Mandai Boardwalk is finally open, so we have one more nature spot to escape into after a long week. This latest nature attraction offers the beauty of a forest trail minus the sweaty uphill struggle. Think aesthetic views, peaceful waters, zero chances of getting lost — and, best of all, free entry! 🥳
If you’re ready to de-stress this weekend, read our Mandai Boardwalk guide before you head down.
How to apply for a Pasir Ris camping permit
To camp in Pasir Ris or any other park in Singapore, you’ll first need to get a camping permit. You can apply for a free Pasir Ris camping permit at any AXS machine or via this link.
Important:
- You can only apply for a Pasir Ris camping permit if you have a residential address in Singapore and are aged 16 or above.
- You can only apply to up to 4 camping days every month, across all campsites in Singapore.
- You’ll have to register for 1 Pasir Ris camping permit for each tent your group will be setting up.
- As long as you plan on setting up a tent, you’ll need to apply for a Pasir Ris camping permit, even if you don’t plan on staying the night.
- Those who want to barbecue can apply for a barbeque pit here. Barbeque pits at Pasir Ris Park cost $20 per pit for a day.
Where to camp in Pasir Ris Park
There are 2 areas where you can pitch your tent at the Pasir Ris campsite: Area 1 and Area 3. Regardless of where you choose to do it, you won’t be too far from the sandy beaches and the creature comforts of civilisation.
Area 1 (H3)
Want to camp while enjoying an array of beachside entertainment options? Then, go for Area 1. You’ll be close to Wild Wild Wet, Downtown East’s rock climbing wall, an indoor skating rink, and more!
If you’re planning on grilling up some steak and ribs with your squad, we recommend setting up your camp near the Costa Lawn, as that’s where a majority of Area 1’s barbeque pits are located.
Area 1’s public toilets and car park are located near the Costa Sands Resort chalets.
Area 3
If what you need is wide open areas and uninterrupted green, set your sides westwards. Spanning 706 metres of park away from resorts and chalets, Area 3 is a great place if you’re looking for a quieter experience camping at Pasir Ris Park.
While Area 3 might feel a little sparse, its playground, dedicated exercise area, and long stretches of straight trails make it a great place to break a sweat.
Area 3’s carpark and public toilets can be found near the Rasa Istimewa restaurant.
What to do while you’re camping at Pasir Ris Park
The fun doesn’t stop once you’ve pitched your tents. Pasir Ris Park has various outdoor activities perfect for a day or weekend of fun.
01 • Kayak and give those delts a workout
Pasir Ris Park’s wide open waters and proximity to Pulau Ubin make them a perfect place to bust out those banana boats or paddles. The park has 2 kayak rental spots: PAssion Wave and Kokomo Beach Club in Area 4, as well as Ohana Beach House in Area 1. All 3 spots offer a range of guided kayaking classes for all skill levels. PAssion Wave’s PAssion Card pricing is the cheapest, at $9 for 2 hours of kayak rental.
If this isn’t your first time with a paddle in hand and you’re looking to challenge yourself, Kokomo Beach Club and Ohana Beach House also offer guided expeditions to Pulau Ubin. This journey isn’t for the faint of heart, as the voyage to Pulau Ubin and back will take you around 4 hours.
Those who prefer staying dry should check PAssion Wave’s outdoor rock climbing tower with multiple difficulty levels. 🧗
02 • Live out your cowboy dreams at Gallop Stable
What’s a good day out with family without a little horsing around? At Gallop Stable, jockeys as young as 3 years old can get the taste of the cowboy life with safe and guided horseback rides.
Gallop Stable offers rides for all skill levels — from guided, single-session horse rides to a whole syllabus where young riders can learn the ins and outs of barn care, horse feeding, and independent horse riding.
If horses aren’t your thing, Gallop Stable is also home to a fluffle of adorable bunnies that guests can feed with the Stable’s feed packets.
03 • Let your dog join in on the fun
Pasir Ris Park isn’t just for the two-legged. Bring your canine campers to Area 4 to set them loose in the park’s dedicated Dog Run. It’s an 800-square-metre space where your pet can run amok to their heart's content and mingle with fellow furry friends.
04 • Get lost (no, really)
Did you know that Area 2 has a maze where you can take the classic hide-and-seek to the next level? Pasir Ris Park’s Maze Garden features a surprisingly expansive network of labyrinths that are safe for any age to get lost in.
The Maze Garden has also received an expansion as recently as October of last year. While its hedges will take some time to grow around their metal frames, they’ll still provide a fun challenge for anyone wanting to test their navigation skills.
05 • Take a hike through the Nature Trail
Stretching throughout the park and spanning 10 kilometres, Pasir Ris Park’s Nature Trail beckons you to explore it while you clock in those steps. At every step of the journey, you’ll be greeted by the park’s bountiful flora and fauna.
Be prepared to traverse a 6-hectare mangrove forest, a kitchen garden full of edible plants, and the picturesque Butterfly Garden.
Other than the beautifully conserved and well-maintained plant selection, Pasir Ris Park’s various gardens are also home to mudskippers, otters, and other animals that have made the park their home.
The Mangrove Park in particular is a great place if you want to get up close and personal with these animals, thanks to its boardwalks and dedicated birdwatching tower. For an extra challenge, try to find the elusive spotted owls if you’re visiting at dusk.
(Featured photo: Time Out)
