A Memorable Morning at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Singapore

I used to live in Yio Chu Kang when I first arrived in Singapore many years ago. Everytime I would take the train from Yio Chu Kang to Yishun, I would always glance outside the window and admire the tranquil waters of the Lower Seletar Reservoir. However, despite countless visits to Yishun, I never made my way to the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park. It was barely a few kilometers away from where I lived for two whole years. Its funny that it has taken me 15 years, moving house and having two kids to finally check out this popular nature spot.

In the last two years, we have been to Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park and Lower Peirce Reservoir Park multiple times. Now, finally, I have checked off Lower Seletar Reservoir Park off my list too. I must admit I get frequently muddled up with the similar sounding names. Although all of them are lovely places for outdoor family fun and leisure activities, my favourite has to be Lower Peirce Reservoir Park. I would highly recommend that you check out these parks especially if you have young children and/or are fitness and photography enthusiasts. 

Located on the northern shore of Lower Seletar Reservoir, the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is largely flat with some undulating terrain that provides a pleasant place for outdoor leisure activities. The park, with an area of 3 hectares, is equipped with a jetty, shelters, restrooms, and a 1.3 km jogging track. 

Sought after outdoor activities at the park include jogging, birdwatching, kayaking, photography and fishing. 

We visited the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park as a family with the intention of enjoying a nice long walk - a combination of nature and exercise. Fortunately our children are always game for exploring and it seems to us like they can walk the ends of the earth.

The car park is quite small with only a few lots available. The nearest MRT station is Khatib (NS14) which is around a 15-minute walk away. There are several bus services available (more information at the end of the post). 

My first impressions of the park - although small, the park is picturesque and serene with silvery blue waters, lush tropical greenery and balmy breezes blowing. It is an agreeable place for leisure activities, both on land and in water. The park features a Family Bay with a new performance stage, a water play area, a bioswale rain garden, a look out point as well as a Heritage Bridge.

I was vaguely aware of a water play area at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park but due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation, I mistakenly assumed it wouldn't be in operation. I hadn't packed the twins swim wear, towels or a change of clothes. Much to my dismay, the girls caught sight of the (very much operational) water fountains and wading pool within the first 10 seconds of us arriving at the park. They raced towards it gleefully, fully expecting to be allowed to play to their heart's content. I felt horribly guilty about not checking properly beforehand and we quickly moved away from the area especially as a few children arrived and began frolicking in the water which made my children's yearning only grow stronger! 

The bridge provided a much-needed distraction. Walking along the bridge, you see the golf course on one side and the calm still waters on the other side with the MRT bridge in the horizon. 

There is a long path that you can follow that runs parallel to the water's edge. Fitness enthusiasts can go on a leisurely stroll or heart-pumping jog. 

There is a small exercise area for adults but unfortunately, no play area for the little ones.

The park is a favoured venue for kayaking and dragon-boating with a Rower's Bay and People's Association Water-Venture outlet (closed on every Monday and Public Holidays) providing leisure kayak rentals. If you would like to, you can spend a day with your family or friends unhurriedly paddling down the still waters of the reservoir while soaking in the beautiful natural surroundings. 

A fishing jetty, maintained by PUB, extends from the park into the reservoir, catering to avid anglers who cast their rods in hopes of hooking large snakeheads and tilapias swimming in the waters. From here, the view of the adjoining bridge flanked by greenery is a sight for sore eyes. 

Knowing that there wouldn't be any place offering refreshments at the park, I had packed some cold drinks, sandwiches and popcorn which we enjoyed sitting at one of the benches along the edge of the reservoir. I thought it was a great place to unwind with a good book while simultaneously being treated to great nature views and tranquility of the surroundings.

Even though it was a partly cloudy day, the weather was muggy (like always). We walked along the water's edge a good long while, stopping every now and then to take some photos and then turned back on the same path. 

We spent a lovely morning there and the park wasn't crowded which made the experience even better. 

Early mornings and evenings would definitely be cooler and so a much better time for a walk or jog. 

We will definitely be back.....and next time with swim gear and towels ready! 

Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Location:

Bounded by Yishun Ave 1 and Lentor Avenue

How To Get There: 

Nearest Bus Stop (Bus 1N, 39, 85, 85, 851, 852, 853, 853, 854, 855, 857, 858, 965)

Nearest MRT station (Khatib MRT)

Rower's Bay: Nearest Bus Stop (103, 117)

Park Lighting Hours: 7:00pm to 7:00am

Venues For Booking: Lawn Area

Accessibility Info: Wheelchair accessible

This is a smoke-free park

Have you been to the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park? Leave a comment to let me know. 

Cheers,

Megha