Coney Island Park

It is called Coney Island, and there is not a rollercoaster in sight. This is the good news.

Coney Island Park is the quietest walk in Singapore's north-east, and it suits anyone who wants two hours of trees and water with nobody selling them anything. The compromise is that it is exactly that: no café, no swimming, and an island you leave the way you came. Go in the morning with water and snacks, and check the access hours before setting off.

Why go

The name promises candyfloss and rides; what you get is a long, narrow island off Punggol, also known as Pulau Serangoon, where the loudest thing is usually a bird. It has had several lives, including one as the site of a now-forgotten Haw Par Beach Villa, and its current one as a park was opened by then-Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan. It is about as rustic as mainland Singapore gets.

NParks' self-guided route covers 3.6km through four distinct landscapes: coastal forest, grassland, mangroves and casuarina woodland. That is what makes it more interesting than the usual park connector. The shade changes, the ground changes and the plants change, sometimes within a few minutes. Notice the moment the casuarinas start; their needle-like foliage makes the light feel different from anywhere else on the island. The West Promenade opens up views across the water, and the Casuarina Exploratory play area is built from upcycled timber, so children get something to climb that doesn't look like every other playground.

How to do it well

NParks suggests about two hours for the full walk; allow more if you stop for photos or wildlife. Bring water and snacks, because there is nothing to buy on the island. If you only want a short visit, walk part of the way and turn back, and save energy for the return: the only way off is on foot or by bike. You will pass openings to sandy beaches, which are fine for a pause but are not designated swimming spots. Coney is not a place to arrive at dusk and improvise, so check the access hours and any closure notices first. NParks runs free guided tours here from time to time, which need advance registration. Punggol MRT is the nearest station; the west entrance is near Punggol Point Walk and the east one near Lorong Halus Wetland.

Good to know Self-guided access is free; Punggol MRT is the nearest station. Check NParks for access hours and closure notices, and the events listing for guided tours that need registration.

Want more quiet green escapes? Here are our favourite ideas for a greener weekend

Coney Island Park | Beside Punggol Promenade Nature Walk; West entrance near Punggol Point Walk, East entrance near Lorong Halus Wetland | Nearest MRT: Punggol