The first time I visited Seletar Aerospace Park was in the golden ages i.e. before the Covid-19 pandemic 😆 My twins were on the brink of turning five at the time and they were the reason I had come across the place during my search for the next family fun outing venue.
For the uninitiated, Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP) is an increasingly popular family and lifestyle destination in Singapore. This industrial enclave catering to aerospace industries is tucked away in the idyllic Seletar area. This place is one of Singapore's better kept secrets.
Seletar Aerospace Park has an eclectic mix of F&B outlets, retail outlets and frequently plays host to bazaars, carnivals and outdoor movie screenings. It is popular with young families because of an aerospace-themed playground nestled within its premises. It has also been attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers for its thriving biodiversity, boardwalks and nature trails that collectively form the Hampstead Wetland Park.
SAP is a nod to Singapore’s colonial past. The area served as a pre-World War II military base for the British Royal Air Force in the 1920s. In order to house RAF personnel and their families, numerous quaint black and white bungalows were built with the help of female immigrants. With old trees and open fields, this part of Singapore has retained its old world charm.
Today, Seletar Airport operates as a general aviation airport for chartered flights and training purposes. Of the former colonial bungalows, 32 have been refurbished as part of the charming cluster that is known as 'The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park'. The Oval is a rustic lifestyle hub and recreational destination for both the working community and residents of the north-east region.
Here is what you can do if you make your way over to Seletar Aerospace Park,
Plane spotting at Seletar airport
The boardwalk at The Oval is set against a backdrop of runways and aircraft hangars, providing views of jets taking off and landing.
If you have little ones that are really into planes, you could bring them here and watch their excited reaction!
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| Image source: Spotterguide |
The aviation-themed playground
The aviation-themed playground pays homage to Seletar's aviation roots.
The aviation-themed playground pays homage to Seletar's aviation roots.
This adorable outdoor playground is located outside Wheelers Estate. It features two play areas suitable for toddlers and older children. There is a colorful propeller plane play structure, air traffic control tower slides, helipad merry-go-round and a couple of swings to keep the little ones occupied.
An eye-catching feature of the playground is the Giant Aeroplane Chess game that one can play on the ground acting as life-size chess pieces. The playground is strategically located so that parents who are dining at The Summerhouse or Wheelers Estate have the benefit of letting their kids to play while they await for their food. This is a huge win in my books.
Hampstead wetlands park
I was unaware of the Hampstead Wetlands Park during my first visit to Seletar Aerospace Park. It was only when I spotted an image of a beautiful water lily lake on Instagram, did I realize that I had missed checking out this 3.2 hectare green sanctuary located in the middle of the enclave.
So on a subsequent visit, we arrived an hour before the scheduled brunch reservation and enjoyed a leisurely stroll in this park.
Hampstead wetlands park used to be a waterlogged area that was formerly part of the Seletar Base Golf Course. The untamed marshy landscape was naturalized and the habitat enhanced. The park has now transformed into a leisure spot for recreation complete with a garden, pond, boardwalks and observatory decks. Don't you love that Singapore does these kinds of things?
I was surprised to see a bevy of photographers waiting patiently with their bulky cameras mounted on tripods hoping to catch sight of some of the wildlife. While writing this post, I found out that the wetlands is home to White-throated Kingfisher, Blue-tailed Bee-eater bird, Oriental Pied Hornbill and Blue Percher dragonfly among other creatures.
We spotted birds, butterflies, turtles and aquatic plants. There were numerous gorgeous water lilies in the pond which makes this spot highly Instagrammable.
The most captivating sights was of the white-breasted waterhens walking effortlessly on the lily pads. We stood watching them for at least 20 minutes.
The girls were also excited to watch the turtles swimming up close.
You can go right up to the edge of the water. It is a sight for sore eyes indeed.
There are information placards which provides details about the flora and fauna. I was glad to notice that my children were interested in reading them.
From start to finish it is a short walk around the area but a wonderfully pleasant one nonetheless.
F&B outlets
There are a plethora of F&B outlets here that you can spend a big chunk of your day at.
There are a plethora of F&B outlets here that you can spend a big chunk of your day at.
The Summerhouse
The Summerhouse is home to both Wildseed Café, a casual café and bar and The Summerhouse Dining Room, the main restaurant perched on the second floor of the conserved colonial bungalow.
If it is brunch you are in the mood for, head to Wildseed for hearty gourmet sandwiches and cakes with a local twist.
At Wildseed Cafe, they do popular and hearty brunch dishes with a nod to local flavours. I loved their Atas Kaya Toast.
The dishes at The Summerhouse follows a rustic ‘farms’-to-table concept where the fresh produce is sourced from local farms, and garnishes are plucked from the on-site garden. Ordering sharing plates is a smart way to sample whatever The Summerhouse has to offer.
A more unique dining experience would be to enjoy a meal at the comfortable air-conditioned Garden Domes, which boasts enclosures set within the lush verdant of edible garden and romantic fairy lights. For an intimate dinner or private dinner parties, this is a great option to consider. This is definitely on my dining out radar.
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| Image source: The Summerhouse |
Address:
The Summerhouse
The Summerhouse
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Contact:
+65 8809 5840
Wheeler’s Estate
Wheeler’s Estate is easily identifiable from the silver camper van in the Wheeler’s Yard.
If a laid-back café experience is what you are after, this place could not be more perfect. With firewood lining the exterior of the two-story colonial bungalow, Wheeler’s Estate feels like a luxe campsite in the middle of the great outdoors.
What I love about Wheeler's Estate is the green expanse all around it. The little ones can run amok and burn off their endless supply of energy. It is a bonus that the playground is a stone's throw away.
With an alfresco atmosphere decked with garden tables and food with a picnic vibe, this spot is extremely popular with expats and young families. The menu isn't extensive but there is something for everyone. Note that vegetarian options are limited.
Previously called The Verandah, the Cinder Colonial Steakhouse and Wine Bar is where one can savor premium cuts of steaks & expertly curated wines while taking in the original architecture of the space that's brimming with rich history and stories to tell.
Address:
Wheeler’s Estate
2 Park Lane
Singapore 798386
Contact:
+65 6262 0001
YOUNGS Bar and Restaurant
YOUNGS Bar and Restaurant
If modern European cuisine is what you are craving then YOUNGS Bar and Restaurant is the place to be.
One of the smaller bungalows at The Oval, YOUNGS retains the distinct British architectural elements with the interiors refurbished to exude old-world charm with plush sofas and wood accents. The alfresco seating has been designed for a more laid back atmosphere to lounge in.
YOUNGS offers brunch, lunch sets, afternoon high tea, dinner and sweet treats to satisfy all cravings.
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| Image source: YOUNGS Bar & Restaurant Facebook Page |
Address:
3 Hyde Park Gate
Singapore 799531
Contact:
+65 6734 2850
Di Wei Teo Chew Restaurant
Teochew food originates from the Chaoshan region of China, east of the Guangdong province. Delicious dishes with light flavours is distinctive of Teochew cuisine. Cold crab, braised abalone and sea cucumber are some of the signature dishes of this coastal region.
Di Wei Teo Chew Restaurant
Teochew food originates from the Chaoshan region of China, east of the Guangdong province. Delicious dishes with light flavours is distinctive of Teochew cuisine. Cold crab, braised abalone and sea cucumber are some of the signature dishes of this coastal region.
Di Wei Teo Chew Restaurant has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small food court kiosk. Characterised by spacious round tables and traditional Chinese decor, patrons enjoy well-rounded Teochew meals prepared by an experienced team of Chinese chefs in The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park.
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| Image source: Di Wei Teo Chew Facebook Page |
Address:
Di Wei Teo Chew Restaurant
1 The Oval
Singapore 797859
Contact:
+65 6262 5946.
Hangar66 Café
Hangar66 Café is a unique and cozy café/lounge located within an aircraft hangar with sunning day and night up close views of real private aircrafts taking off the runway at Seletar airport.
With beverages, popular seasonal, brunch dishes and desserts available, this is where you can go for a fun aviation-themed dining experience.
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| Image source: Hangar66 Facebook Page |
Address:
Hangar66 WOA Aviation
66 Seletar Aerospace View
Singapore 797509
Seletar Aerospace Park: A must-visit lifestyle enclave in Singapore
Seletar in the North-East of Singapore has gradually transformed from an old airbase into a modern aerospace hub. Seletar Aerospace Park is on the verge to becoming one of our favourite places to go out as a family in Singapore. The location is a huge plus - tucked away from the city and crowds and home to lush greenery, this leisure spot feels like a welcome break and a literal breath of fresh air from the daily hustle and bustle of life.
The mix of parklands and lifestyle cluster creates a vibrant live-work-chill culture in an industrial estate.
Nature: Check
Food: Check
Play: Check
From my point of view, this place has everything a family needs for a day of fun so check it out if you haven't yet 😊
How to get to Seletar Aerospace Park
Car: Search for Seletar Aerospace Park on Google Maps. It’s a 30-minute drive to Seletar from town. Keep in mind that parking spots aren't plentiful.
Bus: Take Bus 103 or 117 and alight at the at ‘After/Before Baker Street’ bus stop. From there it is a short walk to The Oval.
Car: Search for Seletar Aerospace Park on Google Maps. It’s a 30-minute drive to Seletar from town. Keep in mind that parking spots aren't plentiful.
Bus: Take Bus 103 or 117 and alight at the at ‘After/Before Baker Street’ bus stop. From there it is a short walk to The Oval.
Have you been to Seletar Aerospace Park? What do you like best about it? Leave a comment to let me know.
Cheers,
Megha
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