Singapore is known for its many beautiful parks and recreational areas. One of them is called Coney Island Park located off the north-eastern coast of Singapore.
A Brief History of Coney Island Singapore
Also known as Serangoon Island, this 133-hectare island was once owned by entrepreneur siblings Aw Boon How and Aw Boon Par.
The Aw brothers constructed a 600-square-metre bungalow on the island. It still exists, though abandoned, and is now known as the Haw Par Beach Villa.
Subsequently in 1950, the island was sold to an Indian businessman, Ghulam Mahmood.
It was perhaps this Indian businessman that coined the name Coney Island Singapore as he intended to turn the island into a resort similar to the amusement island park at Coney Island, New York.
He managed to developed the island into a leisure resort called Coney Island Singapore, which was touted as ‘Singapore’s first island health resort’.
Some of the facilities offered then included a restaurant and a bar, a dance hall, and seaside accommodation. However, just three years later, the island was put up for auction.
What Kind of Island Is It?
Coney Island Singapore is rich in history and houses a wide variety of habitats. This includes mangroves, coastal forests, grasslands, and casuarina woodlands.
Though it may not be like Bali in Indonesia or even Maldives, Coney Island Singapore has its own rustic charm.
While there had been plans to develop Coney Island into a recreational spot with chalets, a beach, and a marina for pleasure boats, this never materialised.
After some land reclamation was done by the government, there was no other development that was carried out on the island.
Some of the activities back then were carried out by boaters, campers, picnickers, and people catching shellfish.
Nowadays, however, most people come here to take a scenic walk, relax by the beach, and cycle along the designated routes.
The main path called ‘Park Connector’ connects the island from the West Entrance and East Entrance. Off this main path, you may venture out to one of the five beaches via any of the earth tracks, barrier-free routes, and boardwalks.
The island is mostly nature and is off the grid, meaning it does not rely on the supply of electricity.
Being an ecologically sustainable park means the facilities such as the public toilets here (which are located only near both entrances) uses solar panel and harvests water from the rain. How cool is that?
Things To Do at Coney Island Singapore
1. Cycle Across the Island
Whether you are an avid cyclist or just want to leisurely cruise in a scenic environment, you can do so along the main path on the island. The distance is about 2.5km and some parts can be bumpy, but not difficult.
Moreover, the Park Connector is not solely a path for cyclists. You will also be sharing it with other cyclists and guests who are leisurely walking, so do check your surroundings.
2. Bird-watching
Fancy spotting a bird? You will not be hard-pressed to see one as the island is home to over 80 species of birds!
See if you can catch the Baya Weavers weavings nests from flowering Acacia tress and keep your ears peeled for the melodies of the Oriental Magpie-Robin.
3. Spot Other Wildlife
If looking up is not your thing, look out for other wildlife around the island. Here, you can also find otters, horseshoe crabs, tiger moon snails, snapping shrimp, and sand sea stars.
There are monkeys too, which some may be more familiar with. Just make sure you do not feed them any food!
4. Chill by the Beach
There are five beaches that you can go to on this island. Look out for the signs to those beach areas as you are walking or cycling.
Camping is not allowed here, but you can still have a good time just lounging by the beach for a few moments before continuing on with your walk or cycling.
5. Stroll Along the West Promenade
If you want to avoid the sandy beaches, you can opt for the publicly accessible promenades instead. It can be found at the western end of the island.
The paved areas provide a spot for you to stroll and enjoy the views of passing ships. You will also be able to view Johor’s shoreline from here.
6. Play at the Casuarina Exploration Nature Playground
The island is covered with Casuarina trees, and being a green place, some of the uprooted trees caused by tropical storm were upcycled into various things.
One of them being the Casuarina Exploration Nature Playground. Though not like the normal playgrounds you see in the city, this one is more simplistic in nature but can provide just as much fun for you and your little ones!
7. Go for a Guided Walk
If you prefer going with a guide, NParks volunteers conduct guided walks. This will be a great chance for you to learn about the history and diverse biodiversity of the park.
You can go for the two-house guided walk on selected Saturday mornings in the months of June, November, and December.
Plan Your Day Out at Coney Island
The island park opens from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and while you can go anytime within the time frame, it is best to go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the blistering sun.
If you plan to cycle but do not own a bicycle, you can rent one from a nearby bike rental shop. Around here is also where the Punggol Settlement carpark is located, about 700 metres from the West Entrance.
What to Bring
While the island is mostly shaded by tall trees, it is still better to bring and put on sunscreen to protect your skin.
Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated as well. If you are bringing with you a plastic bottle, be sure to bring it back with you as there are no trash bins on the island.
Bring with you some insect repellent to avoid mozzies. This would also be useful if you plan to go to the beach area as there may be sandflies there.
Due to this environment, it is best if you wear full coverage clothes such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts. And don’t forget your sun hat!
How To Get There
By car: Drive to Punggol Settlement where you can park your car. You may also park outside Coney Island’s exits by the West and East entrances.
By public transport:
- Take the train to Punggol and head to the bus interchange (via exit C).
- Hop on bus 84 to Punggol Point Park.
- Walk over to Punggol Settlement.
- Follow the signs along Punggol Promenade Nature Walk towards Coney Island’s west entrance.
Now that you know a little bit about Coney Island Singapore, it is best that you head over there yourself to experience and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature just outside the city. Have fun!