5 Scenic Parks You Must Visit In The West Of Singapore

As the journey to being a “City in a Garden” continues on for Singapore since it started in 1963, there has been much progress—the little red dot is filled with many gardens and parks that is a stark contrast against its skyscrapers.

Neighbourhood estates have the best parks as it is where residents retreat to for a long quiet stroll to enjoy the breeze, for a morning jog while admiring the wonders of nature, or to simply embrace the evening.

The Western part of Singapore has quite a few picturesque parks that are worth travelling to. In fact, many of these parks are conveniently located around MRT stations! Here are 5 Scenic Parks You Must Visit In The West Of Singapore.

Photo Credit: Fishkat

CHINESE GARDEN

The two imposing stone lions just outside Chinese Garden is what you will set your eyes on first before you enter through the red gates. Legend has it that these mystical creatures are able to protect and therefore has been used in ancient times to guard palaces and tombs.

The 13.5-hectare garden was designed by Taiwanese architect Prof. Yuen-chen Yu to reflect old China. This explains why you will walk across the ‘Bai Hong Qiao’ bridge, which mirrors the style of the 17-Arch Bridge found in the Summer Palace in Beijing. Those who are well versed with Chinese history will recognise the enormous sculptures of Confucius and the 12 Chinese Zodiac Characters.

However, the highlights of Chinese Garden are the twin pagodas and the Stone Boat which lies in the middle of the lake. The seven storey pagodas are open to the public so you can walk around to get a 360 degrees view of the beautiful garden.

The best time to visit Chinese Garden will be during the Mid-Autumn festival as the annual celebrations usually feature colourful silk lanterns decorating the lake, acrobatic shows and even fireworks!

Photo Credit: Little Steps Asia

JAPANESE GARDEN

On your way to Chinese Garden, you should make it a point to visit the Japanese Garden as well since they are connected by the ‘Bridge of Double Beauty’. After all the excitement from the majestic designs of Chinese Garden, take a breather and walk down the marble-chip paths of Japanese Garden as the designs are meant to evoke inner peace and calmness.

Inspired by Japan’s Muromachi period and the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the designer used similar styles while designing the interior of Japanese Garden. The park boasts traditional arched bridges, traditional Toto stone lanterns that are commonly found in Japan’s Buddhist temples and a rest house.

Photo Credit: Alan Chow

JURONG CENTRAL PARK

If you happen to visit Jurong Point, you may find it a joy to roam through Jurong Central Park which is just across the mall. It is the first park in Singapore to have life-sized board game features! Children will have a good time running around the life-sized Snakes and Ladders playground and parents who know of the Ludo board game will find the Ludo Garden interesting as it has been built based on the indoor children’s board game.

The most striking structure there is a 24 hours McDonald’s outlet. What differentiates this branch apart from the rest is that it is one of McDonald’s first “Green” certified restaurants in Asia. The fast food restaurant won the ‘Platinum’ Green Mark Award for its ‘green’ design that incorporated a number of innovative energy and water saving features.

Photo Credit: Lakeside Grove

JURONG LAKE PARK

Just a stone’s throw away from Lakeside MRT station is Jurong Lake Park which was built around the perimeter of a lake. As it is near residential estates and neighbourhood schools, this park is always full of life during the day. Residents will be out there for walks with their families, running with their dogs and students will be training for their NAPFA 2.4km run there as well.

When nighttime falls, stroll along or rest at the boardwalk and fishing deck that was developed on the lake. Beyond the floating wetlands and 20 metres high fountain in front of the boardwalk is the main road where you can see the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a moment to appreciate the silence and calmness of Jurong Lake Park that gives you the peace you need.

Although renovation works have begun as part of the Jurong Lake Gardens project, the West side will remain open so that people are still able to continue their recreational activities as per usual.

WEST COAST PARK

Compared to its counterpart in the East, West Coast Park may seem smaller and unassuming. However, do not underestimate the importance of this park as it a significant playground for many kids growing up in the West.

The Adventure Play Area has exciting activities that is suitable for people of all ages and hence is where families like to go for a picnic or to fly kites. The eastern part of the park is generally a place for people to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment while the western part of the park is where children and adventure seekers head off to for an adrenaline rush!

You cannot miss out on the giant rope pyramid in the middle of the play area where children and teens race to the top, unwinding their way through the ropes and climbing to the peak of the pyramid. There are other obstacle courses and the one with the longest queue will have to be the ‘flying fox’. This activity is a thrill even for adults!

Camping and barbecuing are also great outdoor activities for bonding time at West Coast Park but do remember to make reservations for the BBQ pit and permits before you set up your tents there! For more information, click here.