Sengkang Riverside Park and its Floating Island

 

Sengkang Riverside Park was opened in November of 2008, with additional areas including its wetland areas opening in subsequent years. In total, the park covers more than 21 hectares (52 acres). It is made up of three areas of open parkland, a constructed wetland and the floating wetland, which is in fact the largest artificial floating wetland in Singapore.

Sengkang Floating Island
Sengkang Floating Island

The main feature of the park however, the reason why so many people flock there, and what gives it its characteristic tranquil atmosphere is Sungei Punggol (or the Punggol Reservoir) which bisects it. What also makes this park a popular place to visit, especially for cyclists and runners is the fact that it is one of four parks that make up the 26 kilometre, $57 million North Eastern Riverine Loop – part of the PCN (Park Connector Network). The other three are Punggol Park, Punggol Waterway Park and Punggol Point Park.

What to see and do at Sengkang Riverside Park

Besides walking along the riverbank, picnicking on the grassy banks and looking out for the wide variety of wildlife in the park (including sea otters, mangrove birds and butterflies) the park has a lot to offer.  There are several hiking trails, as well as some that are ideal for jogging. These are lit-up at night (7pm until 7am) so are perfect for stretching those legs when the heat of the day has dissipated.

The Sengkang Floating Wetland, the largest man made one on the island, was officially opened by the PM in the Autumn of 2010. Since then it has helped to add to the park’s rich biodiversity, attracting a large number of dragonflies and birds to the area. The wetlands and its plants also aid in the wellbeing of the river and its surroundings, by collecting and naturally filtering the rainwater that falls on them.

Next to the park, and accessed via the floating wetland is the Sengkang Sports and Recreation Centre, which is home to among other things the Sengkang Hockey Stadium.

Another feature of the park is the Fruit Tree Trail, something else that is unique. It boasts 16 different types of fruit tree, from some familiar ones such as the dragon and star fruit, to ones you are unlikely to have seen or even heard of before.

Finally, as this is Singapore, there is of course somewhere to get something cool to drink, and tasty to eat. The Mushroom Café is adjacent to the carpark.

 

Getting to Sengkang Riverside Park

If you aren’t doing the park as part of the riverine loop, the park is still well connected, no matter if you are getting there on foot, by pedal power, on the bus, LRT or the MRT network. There is a carpark next to the visitors centre which is just north off Anchorvale Street.

Bus route 85 is the best service for the park, while the nearest LRT stations are Kupang and Farmway depending on which part of the park you want to enter Sengkang on the North East Line is the nearest MRT station.

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