Guess which park’s name means ‘beach bolt-rope’, implying a narrow beach? If you guessed Pasir Ris Park, you are right!
Pasir Ris Park is a wonderful choice for a fun family day out. Much more than just a long narrow beach (which isn’t really narrow in our opinion), there are plenty of fun activities along the 6+ km long park. It is no wonder that Pasir Ris Park and its surroundings are a popular choice for outings and short, in-country getaways.
Overview of Pasir Ris Park
Pasir Ris Park extends all the way from Loyang Besar in the east of the park to Elias Road in the westerly end.
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It is divided into four areas:
- Area 1 is the stretch of the park in front of Downtown East, Wild Wild Wet, Costa Sands and Aloha Resort Loyang. If you are staying at one of the Pasir Ris chalets close to Downtown East, this is the area that you’d be more familiar with.
- Area 2 is in between Sungei Tampines and Sungei Api Api. It is the most naturalistic and wooded section of Pasir Ris Park.
- Area 3 is best known for the impressive Pasir Ris Park playground.
- Area 4 is in front of the PA Holiday Complex at the far western end of the the park.
In terms of car parks,
- car park A is in Area 1.
- car park B and C are in Area 2. Car park C is the one that can be reached by Pasir Ris Green road.
- car parks D and E are located in Area 3.
Pasir Ris Park Guide: Things to See & Do
Pasir Ris Park is perfect for a day of fun and exploration. Here are some reasons why Pasir Ris Park is just awesome and a guide to the many things you can do in the seaside park.
1. Pasir Ris Park Nature Playgarden
The Pasir Ris Park Nature Playgarden invokes the spirit of Singapore’s kampong past, inviting kids to experience nature with elements of coastal village life. Located next to Pasir Ris Park Car Park A in Area 1, the Pasir Ris Park Nature Playgarden is divided into four different zones. Each of these was inspired by kampong life and Pasir Ris’ past as a coastal settlement.
View a map of the Pasir Ris Park Nature Playgarden.
2. Have a Barbecue (and where to find the BBQ pits)
With its seaside location, it is no wonder that Pasir Ris Park is popular for gatherings of family and friends for a barbecue over the weekend or in the evening. The barbecue pits stretch all the way from Area 1 to Area 4. Do take note that a permit is required and can be applied at any AXS Machine or at www.axs.com.sg. However, you may have to book in advance because it is so popular that the pits often get booked up very early, especially on weekends.
If you need to locate a BBQ pit at Pasir Ris, here is a quick guide:
- Area 1: BBQ Pits 1 to 23
- Area 2: BBQ Pits 24 to 33 & BYOP 1 to 5
- Area 3: BBQ Pits 34 to 45
- Area 4: BBQ Pits 46 to 65
3. Bird Watching
Did you know that Singapore has over 300 species of birds? Grab your binoculars, camera and hat for a great spot to find a variety of birds. Within half an hour, we saw a variety of birds in the area that included a bright yellow black-naped oriole and larger birds of prey.
Pasir Ris Park is great because there are many flat surfaces directly in front of the trees which make it good for the setting up of tripods. Bird watchers can also observe birds in their natural habitat from the three-storey high bird watching tower located within the mangrove forest at Area 2.
There are also two bird hides at Area 2, set up to overlook Sungei Tampines. These are just a short distance away from the bird watching tower, in the direction of the shoreline.
On that note, if you spend enough time walking around the park, the most common type of bird that you’ll see are chicken running around. Thats counts as bird watching too, right?
4. Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk
Take a walk through the carefully preserved six-hectare mangrove forest in Area 2.
The mangroves at Pasir Ris Park are an essential part of our eco-system with multiple functions. It acts as a buffer between land and sea and is also home to many species of animals and fish which can hide in its dense roots.
The educational stroll encourages you to look out for unique plants such as the Nipah Palm, which bears the attap chee fruit, commonly used in our yummy ice kachang, and listen out for the calls of birds such as kingfisher.
Sharp eyes can also be kept peeled for mud crabs, mudskippers and water monitors.
Note that for safety reasons, cycling is not allowed on the boardwalk.
Visit the Kitchen Garden
Enter Pasir Ris Park’s very own secret garden, the Kitchen Garden, and get up close and personal with the herbs and plants we consume in our daily lives.
Located Area 2, just beside the mangrove boardwalk, the Kitchen Garden is a community plot that has herbs, flowers and plants that have aesthetic, medical and culinary uses. You even be inspired to grow your own herbs and vegetables at home!
From familiar plants such as lemongrass and mint to others such as the guava plant and tapioca plant, you are sure to see something new and interesting.
The garden is run and cared for by dedicated volunteers. Just like at Singapore Botanic Garden’s Healing Garden, visitors are not allowed to pluck or remove any plants from the garden so that others can enjoy and learn about the plants too. Also, to protect the plants in the garden, cycling is not allowed.
5. Pasir Ris Maze Garden
The maze in Pasir Ris Park is located around Area 2 of the huge park. It is a unique and rather old school way for you to test your navigation skills as you make your way around the maze.
In addition to the old Pasir Ris Park Maze, a new, second maze area has opened. This one features low hedges and, as of the start of October, the plants have yet to cover the maze frames, leaving the metal frame exposed. The grass on the pathways are also still quite deep. Nonetheless, it is a second maze challenge that you can embark on while at the Pasir Ris Park Maze.
6. Woodball Course at Pasir Ris Park
While at Area 2, you will come across a woodball course. We aren’t quite sure who is currently managing the woodball course but it sure does look like it would be fun to play on the course. The woodball course is located close to Car Park C.
7. Cycling at Pasir Ris Park
As with all parks, cycling and skating is a great way to appreciate the flora and fauna of the area, not to mention it is a great form of exercise. Bring along your own bike to the park or rent one the Pasir Ris bike kiosk found at Area 2, just next to Car Park C.
8. Gallop Stables
With its pioneering branch founded in Pasir Ris Park itself, Gallop Stables gives the opportunity to everyone, young and old, to go horseback riding without the hassle of being a member of a riding club. Gallop Stables also has another branch at D’Resort at Downtown East. For more details, visit the Gallop Stables website.
9. Camping at Pasir Ris Park
If you have ever wanted to fall asleep under the starry night sky and wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the smell of the sea, well, this next activity is definitely for you.
Pasir Ris Park is a great location for your next overnight outdoor adventure. There are two areas – Area 1 and Area 3 – where camping is permitted at Pasir Ris Park. Simply apply for a camping permit at any AXS station and get “campy”!
10. Pasir Ris Park Playground
Swings, slides, hills, a bridge and more…all in one playground? That’s right! The Pasir Ris Park playground at Area 3 is a great place for children to have fun. We especially love the large number and variety of swings in the park, the play structures that encourage imaginative play and self-expression.
We have a detailed article on what you can expect at Pasir Ris Park Playground.
11. Beach Time at Pasir Ris Beach
As mentioned Pasir Ris means “beach bolt-rope”. Where is the beach you may be wondering? You can find it at Area 3. Take the kids for some sand play or simply enjoy the breeze and view of the kelongs out on the water in the distance.
12. Water Sports
Want to get into the water? You can rent equipment for water sports at Area 3, Car Park E at either KOKOMO Beach Club or PA WaterVenture.
We even came across a leg-powered kayak rental service at Area 4 that you can apparently use to paddle across to Pulau Ubin.
13. Pasir Ris Park Therapeutic Garden
Just content to sit back and relax? The Therapeutic Garden at Pasir Ris Park at Area 4 has a few notable features such as a Viewing Garden, Planter Garden, Fitness Area and Shelter. It is a green space for visitors to enjoy.
View a map of the Pasir Ris Park Therapeutic Garden.
14. Pasir Ris Park Dog Run
Did you know that Pasir Ris Park has a dog run at Area 4? Take your furry friends out for some exercise off the leash at the dog run.
View a map showing the location of the Pasir Ris Park dog run.
15. Dining at Pasir Ris Park
After spending the day at Pasir Ris Park, hungry bellies can be fed at Rasa Istimewa at Area 3, Car Park D. If not, there are plenty of food options over at Downtown East.
16. Pasir Ris Park Event Spaces
Lastly, Pasir Ris Park has plenty of spaces. That’s what makes it a great place for large group outings and activities.
Here are some of the event spaces that you will find around Pasir Ris Park.
At Area 2, near Car Park C and the bicycle rental kiosk, you will find a large open lawn.
Also at Area 2, next to the bridge across Sungei Tampines connecting Area 2 to Area 1, there is a cute spot that looks like a campfire spot or tribal council.
Staying at Area 2, you will an event plaza in between the two bridges that link Area 2 to Areas 1 and 3.
At Area 3, close to the bridge linking to Area 2, you will find a skating rink.
Do also keep a look out for a Spotify log where you can activate some music. This can be found in Area 3, near the skating rink and the bridge that goes across Sungei Api Api to Area 2.
Have Fun Visiting Pasir Ris Park
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this story on Pasir Ris Park and found it useful for planning your day out. If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy this one on the best outdoor playgrounds in Singapore.
You may also enjoy reading about the new Pasir Ris Mall.
