places to visit in sembawang singapore

My Sembawang Hot Spring Park guide for Singapore’s only accessible natural hot spring

By: Author Jaclynn Seah

Posted on Published: September 6, 2020  - Last updated: July 5, 2024

Categories Singapore

Last Updated on 5 July, 2024

I’m a big fan of hot springs and onsens in general – trips to Taiwan and Japan aren’t complete without soaking in nature’s hot tubs of mineral goodness. But did you know that tiny Singapore has its very own natural hot spring? You have to go way up north to find it though, and it isn’t quite like other hot spring facilities that I have visited overseas, so I put together this little guide about Sembawang Hot Spring Park to tell you how to get there and what you need to bring with you. 

Before we dive into things: don’t go up to Sembawang Hot Spring Park expecting a hot spring resort, or even pools for bathing in. This spot used to just have a tap in the ground, but the National Parks folk have spruced it up into something a little nicer when they refurbished and reopened it in early 2020. The park is also pretty ulu (out of the way) for most people, so I’ll recommend some other things to do in nearby Sembawang and Yishun that you can consider doing to make a day trip of it.

Want to see what else there is in Sembawang? Read my post about the history, nature and other things to do in Sembawang

Note that the park may be affected by COVID regulations. For official information, check out the Nparks Sembawang Hot Spring Park page .

There is no better time to explore Singapore a little more and show you guys some of the more unusual sides of my home country. For fellow grounded Singaporeans who might not be able to travel and are wanderlusting hard, take the time to appreciate some of our own sights in the meantime.

• What's so special about Sembawang Hot Spring?

Where is Sembawang Hot Spring Park?

Floral walk, sembawang eating house, cascading foot bath pool, egg cooking station, heritage / activities, what’s so special about sembawang hot spring.

Sembawang Hot Spring is actually one of two natural hot springs in Singapore, but the only one that is publicly accessible. The other natural hot spring is located on Pulau Tekong, an offshore island used for military training.

The hot spring has had a fairly colourful history since its discovery in 1909 which you can read more about on the history on Infopedia , where the water was bottled for sale and briefly turned into an actual Japanese bathhouse during World War II. The hot springs were nearly closed when they wanted to expand the neighbouring Sembawang Air Base, but public outcry persuaded them to leave the area alone. Have a look at some fascinating old photos of the hot springs on Remember Singapore and see how the hot springs have been developed since its early beginnings as a well and a couple of taps.

The water is apparently safe for drinking, with old reports describing the water as an ‘ alkaline siliceous type with a trace of lithia ‘ and similar to other types of mineral water springs around the world. More recent tests by The Sunday Times in 2002 show that the water is indeed more alkaline thanks to higher concentrations of chloride and sulphide. I didn’t actually try drinking the water here but there aren’t any signs dissuading you from it…

The local belief is that the minerals in the water have curative and medicinal qualities and cure ailments like rheumatism, arthritis and even skin problems like acne, which is what keeps some Singaporeans coming back here religiously. Others believe having a soak would bring them good luck when betting in horse racing.

My intrigue with Sembawang Hot Spring was piqued because I’ve always associated hot springs with countries that have more plate movement and volcanic activity, so for Singapore – famously safely sheltered from most tectonic natural disasters – to have a hot spring was a fascinating idea to me. I’d heard about the place before the recent redevelopment but never actually got around to exploring it because I couldn’t be arsed to find my way there for the sake of seeing a tap in the ground, and I’ve also been spoiled by places like Taiwan and Japan which have absolutely spiffing hot spring experiences. I do think it’s nice that they’ve spruced up the area into a park yet made efforts not to over-commercialise it either.

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is located at the junction of Sembawang Road and Gambas Avenue in Singapore’s north, not far from Chong Pang Town Centre. It’s actually closer to Yishun than Sembawang in my opinion.

This area is mostly residential with nearby estates like Yishun, Chong Pang and Canberra, or military with Sembawang Air Base right next door – there were chinooks and other helicopters flying overhead throughout the morning I visited. Khatib and Chong Pang army camps are nearby as well. Foodies will also know some famous eateries to visit in the Chong Pang area which I will detail further down in this post.

Address: Gambas Avenue Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm daily.

Handy Google Map with some of the landmarks mentioned in this post marked out for you:

Sembawang Hot Spring Park Features

I visited the Sembawang Hot Spring Park with my family in September 2020. It was both a Friday and a school holiday so there were lots of children about, but thankfully it wasn’t crazy crowded because of its remote location and the ongoing COVID concerns. We reached the park at about 845am and left around 10am because we had to run some other errands, but we probably could have stayed a little longer though it was starting to get pretty hot.

If you’re planning to visit for yourself, here’s a rundown of what you can see at the park starting from the entrance, as well as my personal tips for a better experience.

There is a single paved and wheelchair-friendly pathway complete with imprints of leaves that leads from the main road entrance into the actual hot spring area. This Floral Walk was a part of the NParks revamp and highlights various edible plants and fruit trees that were commonplace in Singapore’s villages back in the day – my mum could easily identify many of these plants, but for the rest of us city-kids, the plants are labelled so you can learn the names of the plants you are looking at.

Take some time to poke around the site and enjoying the landscaping. While the flowers and lush greenery are pretty, there is one very large banyan tree that you can’t miss as you approach the foot bath area purely because of its impressive display of hanging aerial roots. If you are limber enough you can even climb up a little, but most people prefer to sit around underneath the tree and the surrounding lawn area with their buckets of water.

Along the Floral Walk is a little building with glass walls that houses the Sembawang Eating House , a small eatery where you can get simple local tze char dishes like pan-fried beehoon and fried rice as well as stir-fried veggies and a variety of seafood and meat platters to sate your hunger after a pleasant foot bath. You can also rent/buy a bucket here if you forget to bring your own (It’s pretty expensive though, definitely recommend bringing your own bucket if you can), or purchase raw eggs to cook at the hot springs.

I was a bit short on time that day, but they have quite a wide selection of food and prices from their online menu look pretty reasonable. It does look like a nice place to eat and chill out at while enjoying the greenery.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 815am to 8pm. Other amenities: Toilets, bicycle parking

The foot bath is the main highlight of the park, and if you’re lucky you can score yourself a seat right around the bottommost pool to sit around and soak your feet ( no bathing in the common pools allowed! This is not an onsen ). With social distancing right now, there aren’t that many seats available, so you either need to wait around a bit or scoop the water into your bucket and find your own corner of the park to enjoy your soak.

Hot tip: There are some shelters next to the pools, and other assorted benches and seats scattered around the park, but some of these spots are shadier and more coveted than others, so keep an eye out for where the older folk who look like regulars are seated because they know where the best spots are. Also, bring an umbrella along just in case because boiling both your feet and your face at the same time isn’t that fun.

Note that the cascading pool design isn’t just for aesthetic purposes – the water that is drawn up directly from the ground is about 70ºC, and as the water cascades down to larger and shallower pools, the temperature of each pool drops incrementally until it is a rather balmy 40°C at the lowest level, which is where you can sit and stick your feet in. Personally I find it’s still a tad too hot for my liking (especially in our tropical climate), but it is bearable enough for me to stand in for awhile.

Actual hot tip: The information above is important especially if you’re scooping water for your own bucket – if you don’t want to cook your own feet or spend a long time trying to cool down your water, I’d suggest sticking to scooping from the lowest two levels (40ºC and 45ºC respectively). Otherwise you’ll be like the family sitting next to me that filled an actual portable bathtub full of 50ºC water and spent more time trying to cool the water than anything else. There are taps with non-hot water around the park that you can use to rinse off or help adjust the water temperature to your liking.

Further inside the park is another stone structure with taps of flowing hot spring water at 70ºC that you can use to cook eggs. In other hot springs overseas I’ve seen people cook vegetables and even prawns as well, but here it seems to just be eggs. You will need to bring your own raw eggs to cook, and I highly recommend bringing a few extra eggs even if you are on your own just in case you are clumsy and can afford a bit of room for error (real story: I brought 2 eggs to a hot spring in Taiwan and dropped one of them and was mildly devastated).

Hot tip: You will need your own container to hold the eggs, ideally a cup or container with a long handle so you don’t burn yourself extracting your eggs from under the taps.

Depending how you want your eggs done, it can take quite awhile to cook as the water isn’t quite boiling temperature. We put our eggs under one of the taps for about 20 minutes and had some lovely runny half-boiled eggs, but if you want something more cooked it’ll probably take around 30 minutes or more. Again, bring your own soya sauce and pepper, as well as a bowl/spoon to eat with.

How to get to Sembawang Hot Spring Park

If you are driving, note that there is no parking at the park itself. 

You will need to park at the open-air public carpark at Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road. From there, walk towards the major road junction where you should see small brown signs pointing you towards the hot spring park. Just cross the road towards Gambas Avenue and you should spot the entrance on your left. It’s about 400m walk from the carpark, an easy 5-10 minute stroll and you’ll probably spot other hot spring goers by the buckets that they are carrying.

The closest MRT options are Canberra (NS12) or Yishun (NS13). You can then walk about 20-25 minutes from either station (roughly under 2km) to the hot springs park.

If you want to take a bus to save yourself some walking, head to Yishun MRT and take either 858 or 969 for 4 stops to the bus stop opp Blk 115B Yishun Ring Road (Bus Stop 57121).

The closest bus stops are along Sembawang Road:

• Bus Stop 57129 – Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road
• Bus Stop 57121 – opp Blk 115B Yishun Ring Road

Buses that serve these stops:

Cycling is a pretty popular way to visit the parks – there are yellow boxes within the Sembawang Hot Spring Park near the toilets and the bathing pool where you can park your bicycle. If you are looking to link up to the Park Connector Network , head down Yishun Avenue 7 towards the elevated MRT tracks where you can get on the Yishun Park Connector near Yishun Neighbourhood Park .

What’s nearby

I’ve added these landmarks to the Google Map on the top of the post to help you plan your route. Also, check out my post about things to do in Sembawang , including hunting down some WWII artefacts and visiting one of Singapore’s last natural beaches.

The National Heritage Board has a pretty detailed guide to Yishun and Sembawang with background about landmarks and history in the area. This area was formerly full of rubber plantations and there are several small shrines and buildings scattered around; while it might not attract international visitors looking for more wow-type attractions, local Singaporeans looking to learn more about the area and heritage may find it interesting.

You could sign up for a guided historical walking tour to learn more about Yishun and Sembawang on Klook [ affiliate link ].

Those who like architecture might enjoy taking a stroll in the neighbourhoods on either side of Admiralty Road East to see the Colonial Black and White bungalows en route to Sembawang Park. These bungalows used to house commanders from the nearby naval base and shipyard. Read more about which roads to check out here .

NParks has a Northern Explorer Loop Guide that covers cycling around Admiralty, Woodlands, Sembawang and Yishun along the Park Connector Network if you want to explore more of the northern district. You could technically cycle from the Central Catchment area near the Singapore Zoo in Mandai all the way up to Sembawang Park on the Northern Coast and get a good workout with a stopover at the Sembawang Hot Springs along the way.

Some parks worth checking out in the area include:

• Sembawang Park : Next to Sembawang Shipyard and home to one of the few natural beaches left in Singapore and the colonial-style Beaulieu House which now houses the Beaulieu House Restaurant and a view of the Johore Straits. Read more in this post .
• Yishun Park: Built on an old rubber plantation, Yishun Park is also home to the Dipterocarp Arboretum , which is basically a fancy way of saying they have over 800 Dipterocarp trees spanning 70+ species growing in the park
• Yishun Dam: It’s also known as Seletar Dam because it spans the mouth of Seletar Reservoir connecting Seletar to Yishun. It’s a pretty picturesque spot
• Lower Seletar Reservoir Park: Lots to do for those who like water sports as well like kayaking and fishing [Water activities currently suspended due to COVID, check website for updates]

You can join a half-day kayaking tour that starts from Sembawang Beach to get a different view of Sembawang [ Klook affiliate link ]

For something more unusual, sign up for a mangrove kayaking session with Kayakasia to explore the waterways of Sungei Khatib Bongsu – this actually looks pretty cool and something I’d consider doing!

If there’s one thing Singaporeans are willing to travel for, it’s food! Sembawang Hot Spring Park is located close to famous local food spots worth checking out. Take a food tour and end it off with a nice foot bath:

• Chong Pang Nasi Lemak : It’s a popular supper spot because it opens from 5pm to 7am the next morning, and famous for their crispy chicken wings. 47 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758404
• White Restaurant: They are known as the original creators of the Sembawang White Beehoon dish and are especially packed on weekends. So popular that there are now several outlets across Singapore. The white beehoon is pretty yummy and surprisingly filling! 22 Jalan Tampang, Singapore 758966
• Beaulieu House Restaurant : Located in Sembawang Park, this restaurant is housed in a beautiful old Colonial building that’s over 100 years old. Has a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine and considered a bit pricey. The ambience and view of the Johore Straits is the main draw.
• Ice cream: If you need an ice cream treat to cool down, you have several artisanal options here: Daily Scoop is near Chong Pang Nasi Lemak, Holy Cow Creamery close to Yishun Park and Just Because Creamery near White Restaurant

What did I miss out? Let me know so I can add to this list!

Can’t get enough of Sembawang? Check out my post on the heritage and nature that you can find in Sembawang . If you are looking for more unusual places to explore in Singapore, check out some of my recommendations below, or see all my Singapore posts .

The Pulau Ubin guide for the solo traveller in Singapore

My OH! Stories: New World’s End review [Non-Spoiler] and Jalan Besar tour

A Peranakan Tea Experience at The Intan

jildiamante

Saturday 3rd of October 2020

Looking forward to travelling again on 2021!

Great adventure girl!

Friday 25th of September 2020

This is very helpful for me since I'm planning to go there this coming 2021. Thank you very much for sharing this!

Destinations

A comprehensive guide to sembawang hot springs.

One of the best things about being marooned in Singapore has been the ability to explore the island in ways we just would never have done had we been able to travel frequently like we used to. Last week, I headed to Sembawang Hot Spring Park with a couple of friends and I just had to share it with you all. I only recently discovered this place was in Singapore after more than 18 months of living here and it is well worth a visit.

Table of Contents

About Sembawang Hot Springs

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is Singapore’s only natural hot spring available to the public. The other is on Pulau Tekong which is an island used for military training. The hot spring was discovered in 1909 and locals believed it to have healing powers and medicinal properties. Like other hot springs, the water is heated by hot rock masses as it moves towards the centre of the earth. It is forced back up by pressure and makes its way to the surface through cracks in the rock. At its hottest, the water reaches temperatures of between 100ºC – 150ºC. By the time it reaches the surface, however, it has cooled to a mere 70ºC.

Visitors can learn more about Sembawang Hot Spring Park by walking along the Floral Walk. It hasseveral information panels along the way. They have more details on the geothermal process, fruit trees and edible plants found in Singapore, the history of the springs (including that the Japanese turned them into traditional onsen baths during the occupation!) and much more. There is also an educational play feature for children that is interactive.

This site isn’t well visited by tourists but it should be. Here’s what you can do while here:  

What to do at Sembawang Hot Springs

Bathe your feet.

Be warned, Sembawang Hot Spring Park isn’t a thermal bath, by any stretch. In fact, for many years it was just a tap coming out of the ground. In January 2020, the National Parks Board reopened the springs having done a complete refurb. It is now a series of cascading shallow pools that mimic how the pools would be created naturally. The hottest water starts at the top and it flows down getting cooler with each pool it reaches.

You can bathe your feet at the edge of the pool, or you can bring your own bucket to collect some water and take it to a few seating areas in the shade. The coolest pool is still seriously hot at around 40ºC so it takes some getting used to! There is a hose with cold water to cool the water down more quickly if you need to.

Boil an egg!

Yes, you read that right: one of the most popular activities at Sembawang Hot Spring Park is to boil an egg! For hygiene purposes, there is an actual egg cooking station so you aren’t cooking in the same water that people’s feet are in (YUCK!). The cooking station has 70ºC flowing hot spring water

Further inside the park is another stone structure with taps of flowing hot spring water at 70ºC that you can use to cook eggs. Nothing else is supplied at the park so you will need to bring your own eggs and a cooking utensil. Bear in mind that the water isn’t boiling so will take quite a bit longer to cook than normal (around 20 mins for a soft boiled egg and 30 for a hard boiled egg). Bring spares in case of accidents.

Hiking and walking

The floral walk that leads up to the cascading pools is really nicely done. This is the area where you can learn about the springs and the surrounding area. It leads past Sembawang Eating House and a gorgeous lawn area complete with an enormous Banyan tree and on to the main area where the cascading pools, shaded seating area and egg cooking station are.

There are a few walking routes around Sembawang Hot Spring Park including one that will take you past an enormous estate of Black and White Houses, through Sembawang Park and past Sembawang Shipyard and Sembawang Beach. To do this and go on to Sembawang Hot Spring Park and back to an MRT station is around 12km.

Look for wildlife

We didn’t see much in the way of wildlife on our walk or while we were in Sembawang but we did see a crane really near the military base that is next door to the park and a couple of lizards. Since we were there in the middle of the day, I’d assume there might be more to see in cooler hours.

Sembawang Beach and Sembawang Park

Sembawang Beach is right next to Sembawang Park , not far from Sembawang Hot Spring Park. It’s not the biggest nor the most exotic looking beach but you can see across to Malaysia and have a bit of a play if the kids are needing to blow off some steam. There is also a restaurant there ( Beaulieu House ) but we arrived too early to go in.

Photography

Sembawang is a really interesting place for photography and a bit less touristy than many other areas of Singapore.

Where to eat at Sembawang Hot Springs

As well as hard boiled eggs, you could consider bringing a picnic to the springs. There is a gorgeous lawn close to the springs that is quite secluded and a bit away from the crowds that are sometimes there at weekends and on public holidays.

Where to stay at Sembawang Hot Springs

There isn’t an abundance of places to stay in and around Sembawang Hot Springs. Most people stay around Orchard Road, downtown, or on Sentosa and then make their own way up to Sembawang.

Getting around Sembawang Hot Springs

Sembawang Hot Springs Park really isn’t a particularly big place so getting around the park is on foot only (bikes are not allowed and you are asked to park them at the entrance).

How to get to Sembawang Hot Springs

There is no carpark at Sembawang Hot Spring Park. The nearest carpark is at 114 Yishun Ring Road, a 450m walk (8mins) away.

By public transport

Train: The nearest stations are Sembawang, Canberra and Yishun. From there you need to take a bus or walk to Sembawang Hot Spring Park.

Bus: There are several bus routes that go past or near Sembawang Hot Spring Park. For the most up to date information, check out the National Parks Board page on Sembawang Hot Spring Park .

How to plan your trip to Sembawang Hot Springs

There isn’t masses around Sembawang Hot Spring Park so go prepared with snacks and plenty of water. There also isn’t much in the way of shade so avoid going in the middle of the day. The opening hours are 7am to 7pm daily (Sembawang Eating house is open 8am-8pm) but the park can get busy on weekday evenings, at weekends and on public holidays. Sembawang Hot Spring Park is wheelchair accessible.

If you want more information about Sembawang Hot Spring Park, the National Parks Board website has a good  microsite . 

When I first heard about Sembawang Hot Springs, I must admit I had assumed they were thermal baths rather than shallow pools that were really hot! Still, it’s a fun thing to do one morning as part of an explore Singapore mission!

Other places to visit in Singapore

As part of my Comprehensive Guide series, I have written about several other cool places in Singapore to visit – be sure to check them out!

• Coney Island, Singapore
• Chinatown, Singapore

I’d love to know if you have been to Sembawang Hot Springs Wanderlusters! Feel free to leave me a comment below (I love reading them!) or drop me an email at [email protected]

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Uncover the Hidden Treasures of Sembawang

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THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEMBAWANG PARK IN SINGAPORE

Welcome to our complete guide to Sembawang Park, located in the northern part of Singapore. Being situated in the north, it takes an extra effort to visit Sembawang Park but once you make it worth a visit. Here we explore Sembawang Jetty – a common spot for the fishing enthusiast, beach ground overlooking the coast of Johor. Also a good picnic and barbecue place for friends or family gatherings. The nature park is surrounded by trees that added greenery which makes it ideal for a short walk or jogs within the park. The park’s ambiance is so serene that you feel away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Follow with us as we share this complete guide and information of Sembawang Park.

THE cOMPLETE GUIDE TO SEMBAWANG PARK

• Where Is Sembawang Park Located
• How To Go To Sembawang Park
• Amenities of Sembawang Park A. Beach Side B. Barbecue Pits C. Children’s Playground D. Fitness Corner E. Sembawang Jetty F. Dog Run Area F. Toilet and Shower G. Restaurant H. Car Park
• Map of Sembawang Park

WHERE IS SEMBAWANG PARK

Sembawang Park is located in the northern part of Singapore, along the end of Sembawang Road. The park is beside the Sembawang Shipyard and directly opposite Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Sembawang Park is open 24 hours , which makes it accessible at any time of the day you intend to visit.

HOW TO GO SEMBAWANG PARK

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

There are two ( 2 ) options on how to go to Sembawang park

1. Alight at  Sembawang MRT Station , then ride Bus  No. 882  at the bus stop opposite the station. Alight at the main entrance of the park after 9 stops.

2. Alight at  Canberra MRT Station , then ride Bus  No. 169  at the bus stop below the station. Alight 4 stops later, and change Bus  No. 882,  then alight 2 stops later at the main entrance of the park.

TAXI/PRIVATE CAR

Inform the taxi driver that you are heading to Sembawang Park. Head straight at the end of Sembawang Road.

AMENITIES OF THE PARK

The park has a beach side area where everyone can spend time and have a good picnic blanket or blanket towels. It is the only park in the north where there is a beach or shoreline. Here children can enjoy and play along the sandy beach, while adults can just relax and witness the calmness of the sea. So during weekends, holidays, or late afternoon several people or family are visiting Sembawang beach.

BARBECUE PITS

There are eight ( 8 ) available barbecue pits inside the park. To book and apply for a BBQ pit, please check National Park Singapore – Book A BBQ Pit .

CHILDREN's PLAYGROUND

The children’s playground inside Sembawang Park is spacious enough to let your kids play around. The maritime-inspired playground with a battleship-built structure is the main attraction. Children can climb on the ropes, play on the huge round swing. run around the maze of the ship.

FITNESS CORNER

Like most of the fitness corners in the park, it has basic facilities where every person can perform a full-body workout. Most people continue to exercise after a short jog or run within the park.

SEMBAWANG JETTY

Sembawang Jetty is located directly opposite Johore Straits. The jetty is a perfect spot for people who are interested in fishing. From here you can witness a glimpse of a perfect sunset, and also Sembawang Shipyard. Like most of the fitness corners in the park, it has basic facilities where every person can perform a full-body workout. Most people continue to exercise after a short jog or run within the park.

DOG RUN AREA

Inside the park, there is a Dog Run Area where dog owners can bring their pets and play around. The dog run area is spacious enough and with sloped terrain, provides a good workout for dogs. There are also benches with tables, where dog owners can sit while watching a dog play around the area.

TOILET AND SHOWER

This nature park has two ( 2 ) toilets and a shower, one is situated in front of the fitness corner while the other one is beside the barbecue pits.

Inside the Sembawang park, there is only one restaurant – Beaulieu House , a seaside restaurant that caters to both Western and Chinese cuisine. The main restaurant is inside the old colonial house which is quite fancy to dine in. Just outside the park, around 500 meters from the main entrance, there are coffee stalls, a seafood restaurant, and a bar located at the corner of Sembawang Road and Admiralty Road East. This nature park has two ( 2 ) toilets and a shower, one is situated in front of the fitness corner while the other one is beside the barbecue pits.

Woody Family Cafe is a local Peranakan restaurant located at Andrews Avenue which is just beside Sembawang Park.

The park has two ( 2 ) car park areas, Car Park 2 is located beside the main entrance of the park, while Car Park 1 is situated further in near the beachside area. Both car parks can accommodate up to 90 slots of parking spaces. Car parks are FREE  for visitors to the park and are open 24 hours.

SEMBAWANG PARK MAP

The nature park has access to Simpang Kiri Park Connector, which has an almost 2km stretch beside the river bank. This park connector can be accessed through Andrew Avenue just beside Sembawang park, where you can pass Woody Family cafe Masjid Petempatan Melayu.

CAPTURE SUNRISE AND SUNSET IN SEMBAWANG PARK

Sembawang Park is also one of the interesting parks to catch scenic sunrise along the sandy shoreline of Singapore. Aside from sunrise, you can also capture a good sunset view with the background of Sembawang Shipyard.

Overall Sembawang Park is a serene place and quiet escape from city life. The nature park is an ideal place to sit and relax while listening to the sound of the chirping birds and waves of the sea. It is advisable to spend at least 2-3 hours in the park to enjoy and immerse with nature. Though it’s a bit far from the city, it is considered as one of the hidden getaways that everyone can experience. We hope that this complete guide to Sembawang Park helps you navigate and know more information as you visit the park. We also cover Singapore Travel Guide, please do check it here .

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Yishun-Sembawang Neighbourhood Guide — 9 Lesser Known things to do in the North of Singapore

Is the north of Singapore really worth travelling to? 🤔

Those who don’t frequent the north of Singapore may associate Yishun with crimes and Sembawang with… well, the hot spring park. But is that really all to part of Singapore?

Due of the lack of well-known landmarks in the Yishun-Sembawang neighbourhood, it’s unlikely you’ve explored this side of Singapore unless you live in the north. The area however is actually scattered with hidden gems. From visiting an old jetty to soaking in a hot spring — these are just some of the unique experiences you can enjoy with a trip up north.

That said, the lack of accessibility also means there aren’t huge crowds that gather here. So if you’re looking for a quiet day out, here are interesting things you can do in the Yishun-Sembawang neighbourhood:

Things to do in Yishun

1) visit jenal jetty.

Photo credit: @travellingwithelaine

At the edge of Yishun Dam, away from civilisation, lies Singapore’s last fishing village — Jenal Jetty. Filled with rustic charm, the jetty offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

Watch as fishermen set out to sea on their small boats. Or witness them returning from a fishing trip, along with their catch of the day.

Although there are a couple of shelters and kelongs , these fishermen do not live in the village. Instead, they’re only there to fish and hang out with friends.

Jenal Jetty is also a great spot to watch the sunset! Photo credit: @apedestrian_insta

Unfortunately, the jetty is inaccessible to the public. But if you want to learn more about the place and its people, you can join a guided tour . Alternatively, you can head over to Yishun Dam to get a view of the jetty from afar.

How to get there: From Khatib MRT, take bus 117 and alight at Aft Yishun Ave 8 bus stop (10 stops) — 8min walk to Yishun Dam

2) Kayak at Khatib Bongsu

Photo credit: The Straits Times

Sungei Khatib Bongsu is home to a rich mangrove forest. And the only way to explore this hidden gem is by kayaking.

For a fun activity this weekend, you can consider booking a guided tour with Kayakasia . Don’t worry if you’re a first-timer because the tour is beginner-friendly!

The five-hour tour on an inflatable kayak brings you through a dense forest. After the mangrove expedition, you’ll stop by a sandy beach before making your way back. Take a break while enjoying the complimentary food provided by Kayakasia.

How to get there: From Yishun MRT, walk for 2min to Blk 154 bus stop. Take bus 811 and alight at Opp Blk 288 bus stop (3 stops) — 20min walk to Khatib Bongsu

Note: The starting point of your tour may differ, do check with Kayakasia before making your way over.

3) A Day-Trip to ORTO

Photo credit: ORTO

Located away from the city, ORTO is an ideal spot for a relaxing day out with your friends and family. This multi-recreational park, the size of seven football fields, boasts a ton of activities to do.

For instance, there is a karting arena , trampoline park , and futsal court to name a few.

Photo credit: @morphisis80

A highlight of the park is its massive prawning facility — the biggest in Singapore. Have a go at catching your own seafood and reward yourself with some delicious grilled prawns after.

But the best part about ORTO… it’s open 24 hours a day — perfect for insomniacs!

How to get there: 5min walk from Khatib MRT, exit B

Note: Maximum Drift Karting Arena is temporarily closed until further notice.

4) Pop by Nelly’s Retro Snacks

Doesn’t this bring back so many memories? Photo Credit: Nelly’s Retro Snacks Singapore

Take a trip down memory lane at Nelly’s Retro Snacks . With rows of old-school snacks packed in metal tins, this retro shop brings on pure nostalgia. From the savoury wheel crackers to the sweet iced-gem biscuits — get ready to make some tough decisions as you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Opening hours: 9AM – 10:45PM How to get there: 11min walk from Yishun MRT, exit B

Things to do in Sembawang

5) embark on a heritage trail at sembawang park.

Photocredit: @e._.laine via Instagram

Many people don’t know this, but Sembawang used to be a British naval base in the 1930s. You can learn more about Singapore’s rich naval history at Sembawang Park .

While you’re there, you might spot a short stretch of sandy beach at the far end of the park. This tranquil beach offers a panoramic view of the Johor Straits. It also marks the starting point of the Sembawang Heritage Trail.

Photo credit: National Heritage Board of Singapore

Specially curated by the National Heritage Board (NHB), the trail features 31 sites — of which, nine are heritage sites. You can choose from three different routes which will take you on a journey to explore remnants of the past.

Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM (Lights go off past 7PM) How to get there: From Sembawang MRT, take bus 882 and alight at Sembawang Park bus stop(10 stops).

Read also: Sembawang Heritage Trail Guide — Remnants of a Forgotten Naval Base

6) Take a dip at Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Photo credit: NParks

Opened in 2020, Sembawang Hot Spring Park is the only natural hot spring you’ll find on mainland Singapore. Prior to the newly renovated park, the spring only consisted of standpipes to channel spring water.

Now, the hot spring features a cascading four-tiered pool — designed such that the water gradually cools as it flows down. You can expect a relaxing foot soak as the spring water reaches the perfect temperature at the final pool.

*Pro-tip: Enjoy a foot bath under the shade by bringing your own buckets to collect hot spring water from the water collection point.

Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM. Note: The hot spring is closed until further notice How to get there: From Yishun MRT, take bus 965 and alight at Blk 118 bus stop (4 stops) — 7min walk to the park

7) Explore underground bunkers

Photo credit: @laybit

The area outside Sembawang Park is dotted with underground bunkers and air-raid shelters used during WWII. History buffs can embark on an adventure to discover some of these structures, such as the Malta Crescent and Durban Road bunker.

Look at this bunker engulfed by the roots of a tree! Photo credit: @laybit

Judging by the state of some structures, you can tell that they’ve been abandoned for decades and are no longer accessible.

How to get there: From Canberra MRT, take bus 169 and alight at Aft Durban Rd bus stop (4 stops) — 14min walk to the bunkers

8) Watersports at SAF Yacht Club

Photo credit: Wake Pirates

Located at the northern edge of Singapore, the SAF Yacht Club (SAFYC) is the place to be if you’re looking for thrills in the sea. There are a few operators nestled within the club that you can choose from. For instance, the Wake Pirates and Fyve O , who specialise in wakeboarding and Wakeboarding.

Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM How to get there: From Sembawang MRT station, walk 4min to Bef Sembawang Stn bus stop. Take bus 856 and alight at Opp Sembawang Shipyard G 8 bus stop (5 stops) — 15min walk to the club

Read also: 9 New Sports to Pick Up in Singapore — Inspired by The Tokyo 2020 Olympics

9) Grab a drink at Nelson Bar

Photo credit: @howpui

When you’re done with water sports at the SAF Yatch Club, head over to Nelson Bar , a cosy spot found along the Sembawang Strip .

As you walk into the bar, you’ll notice many lifebuoys hanging from the ceiling. The walls are also covered with old photos of sailors and military ships. What’s interesting is that these decor pieces were actually left behind by sailors who docked at the former Sembawang Naval Base.

Opening hours: 5PM – 1AM, closed on Sun How to get there: From Canberra MRT, take bus 169 and alight at Aft Durban Rd bus stop (4 stops) — 4min walk to the bar

Exploring Neighbourhoods in Singapore

From a 24-hour recreational park to WWII bunkers — there are plenty of cool places in the north of Singapore just waiting to be discovered.

It might be out of the way but why not switch up your weekends with these underrated enclaves?

Featured image credit: @e._.laine via Instagram

Which underrated neighbourhood in Singapore should we check out next? Let us know in the comments below!

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All natural Sembawang Hot Spring Park in Singapore

Did you know that there is a natural hot spring in Singapore? That is right, two of them to be precise, although only Sembawang Hot Spring is actually located on the main island of Singapore. The other is not accessible to the public as it is found on the military island of Pulau Tekong.

In this article we explore everything you need to know before visiting Sembawang Hot Spring, from what there is to do there to practicalities around getting there, its facilities and the history behind this natural phenomenon. 

Whether you are a local or a visitor, this is one of those unique and unexpected things to do in Singapore .

The history of Sembawang Hot Spring

This unusual occurrence of hot waters in the area was discovered in 1908 by a municipal ranger in a pineapple plantation that belonged to a Chinese merchant by the name of Seah Eng Keong. Samples of the water were taken and sent to London for analysis after which it was confirmed that the 65 degree Celsius water was safe for drinking.

The merchant, a savvy businessman, decided to turn the area into a tourist attraction named Sembawang Hot Spring Park and started to advertise it on local newspapers encouraging people to visit the hot spring and water bottling plant.

In 1921, the company was bought by soft drink experts Fraser and Neaver (F&N) who started to bottle the water under various brands ultimately building a proper bottling plant in 1933.

With the Japanese occupation during WWII, the area was turned into a recreational space for officers and the former hot spring was brought back. Sadly, an air raid by Allied Forces in 1944 damaged the area and the hot spring ceased to naturally occur until the 1960s.

F&N relaunched the bottling plant in 1967 and announced plans for a spa complex that never materialised because experts could not find the source of the spring (it is believed the hot spring water flows from as far as Bukit Timah). 

In 1985 the Government purchased the land with plans to expand the Sembawang Military Base and cover the hot spring, but the locals opposed the plans and managed to preserve the area.

Finally, in 2002, the Government decided to restore the area, build pipes to channel the water and leave the hot spring park as a free recreational space open to everyone to come enjoy the wellness and health benefits of the water.

NParks developed the area into a small park in 2018 and further enhancements were carried out at the beginning of 2020 which added gardens, educational panels about the area and the hot spring, a proper egg cooking station, a cascading pool, bathrooms and other facilities to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Where does Sembawang Hot Spring water come from?

When I first heard about Sembawang Hot Spring I thought it must be something artificial created to provide entertainment and fun. I did not expect it to actually be a naturally occurring phenomenon like the ones you find in Korea , Taiwan, Japan , Cape Town or Andorra . But it is.

The water at Sembawang Hot Spring comes from up to 3km below the ground and is heated up by layers of hot underground granite rock masses to a temperature of 100-150 degrees Celsius, the hot rock masses are known as the Bukit Timah Granite. 

Water seeps from the surface and flows through faults on the rocks and gets heated as it moves at a rate of 25-30 degrees Celsius for every 1km that it gets closer towards the center of the Earth. 

Because of pressure, this same water eventually flows back up to the ground level at the temperature that we now see, 65-70 degrees.

Why visit Sembawang Hot Spring?

Besides the obvious reason that it makes for a fun and different day out, the hot spring is known for its water properties, believed to help relieve all sorts of ailments, from rheumatism to arthritis, acne and psoriasis.

It is the water’s high concentration of sulphide (3 times the amount found in tap water), which you will smell from the moment you get closer to the pools, that give it its unique properties. 

Hot spring water across the world is revered for the same reason and you will see lots of elderly splashing themselves in hot spring water, dipping their entire legs in their buckets and spending time soaking in the goodness, literally.

What to do at Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is rather small and you will quickly have seen it all. Below you will find a list of all the things to do there, you should allow around 1.5h if you plan to cook eggs (it will take a good hour to cook them to the runny version you get with your kaya toast).

Enjoy the foot bath area

The main draw to Sembawang Hot Spring is indeed the hot spring water that comes from deep down below the Earth’s surface. The foot bath area is where you can take water to enjoy in your own bucket or directly dip your feet into (if you can stand the heat).

There are 5 pools, the hottest of which springs out at 70 degree Celsius and flows down to the “coolest” pool at the bottom which is supposed to be at 40 degree Celsius, the optimal temperature for long safe exposure. 

As the water flows down, the temperature drops from 70 to 60, 50, 45 and finally 40 degrees and the pools become larger, you can see the drawing in the photo above. The bottom pool also has a wider ledge where people can sit comfortably.

Although many people were fine putting their feet directly into the lowest pool, the temperature felt much warmer than 40 degrees. I could not even dip my hand into it and my body temperature is supposed to be 36 degrees, so something did not add up in my head. However, the signs state the temperature in each pool is regulated and stays at the marked temperature.

Most visitors who did not bring a bucket sat on the ledge of the 40 degree pool and directly dipped their feet inside the water, nobody sat on the ledge of the other pools simply because they were far too hot. Kids go all in and stand inside the lowest pool which is about 20cm deep.

If you are a pro you should bring your own bucket. This will allow you to enjoy the water at the right temperature for you, far from the packed pool area, in the shade (the pools are in the sun) and for as long as you want (you can’t linger at the pool area because it is packed and there are lots of people who want to enjoy the water).

What type of bucket should you bring to Sembawang Hot Spring Park?

Don’t be like us and bring a bucket like the ones you use to build sand castles, you need to bring one of those buckets you use to wash your clothes, that is, a bucket where you can fit your two feet, or at least one at a time. It shouldn’t be too deep and should be easy enough to carry when filled with hot water.

Now that you got your bucket, fill it with water at the lowest temperature (or higher if you can stand it) and take it with you to one of the shaded areas. 

There are a couple of “tunnel-style” rest areas near the pools that are set for this and have concrete benches where you can sit, but if you go on a weekend they will be full.

Pro tip : Take your bucket to where the large banyan tree is. It is a shaded, quiet area that does not see a lot of visitors (most people miss the little stepping stones that cross the tiny stream) and is pretty nice.

Floral walk

The walk from the road to the hot spring area is a short 5min path that is lined with lots of colorful flowers, plants and fruit trees that attract beautiful butterflies. NParks did a good job when renovating the area and turned this into a pretty entrance.

You can stop along the way to enjoy the flowers and chase butterflies all while learning about the fruit trees and edible plants via the panels that have been placed there. 

The flora chosen for the floral walk tries to bring back the flowers and plants that Singapore’s kampongs saw between the 1960s and 1990s some of which are not so commonly found today. You will also be able to see some tropical fruits such as papaya trees and some unusual ones like zapotes.

I must admit this is the nicest bit of the park which is otherwise a really hot concrete space where you can find little shade and respite beyond the banyan tree.

Egg cooking station

Sembawang Hot Spring also has a small egg cooking station located by the side of the foot bath where water comes out at 70 degrees from about 8 pipes. 

I recommend you bring a small bucket or even just a tupperware or a kitchen pot to cook your own eggs either at the cooking station or inside the pools, more for fun than anything else because it is not the most efficient way to cook an egg (it took us almost 60min to cook it to runny level).

If you find a spot in the egg cooking station, you should leave your bucket/tupperware/pot with eggs under one of the pipes so that you cook your eggs fastest with the flowing hot water. Even then, it might still take you 40min+ to get them to a runny level. A bit slower than taking a cooking class in Singapore . 

If all spots at the cooking station are taken (default scenario), you might want to break your eggs and place the yolk and egg white in your clean tupperware in your bucket filled with 70 degree water so you can watch them cook that way. We did that after realising that our eggs would never cook by simply being placed in our bucket away from the flowing hot water.

Once your eggs are cooked, sprinkle some pepper, soy sauce, chilli sauce or other condiments to your liking, stir and eat. I brought bread to dip into the eggs and make it a more filling breakfast. If you have kaya, toast and butter, you can enjoy a traditional Singaporean breakfast.

Get lost in the banyan tree maze

Although not listed as an attraction and rather overlooked, I found the nicest part of the park to be the enormous banyan tree that is located between the floral walk and the hot spring area. 

This giant tree is made of many roots and branches and makes for the perfect spot to play a game of hide and seek. Reach it from the back of the egg cooking station or via the stepping stones that cross a flowing river and enjoy the shade, the beautiful tree and the natural maze that the tree’s roots created.

Educational zone

Away from the main pool you will find a spot with a concrete installation signposted for kids to play and learn about the hot spring and underground water. You can pour water on one end and learn how the water flows and goes down and up via the various levels.

Facilities at Sembawang Hot Spring

While the park is really tiny, different from some of the better known parks in Singapore , it is well equipped with facilities you would need. There are restrooms and water faucets to wash your feet at the entrance and a hot spring pipe from where you can fill buckets or bottles to take some of the water home (albeit prepare to queue if you go in the weekend, the water pressure is low and people come ready to fill several buckets).

If you cycled to the park, there is a bicycle parking area behind the restrooms where you can easily lock your bike.

If you did not bring your own eggs or get peckish, there is Sembawang Eating House , a small restaurant on site near the entrance selling typical hawker food which has pleasant outdoor tables surrounded by flowers and plants. You could also get take-aways and enjoy it around the banyan tree area.

How to get to Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is far from the downtown area of Singapore and rather time consuming to get to if you don’t have a car (there is no parking on site) or want to take a taxi. 

By taxi, expect around 20-25min to drive from Chinatown to the hot spring, which is a lot for Singapore standards because nothing is ever that far. If you decide to take public transportation, you will need to make it a half day trip.

Use Google maps to plot your most optimal route. The nearest MRT station is Yishun on the red line, which is about 25min away on foot, so MRT + bus tends to be the most efficient way to get there.

If you cycle and don’t live too far, the hot spring is about 1km from the Yishun Park Connector Network so would make for a nice detour.

Frequently asked questions about the Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the hot spring.

Is the Sembawang Hot Spring free?

Yes, the hot spring is in a public park and therefore is free to access by anyone. 

What is the best time to visit Sembawang Hot Spring?

I highly recommend you go during the week when the area is much quieter. If you can’t go during the week, then I would suggest going early in the day (8-9am) or later in the day, to avoid the crowds and the heat. On a sunny day, the lack of shade, the concrete floors and the hot water can even make you feel ill.

Can you bathe in the pools?

No, the hot water pools are meant only for your feet and you should not go all in. If you want to wash your body in the medicinal water, bring a bigger bucket and splash yourself away from the pools and the other visitors.

What if I forgot to bring a bucket?

There are signs that state you can borrow buckets from the park however we did not see any, most likely because we went on a Sunday and they were probably all taken or because they have all been lost already, bring your own.

Is the hot spring natural?

Yes, the water comes from 3km below the surface at 70 degrees Celsius and has all the properties of natural hot spring water that makes it popular with those looking for a cure for things like arthritis, psoriasis, etc.

When does the hot spring park open or close?

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is open from 7am to 7pm and the eating house opens from 8am to 8pm daily.

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Yishun- Sembawang Things to do Guide: Explore North of Singapore

Table of Contents

Introduction

Singapore, an island city-state that is well-known throughout the world as one of the top tourist attractions, is adored for its history, culture, and people. The main island and 62 islands make up the Asian nation. Since the nation gained its independence, there has been significant development in the form of territorial expansion and economic growth brought on by the emergence of new industries. However, infrastructure and the tourism sector also advanced. Because of this, vacation opportunities can be found throughout the nation, even in the smallest planning areas or subzones. There are several top attractions in Sembawang and the surrounding area, and each one showcases Singapore’s culture and history.

What is Sembawang known for

Given that the area used to be home to numerous plantations in the 1800s and 1900s, the Sembawang tree serves as the inspiration for the town’s name. The country’s previous naval station was located in this historically significant region, and even now, building styles and even road names serve as reminders of the nation’s nautical past. You’ll note that most of the streets in Sembawang are named after Royal British Dockyards and warships if you take a quick tour of the area. In addition to its stoic past, this peaceful neighborhood in the north is full of overlooked treasures that are begging to be discovered.

Sembawang once served as the location of a British naval base at the beginning of the 20th century. Construction on the base began in 1928 and was completed in 1938. It was thought that this outpost had dockyards, wharves, and workshops. This site was taken over by the Singaporean government in 1968, and as a result, it became SembCorp, a state-owned industrial giant.

The majority of tourists come to this area’s numerous towns. Each town accurately captures Singaporean culture. Sembawang is a town of this type. A residential community called Sembawang is located in Singapore’s northern region. The settlement is surrounded by Simpang, Yishun, Mandai, the Straits of Johor, the Woodlands, and Yishun. While seeing the town’s numerous locations, one can engage in a variety of recreational pursuits. If you explore new then Sembawang things to do guide help you.

What to do in Yishun

There won’t be a ton of hipster-themed cafes and restaurants throughout the Yishun district. In contrast to neighboring neighborhoods, Yishun is quite small-town and has lots of green space.

Despite the region appearing to be quite ordinary, there are numerous activities to do in Yishun Singapore when you are there.

we are guaranteed to uncover all places in our article or Sembawang things to do guide that you’ll adore.

1. Visit ORTO to go prawn fishing.

Orto would undoubtedly astound you because it is Singapore’s largest prawn and fishing facility.

The unique experience of catching your seafood to eat will allow you to spend quality time with friends and family.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Orto on a day when one is being held, events and competitions are also occasionally held there.

2. Cosmic Bowling Will Let You Show Off Your Skills

Cosmic Bowling is a fun alternative to your typical indoor activity if you’re up for it.

You’ll be enjoying the beauty of a vintage rink with a traditional sport while surrounded by neon lights and pins that shine in the dark.

Although professionals might not be able to show off their talents here, it’s still a terrific location to unwind and create some enjoyable memories.

3. Lower Seletar Reservoir Walking

The Lower Seletar Reservoir Park will be your retreat to a place full of beauty and calm away from the busy city life. You can find a good balance of rejuvenating land and water activities in the park.

4. Visit the Yishun Park Hawker Center for some food

The Yishun Park Hawker Centre would be like a little slice of heaven if you’re a foodie who is always looking for amazing discounts on great items.

You must put eating there on your list of things to do in Yishun, Singapore, as they serve a broad variety of food at reasonable prices, both local and foreign.

What to do in Sembawang –

Singapore has a rich cultural heritage in addition to its historical significance. Singapore, which has countless tourist attractions, is a top destination for devoted travelers. It is essential to have a list of the well-known and frequently visited locations close at hand while seeing the towns of this Asian nation. If you also explore the surrounding areas of Sembawang, your excursion there will be more fruitful! To make your trip more beneficial, take a look at some of these locations as well as some Sembawang specialties. If you follow this article, Sembawang things to do guide your trip.

Park at Sembawang Hot Springs

A strange attraction in Singapore is the hot spring near Sembawang. When it was first found in 1909, the villagers were fond of it because they thought the water was therapeutic. Visitors can now explore the history and geology of the area at the newly renovated Sembawang Hot Spring Park, stroll through the fruit trees and other edible plants to relive the days of the kampung, and, of course, soak their feet in the hot springs at the pool or the wooden basins that are available. A word of information: don’t skip your slippers.

Sembawang Park

The beachfront setting of Sembawang Park is ideal for a leisurely weekend picnic. Even though fishing is a well-liked activity here, you’ll often notice people swarming around BBQ pits and picnic tables scattered around the coast. Alternately, spread out your checkered blanket and have a feast along one of the last surviving natural beaches in the nation. At the further end of the park, on its grounds, sits the ancient Beaulieu House, a neoclassical structure with elaborate details. A playground with a battleship-like structure may be found there as a nod to the park’s past as a naval facility.

Eastern Bistro

For those seeking to indulge in freshly prepared Hong Kong dim sum and other Chinese cuisines, East Bistro attracts a calm audience. Chef Tony Wong, who has a distinguished background and served as the executive chef at Lei Garden in Sembawang, is in charge of the establishment. The restaurant also does not impose a service fee or GST to keep the food prices reasonable.

White Restaurant

White bee hoon, which ranks equally among Singapore’s most famous foods, is the specialty of The White Restaurant. This Singaporean meal features noodles that have been mixed in a rich sauce and then tossed with fish. The restaurant’s other zip char menu items are also well-liked.

Is Sembawang part of Yishun?

The residential town of Yishun, originally known as Nee Soon, is situated in the northeastern portion of Singapore’s North Region, abutting Simpang and Sembawang to the north. We are all aware that Yishun includes Sembawang.

What is there to do in Sembawang at night?

The best nighttime activities include going on a night safari, hiking the leopard route, and seeing more than 2500 different species. The Seletar Mall, another well-known tourist destination, is another place you could go.

How long is Sembawang Park?

Along with seeing some of Singapore’s well-known tourist attractions, you may sample some of the city’s delectable cuisines. Additionally, you can go to Sembawang Park, which is a wonderful location for kids to play. Many people go fishing, and the beach and Sembawang park are both close by. This park is not far from your apartment if you live in Sembawang. We are sure Sembawang things to do guidance help you properly.

Can I go for a night safari at Sembawang?

Yes, you can have an exciting night safari at Sembawang. You can indulge in multiple activities and enjoy the marvelous sites of the dark. There are over 2500 species to entertain you. Indeed, it is a real adventure. Moreover, you can also cover the leopard route for a great hike.

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Things to do

Exciting adventures & must-do experiences: things to do in sembawang, explore the trendy side of town with our guide to….

Explore the allure of Sembawang, where the town’s name, drawn from the Mesua Ferruginea tree, tells a tale of nature and history. Nestled in Singapore’s north area, Sembawang unveils a unique blend of tranquillity and vibrancy. 

Join Glitz on a journey to explore its scenic parks, naval legacy, and thriving community , revealing the hidden gems that make Sembawang a captivating and often overlooked destination in this city-state.

• Navigating Sembawang: A Guide to Transportation

1. Sembawang Hot Spring Park

2. ​​sembawang public library, 3. white restaurant, 4. national monument: canberra house, 5. senoko fishery port, 6.  battleship playground , 7. wwii relics, 8. woody family cafe.

When relying on public transport in Sembawang, take advantage of the two MRT stations: Sembawang MRT and Canberra MRT, conveniently situated on the North-South Line. 

Additionally, the Sembawang Bus Interchange, adjacent to Sembawang MRT, provides various bus options. If you’re unsure of the best route, consult Google Maps for easy navigation and a hassle-free journey to your desired destination.

Things To Do In Sembawang

Embark on a journey into the heart of Sembawang with a rejuvenating visit to its hot spring park, a historical gem dating back to 1909. Renowned for its reputed healing powers, this site invites you to explore not just its thermal waters but also the geological tales embedded in its landscape. 

Amidst fruit trees, take leisurely strolls, indulge in hot pool relaxation, and immerse yourself in the reminiscent charm of kampung days. Ensure you bring your slippers for a fully immersive and comfortable experience.

Enter into a world of knowledge at Sembawang Public Library, located within Sun Plaza Shopping Centre. 

Adorned with nautical motifs, a nod to its rich history, the library beckons you to delve into the intriguing tales of Sembawang. Uncover the past through archival images, and let your imagination soar in the children’s reading nook, creatively inspired by shipping containers. Immerse yourself in literature within this literary haven.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by White Restaurant (@whitebeehoonrestaurant)

Do not forget to make your stop at White Restaurant , celebrated for its renowned white bee hoon. This distinctly Singaporean dish, featuring delectable noodles drenched in a seafood-infused gravy, steals the spotlight. Delve further into the menu to discover other zi char offerings, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure. Explore the diverse and mouth-watering choices beyond the iconic white bee hoon for a truly satisfying dining experience.

You have to visit and experience the historical journey at the National Monument, Canberra House. 

Formerly the residence of the highest-ranking British naval officer, this arts and crafts architectural gem, previously known as Navy House, proudly graces a hill. Designated as a National Monument in 2002, it has found a new purpose within the Bukit Canberra hub. 

Visit to appreciate its rich history and enjoy a panoramic view of the iconic Sembawang Naval Base, adding a touch of historical grandeur to your exploration.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chew Lin Kay (@chewlink)

Discover a haven for fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers at Senoko Fishery Port. Immerse yourself in the exploration of diverse fish habitats, supplying not only local eateries but also international destinations. 

Indulge in a seafood feast or take advantage of wholesale prices to bring home fresh catches, ensuring an unforgettable and delectable culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a seafood connoisseur, Senoko Fishery Port promises an exceptional journey into the world of ocean delights.

Head to Sembawang Park and treat your kids to the maritime-themed Battleship Playground– nautical fun for the whole family! 

Paying homage to the former naval base, this play area allows children to climb its structure, enjoy slides, and have a blast in the sandpit. A perfect blend of history and modern entertainment, it offers a delightful spot for family fun. Let your little ones embark on a playful adventure with a touch of maritime history at this engaging and enjoyable playground.

Uncover the enigmatic remnants of World War II scattered throughout Sembawang. Amidst the landscape, occasional concrete structures, potentially air-raid shelters or pillboxes , stand as silent witnesses to the town’s wartime past. 

Sealed and partially buried, these historical relics provide a tangible link to the resilience of Sembawang during a tumultuous era. Get yourself interwined in the mysteries of these structures, imagining the stories they hold, and gain a deeper appreciation for the town’s enduring spirit amid historical turbulence.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Woody Family Cafe (@woodyfamilycafe)

Get ready for a taste adventure surrounded by nature at Woody Family Cafe! Witness the Peranakan-themed feast and indulge in classics like nasi ulam, babi pongteh, and sambal sotong . 

While you munch, soak up the fun vibes with quirky memorabilia from various eras. It’s not just a meal; it’s a trip down memory lane served with a side of greenery. Bring your family and freiends for somelaughs, delicious bites, and a dash of whimsy at Woody Family Cafe! 

Know any other hidden gems in Sembawang? Share with us in the comments and be sure to follow  Glitz  on  Instagram  and  Facebook !

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Complete Guide for Visiting Sembawang Hot Spring Park, Singapore

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: November 18, 2020  - Last updated: April 7, 2022

Categories singapore

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Sembawang Hot Spring is one of the two hot springs in Singapore . The other hot spring is located at Pulau Tekong (Tekong Island), an island that’s not accessible to public, so let’s not talk about it.

Before 2018, all you can find at Sembawang Hot Spring were only standpipes with taps, plastic buckets and plastic chairs. Visitors who wanted to enjoy the hot water had to fill up the bucket with water from the standpipe.

From 2018 to 2020, the hot spring was closed for renovation. The newly renovated hot spring was finally opened on 4 th January 2020, and it’s now called Sembawang Hot Spring Park.

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If you’re planning to visit during the era of ‘rona (i.e. the era where the nasty monster that starts with C disrupts everyone’s life), take note of the following:

• Before April 2020, there were free wooden buckets for visitors to use. But, after circuit breaker, visitors have to bring their own buckets.
• 1m social distancing must be observed, including at the foot bath in the cascading pool. So, if you want to have foot bath at the pool, there’s high chance that you need to queue to wait for your turn.
• ‘Rona -related regulations apply: Compulsory mask wearing.
• Do check NParks’ website for their maintenance schedule.

PS: I have a vlog on my visit to Sembawang Hot Spring Park. Watch it here !

In this guide, I will share detailed information and tips to help you plan your visit to Sembawang Hot Spring Park so that you can make the most out of your visit to this hidden gem.

Here are the things that I will cover in this guide:

Brief history of Sembawang Hot Spring

Sembawang hot spring park opening hours, how to get to sembawang hot spring park, what to bring to sembawang hot spring park, what to wear to sembawang hot spring park, sembawang hot spring park map, admire the beautiful floral walk, cook your own onsen tamago (a.k.a. hot spring soft boiled eggs), have a relaxing foot spa with your own bucket, soak your feet in the lowest level of the cascading pool, be humbled by the majestic banyan tree, learn about the hot spring, have a meal at sembawang eating house, proper etiquette to be observed, park facilities.

I guess the above picture sums up the history of Sembawang Hot Spring really well.

In brief, here’s the timeline of Sembawang Hot Spring:

1908: Sembawang hot spring was found. After being tested and certified safe for consumption, the water was bottled and sold under the brand “Zombun”

1918: The hot spring and the bottling plant were advertised as tourist attraction. It was named Seletar Hot Springs.

1921: F&N bought over the company and continued selling the bottled water.

1942 to 1944: During Japanese Occupation, thermal baths were built for Japanese officers. In 1944, the hot spring was destroyed by the Allied forces.

1967: F&N repossessed the land, repaired the damaged hot spring and built a new bottling plant.

1985: Singapore government acquired the land for military use. Locals appealed for the hot spring to be retained.

2002: The govt built standpipes to channel the water for public use.

2018: NParks decided to redevelop the hot spring into a park.

2020: Sembawang Hot Spring Park is officially opened.

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is open from 7am to 7pm daily . The best time to visit the hot spring is during weekdays, in the morning and afternoon. The hot spring is crowded on weekday’s evening from 4pm to 7pm, and all day on weekends and public holiday.

If you can only visit the hot spring on weekends, the least crowded time is at noon, between 12 to 3pm. That is also the hottest time of the day, so brace yourself for the heat.

Admission is free; there’s no need to apply any permit to visit the hot spring.

By MRT + Bus: Sembawang Hot Spring Park is not located nearby any MRT, so if you’re taking MRT, you need to change to bus. Below are 3 MRT stations where you can catch a bus to Sembawang Hot Spring Park:

• From Yishun MRT: Take Bus 858 or 969 from Yishun Station. Then, alight 4 stops later, at Opposite Blk 115B (bus stop ID: 57121)
• From Sembawang MRT: Take bus 858 from Opp Sembawang Station. Then, alight 6 stops later, at Blk 114 (bus stop ID: 57129)
• From Admiralty MRT: Take bus 969 from Opp Admiralty Station. Then, alight 5 stops later, at Blk 114 (bus stop ID: 57129)
• Then, from these bus stops, just walk about 450m to Sembawang Hot Spring Park

By taxi : It’s possible to take a taxi or private hire car to Sembawang Hot Spring Park. But, just take note that there’s no proper drop off point, so you need to alight at the roadside.

By car : There’s no car park at Sembawang Hot Spring Park, so you need to park your car at the nearest HDB carpark at Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road. From there, walk about 450m to the hot spring.

By cycling : There are 2 designated bicycle parking place: 1 at the hot spring, and 1 near the toilet. Do note that you need to push the bicycle whenever you’re inside the park. Riding inside the park is not allowed.

Bring your own buckets or pails . Before the era of ‘rona, there were several wooden buckets that visitors can use to soak their feet and cook eggs. However, after the Circuit Breaker, visitors have to bring their own buckets.

If you don’t have a bucket, you can rent one from Sembawang Eating House the only café in the park (subjected to availability). Otherwise, you only option is to soak your feet at the lowest level of the pool, together with dozens of other people.

I saw some families bring a plastic bathtub so that their toddlers can soak in the tub. I think it’s really genius.

I also saw some people use dry bag to contain the hot water. Personally, I prefer to use a pail rather than a dry bag. But I understand that it’s quite troublesome to bring pails all the way to Sembawang.

Bring your own egg cooking equipment , namely: raw eggs, container to hold the eggs (could be plastic container or thermos), bowl to serve your eggs, spoon, soya sauce and pepper.

Bring umbrella (optional) . There is not much shade at Sembawang Hot Spring Park, so if you hate to be under the scorching sun for hours, I recommend that you bring an umbrella.

Bring sunblock (optional) . If you hate using umbrella (like me), then I recommend using sunblock to protect your skin from the scorching sun.

Bring mosquito repellant (optional) . Personally, I didn’t use a mosquito repellant and I didn’t get any bite when I visited in the morning. But since the hot spring is in a park, it’s always a good idea to protect yourself from a possible mozzie bite.

For footwear, since the main activity at the hot spring is foot spa, then I guess sandals/flip flops is the way to go. For your info, the walkway inside the park is well paved and flat, so if you want to wear heels, you’ll be fine.

Since there’s little shelter at the park, you may consider wearing hat or long sleeve shirt.

The above photo is Sembawang Hot Spring Park Map.

You may also find the softcopy on NParks’ website here .

What to do at Sembawang Hot Spring Park

In order to reach the hot spring, from the entrance of the park (Gambas Avenue), you have to walk through the entire Floral Walk. The length of Floral Walk is about 200m.

Along the Floral Walk, you will find various colorful flowers, edible kampong plants (pandan, lemongrass, etc) as well as fruit trees (chiku, rambutan, etc).

This is probably my most favorite activity at the hot spring. I love soft-boiled eggs and I love the idea of cooking my own onsen tamago with real hot spring water! If you’re also like me, I have loads of tips for you.

Do bring plenty of eggs! There’s a chance that you might make some mistakes and your eggs don’t turn out as what you’ve expected. If you have extra eggs, you can make another attempt to cook your eggs properly. Personally, I brought 4 eggs for 2 persons. I recommend that you bring at least 2 eggs per person (more is better).

I’ve written in “what to bring” section above, but I will repeat it again here in case you missed out that section: do bring container, bowl, spoon, soya sauce and pepper .

To make edible soft-boiled eggs, you need to place your eggs under the running hot water ; this is to maintain the water at high temperature so that it can cook the eggs properly.

Do not put your eggs in a container of hot water and leave it somewhere else, because the temperature of the water would be going down by the minute and your eggs won’t be cooked.

How long do you need to cook the eggs? In my opinion, you need to go through some trial and error. You see, different hot water outlet has slightly different temperature. Your type of container that holds the egg also plays a part (plastic container won’t be able to retain the same amount of heat than thermos). I recommend cooking for at least 20 minutes.

We tried to cook 4 eggs in a plastic container, under the trickling (not gushing) hot water. 20 minutes later, we cracked 1 egg and found a perfect white egg, but the yolk was too runny to our liking. So, we decided to cook the remaining 3 eggs for 10 more minutes.

10 minutes later, the remaining eggs have slightly more set yolks, which is what we’re hoping for, yay! In conclusion, we had to boil our eggs for 30 minutes to make the onsen tamago that we like.

Foot spa is a must-do activity at Sembawang Hot Spring. Personally, I prefer to enjoy a private foot spa with my own bucket because I can adjust the temperature to my preference, and I can practice social distancing.

Yes, I brought the bucket from my home. And yes, I carried it on the bus and received several stares from people who weren’t able to comprehend why a lady would carry an empty bucket on the bus. My hubby didn’t want to get those stares, so he kindly let me do that noble task.

If you don’t have a bucket, or you don’t want to carry it all the way to Sembawang, you can rent one from the restaurant called Sembawang Eating House. But, during this weird era of ‘rona , I feel that it’s better to use my own stuff rather than to use shared stuffs.

There are plenty of benches at Sembawang Hot Spring Park where you can sit while having foot spa with your own bucket. Some benches are sheltered, but most benches are not sheltered.

The hot spring water is REALLY HOT. We took water from the third tier of the pool (i.e. 50 degrees Celsius. 30 minutes later, the water was still too hot. We decided to mix the hot spring water with cool tap water to get the temperature that we desire.

In addition to private foot bath, you can also enjoy communal foot bath at the cascading pool. The temperature at the foot bath area is 40 degree Celsius, which is the optimal temperature for contact with skin.

There are dedicated seats for people to soak their feet at the lowest tier of the pool, but these seats are really limited. On crowded days, you may need to queue (under direct sun) to enjoy this communal bath. If this is what you want, do bring umbrella or wear sunblock.

Do note that full-body dipping or clothes washing is not allowed at the cascading pool.

There is a Banyan tree that is too majestic to be missed out. The good news is, there is a small path from the egg cooking station that leads to the base of this Banyan Tree. So, of course I had to take some photos with the tree.

Curious about how hot spring works? You’re not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of educational boards all around the park that contain information about how hot spring works, the source of the spring, history of Sembawang Hot Spring as well as information about flora species at the park. Here are some educational boards that I managed to capture.

Sembawang Eating House is a café in Sembawang Hot Spring Park that serves local delicacies at affordable prices. This Halal-certified café is open from 8am to 8pm daily, except Monday (8am to 5pm). PS: Please check their FB Page before visiting, in case they changed their operating hours.

Since their menu changes from time to time, do check their FB Page for their latest menu. As of November 2020, they sell tze char dishes as well as toasts and dim sums.

As of November 2020, the rice and noodle dishes cost between $4 to $6. Tze char dishes cost between $12 to $25. Kaya toast set cost $4.8. Dim sum costs between $2.8 to $4.2. Meanwhile, the drinks cost $1 to $2.2. Pretty affordable, right?

My hubby ordered Buttercream chicken rice with egg ($6), and I ordered Kampong fried rice ($5.50) for our late breakfast. Verdict? The Kampong fried rice is really nice, but the buttercream chicken still has room for improvement.

My only complaint? The place is really small. With social distancing in place, there are only 6 tables indoor and about 3 or 4 tables outdoor. However, the outdoor section was closed when we visited. If you want to eat here, be prepared to wait to get a table.

Since the hot spring is a communal place, let’s do our best to keep the place in a good shape for everyone’s enjoyment. Here are several common etiquettes to be observed at the hot spring.

• Do not submerge your entire body in the pool. The pool is only meant for foot bath.
• Do soak your feet only at the lowest tier of the pool.
• Do wash your feet before soaking them in the pool.
• Do not cook eggs in the pool, do cook them at the egg cooking station.
• Do not wash clothes or other items in the pool.
• Do not pour used water back into the pool, instead, pour it into the drain.
• Do not litter, there are plenty of rubbish bins at the park.

These are the facilities at Sembawang Hot Spring Park:

• Shelters (limited number at hot spring)
• Cold water point (at hot spring)
• Female and male toilets, as well as handicapped toilet (near café)
• Water fountain (near toilet)
• Bicycle parking (at hot spring and near toilet)
• Barrier-free walkway (from entrance to café and hot spring)

You’ve come to the end!

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Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Time out says.

The hot spring in Sembawang is a peculiar attraction in Singapore. First discovered back in 1909, the hot spring was popular with villagers who believed that the water had healing powers. Later on in 1922 when the site was acquired by soft drinks giant Fraser & Neave (F&N), the water was bottled and sold to the public. During the Japanese Occupation, the place was converted into thermal onsen baths. 

With such a fascinating history, it is only right that the place is restored and revamped for the community's enjoyment. Reopened in January 2020, the new Sembawang Hot Spring Park is where visitors can learn about the history and geology of the place, reminisce about the old kampung days by strolling through the fruit trees and edible plants, and of course soak their feet in hot waters at the pool or the wooden basins provided. 

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• 4 Places To Visit Near Sembawang East For An Epic Tour In Singapore

23 Mar 2022

The Republic of Singapore lies in the southeastern region of Asia, at the southern point of Malay Peninsula. This island city-state has gone through various developments over the years after getting independence from the shackles of British Empire as well as Japan. These developments can also be seen through various residential towns or planning areas of Singapore. There are various such residential towns or planning areas of Singapore like Pasir Ris, Hougang, Sengkang, Serangoon, Queenstown, Sembawang, and more. Each residential town has several subzones.

The residential town and planning area named Sembawang lies in the northern region of Singapore and shares its borders with other towns like Yishun, Mandai, Woodlands, Straits of Johor, and Simpang. Like all the other residential towns of Singapore, Sembawang too has numerous subzones under it and Sembawang East is one of them. While you can spend quality time in this subdivision, there are places to visit near Sembawang East that you must consider as you go out on a tour around the towns of Singapore.

Singapore is admired for its cultural diversity and it is easily reflected in the huge variety of cuisines as well as festivals.According to Pew Research, (nonpartisan fact tank of America), Singapore possesses the largest diversity of religions than any other country. Moreover, multiracialism has been heartily embraced in this country and is a part of its constitution since the time of independence.

About Sembawang

Even though the residential town of Sembawang has gone through significant developments over the years, yet it is majorly suburban and its peripheries are equipped with recreational, military, as well as industrial facilities. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the town even held a naval base as well as port facilities and still takes care of the shipping traffic.

The naval base consisted of wharves, workshops, as well as dockyards and supported the residential, commercial, and administrative areas. This was a British naval base that transformed into a dockyard after independence in the year 1968. The dockyard is called Sembawang Shipyard and after some time it became an industrial conglomerate owned by the state and called SembCorp.In the early 20th century, this residential town used to be the site for Nee Soon Rubber Estate.

4 Places To Visit Near Sembawang East

The town of Sembawang is the ideal place to visit when it comes to witnessing the ships and some historical sites. The subzone, Sembawang East is reflective of the local culture of this town and is a great place to hangout! However, you can make your visit more fulfilling if you visit some of the best places lying around this subzone. A handful of them have been listed below!

1. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

Image Source

Another name in the list of best places to see in Jurong East, Singapore is Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This museum displays 2000 items and artifacts related to the history of living organisms like plant species, orchids, animal fossils, and human fossils. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is frequented by millions of visitors annually.

Location: 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore 117377 Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm Entrance charges: INR 823/- per person

12 Places To Visit In Jurong East In 2022 Whose Beauty Will Indeed Leave You Stumped!

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2. Woodlands Waterfront Park

One of the major and internationally famous attractions in Yishun, Singapore, the Woodlands Waterfront Park has attained global recognition from this tiny place. With an area of 110000 hectares, this scenic and tranquil coastal park looks amazing overlooking the sea from the north. Apart from housing a large playground with a wide range of equipment availability, this beautiful park also has a 1.5-kilometer long waterfront promenade. Scenic beauty and facilities make it an ideal spot for recreational activities. You enjoy an unobstructed and panoramic view of it besides exercising in its both adventurous and challenging trails.

10 Places To Visit In Yishun Which Urge You To Keep Their Memories Intact

3. Malay Village

Image Source If you are looking for places to visit in Geylang, Serai, then this is it! Built in 1989, The Malay Village of Geylang, Serai is an exhibitions site, styled like a museum that offers a glimpse into the way of life of local Malays before the sixties, also known as ‘Kampung Days’.

Occupying an area of one hectare, it offers a rather comprehensive view of their culture in order to preserve Malay heritage. It displays musical instruments, traditional clothes, and tools. Visitors can also view traditional dances, plays and rituals at 6:30 pm daily. It is open from 10am to 10pm and costs 5$ per person.

Address: Geylang Serai Malay Village, Singapore 409215, a short distance from Paya Lebar Station Contact: + 65 67484700

12 Places To Visit In Geylang In 2022 That Will Steal Your Heart

4. Coney Island Park

This park can be explored either by walking or by cycling. It will also be an adventurous trip. While walking along the park you can come across a wide variety of local species or creatures. Monkey is a very common man and they can come on your way. Apart from this, you can see various types of snakes or rare insects. However, the park is well maintained by the staffs.

Location: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk | Punggol Point Park, Beside Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, Singapore, Singapore

10 Enticing Things To Do In Punggol To Explore The Peaceful Town!

Make every moment of your Singapore vacay count by visiting some of the best tourist attractions. When exploring the different towns of Singapore, make sure you visit Sembawang and its subzone Sembawang East. There are various places to visit near Sembawang East that you must consider to make your tour more enlightening.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit near Sembawang East

Which are the best experiences near Sembawang Park?

Some of the best things to do near Sembawang Park are visiting the Sembawang Hot Spring, the Yishun Dam, Senoko Fishery Port, Bishan-ang Mo Kio Park, Good Morning Nanyang Café, and SAF Yacht Club.

What else is there to do near Sembawang Park?

Apart from visiting some of the famous tourist places, you may try out some of the delicious cuisines and have a taste of Singapore’s culture. You can also visit the Canberra Park which is a great place for children to play. The beach is at a walking distance and many people also go fishing.

Is it safe to visit Sembawang during covid times?

The Government of Singapore has eased up on some of the covid guidelines and many tourist hotspots are now active. You have to follow some important covid guidelines while in public such as maintaining social distancing, wearing a face mask,etc.

What can we do at Sembawang?

Tourists visiting Sembawang tend to indulge in activities such as night safaris, relaxing at the hot spring, fishing, chilling at the Canberra Park, trying out various Singapore cuisines, and much more.

What is there to do in Sembawang at night?

Some of the best things which you can do at night is going for a night safari, leopard trail, and witnessing more than 2500 different animals. Another place you could visit is the Seletar Mall, which is yet another famous tourist attraction.

How much time does it take to explore Sembawang?

To experience Sembawang to the fullest, you need at least 3 days. There are many things to explore in Sembawang and several cuisines to try out and it is safe to say that to explore all these things it may take upto 2-3 days.

What are the famous places to dine in Sembawang?

Some of the famous places to dine in Sembawang are the Gin Thye Cake Maker, White Restaurant, SatayBros at D’Rubinah, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak, Chye Lye Fish Head Curry, 1036 Live Seafood, Wong Chiew Restaurant, and Nelson Bar.

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Moving to Sembawang, made easy

Get housing costs, school ratings, safety rankings, walkability scores, and more with our ultimate sembawang guide..

• City Guides

Sembawang NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

A waterfront neighborhood with a good mix of housing and excellent transit options.

• Couples without kids
• Empty nesters / Retirees
• Nature lovers
• 51 Restaurants
• 10 Grocery stores/markets
• 6 Nightlife options
• 5 Fitness options

Sembawang has a below average crime rate for Singapore.

  WHAT’S LIVING IN Sembawang LIKE?

Named after the Sembawang Tree, Sembawang served as a British naval base during the early 1900s. Since the handover of the naval base to the Singapore government, Sembawang has been converted into a commercial dockyard and still continues to handle regular shipping traffic today.

Like other estates in Singapore, Sembawang started from humble beginnings as the site of the Nee Soon Rubber estate. It was home to many kampongs and villagers up until the 1980s when most of them were relocated so the area could be developed. As an effort to preserve the kampong atmosphere of Sembawang, the Sembawang MRT station was designed with a kampong-styled roof and has a bay for 350 bicycles for workers traveling to and from the shipyard.

With much of its past steeped in naval history and now playing a prominent role in Singapore’s shipping trade, Sembawang residents can enjoy seafront views and catch glimpses of the many different ships coming in and out. Places such as Sembawang Park offer a space for outdoor recreational activities set against a stunning backdrop of the open sea.

Modern HDB estates are juxtaposed against old colonial black and white bungalows, adding to the quaintness of this neighbourhood. Retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and other services are available from a couple of large shopping malls such as Sembawang Shopping Centre and Sun Plaza Shopping Centre, while local supermarkets (e.g. Fairprice and Giant) and wet markets scattered around the neighborhood offer convenience for getting your everyday necessities and groceries.

Interesting features of the neighborhood add diversity to life here, including the Sembawang Hot Springs – the only natural hot spring in Singapore, which is visited by residents and non-residents alike. With several kopitiams conveniently located around the neighbourhood, you’ll also never have to worry about being hungry!

Due to its commercial importance with the dockyard and shipping trade, the neighborhood has been blessed with a well-integrated transport system of bus interchanges, road networks, and a direct MRT station. The availability of primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, along with the convenient transport systems and good amenities, has led many families to choose to live in this neighborhood. With a higher concentration of HDB estates than there are condominiums, this area sees more local residents than expatriates, and still houses many older residents. The affordability of property in the area also draws in young couples and first-time home owners.

Sembawang is bordered on the north by the Johor Strait, on the east by Simpang, on the south by Yishun and Mandai, and on the west by Woodlands .

Commute: CBD: 26.1 km / 30-70 minutes by car / 50-60 minutes by transit Changi Business Park: 27.2 km / 35-70 minutes by car / 90 minutes by transit Jurong International Business Park: 23.6 km / 25-50 minutes by car / 50-60 minutes by transit One North Buona Vista: 24.5 km / 30-65 minutes by car / 50-55 minutes by transit Tuas: 34.2 km / 40-75 minutes by car / 150 minutes by transit

  Sembawang LOCAL schools

  sembawang local flavor.

The largest suburban shopping mall in the area, Sembawang Shopping Centre caters to residents’ retail and dining needs. Other services located in the mall include a 24-hour fitness gym, hair salons, beauty treatment centres, home furnishing stores, children’s enrichment centres, and more.

Sembawang Park offers a much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of work and city life, with a beautiful beach and an amazing view for residents to recharge themselves. A favourite spot for fishing, the park also has jogging paths, and areas for a refreshing swim in the sea. Remnants of history hide within the park and its surroundings, with restored pathways used during the British occupation, old shipyards, and even a war memorial nearby.  

Named after prominent businessman Lim Chong Pang in the 1900s, Chong Pang Market & Food Centre is a favourite haunt for locals for the comforting and affordable hawker fare like Satay Bee Hoon, chicken rice, and the infamous Chong Pang Nasi Lemak.

Quite a well-kept secret even among locals, the Sembawang Hot Spring is the only natural hot spring on the main island of Singapore and is open for public visitation (for free). The springs were discovered in the early 1900s by merchants who owned the estate. A well was built along the spring, supplying water the villagers who believed in the spring’s healing properties. Since then, gamblers have taken baths in the water for luck, the spring water has been bottled and sold, and many plans have been made and forgotten on how to develop this feature into more of an attraction in the area. To this day, the exact source of the spring water is still unknown.

This temple is dedicated to the God of Wealth, the Chinese god of prosperity worshipped in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. Find an impressive statue towering at 31 feet on the roof of the temple, opulent interior decorations and ornate figures of other deities housed within the temple. If you’re in need of a bit of a pick-me-up in fortunes, perhaps a little visit to this temple could give you a little boost.

Built in 1939, the Old Admiralty House once served as the residence of senior officers in the British Navy. With the withdrawal of British troops from Singapore, Old Admiralty House has changed hands amongst a few country clubs, and is now used as a private education institution. Its quaint architectural style makes it a rather unique design in the area, and was gazetted as a national monument in 2002.

  Singapore basics

Photo Credits:  Thanks to  @yemekteyim , @sherlyapriliani17 , @shortmonsterxx , @seventeen10 , @hannhatredz , @argentem , @diannesuperlove , @megaunciano , @stanmoong , @itsgalchristine , @krstnblnt , @thechinkiguy , @hanzqq , @wson , @nycars , @jayneyang23 , @sembawangcalisthenics , @kiffly , @carlhallocod , @mrsniy  for your great photos of this neighborhood! 

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Follow our news, recent searches, woodlands health opening offers nearby residents 'more convenient access' to hospital services: sm lee, advertisement.

The Woodlands Health Campus integrates an acute hospital, community hospital and a nursing home.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivering his speech at the official opening of Woodlands Health Campus on Jul 13, 2024. (Photo: Woodlands Health)

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Lutfil Jumadi

SINGAPORE: Residents in Sembawang, Choa Chu Kang and those living in nearby areas can have easier access to acute hospital services with the opening of Woodlands Health Campus.

Speaking at its official opening on Saturday (Jul 13) , Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that it is set to boost bed capacity in the northern region of Singapore, "providing 1,000 more acute and community hospital beds when fully opened".

The third general hospital in the past decade to open, after Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) and Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), Woodlands Health received its first patients in December last year , while its emergency and acute medical services began operating in May. 

According to its website, the hospital, located at 17 Woodlands Drive 17 ,  currently operates 460 acute and community hospital beds.

"Residents of Woodlands, Sembawang, Choa Chu Kang and nearby areas will now have more convenient access to acute hospital services," Mr Lee said. 

"They will no longer have to travel all the way to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) or Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, they can come here."

Woodlands Health helped triage and decant 350 patients from KTPH's emergency department from May 2 to Jun 15, the National Health Group (NHG) said on Monday in response to CNA's queries. Patients at the emergency department were assessed by both KTPH and Woodlands Health's medical teams, and those who required admission were taken to Woodland Health, NHG added.

"This has enabled more timely and accessible care for our patients, improving the overall management of specialist appointments and bed capacity," said Professor Joe Sim, group chief executive officer at NHG.

Patients with scheduled specialist appointments are now also being attended to earlier, said Prof Sim, noting that some of them who initially had to wait two months for an appointment were able to get it at Woodlands Health within two weeks. 

Nearly 1,100 KTPH patients and about 250 TTSH patients have transferred their specialist appointments to Woodlands Health since its medical centre opened in December 2023, said NHG. "This helps to provide Woodlands residents with faster access to care as they will receive earlier appointments and at the same time, relieve some patient load from KTPH and TTSH," it added.

The Woodlands Health Campus integrates an acute hospital, community hospital and a nursing home, with Mr Lee noting how it "consolidates a comprehensive suite of services in a single location".

"The campus will not only offer the usual services (management of acute emergencies, rehabilitation, and recovery), but it will also provide long-term care services – including day care, home care, nursing care and palliative care," he said. 

"This makes it much easier to right-site patients and also a lot more convenient for patients to transition seamlessly from treatment to convalescence, and to receive the appropriate care in one place." 

It has also been set up to treat increasingly prevalent conditions among young people, including obesity, hypertension and chronic kidney disease , he added.

Some facilities at Woodlands Health make use of technology in a bid to bolster operational efficiency, as well as to offer an improved patient care and caregiver experience. 

These include an automated pharmacy that shortens the time patients have to wait when collecting their medicine and the use of patient bedside terminals.

Mr Lee noted how nurses traditionally relay information to patients in person, briefing them on matters like their medical condition and test results.

"As a result, patients have limited opportunities to engage actively in their own care plan and to stay updated on their recovery progress," he said.

"With the (patient bedside) terminals, patients can access the care plan for their stay themselves, their vital signs charts, and educational resources relevant to their condition ... and participate more actively in their recovery journey." 

Mr Lee touched on how patients can not only order their preferred meals but also watch YouTube videos via the terminals, and that the hospital had begun to deliver healthcare in the community through its WH @Home programme .

First launched in April 2022, it offers patients the option to be cared for in their own homes instead of a hospital ward. 

The Senior Minister also joked how people often have a "perception that hospital food is bland and tasteless".

But after sampling a few dishes from the in-patient menu like mutton vindaloo, and that other "interesting choices" like Thai green curry and Irish beef stew had caught his eye, he quipped this is "certainly not your typical hospital fare".

The Big Read: When home is where the hospital bed is

Singapore’s public hospital bed crunch: Are radical solutions needed?

"don't underestimate difficulty of keeping healthcare system working well".

While Mr Lee said that Singapore's healthcare system is "in good shape", with access to high quality and affordable healthcare as well as "reasonable" wait times, he cautioned that there are "too many examples elsewhere of healthcare services practically at breaking point".

"Please do not underestimate the difficulty of keeping the healthcare system working well," he added.

He noted the Ministry of Health's (MOH) plans to expand existing hospitals, redevelop Alexandra Hospital , open a new Eastern General Hospital Campus , another new public hospital in Tengah and possibly a new non-profit private hospital .

"But our response cannot just be to keep on expanding our hospitals and adding acute bed capacity," he said.

"The problem with this approach is not just the heavy fiscal cost, or the difficulty of finding suitable plots of land to build more hospitals. Just as critically, we will run short of medical and nursing manpower to staff the additional hospitals."

To keep Singapore's overall healthcare costs sustainable over the long-term, Mr Lee urged "discipline" by not overtreating or overprescribing, and to be "discriminating in adopting new medical treatments, procedures, drugs and technology". 

"At the same time, we must maintain the right mix of government subsidies, medical insurance, and individual co-payment, to minimise wrong, perverse incentives which would lead to unsatisfactory outcomes," he added.

Commentary: What to do about rising medical costs in Singapore

Commentary: Healthcare in Singapore is world-class - and under-utilised

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