Photograph: D'Best Fishing

The ultimate guide to Pasir Ris

Journey to the far east of Singapore for some fun under the sun at the beach, mangrove forest, and massive water park

Thursday 22 June 2023

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Written by Cam Khalid

Branded Content Editor

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Take a one-way (MRT) trip to the far east of Singapore, and you'll find more than just the beach, chalets, and NS men. Historically, Pasir Ris dates back to 1844 when it was first mentioned in land surveyor John Turnbull Thomson's map as 'Passier Reis'. This could have been derived from the words 'pasir' (sand in Malay) and 'hiris' (to shred or slice in Malay), which could reference the white sandy beachfront.

Like many neighbourhoods, it was once a kampung before it made way for residential estates and recreation areas such as Down East and Wild Wild Wet. And tucked away from these modern attractions lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the only seawater fishing pond in Singapore to a futsal court under the MRT tracks, Pasir Ris is a playground of surprises for the intrepid explorer. And ultimately, it's a breezy escape for laid-back locals and nature lovers.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Do

D’Best Recreation

Things to do
Pasir Ris

They say there’s plenty of fish in the sea, but have you tried your luck at D’Best Recreation? It’s the only seawater fishing pond in Singapore, and along with fishing, it offers activities like prawning and, soon, crabbing and lobstering. Open round the clock, D’Best welcomes all levels of anglers, providing rod rentals for beginners. It also aims to educate the little ones about marine life and foster their interest in fishing through an experimental kids' fishing area with live sea creatures.

Pasir Ris St 51

Photograph: Costa Ris RC/Facebook

Now, this is truly unexpected: a futsal court under the MRT tracks. The small footie hideaway allows football enthusiasts to bend it like Beckham with five-a-side games. It's perfect for short practices, friendly matches, and for showing off the fancy footwork you've been working on. It’s also a great way to introduce your little ones to “the beautiful game” without any added pressure (Project Mbappe, anyone?). No booking is required but it’s open to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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Pasir Ris Park maze

Attractions
Beaches
Pasir Ris

Photograph: @teocheehean_Instagram

Pasir Ris Park is a labyrinth of lush greenery in itself but head down to Area 2 for an actual leafy maze. Keep your eyes peeled for a series of wooden frames which lead to the entrance. Follow the winding paths, and for an added challenge, try to spot the hidden 2D images of mangrove critters such as the Malayan water monitor, collared kingfisher, grey heron, cotton stainer bug, and rainbow tree snake. There's a pavilion near the exit for a quick recharge before exploring the rest of the park such as the Mangrove Boardwalk.

Pasir Ris Park tower

Attractions
Beaches
Pasir Ris

Photograph: NParks/Facebook

Eyes on the skies as you make new feathered friends at Pasir Ris Park. With your trusty binoculars, ascend the three-storey-high tower at the tail end of the Mangrove Boardwalk. The panoramic view up here is worth the cardio. Plus, once you spot avian spectacles such as woodpeckers, swallows, hornbills, and black-naped orioles, you'll instantly forget all about that tiring climb up.

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Gallop Stable

Things to do
Raffles Place

Photograph: Gallop Stable/Facebook

Saddle up! Horse riding isn’t just for trust fund babies or polo players. Start your new passion by picking up horse riding as a leisure activity. Gallop Stable provides beginner classes in the form of private or group lessons (from $45), where you'll learn the basic principles of riding such as leading your horse, mounting, the correct riding position, walking, trotting, stopping, and safely dismounting. The little ones can have a go on the pony rides ($10).

Wild Wild Wet

Things to do
Pasir Ris

Photograph: Wild Wild Wet

From rapid flume rides to four-storey slides and wave pools, there's no shortage of fun at this water park in the east. The little ones can take it easy in the meandering river or splash around in Yippie!, a shallow sloshing area. The Yakult Professor’s Playground – with its slides, ladders, water cannons and fountains – will entertain older kids for hours. More adventurous ones can take on an exhilarating trip down the Ular-Lah raft slide, complete with high, banked corners and 360-degree spins. Otherwise unleash your inner daredevil for the 19-metre-tall Vortex.

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HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink

Things to do
Pasir Ris

Photograph: HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink

Show off your fancy footwork while burning around 250 calories every 30 minutes like they do in the '70s at this roller skating rink at E!Hub @ Downtown East. It offers state-of-the-art experiences on both inline and roller skates – think disco lighting and thumping music. Don't worry about falling flat on your face – there are inline skating athletes and certified instructors to guide you through your glide. It's also a great spot to introduce the kids to both inline and roller skates.

D'resort

Hotels
Pasir Ris

Photograph: Downtown East

Make your trip to this side of town more memorable with a stay at D’Resort. Sure, the name leaves much to be D’sired, but the quiet surroundings and affordable prices make it worthy digs for your next staycation. For large gatherings, check out the Mangrove Walk rooms, which have two queen beds, a balcony, and access to the BBQ pit. Families can book a stay at the Rainforest Family decked with themed bunk beds and decor. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and swimwear for a splash at its next neighbor – Wild Wild Wet.

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Pasir Ris Bus Interchange

Photograph: ZKang123_Wikimedia Commons

A cheeky bonus: cheer the NS boys on as they book in and out at the bus interchange. On Fridays and Sundays, you’ll see botak (bald in Malay) Basic Military Training (BMT) recruits booking in and out at Pasir Ris Bus Interchange. Here, the ah-boys-to-men-in-green will board a chartered bus that takes them to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF Ferry Terminal), which then ferries them to Pulau Tekong. The station can get really busy on the said days, so plan your journeys to avoid the crowds. Oh, and if you’re thirsting over these uniformed men like viral TikTok user @priestessprincess, just remember to be respectful – these men are going through a rite of passage serving our nation.

Eat

Prawnaholic

Hawker
Pasir Ris

For prawn noodles with a twist, look no further than Prawnaholics at Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre. Even New Yorkers are turning to sister stall Prawnaholics Collections at Urban Hawker for a fix. The brainchild of 20-something owner-chef Alan Choong is known for its signature dry prawn noodles (from $7), which resembles a work of art. Meticulously arranged, a bowl features springy noodles topped with a runny sous-vide egg, two giant king prawns, chef Alan’s homemade prawn balls and scorched Kurobuta pork belly.

Rasa Istimewa Restaurant

Seafood
Pasir Ris

Photograph: Rasa Istimewa

If exploring Pasir Ris Park got you working up an appetite, take a break at Rasa Istimewa Restaurant, located within the park itself. This Halal restaurant prides itself for its mouth-watering local dishes including chilli crab, nonya curry fish head, and barbecue seafood at reasonable prices. It also features an indoor and outdoor dining area, so that you can savour the flavour while soaking up nature's beauty. Unlike its sister restaurants, it also has a café with the latest magazines, charging points for your mobile devices, and free Wi-Fi, so that you can dine with a peace of mind.

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Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre

Pasir Ris

Photograph: Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre/NTUC Foodfare

Managed by NTUC Foodfare, this hawker centre is designed to bring the next generation of hawkers, or hawkerpreneurs, together under one roof. It's home to 42 stalls, so expect a good mix of traditional street food and modern, fusion fare. On the first floor, you'll find the usual suspects – from ayam penyet and Hokkien mee to bak chor mee and fish soup. Upstairs, you'll discover innovative plates and Instagram-worthy nosh like Thai boat noodles, Cajun seafood boils and healthy grain bowls – hardly the hawker staples we’re accustomed to.

Cottage Pies Café

Pasir Ris

Photograph: Cottage Pies Café

Follow the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to this cosy little cottage located in the corner of White Sands Mall. Have your fill of New Zealand-style crispy pastries that are freshly baked in-house. Take your pick from the savoury chicken and beef pies to the sweet chocolate banana pies, and pair it up with a warm cuppa. If you've got a sweet tooth, the café also does mini roll cakes with fresh vanilla cream and chocolate eclairs.

Drink

Georges

Pasir Ris

Photograph: Georges MADBar

Nothing beats chilling at this 'friendly neighbourhood bar' by Pasir Ris beach. Booze-wise, it has everything including blended Scotch whiskey, single malt whiskey, wine, bourbon, gin, tequila, rum, and vodka sitting on its shelves. Otherwise, couple your ice-cold beers with Western grill faves such as the signature Georges burger, beer-battered fish and chips, and barbecue chicken. Enjoy it all with the cool sea breeze, occasional live band or sports screenings, and if you're feeling a lil' competitive, hit up a friendly game of pool with your buddies after a meal.

Ohana Beach House

Pasir Ris

Photograph: Adventure Paddlers

Besides offering water sports experiences, Adventure Paddlers also spearheads this seaside bar which makes a breezy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beach house has a large selection of beers, spirits, and even coffee for you to enjoy under the moonlight. As for quick bites to go with your drinks, it has salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and buffalo wings on the menu. The bar also has a darts, pool and foosball table for some friendly games with your mates.

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Forest4 Darts Cafe

Pasir Ris

Photograph: Forest4 Darts Café

Try to hit a bullseye after a couple of drinks – we dare you. This forest-themed café and bar takes darts to a whole new level with 18 Dartslive2 electronic dartboards lining the walls of the 2,200-square-foot space. Happy Hour runs until 8pm for its draught beers and bottled beers, but if your poison is wine, soju, cocktails, or house pours, those are available over the counter too. There are also non-alcoholic drinks including the classic kopi, as well as bar bites like Korean chicken, nacho cheese chicken, and cheese tofu if you need to refuel for the next throw. Don’t darts and drinks make a fun combo?

Shop

Owndays

Shopping
Opticians
Pasir Ris

Photograph: Owndays

Need a fresh pair of spectacles? Look no further than eyewear brand Owndays. It offers a simple price system from $98 to $198 with frames in over 1,500 styles, including in-house brand lines. Expect them fitted with high index aspheric lenses that come with UV protection and dust-resistant coating. After getting your eyes checked and paying for your chosen pair, you'll only have to wait around 20 minutes until your glasses are completely processed and ready to wear – talk about fuss-free.

The Green Party

Shopping
Lifestyle
Pasir Ris

Photograph: The Green Party

All about green living, this lifestyle store is a one-stop-shop for everything from quality houseware and kitchen supplies with playful designs to innovative office stationery and fashion accessories. You'll even find sustainable wares for your zero-waste journey as the brand takes pride in its eco-friendly practices and practical substantiality through its product innovation. With its eye-catching designs, you won't be able to resist grabbing a shopping basket for your fill.

More neighbourhood guides

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Things to do

Photograph: Chee Boon Pin

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Things to do

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Things to do

Photograph: Shutterstock

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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