There's much ado about Jurong Lake Gardens, and we suspect, even more, when the Chinese Gardens and Japanese Gardens reopen at the end of this year. Meanwhile, we have to settle for Lakeside Gardens – but it's nothing to be sad about. This landscaped, yet naturalistic, park has tons of attractive spots and nature trails that show off the natural heritage of Jurong, while showcasing ways that man and nature can coexist.
Easily accessible from Chinese Gardens MRT and Lakeside MRT, Jurong Lake Gardens is a stunning waterfront destination for nature lovers, families, fitness enthusiasts, and just about anyone who wants a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. We break down the main spots you should be checking out, as well as other things to see and do in this sanctuary of the West.
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Close to Lakeside MRT, the Jurong Lake boardwalk takes you on a beautiful walk (or jog) over the emerald waters of the eponymous freshwater lake. Go early in the morning and you'll be rewarded with enchanting mists over glassy waters, but no worries if you can't get up for that – the lake is gorgeous all day. Try to spot wildlife as you make your way across the boardwalk. There are a wide variety of birds, water monitor lizards and if you're really lucky, otters too.
Before the HDB flats, industrial buildings and carefully landscaped surrounds of Jurong Lake Gardens, the neighbourhood was unruly marsh and swamp. This heritage is reflected at Alstonia Island and the nearby Rasau Walk. The red boardwalk gets you up close with this unique, riparian habitat – characterised by vegetation that lives almost perpetually submerged underwater.
If you like to get your feet dirty, check out the Neram streams. You're free to venture down to the grassy, naturalised banks of these little riverines to admire its beauty and biodiversity. Looking at it today, you'd never guessed that these streams were once a concrete drain. Today, they channel stormwater while looking like a completely natural part of the green environment.
The grasslands are a dreamy part of Jurong Lake Gardens that's just perfect for the 'gram. Don't be surprised to see multiple wedding parties posing atop the rolling grass mounds, or among the graceful lalang-like grasses. Other picture-worthy spots include the bird hide, a dome-shaped structure from which you can watch birds flying or perching – on the man-made 'lone tree' in the distance, actually made of recycled iron bars that pay homage to Jurong's industrial beginnings.
Nothing is more healing than nature, a philosophy that the therapeutic garden at Jurong Lake Gardens certainly draws from. Two sections cater to both the elderly with dementia and children with disabilities. The former aims to encourage reminiscing familiar plants and relics of the past. Children with disabilities can also enjoy various sensory zones, or head to the nearby Butterfly Maze for a fun challenge in the company of gentle and delicate butterflies.
Whether you're a novice skateboarder or a consummate pro, Singapore's largest skatepark will have something for you. Here, you can practice, ride, and show off your tricks at five skate pods – each designed for different riding styles and skill levels. Start off easy at the Learn to Skate Pod, with gentler slopes for beginners. Master the Mini Bowl Pod before moving on to the Big Bowl Pod with its daunting drops. There's also the Skate Drain Pod and the Plaza Pod, the latter of which is sheltered based on feedback from skaters in the community. Not in riding? Head over to the 33 square mater parkour area or three-metre-high bouldering wall instead.
We can't swim in Jurong Lake (yet), but we can certainly take part in water adventure sports on it. Head to PA Water Venture at Jurong Lake Gardens, the first waterfront facility in the West by the way, to rent out a kayak or canoe or even to take a class. Check out the People's Association website for programmes and rates, and get ready to make a splash.
If you've got kids in tow, head to Clusia Cove to give them a kid-friendly water adventure too. This water park has been cleverly designed with features that mimic the natural movement of water on coastal shores. Experience tidal patterns, surface ripples and directional currents at Clusia Cove, or have a day out at the 'beach' at the sandpit. Everyone's bound to get soaked, so remember to bring a change of clothes.
Get soaked another way at Forest Ramble – soaked in sweat we mean. Kids will love the varied features at this nature-inspired playground: they can swoop like a heron across the zipline and rope bridge at the Heron Play area, float like a butterfly from tire and rope swings or jump like frogs from trampolines. Channel monkeys, snakes, otters and more at the other slides, obstacles courses and play areas available – wherever your imagination takes you.
Play is not just for 'hoomans' at the Jurong Lake Gardens. Let your pet best friend run free at dog run, and perhaps make a friend or two with other furry visitors. Located a stone's throne from the Grasslands, your dog will have much to sniff and explore along the perimeter of the run, and just enough green, open space for them to jump, prance and flit about leash-free.
Skater girls and boys, roll up to The Ride Side Café at Jurong Lake Gardens, a new addition that was announced alongside the new Skatepark @ Lakeside Garden. Run by The Ride Side, an adventure sports company that runs a skateboard, snowboard, surfskate and apparel store at Kallang Wave Mall, this multi-concept café will be serving up hearty food alongside skating boards and equipment. Fuel up on burgers, sandwiches and mains, or refresh yourself with coolers and milkshakes before dropping back into the bowls.
You're bound to be a little hungry after a scenic ramble around Jurong Lake Gardens. Closer to the Lakeside MRT entrance is Fusion Spoon, a halal joint with both Western and Asian cuisine on the menu. Tuck into local delights such as nasi goreng with satay ($8) or Nyonya curry chicken ($8); otherwise dig into a crispy chicken burger ($8) or spaghetti seafood aglio olio ($7.40).
This one requires a little walk or cycle, but the trip is well worth it. Taman Jurong Market & Hawker Centre is a treasure trove of amazing local eats, including 58 Minced Meat Noodle for queue-worthy bak chor mee; Ji Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle for one of the tastiest soy sauce chicken you can get in Singapore; Sikkander’s Briyani for affordable and fuss-free hawker pleasure; or BBQ Seafood for charcoal-kissed sambal stingray if you're just in time for dinner.
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