The ultimate guide to Lakeside Garden

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 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 into riding? Head over to the 33-square-meter 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. 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 other animals at the various slides, obstacle 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 the 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.

Located in the Pagoda Plaza at Chinese Gardens, Eden is a tranquil dining spot away from the raucous highway noise. The café’s minimalistic earth-toned interior and cosy atmosphere fit right in with their philosophy – to use simple ingredients that bring out the natural flavours of each dish. Get the refreshing garden salad if you aren’t too hungry, or go for the fragrant curry chicken with rice for a hearty meal. The menu also includes snacks to share with the gang, including truffle-infused fries, crispy fried fish skin, tiger prawn rolls, and more. 

Chances are, you might’ve visited Canopy before – they have a couple of outlets around Singapore, including a seafront one at Changi Village. The Jurong Lake Gardens branch is also worth checking out. This pet-friendly restaurant serves brunch daily till 2pm (great if you’re not a morning person), with dishes such as the poached tempura sourdough, chicken waffle benedict, and grilled cheesewich. Mains are served after 11.30am, and you can try items like the beer-battered fish and chips, seared sea bass, or roasted chicken thigh with grapes. 

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; 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.