Recently, Japan announced that they aim to open their borders to international tourists from as early as April next year. While we wait in anticipation for that, there's one place in Singapore where you can feed your wanderlust for Japan - Sembawang Hot Spring Park! Opened in January this year, the park houses mainland Singapore's only natural hot spring ? While it might not give you the same onsen experience like in Japan (considering Singapore's hot weather ?), it's still an interesting spot and definitely one more place to add to your SingapoRediscovers list! We've rounded up this useful guide to the Sembawang Hot Spring Park - from how to get there to things to do and halal food nearby.
How to go to Sembawang Hot Spring Park
The Sembawang Hot Spring Park is located along Gambas Avenue near the Yishun housing estate.
By public transport: Take bus 167, 167e, 800, 811(A), 856, 858(A), 859, 969, 980 and alight at Blk 114 bus stop (ID: 57129) along Sembawang Road OR take bus 167(e), 856, 858, 859, 969, 980 and alight at Opp 115B bus stop (ID: 57121) along Sembawang Road (depending on which side you're arriving from). From both bus stops, walk you'd have to turn in from Sembawang Road to Gambas Avenue and walk till you spot the signboard and turn in to the park.
The nearest MRT station is Yishun and Canberra.
By car: There is no carpark at Sembawang Hot Spring Park and you'd have to head to the nearest carpark at Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road.
By bicycle: There is a bicycle parking area at Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Things to do at Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Enjoy a foot bath
At the park, you'll find a cascading pool that aims to mimic natural hot springs. At the top tier, the water starts at 70 degrees celsius and as it flows down to the final tier, the temperature becomes 40 degrees celsius, which is suitable for the human skin. You might not be able to soak your whole body here but you can sit down by the pool to enjoy a foot bath. Alternatively, you can bring your own pail, fill it up with the hot spring water at the tap area and enjoy your foot bath at the rest areas.
Cook your own soft-boiled eggs
With the highest water temperature at 70 degrees celsius, you can make your own soft-boiled eggs at Sembawang Hot Spring Park! Simply head over to the Egg Cooking Station and experience it for yourself ? It's recommended that you bring your own raw eggs, containers and eating utensils (including pepper and soy sauce) so you can enjoy your soft-boiled eggs on the spot! The recommended time taken to cook the soft-boiled eggs is around 20-30 minutes depending on how you prefer your eggs.
Note: They used to provide wooden buckets but due to COVID-19 measures, you'll need to bring your own pails and buckets.
Learn about the history of the Sembawang Hot Spring
Did you know that the hot spring was discovered in 1909? And villagers back in the day frequented the hot spring as they were believed to have healing powers and medicinal properties. In the 1920s, it was even turned into bottled water by F&N and sold to the public! What's even more amazing is that during the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese turned it into a couple of thermal onsen baths. You can find out more about the park's history at the various information boards.
Check out the natural streams and go on the Floral Walk
Besides the hot spring, the park also has natural streams and a floral walk where you can learn about fruit trees and edible plants usually found in kampungs. If you're curious to find out about the geothermal process behind the formation of the hot springs, there are various educational panels you can refer to. For those with kids, there's an interactive water play feature to learn more about the hot spring too!
Halal food nearby
Coba Coba
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Indonesian (Nasi Ambeng)
Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-8PM (Or until sold out)
Address: 156 Yishun Street 11, #01-106, Singapore, 760156
Contact: +65 63822622
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Abang Recipes
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Chinese (zi char)
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM - 9.30PM
Address: 604 Sembawang Rd, Sembawang Shopping Centre #B1-08/09, Singapore 758459
Contact: +65 65703080 or Whatsapp +65 98774055
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Flying Wok
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Thai/Chinese
Opening hours: Open daily; 12PM - 10.30PM
Address: 105 Canberra St, Yong Li Coffeeshop, Singapore 752106
Contact: +65 87761795
P.S. Check out our halal food guides for more options:
Essential tips for visiting Sembawang Hot Spring Park
- Do bring your own pails, buckets, eggs and other items as the park doesn't provide any of these items during the COVID-19 period.
- Do note that currently, the park has large numbers of crowds on weekday evenings (4pm-7pm) and weekends/public holidays. So, do avoid these timings if you can.
- Check out these guidelines by National Parks Board before your visit.
If you're looking to explore someplace new either with friends or family, head over to Sembawang Hot Spring Park and have a fun time exploring this gem.
Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 7AM-7PM
Address: Along Gambas Ave
P.S. Check out these 8 hidden gems in Singapore that look like they're overseas!