Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant: SG's New Rooftop Picnic Spot

[UPDATED 3 Sep 2020 - The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant is now open!] If you've run out of open spaces and nature parks to hang out at in Singapore, we've got great news ? There's a new green rooftop spot near Marina Bay that has just opened on 1 Sep 2020 - the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant (KMEDP)! Now, you have one more picnic spot in the city other than Marina Barrage!

Credit: Keppel via Urban Redevelopment Authority on Facebook The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant (KMEDP) is Singapore's fourth and newest desalination plant. According to Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Facebook post, the facilities treating seawater and freshwater drawn from the Marina Reservoir will be underground. But the best part is that the green space on the rooftop is a recreational space!

Green Roof now open

According to Keppel's website, the Green Roof is open daily from 8am to 9pm (last entry at 8pm). If the space gets crowded, it might also be temporarily closed for 1 hour or longer. Currently, only 100 people will be allowed at the Green Roof (the max capacity during a non-COVID period will be 500). The best part is that it's easily accessible from the East Coast Park connector and Gardens by the Bay East! However, if you're planning to cycle here, do note that no bicycles are permitted at KMEDP but you can park them along the Promenade at the park connector. P.S. Check out our East Coast Park halal food guide here.

Credit: PUB With a space of 20,000 square metres, it's slightly smaller than Marina Barrage. Unfortunately, unlike Marina Barrage, you can't fly a kite here as the KMEDP is along the flight path of Paya Lebar Airbase. But we're definitely excited that there's now another space to have a picnic, watch fireworks and of course, admire the view of Singapore's city skyline ? Here's a list of things you can't do at KMEDP:

No smoking, open fires, barbecues, or any other flammable activities
No plucking of plants, tampering with or damaging park property
No camping
No motorised vehicles
No cycling, skateboarding, skating or scootering – you may park your bicycle at the Promenade
No feeding birds
No releasing of animals
No pets allowed
No flying model aircrafts – flying of drones requires an approval permit from CAAS.
No kite flying or ball games

P.S. Looking for nature and hiking spots in Singapore? Check out our guide to hiking trails in Singapore near halal food.

Credit: PUB

How to get to Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant?

To get to KMEDP, you can take the MRT to Mountbatten MRT station. From the bus stop at Exit B, take bus 12, 14, 30, 158 or 196 and alight at the "Opp Costa Rhu Condo" bus stop. Then, walk for about 20 minutes to KMEDP. If you're planning to drive, do note that KMEDP is a car-free zone and there are no carparks. But you can park at the Fort Road carpark and walk along the park connector to reach KMEDP. Check out this map on Google for the exact location! So, if you're looking to check out a new spot this weekend, head over to KMEDP for a leisure exercise or picnic with your loved ones! Address: 1 Marina East Drive, Singapore 029996 Opening hours: Daily, 8AM-9PM (it might be temporarily closed if the space is overcrowded) WebsiteP.S. Visiting Marina Bay? Check out our halal food guide!

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