A Hidden Oasis of Tranquility: Rower's Bay Park, Singapore

The wretched Covid-19 pandemic has ensured that we all stay put right where we are, hasn't it? With travel out of the picture for the paaassssttt.....how many months has it been now? (feels like eons 😫) we have had no choice but to further explore our Little Red Dot for leisure. With that reality having sunken in, my family and I visited Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park and Lower Peirce Reservoir Park all within the past two years or so. 

Exploring these lesser known places made us realize (much to our embarrassment) the picturesque natural landmarks that Singapore has to offer. With the pervasive greenery of nature becoming a part of the urban landscape, Singapore's title of a 'City in a Garden' is very much justified. 

I did independent blog posts for all of the aforementioned parks and much to my delight, they have gotten thousands of views and continue to garner interest. I have received so many messages from people either thanking me for the post or sending in more queries about the locations. To all those readers, I'd just like to express my gratitude for the feedback and appreciation 💗

I came across a picture of Rower's Bay Park on the Instagram page exploresingapore.sg several months ago. I immediately made a mental note to check it out. The park was officially launched on 30 March 2019 but it has taken us this long to visit. 

Rower's Bay is situated at the far end of Lower Seletar Reservoir next to Yishun Dam. The park is named for the reservoir's popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts. Rower's Bay forms the first phase of the planned 150km Round Island Route (RIR), which will be progressively completed from 2020 to 2035, connecting parks around Singapore. So eventually, cycling enthusiasts will be able to cycle around the entire island. 

Seriously though, how cool is that! 

As soon as updates were made to the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) in August allowing an increase of social gatherings from 2 to 5, we breathed a sigh of relief that we would finally be able to go out together as a family. 

On a Tuesday morning of a school holiday, my husband and I took the day off and we all headed out to Rower's Bay Park early in the day in the hopes of getting some fresh air and exercise. 

If you are driving, I would advise you to enter Seletar Club Road in the GPS. We input Rower's Bay Park which caused a bit of confusion and we missed the turning into the park. Once you get there you will find that there is no designated parking lot so you can park along the side of the road. 

I was struck by how serene and tranquil the surroundings were. The calm sun-kissed waters, lush greenery and picturesque skies make for a stunning landscape. No high-rise buildings in sight which is a refreshing change.

There was hardly anyone around so we felt completely at ease and began warming up for a jog. 

At Rower's Bay Park there is an approximately 1.5-2 kilometer flat path flanked by towering reeds and swaying willow trees extending along the water's edge. 

Quite scenic don't you think?

On one end is a sheltered pavilion that offers panoramic views of the waters of Lower Seletar Reservoir. Our kids started foraging for flowers fallen on the ground and then started scouting for signs of wildlife. My husband and I took turns to complete a few more rounds of jogging while they were preoccupied. 

There were different varieties of flowers to be admired and some fruit trees as well. We spotted insects, a turtle, squirrels, a few different species of birds and (what I assumed to be) a common sun skink. 

Apparently, otters can also be spotted in the waters. Previously we had seen a family of playful otters at Upper Peirce Reservoir Park. If you do happen to come across otters, the advisory is to not touch, chase, corner them or try to feed them. 

There are seating areas scattered along the path that look out to the reservoir. These are perfect to catch the sunrise or sunset in Singapore. 

It would be nice to come here in the evening when the temperature cools down to experience the magic of the park as the sun dips below the horizon and the sensual colors of fleeting dusk paint the sky. Now that I think about it, a bottle of wine would be rather nice as well 😄

Rower’s Bay also features a boardwalk that brings visitors closer to the reservoir’s waters. Just standing here and looking out at the glimmering water with a calm breeze blowing is very calming. 

A wetland area has been developed beside the boardwalk to enhance the area’s biodiversity such as the grey heron and copper-cheeked frog. With a water depth ranging between 50 mm to 1,500 mm, the wetland area has been designed to attract different types of birds and wildlife.

Toilets and vending machines can also be found at Rower’s Bay. To cater to cyclists, the vending machines sell bike repair equipment. Other useful amenities for cyclists include bike racks. 

I would advise you to slather on sunscreen, bring water bottles, some snacks, mosquito repellant and umbrellas (when you are here especially with kids). 

Some rules and regulations to observe in the park,

• This is a smoke-free park
• No swimming
• No littering 
• No plucking of plants
• No flying of kites

Rower's Bay Park: A Hidden Oasis of Tranquility

We spent an enjoyable morning at Rower's Bay Park. I would definitely want to come here again.

This is an ideal place to catch the sunrise or sunset, for nature and photography enthusiasts, for those looking for a leisurely stroll or more intense exercise like running or cycling and also for those wanting to take their canines for a walk. There are plenty of shady areas that can serve as picnic spots. I would recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening (around 6:30 - 7:30pm). 

Rower's Bay Park is quite close to the Seletar Aerospace Park which if you didn't know, happens to be a haven for foodies. You could spend the morning at the park and then head over to Wildseed Cafe, The Summerhouse, Wheeler's Estate or YOUNGS Bar and Restaurant for a meal. 

The next time, I am planning to get my twins bicycles so they can enjoy a fun cycling session. I would also like us to explore the nearby Hampstead Wetlands Park to see the water lily pond and do some birdwatching before heading over to Seletar Aerospace Park for brunch. 

Getting there:

Rowers' Bay at Lower Seletar Reservoir is located next to Seletar Country Club. You can drive or take a taxi and exit via TPE (Exit 12) or via SLE (Exit 1B).

By car: Park at the entrance of Rower’s Bay Park along Seletar Club Road.

By public transport: Take Bus 103 at Yishun MRT and alight at Aft Shell Aviation (30 mins).

I hope you liked this post. If you know of more hidden gems in Singapore, please do leave a message to let me know so I can check them out too.

Cheers,

Megha