Besides awesome halal food and shopping malls, did you know that Singapore also has an abundance of nature spots and hiking trails? If you're looking for an exciting outdoor activity this weekend, Coney Island Park in Punggol (or Pulau Serangoon) is a place you should visit next! The park's rustic setting makes it a good escape from city life. Some of you might be wondering what you can do there or how to go to Coney Island. Are there bike rental services and halal food nearby? Well, we've come up with this Muslim-friendly guide to Coney Island so you can plan your day out this weekend ?
How to go to Coney Island
From Punggol MRT Station: To get to Coney Island, take bus 84 from Punggol Bus Interchange and alight at the Punggol Rd End bus stop. Here, you'll find the Punggol Point Jetty and the Punggol Point Park. Walk (or cycle) along the coast past The Punggol Settlement and along the walking/cycling trail till you see the West entrance to Coney Island (you won't miss it!). It takes around 10-15 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the Coney Island entrance.
From Punggol Waterway Park: If you're already walking or cycling at the Punggol Waterway Park, you can easily make your way to Coney Island via the park connector. There are clearly marked signs and directional maps along the way so it's really easy to follow!
From Pasir Ris: Coney Island also has an East entrance which links to the Pasir Ris industrial area. In case you're wondering, you can walk or cycle from Pasir Ris to Coney Island through Pasir Ris Farmway and Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park ?
Coney Island Bike Rental
There are 2 bike rental services at Punggol Point and 1 more at SAFRA Punggol along Punggol Waterway Park. Do check them out:
Credit: GoCycling on Facebook
GoCycling @ Punggol Jetty
Rate: $8/hour (single bikes), $6-$7/hours (kids bikes), $13/hour (bikes with baby seat)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 10AM-7PM, Sat-Sun/PH; 9AM-7.30PM
Location: Near Punggol Point Jetty
Contact: 98590054
Jomando Adventure & Recreations
Rate: From $8/hour
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 10AM-8PM, Sat-Sun; 8AM-8PM
Location: The Punggol Settlement, #01-13/4
Contact: 6702 6489
Bikes at Waterway
Rate: From $9/hour
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 9AM-7PM, Sat-Sun; 9AM-8PM
Location: SAFRA Punggol #01-04
Contact: 9830 3117
Coney Island Opening Hours
The park is open from 7AM to 7PM daily. Do note that the gates at the entrances will be closed at 7PM.
Things to do on Coney Island
Coney Island has a rich history. Once called Pulau Serangoon, it used to be owned by the Aw brothers (the ones who started Tiger Balm and built Haw Par Villa!) in the 1930s and they even built a private beach villa on the island (it is now fenced up and out of bounds to visitors). In the 1950s, there were plans to convert the island into a holiday beach resort but the plan never fell through. That's why it was named Coney Island after the one in New York!
Today, the park is actually ecologically sustainable, with many nature elements reused to breathe new life into the area - timber from uprooted Casuarina trees were even turned into signage, seats and more ? Here are some things you can do there:
Cycle or hike
There are many trails on the island that you can cycle or hike along. There's a wide main road going through the island which is unpaved as well as many smaller trails and boardwalks. If you don't mind the ruggedness, then cycle on the unpaved roads which are slightly bumpy but fun at the same time. If you're walking, do check out the boardwalk among the mangrove habitats. From some of the trails, you'd be able to spot Pulau Ubin!
P.S. Love outdoor activities? Check out this list of 9 things you can do outdoors in Singapore!
Take IG-worthy photos
Coney Island's rustic setting makes it perfect for IG-worthy pictures! One of the most popular spots is none other than the park's gates which have the words "Coney Island" imprinted on them. You can find these on the East and West entrances of the park.
Alternatively, you can also find a signboard of Coney Island and snap a picture with it. You have to let everyone know you've "been there, done that" right??
One thing that makes Coney Island feel really different from other parks in Singapore is its towering Casuarina trees. These trees add to the rustic vibe of the island and it's no wonder that couples take their wedding photos here!
There's a promenade on the West side of the island which has steps leading to the sea. Besides being a good place to rest and hang out, it's also a great spot for photos. To get here, turn left once you enter Coney Island from its West entrance and follow the trail till you reach the promenade.
Explore wildlife and do some bird-watching
Coney Island is home to lots of flora and fauna, with some of them being endangered. There are around 80 species of birds here and you'd also be able to spot butterflies, monkeys and wild otters among others? The park is definitely a treasure trove of biodiversity! Fun fact: There used to be a lone wild cow living on Coney Island but it has since died.
Find the secret beach
There are several official beach areas on Coney Island but they are fairly small areas. Beyond the official areas, Coney Island has a long stretch of untouched beach and it's especially beautiful during low tide! Take a stroll around Beach Area C to find this secret beach!
P.S. Looking for more things to do in Singapore? We've got this list of 13 exciting activities!
Halal food nearby
While there are no eateries or shops on Coney Island itself, the Punggol Settlement nearby has some amenities. Here are the halal restaurants near Coney Island and other places along Punggol Waterway Park nearby:
Kampong Chai Chee Restaurant
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
Cuisine: Seafood
Opening Hours: Open daily; 1PM - 11PM
Address: 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-02 The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694
Waterway Point
Halal eateries: Encik Tan, Jollibee Fried Chicken, Fish & Co., Bali Thai, Tuk Tuk Cha, PappaRich, So Pho, Stuff'd, Tenderfresh Classic, The Soup Spoon
Find out more on their website
SAFRA Punggol
Halal eateries: Heavenly Wang, Wing Zone
Oasis Terrace
Halal eateries: Maki-san, Encik Tan, Gourmet Paradise (food court with some halal stalls)
P.S. Heading to more parks in Singapore? Check out these 8 hidden halal eateries in Singapore's parks!
Essential tips for visiting Coney Island
- Make sure you use an insect repellent as there are many sandflies and mosquitoes
- Wear long pants and covered shoes to protect yourself from insects
- Do keep to the designated trails
- There are monkeys on the island, so do take care of your belongings
- If you spot other animals on the island, do keep a safe distance and observe them from afar
- There are no shops or water coolers on the island, so do bring your own water and any snacks/food you might need
- There's only one toilet on the island and it's currently under renovation till 30 Sep 2020. The nearest toilet is at The Punggol Settlement nearby
- Do take your trash with you and keep the island clean
Now that you have all the information you need to visit Coney Island, it's time to plan your trip there! SHARE this with your friends and let them know how much you need a respite from city life ?