full of green meadows with coconut trees all around. A gentle, sea breeze seems to always be blowing whenever I’m there inviting me to relax and get on “island time,” with signs warning of falling coconuts and a wild chicken pecking lazily nearby.

Mangrove Forest Boardwalk

The mangrove forest is always the first stop especially when I’m with my children. It hosts so much wildlife, from kingfishers to crabs, mudskippers to otters and everything in between. You may have to look carefully but I guarantee you’ll see something interesting. If you have trouble, look for a group of nature photographers with their large telephoto lenses. Most likely, they’ve found something interesting and may even point you in the right direction. The walk is educational with signs educating you on mangrove forests as well as the plant and animal species that call it home.

Water Sports

The name Pasir Ris means “beach-bolt rope”, implying a narrow beach. It is but that doesn’t make it any less fun. There are plenty of shells and coral pieces that wash up on the beach, making it fun to explore. There is no surf to speak of so you can let your littles splash around without worry.

Like most beaches in Singapore, it roped off to ensure that motorized boat traffic and recreational beach goers remain in their zones. The recreational zone at Pasir Ris Park is large so there is plenty of room for kayakers, swimmers and fishermen. We were there on a weekday and had the beach to ourselves.

There are bathrooms and public showers throughout the park so you can easily change as your day demands.

Kayak and paddle board rentals are easy at Adventure Paddlers.

Running/Cycling/Rollerblading

Whichever your preference, it’s easy to do here. The best part is that there is always that cool, gentle, sea breeze to keep you from getting to hot.

The park is part of Singapore’s Park Connector trail system which is well marked and easy to navigate.

Other activities

I have barely scratched the surface at this park because we end up spending our time splashing in the water and looking at all the plants and wildlife in the mangrove forest but there are so many other things to see and do here.

• Camping
• Picnicking & barbecuing – there are 65 barbecue pits that you can reserve
• Hedge Maze
• Playground – one of the largest in Singapore
• Gallop Stables for pony rides and other horse activities
• Wild Wild Wet water park

Where to Eat

There are a couple of options in the park:

• Georges @ the Cove – serving primarily Western food
• Rasa Istemawa Restaurant

Just across the street from Car Park B there is a McDonald’s and if you want to go more casual and local, there is the Pasir Ris Central Hawker Center. Insider tip – there is a second floor with more new-style hawker foods. The Korean fried chicken at Seoul Shiok is SO good!

If you go, let me know I’d love to hear your experience. I feel like I’m on vacation every time I go. The pace is slower and there is so much to see and do but it doesn’t require a plane ticket or even a hotel stay.