Let’s take a 10km run around Pasir Ris park with a running route by the coastal park’s scenic and breezy seaside. The park is located in the north-eastern part of Singapore, spanning over 70 hectares and stretches along a 6-kilometer coastline. Interestingly, its name, “Pasir Ris” is derived from the Malay term “white sand”.
It tad reflects its origins as a coastal village. In our run, we shall check out the various sights and points of interests such as mangroves, BBQ spots and landmarks, which makes this one of the few nice beach-side running routes in Singapore.
Pasir ris park 10km running route
Furthermore, the route we are taking in our run today is a park loop route along the park’s 6km coastline, totaling 10km in all. The total linear distance from one end of the park to the other is just under 5km, which adds-up to our 10km loop total.
History of Pasir ris park
Moreover, on some history, Pasir Ris park was a predominantly a mangrove swamp with scattered kampong settlements. The park was redeveloped by the National Parks Board and was officially opened in 1989 as part of Singapore’s green push for recreational spaces.
Notably, Pasir Ris Park was developed to provide both leisure activities with the preservation of natural habitats. Also, the park aimed to educate about the importance of mangroves and biodiversity while providing a retreat from the Singapore concrete jungle. During its construction, the park retains most of the area’s natural charm, such as a mangrove forests and scenic seaside view.
Also, Pasir Ris Park is a pretty large park in the day, and was opened in phases from 1986 to 1991. With Minister Lim Yew Hock having the official opening ceremony of Pasir Ris Beach on 17 August 1958. Notably, each park section was themed differently. First is the “Children’s Holiday” and “Fair Weather Sunday” sound a tad cheesy but charming.
It is also noteworthy that back in the early 1900s, Pasir Ris was a seaside retreat for the wealthy. Also, business tycoon Joseph Elias even had a massive bungalow here, which later became the Pasir Ris Hotel. Notably, the old hotel shut down and demolished in 1983, making way for the park it is today.
Today, Pasir Ris Park is known for its diverse recreational offerings and tranquil environment. It features cycling and jogging paths, barbecue pits, a pretty sizable children’s playground. There is also a carefully maintained mangrove forest, tucked further inland.
Also, the park is popular for family gatherings, wildlife, bird-watching, and water sports, thanks to its proximity alongside the Pasir Ris Beach which offers coastal sea views, albeit, the lack of any sandy beaches and some native wildlife. Additionally, the park is part of the Singapore islandwide park connector eco-corridor network that links to other green spaces.
A 10km flat seaside route
The 10km route has terrain throughout the park being largely flat, with long stretches of scenic beach side as a route highlight. Often, these trees provided some shade in the day.
We start off in the middle of Pasir Ris park from Car Park C. This sector is also known as Pasir Ris park area 2. This is relative to Pasir Ris East side is park area 1 on the east and park area 3 towards the west from here. Also, Carpark C has toilet and wash facilities here which makes it a good start and end point. There is also a large field used for soccer games and the mangrove broadwalk area. More on that later.
Also, another key landmark feature in this mid area of Pasir Ris Park is its open-air amphitheatre. It is an open tiled floor compound located about 200m north from Car Park C. This amphitheatre is a hub for performances, cultural events, and educational programs. It tad provides a platform for local artists and organizations to engage with the community. On most days, amphitheatre is just a large tiled open space which sticks out from the surrounding greenery.
Several tenants operate within the park today. The Gallop Stables here near Car Park C by the large field offers pony rides, horse riding lessons, and even small animal feeding sessions. It’s a fun stop, especially for younger kids. There is also a less impressive Butterfly Garden, though the number of butterflies fluttering depends largely on the season.
There is also an open field near the Carpark C which is popular with soccer fans. On my run, there is a family of wild chickens roaming on the field. They are quite a docile bunch.
Starting through the Mangrove Forest
From Carpark C, we take a starting route through the park iconic mangrove forest broadwalk. It is tad a highlight you really shouldn’t miss. Here, a 1.5km wooden boardwalk cuts through the thick mangroves shrouded by shaded trees. The route winds through a maze of paths, though a general rule of thumb is to always make your way generally towards the East to cut through the Mangrove.
Also, the area is nicely shaded with marshlands left and right. It does it feels like stepping into another world. You can spot mud crabs and mudskippers in the marshland mud pools below. Occasionally, you can spot the random monitor lizard lounging lazily on the boardwalk or on the nearby open grass. I recommend only running through this mangrove area in the day. It can get pitch-black here during the night given the lack of lights.
Out of the mangrove area, is the Kingfisher pond with an assortment of wood craving sculptures on display over an open grassy lawn. Here, you can spot a few White-collared Kingfishers perched high up on the branches too. The route here leads onto a bridge spanning over the Sungei Tampines canal and mangroves towards the Downtown East side. It runs towards Aranda Country club with their distinctive red-tiled sloping roof buildings.
Moving on our Pasir ris park running route, you make your way here Northbound towards the sea passing by alongside parts of the Downtown East establishment. This includes the nearby Wet Wet Wild outdoor water park and D’Resort @ Downtown East. Notably, this spot is also about 100m away from the nearby, Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre offers a pretty solid variety of local eats.
Sea side views and Eastern U-turn
It is not long where you get a first glimpse of the sea. It’s breezy here most of the time, with the sea just a stone’s throw away, flanked by rows of Coconut trees. Carrying on eastbound here towards brings you along this breezy beachside route past several public campsites and barbecue pits of Pasir Ris park area 1.
The spot is notable popular for weekend gatherings, there are parallel paths along some parts of the park here, which is split between cyclists and joggers who frequent the flat, well-marked paths that crisscross the park.
Also, the open fields here are wide, airy with a sea breeze and a great view to boot too. The coastal lawn here is a massive open green stretching out across this sector of the park. The route passes by Carpark A in this park sector 1 before headed alongside the Civil Service club at Loyang. These chalets were formerly also known as Aloha Loyang. You can see several industrial buildings and ships as you near towards the eastern end of the park.
Moreover, the route has U-turns at both ends of the park. Towards this U-turn point on our run, the route rapidly narrows into a narrow path past some allotment community gardens. The eastern most dead end of the park is demarcated by a small lone sheltered hut just off the old Aloha Loyang chalet area.
Also, you can’t go on further here as a forested and industrial estate sits beyond here. From the U-turn here, you make your way westbound, backtracking from the eastern Hut back towards the Sungei Tampines bridge into the middle portion of the park.
Open relaxing beachside run
Furthermore, this return route brings you back to the central sector where we started off, only we are passing through this time round. Near the amphitheater is also home to a Hedge Maze Garden. It is a popular spot with families and children alike, though the maze is starting to have gaps between the walls. Also, running along the beachfront in the distance, you can catch views of Pulau ubin island from afar.
There are also some remote fish farms, as well as Coney island on the far north end as you near the Western end of the park. Notably, you cannot get to Coney island from Pasir Ris park here. Form park area 2, you cross in area 3 via the Sungei Api Api Bridge.
In addition to the playground, Pasir Ris Park spots pretty vast open spaces ideal for picnics, outdoor games, and leisurely strolls. These green lawns are scattered throughout the park, with notable areas near Car Parks B and C, where you can relax under shady trees with a coastal breeze. Also, these open spaces also serve as venues for community events and gatherings. It does adds to the vibrancy to the park’s serene ambiance.
Along here at this park sector along the beachside path, you pass by an F&B outlet by the name of Georges @ The Cove – Bar & grill. It sits adjacent KOKOMO Beach Club also residing here. It is a recreation center with canoes and kayaks available for use. There’s a small signboard at each plot explaining their uses, quite a nice touch.
Here, you past by landmarks such as Carpark E and F and the Tee Side Chalet Pasir Ris, Passion Wave @ Pasir Ris sits closer to the water. You can rent kayaks or join dinghy sailing activities if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.
Western Park end U-turn
The west most part of the park is one of the more quieter parts of the park, with mostly just BBQ pits and campsites and away from amenities. This western most U-turn point of our route sits in Park Area 4. Your path splits into a tree-shaded parallel path ending with a final circular loop at the end. This marks’ the second Loop of our Pasir ris park running route, bringing us back where we came from.
It is worth noting that the running route has several toilets and water points scattered throughout the park. These facilities are largely to serve the park goers, BBQ and campsite too, but are great for use by all park goers including runners like ourselves.
Also, there are several paths which runs parallel to each other here along the beach, with the pedestrian route closest to the sea bring the more popular and crowded path for park goers and cyclists. The inland routes tend to be much quieter and free of traffic, even during peak evenings where we see more park goers and joggers.
Paris Ris adventure playground
Our return route will take via a more in-land path towards one of Singapore’s largest playgrounds. The Pasir Ris Park adventure playground located near Car Park E was designed to delight children and families alike. It features play structures which caters to different age groups. Highlights include climbing nets, ropes, slides, swings and even a flying fox over a vast sand pit area. Unique features here includes a seven-metre climbing rope pyramid, suspension bridges and even a tall metal slide.
Also, the expansive playground is well-kit at night and encourages active play and exploration. It tads makes it a favourite spot for families with young children. It is not uncommon to find kids were scrambling up and down throughout the play grounds. The park as well as the playground areas are well lit at night.
Interestingly, there is another Chalet by the name of Tee Side Chalet Pasir Ris you can also find inland here at the beach park. This Pasir Ris park area 3 is also home to the Paris Ris road private estate, and Carpark D, as well as the vast Paris Ris Adventure Playground, and oval basketball court.
Wrapping up
All in all, that wraps up our 10km running route and exploration of Pasir Ris Park here in eastern Singapore. The route is different from the usual park connectors and canals we are accustomed to running. The park offers a combination of sea and inland points of interest. This tad makes Pasir Ris Park not only a runner’s destination but a wide range of recreational interests too. Whether you are looking for active play, relaxation, or cultural experiences, the park’s well-placed amenities ensure there’s something for everyone
Overall, Pasir Ris Park has a laid-back, spacious place to spend a slow afternoon. It’s a tad rough around the edges in parts, but that adds to the charm. Pasir Ris Park remains a testament to Singapore’s commitment to urban green spaces. It seamlessly blends nature conservation with community recreation, offering both residents and visitors a unique coastal experience. If you enjoy nature, history, and a quieter pace, this park is definitely worth a visit.
