Enjoy Nature’s Free Spa: A Guide to Sembawang Hot Spring
When our muscles feel tense after a tiring week, one of the things we long for is to take a long soak in a hot spring. Fortunately, if you’re in Singapore, there’s a natural hot spring that you can visit and use—for free!
I’m referring to the Sembawang Hot Spring Park, which is simply a unique and charming spot in North Singapore. If you’re interested in visiting, we’ve listed what to do in the hot spring and more!
Things to Know about Sembawang Hot Spring
A Brief History of Sembawang Hot Spring
— From: kkfai79
The history of Sembawang Hot Spring can be traced back to 1909. In that year, Seah Eng Keong, a Chinese merchant, discovered the hot spring in his pineapple estate, so he built a well near it for easy access, and that became popular among the villagers.
In 1922, Fraser & Neave (F&N), a soft drinks firm, acquired the site, but during World War II, the hot spring was seized by the Japanese army and transformed into an onsen (recreational thermal bath).
After the war, F&N went back to operating the hot spring, and villagers urged them to develop it into a spa-like tourist resort. However, none of the plans ever materialized, so the hot spring was untouched for a long time.
Eventually, National Parks Board took it upon themselves to redevelop the site. And in 2020, they unveiled the site as Sembawang Hot Spring Park, an area that’s open to everyone at no additional cost.
Water Properties of Sembawang Hot Spring
— From: lawtea74
One interesting thing about Sembawang Hot Spring is the fact that its exact source is still not known. Local geologists have tried to find the actual location, but their best guess is that it’s somewhere in the southwest, possibly in Bukit Timah.
Geologists have also conducted other tests on the water. These tests have shown that the spring’s water contains 420 mg chloride per liter and is slightly alkaline because of the minerals present.
The temperature of the spring’s water is also pretty constant at 70ºC. Many people in Singapore believe that the hot spring contains health benefits, especially for people with rheumatism and arthritis, but experts are skeptical of these claims.
How to Get to Sembawang Hot Spring
Address: Along Gambas Ave, Singapore 756952
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
There’s no MRT located near Sembawang Hot Spring, so riding the bus is the best way to get here. You have two options for this:
- Option 1: Ride bus 167, 1673, 800, 811(A), 856, 858(A), 859, 969, or 980. Then disembark at Sembawang Road—on Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road, Bus Stop ID: 57129.
- Option 2: Ride bus 167(e), 856, 858, 859, 969, or 980, and then alight at Sembawang Road—opposite Blk 115B Yishun Ring Road, Bus Stop ID: 57121.
If you choose to come to the park via your own car, take note that there’s no parking lot on-site. The nearest one is at 114 Yishun Ring Road, which is an eight-minute walk from the park.
What to Do in Sembawang Hot Spring
Relax your feet in the Cascading Pool
— From: koala3107
The highlight of Sembawang Hot Spring is the Cascading Pool, so this might be the first thing you’ll ever check out here.
The Cascading Pool functions like a water fountain—there are three layers of pools, and the one at the top spills water to the next two. The reason for this design is to let the 70ºC water cool down to 40ºC, which is the recommended temperature for skin contact.
The best thing to do here is to sit on a bench and soak your feet in the warm spring water. It’s a simple activity, but it does so much to relax me.
There’s usually a queue system in place because seating is limited, so keep that in mind. Also, I suggest bringing your own buckets if you can; there are communal buckets available here, but it’s best if you use your own.
Have fun in the interactive water play
— From: sthuanghtike
If you’re coming to Sembawang Hot Spring Park with your little children, then they might really enjoy the interactive water play here.
Technically, this area is called the Educational Zone because it was built to help visitors learn more about geology and how the hot spring works. Its centerpiece is the play table, where your children can play with the spring water.
The water here is already cooled down, so there’s no need to worry about your children getting accidentally burned.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll on Floral Walk
— From: adan_vielma
Sembawang Hot Spring Park isn’t just known for its Cascading Pool of hot water; it’s also beloved for its rustic greenery. That’s why this place has a Floral Walk, and you won’t miss it since the walk starts from the park’s entrance.
Walking the entirety of the Floral Walk is such a soothing experience. You’ll be able to breathe in the fresh, crisp air while enjoying the sight of various flowers, edible kampong plants (such as pandan and lemongrass), and fruit trees (such as chiku and rambutan).
There will also be several Instagram-worthy spots, so feel free to whip out your camera phone and stage a mini photoshoot.
Cook your own soft-boiled egg
— From: hottohkitchen
Yes, you read that right—you can cook your very own soft-boiled eggs in Sembawang Hot Spring Park, and it’s undeniably my favorite thing to do here.
There’s a designated area to cook your eggs, and all you have to do is put your eggs directly under the running hot water. Don’t just put them in a container of hot water and leave the container somewhere else because that will just bring the temperature down.
It does take some time for your eggs to get that perfect soft-boiled finish. Around 20 minutes is what works for me after several rounds of trial and error.
Speaking of trial and error, I highly recommend you bring more than one egg because you’ll most likely make several mistakes too (e.g. the egg not coming out the way you want). Also, make sure to bring your own utensils and salt and pepper for seasoning.
Do’s and Don’t’s to Remember
— From: datchana_
To make your experience in Sembawang Hot Spring Park both fun and safe, be sure to remember and abide by the following do’s and don’t’s.
- If you’re pregnant or have injuries or medical conditions, using the hot spring may not be suitable for you. To be safe, ask your doctor beforehand, and if it’s okay, be sure to use the hot spring with care.
- Bring sunscreen or an umbrella here. There’s not much shade in the park, so it’s best that you come prepared to protect your skin against the sun.
- Take off any footwear and wash your feet first before you soak them in the spring water.
- The Cascading Pool is only intended for a footbath. Walking, running, and soaking your entire body in the water are not allowed.
- Cook your eggs only in the egg-cooking station, not in the pool.
- Once you’re done soaking your feet in the water, empty your bucket into the drains, not back into the pool.
- Washing items with soap is prohibited in the park.
- Please clean up as you go to ensure everyone’s enjoyment.