Located at Singapore’s centre, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park stretches from Bishan Road to the Upper Thomson area. With wide lawns and different landscapes, it is a popular place for outings and activities.
Opened in 1988, it was first known as Bishan Park. The park was redeveloped and renamed in 2012 to become today’s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
The park is divided into two halves by Marymount Road, namely River Plains in the East and Pond Gardens closer to Upper Thomson Road.
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River Plains is the busier half of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. You will find it bustling with groups of people in the morning, many exercising together amidst the lush greenery of the park.
Pond Gardens may be less crowded than River Plains but it is no less pretty. Here, you will be able to find two of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park’s three playgrounds.
A naturalised river, the upper reaches of the Kallang River, runs through the park, uniting the two halves.
With its sheer size and picturesque scenery, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a popular hotspot for family outings and outdoor gatherings.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: Things to Do & See
Here are some things you can see and do at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park with friends and family.
1. Naturalised River – Part of the Kallang River
Under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park’s old canal was demolished in favour of a more natural and aesthetically pleasing river.
Utilising bioengineering ingenuity and self-cleansing filtration system, the river can sustain itself against moss and algae, which allows park visitors to admire its natural beauty and tranquillity.
Look out for the wide array of biodiversity present in the area. Birds, squirrels, wildflowers and dragonflies are just some of the few there.
At the River Plains half of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, there are little footpaths that lead down to stepping stones crossing the river. These allow people to get a wonderfully close-up look at the beautiful flowing river.
2. Recycle Hill at Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park
Crafted from the remnants of the original concrete canal that once ran through Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Recycle Hill stands as a useful vantage point should you desire a pleasant overview of the park.
Perched on the top of the hill lies the critically-acclaimed sculpture “An Enclosure for a Swing”. Built with the theme of ‘reconnection’ in mind, the sculpture represents the incorporation of nature with its metallic design.
The seat of the swing can still be found in the sculpture but, sadly, it no longer moves.
3. Water Lily Garden
Next to Bishan Road at River Plains, there is a water lily garden. It is a picturesque spot to enjoy at the park.
It is also currently where you can also find a whimsical art installation of yellow “cups”, a play on the childhood game of communicating with two cups and a string.
Separately, there is a lotus garden at the other end of the park.
4. Inclusive, Adventure and Water Playgrounds
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park has three children’s playgrounds.
At River Plains, there is an Inclusive Playground with comfortable rubber mounds that are littered through the play area.
Over at Pond Gardens is Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park’s own water playground.
Take note of the hours of operation pf the water playground.
The Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Checkpoint for the Coast-to-Coast Route can be found in front of the water playground.
There is an Adventure Playground at Pond Gardens too.
RELATED: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio’s Playgrounds – Water, Adventure & Inclusive
5. Butterfly Habitat
There are approximately 300 species of butterflies in Singapore and about ten percent of these have been sighted at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park’s Butterfly Habitat. This section of River Plains has been planted with flora that attracts butterflies. Take a walk through the Butterfly Habitat and see how many butterflies you can spot.
6. Dog Run
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park also has a dog run where canines can exercise their legs in a gated space.
7. Dining Places
Enjoy the tranquil setting of the park while taking a break at the eateries and restaurants located in the Park. There is a range of dining options at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Over at Pond Gardens, you can stop by Burp Kitchen & Bar for a bite.
Canopy at River Plains is another dining outlet at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Next to Canopy is ToriYard, a Japanese restaurant and late-night yakitori place.
The McDonald’s outlet at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park must have one of the most scenic views of all their outlets.
Special hint: dog-owners can make use of a water point at McDonald’s for their pets.
8. Nature Playgarden
Next to McDonald’s is a nature playgarden, a nice spot for younger children.
9. Foot Reflexology
The foot reflexology garden at Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park’s Pond Gardens must be one of the largest in Singapore. People can go round and round along the circular path as they improve the blood circulation in their body.
10. Cleansing Biotope
Giving Pond Gardens its name is a cleansing biotope and wetland pond. Not only is it picturesque with willows by the bank of the pond but you may even encounter a migratory bird or two when you stop by.
11. Community Garden
Admire the hard work of community farmers at the elevated plots at the Community Garden, close to the Adventure Playground at Pond Gardens.
12. Gym Pod
Want to work out? Besides the many fitness corners at the park, there is also a Gym Pod. It is located at Pond Gardens.
13. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Therapeutic Garden
Take a walk into this therapeutic garden, located beside the water playground at Pond Gardens, and find some solace to clear your mind.
14. Bike Rental for Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
There aren’t any bike rentals at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park per se. The closest spot to rent a bike is GoCycling @ An Mo Kio. This outlet is located at Teck Ghee Community Club, which is a short distance away from the park. Get more details on bike rentals for Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Location: Along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
READ: 15 of the Best Parks in Singapore for Families
First published in June 2017.
