Sembawang Park is widely considered one of the most verdant and tranquil Singapore parks, offering a unique escape from urban life. Located at the northern tip of the island, it successfully blends rich maritime history with modern recreational spaces.
Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a parent seeking an adventure for your children, this park provides a sense of serenity that is hard to find elsewhere. It retains a rustic charm that reflects its past as a significant naval hub.
If you are looking for things to do in Sembawang, this guide covers everything from the iconic playground to hidden heritage gems. Here is a quick look at the top 10 activities to experience during your visit.
The Sembawang Park battleship playground is the undisputed star of the park, especially for families with young children. This massive wooden structure is modeled after a naval warship, paying tribute to the Sembawang Naval Base history.
Explorers can navigate through gun turrets, climb up rope nettings, and zoom down slides that resemble the ship’s rudders and propellers. The deck of the ship is intentionally sloped to mimic the motion of a vessel at sea.
For younger children, the surrounding sandpit offers a great space for tactile play and sandcastle building. There are also pendulum swings nearby that provide a thrilling experience for those who enjoy a bit of height.
Just a short walk from the battleship area lies the Sembawang Park Nature Playgarden. This area is designed for younger children and focuses on natural play elements like boulders, log clusters, and wooden balancing beams.
One of the highlights is the “Forest Island,” which features a charming little tunnel that looks like it belongs in a hobbit village. It encourages kids to explore the environment in a more organic, less structured way.
| Feature | Battleship Playground | Nature Playgarden |
| Best For | Older kids (5-12 years) | Toddlers and younger kids |
| Play Surface | Sand and rubber | Grass, logs, and sand |
| Theme | Maritime/Naval history | Natural/Hobbit-style |
| Main Draw | Large climbing ship | Tunnels and log clusters |
Sembawang Beach is a rare gem because it is the only natural beach remaining in the north of Singapore. Unlike the man-made shores of Sentosa or East Coast, this beach has a rugged, authentic feel.
The beach offers stunning views across the Straits of Johor toward Malaysia. It is a popular spot for picnics under the shade of mature rain trees, where you can enjoy the cool sea breeze.
Visitors often spend time beachcombing or simply watching the ships go by in the distance. Please be mindful that sand flies can occasionally be found here, so bringing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The Sembawang Jetty is a 30-meter-long structure with deep historical roots. It was originally started by the British in the early 1940s and eventually completed by the Japanese during the occupation.
Today, it serves as a favorite haunt for local anglers who cast their lines in hopes of catching various fish species. It is also a prime location for crabbing, with flower crabs and mud crabs often being caught here.
The jetty provides a unique vantage point to observe the neighboring Sembawang Shipyard. You can often hear the industrial sounds of ship repair works, which adds to the nautical atmosphere of the area.
Beaulieu House is a stunning neoclassical building that dates back to the 1910s. It originally served as a holiday home for a wealthy businessman before being used by senior British naval officers.
Walking around the house allows you to admire its Victorian-style cast-iron railings and intricate floor tiles. It is currently a restaurant, but much of its original architectural charm has been carefully preserved.
Beyond the house, you can explore the surrounding estate of Black and White Bungalows along Gibraltar Crescent and Queen’s Avenue. These heritage buildings housed the personnel of the former Sembawang Naval Base.
Located on a high vantage point overlooking the park is Canberra House, formerly known as Admiralty House. This building was gazetted as a National Monument in 2002 due to its historical significance.
It was once the residence of the highest-ranking British officer in the naval base. The hilltop location was symbolic, offering a clear view of the warships entering the Johor Straits for repairs.
While the building is part of an integrated community hub now, you can still appreciate its arts and crafts architectural style. It remains a silent witness to Singapore’s colonial maritime history.
While not technically inside the main park, Sembawang Hot Spring Park is a very short distance away on Gambas Avenue. It is the only natural hot spring found on mainland Singapore.
Following a major renovation, the park now features a cascading pool where visitors can soak their feet in mineral-rich water. Many locals believe the water has medicinal properties for skin and joint health.
There is also an egg-cooking station where you can use the hot spring water to make soft-boiled eggs. It is a nostalgic activity that remains a highlight for many families visiting the northern Singapore area.
Botany enthusiasts will find Sembawang Park fascinating for its unique flora. You can find the namesake Sembawang Trees (Mesua ferruginea) planted near the park’s entrance and around the playground.
Another notable tree to look for is the Cannonball Tree. These are easily identified by the large, round, woody fruits that grow directly from the trunk, resembling actual cannonballs.
The flowers of the Cannonball Tree are strikingly beautiful, featuring radiant orange and yellow petals. These trees are quite rare in Singapore parks, making them a special sight for visitors.
Sembawang Park is a very pet-friendly destination, boasting a spacious dog run where four-legged friends can roam off-leash. The dog run is conveniently located between the two playgrounds.
For those interested in a different kind of sport, the park also houses a Pétanque court. Pétanque is a French ball game that requires both strategy and physical coordination.
The court is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you will need to bring your own equipment. It is a quiet, leisurely way to spend an afternoon in the park’s lush surroundings.
After exploring the many things to do in Sembawang, you can refuel at one of the seaside dining options. Beaulieu House Restaurant offers a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine in a nostalgic setting.
If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, head over to The Patio located at PAssion WaVe. This kopitiam-style eatery offers affordable local delights and Western food with a fantastic view of the sea.
For those who enjoy a DIY dining experience, there are several BBQ pits available for booking. These are located near the car park, making it convenient to bring in your food and supplies.
Getting to this northern gem is relatively straightforward, although it is a bit far from the main city center. Below is a comparison of the best ways to reach the park.
| Mode of Transport | Details | Recommended For |
| Public Bus | Take Bus 882 from Sembawang Interchange | Budget travelers |
| Car/Taxi | Head to Sembawang Road; park at Carpark C1 | Families with gear |
| MRT | Stop at Sembawang (NS11) or Canberra (NS12) | Travelers without a car |
Please note that while the MRT stations are nearby, you will still need to take a short bus or taxi ride from the station to reach the park entrance.
Parking is not free; it is managed by electronic parking systems. There are two main car parks, with Carpark C1 being the closest to the battleship playground.
Yes, all BBQ pits at Sembawang Park must be booked through the AXS system or the NParks website. These spots are popular and tend to fill up quickly on weekends.
Sand flies are occasionally present in the sandy areas, especially near the beach. It is wise to apply insect repellent on children before they start playing in the sand.
Sembawang Park remains one of the most distinctive destinations in Singapore. Its blend of maritime heritage, natural coastal beauty, and specialized play areas like the Sembawang Park battleship playground makes it a must-visit.
Whether you are soaking your feet at the nearby hot spring or admiring the heritage bungalows, the park offers a peaceful escape. Plan your trip in February 2026 to experience this northern sanctuary for yourself.
