If you have ever taken the train between Khatib and Yio Chu Kang stations, you would have looked out the waters of Lower Seletar Reservoir and greenery of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park.
Up until 1992, Lower Seletar Reservoir was known as Sungei Seletar Reservoir. It was created in the 1980s by the damming of the mouth of the Seletar River but the history of the area stretches back much further.
Ancient records state that Seletar River was used as an escape route in the 15th century by the ruler of Singapore, Iskandar Shah, to flee from the invading Javanese. The area was once where plantations thrived and, in the days before there were a good transport network in Singapore, traders would use the Seletar River for passage of goods to town.
But those days are long gone. Nowadays, you are more likely to find the sounds of children’s laughter rather than the sounds of an invading army by the waters of Lower Seletar Reservoir.
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Here are some things you can expect to find at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and its recreational area, known as Family Bay.
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park Water Play Area
A centre for much of the activity at the compact park is the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park water play area. This water play spot is designed for young children and consists of a wading stream, a central fountain area and two water spouts.
Kids can wander about a little stream area where the water flows among brown-and-green, gently rolling slopes.
At one end of this wading area is two petal-shaped water fountains, emerging like shy poppies from the ground.
At the other end, the stream flows into a “pond” before it cascades down to the main water fountain play area.
Jets of water spray out of the ground at the fountains of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park water play area. The concrete floor of water play area is decorated with a mosaic map of the Lower Seletar Reservoir area.
The Lower Seletar Reservoir water play area is open from 9 am to 9 pm. It also serves an amphitheatre.
Heritage Bridge
Park users can also step out above the waters of the reservoir along a jetty close to the Lower Seletar Reservoir water play area. With a design reminiscent of the stilts found at kelongs (fishing traps), the jetty is a nice spot at Lower Seletar Reservoir to take in the sunset.
Along the jetty are information panels that tell the area’s history, the origins of the name “Seletar” and the people who once populated the area.
The heritage bridge is also a good location to keep a look out for the White-bellied Sea Eagle that can be occasionally spotted overhead.
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Lower Seletar Reservoir Fishing Deck
Another structure that stretches out over the reservoir waters is the Lower Seletar Reservoir fishing deck.
Those who wish to angle from the fishing deck should use artificial bait to help maintain the reservoir’s water quality and practise catch and release to maintain the fish stock.
Fitness Area
There is a small exercise area along Yishun Avenue 1. This complements the park’s 1.3 km jogging track.
PA Water-Venture – Kayaking & Dragon Boating at Lower Seletar Reservoir
PA Water-Venture also operates at Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, the last boat has to return back to shore by 5.30 pm. Rental rates for kayaks are $15 per person and children must be minimally seven years old and able to fit into the life vest.
For those who are more adventurous and have the necessary certifications, dragon boats for 10 persons are also available for rent.
Other amenities at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park include a set of toilets and a car park which can be accessed from Yishun Avenue 1.
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Bounded by Yishun Avenue 1 and Lentor Avenue
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READ: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park – A Rocket Ship on the Lookout
