Your Ultimate Guide to West Coast Park
If you’re looking for other things to do with your family this weekend aside from visiting one of Singapore’s fantastic malls, you might be interested in checking out a park—specifically, West Coast Park.
West Coast Park is the western counterpart of East Coast Park, and though it’s smaller than the latter—West Coast Park has a total of 50 hectares, while its eastern cousin boasts 185 hectares—it still has several unique features worth checking out.
If you don’t know where to start in your exploration, continue reading on. This article will serve as your ultimate guide to West Coast Park.
The Basics of West Coast Park
- Address: West Coast Ferry Road, Singapore 126978
- Operating Hours: 7 am to 7 pm (daily)
Located in the southwest section of Singapore, West Coast Park is created with the theme of “play center in the west.” This park was initially planned in the mid-1970s, and its development officially began in 1977.
Since then, West Coast Park has undergone several reconstructions and renovations. During the mid-1990s, the Parks and Recreation Department aimed to redevelop the park with a maritime theme, and it was re-opened during the start of the 21st century.
After its recent renovations, the park’s popularity has steadily increased, and now it’s one of the most frequented areas in the country.
How do I get to West Coast Park?
West Coast Park runs parallel to the West Coast Highway, so it’s relatively easy to get to. The most popular choice of public transportation is a combination of MRT and bus.
If the combination of MRT and bus is also your preferred mode of transportation, follow these steps:
You can also reach West Coast Park via public bus. There are bus stops in the park’s north, middle, and south corners.
Refer to this table to see what buses you can ride to West Coast Park:
Where can I park in West Coast Park?
If you have a car, you can certainly drive to West Coast Park. There are three car parks available here, and two of them—car parks 2 and 3—are completely free.
Just take note that since these two don’t have a fee, they get full quite fast. When that happens, you can park in car park 1, which follows the HDB/URA parking rates.
What facilities can you find in West Coast Park?
As of the time of writing, you can find more or less 20 facilities in West Coast Park, and each of them has its own striking characteristics and unique purpose. These facilities are as follows:
- Dog Run
- Mini Forest Area
- Pond and Fountain
- Marsh Garden
- Grand Lawn
- Adventure Playground
- Sampan Plaza
- Chess Garden and Foot Reflexology
- Bamboo Path
- Bicycle Obstacle Course
- Salt & Light Archery
- Exercise Garden
- ALL THAT ROLLER
- Beach Volleyball Court and Sand Play
- The Promenade
- Dog Wash
- GoCycling
- BBQ Pits
- McDonald’s
- Campsite
Parks and Playgrounds
Dog Run
Are you looking for a spacious area for your dogs to run? Then you’ll be delighted to know that West Coast Park has a Dog Run.
The Dog Run is located on the far eastern side of the park, near the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Center, and it’s the largest of its kind in Singapore.
If you bring your furry friends, they can challenge themselves to complete the wooden log obstacle course, or you can play fetch with them. If you just want to relax and let them run around, there are sheltered tables scattered throughout the area.
Mini Forest Area
Near the Dog Run is a mini forest area where you’ll be surrounded by greenery and all you can hear are birds chirping and bees buzzing.
Even though this area is small unlike the other nature parks in Singapore, it’s still a good place to be. In fact, it’s actually a favorite spot for people who just want to get away from the crowd and noises of the city.
The environment is serene, and you can hear yourself think. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you’ll love this small forested area.
Pond and Fountain
Another highlight of West Coast Park is the pond on the eastern side. Along the perimeter, you can find a little fountain bubbling away.
This area is also perfect for people who just want to lounge and relax. What we love most about this section of the park is that we can simply lay out a blanket on the grass and have a picnic while enjoying the view.
You can also lounge on one of the stone benches and get lost in a book.
Marsh Garden
If you’re still in the mood to stay away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the Marsh Garden is the place to go.
Located towards the other end of the park, the Marsh Garden is a tiny green sanctuary nestled among the trees and with a little lake. A boardwalk cuts through the area and over the body of water, allowing visitors to get through the area seamlessly.
We love hiking—or even casually strolling—here because the greenery is just incredibly soothing. The garden is also shaded, so we go here whenever we want to cool down after a long day of exploring under the sun for so long.
If you have children who are fond of animals, they’ll love it here as well because there are so many species of wildlife to see, especially birds.
You and your children can head to the lookout area and watch out for animals, such as hornbills, terrapins, and otters.
Grand Lawn
Also known as the Main Lawn at West Coast Park, the Grand Lawn is a wide expanse of land. Its area is around 30,000 square meters!
It can hold up to 5,000 people, making it a perfect location for large-scale events, such as carnivals and concerts.
But this lawn isn’t just for events; it’s also perfect for picnics and people simply hanging out. Kite-flying is the most popular activity here, so be sure to bring your own makeshift kite (or one you purchased in a store) and let it fly free here.
If you’re not interested in kite-flying, there’s no need to worry because you can do other things. We’ve seen people play football or frisbee and children run around, cherishing the large, open space.
Adventure Playground
Are you coming to West Coast Park with your little ones? Then, Adventure Playground should be one of the first attractions you must check out.
This playground is incredibly popular among families living in the western side of Singapore—and for a good reason. At the heart of this playground is an iconic pyramid-like structure that will undoubtedly capture your children’s attention.
This towering pyramid comes with red ropes strung over the frame, so children can climb up to the top. Once they reach the top, they will slide back down to the sandy ground below.
To make things better, this playground has other features as well. Other than the pyramid, children can play on a bridge with metal rungs, a wooden balancing beam, and several round platforms that also have ropes children can use to climb.
Thrill seekers will enjoy the zip line, the wobbly bridge, the merry-go-round, and the disc swing. If your children love pretending to be pirates, there’s a Viking ship that they can use to fulfill their seafaring fantasies.
If you have a baby, there’s a colorful toddler area that will delight them all the same.
There are still other play areas here that are worth checking out. We’ll be here all day if we mention everything.
So, do yourself and your children a favor, and stop by Adventure Playground soon!
Sampan Plaza
Sampan Plaza is a spot in West Coast Park that’s easily overlooked, but it’s definitely worth checking out all the same.
The welcome plaza is designed like a sampan, which is a small boat used in East Asia. There are two walls with circular elements that resemble the tires typically hung on a sampan—though with a little imagination and childlike wonder, one can see eyes!
It’s really a simple yet quirky area, and children might love playing around here.
Chess Garden and Foot Reflexology Path
This is one of our favorite underrated spots in West Coast Park—simply because it has an eye-catching theme. As the name suggests, Chess Garden is a cozy spot with a chess theme.
The tables have a chessboard design, so if you love playing chess, you can simply bring your own pieces and play with your family. Feel free to play other variants of the chess game if you like.
Additionally, if your feet are tired, you can try walking on the reflexology path. This path features an interesting texture that will invigorate your sore feet once you walk on it.
Bamboo Path
Another underrated spot in West Coast Park that we love is the Bamboo Path, which is essentially a gravelly path that’s lined with bamboo trees.
Even though there’s nothing really striking about this area, we still love it because it’s just so peaceful.
Whenever we go on a hike and we pass by this path, we just drink in the greenery and breathe in the fresh air. The environment is simply reinvigorating!
So, if you’re planning a hike or trek with your loved ones, be sure to include the Bamboo Path in your route.
Physical Activity
Bicycle Obstacle Course
Put your cycling skills to the test and conquer the bicycle obstacle course here in West Coast Park. Located near GoCycling, this obstacle course is on relatively flat terrain, so children are welcome to check it out.
That said, it has interconnected paths that twist and turn as well as roundabouts and curvy bends. Some paths are wide, and others are narrow, so while this course is beginner-friendly, it’s still ideal that you have some experience in riding a bike.
Sometimes, we also love having a race with each other and see who finishes the course first, so if you’re up for a challenge, you can try doing the same thing as well.
Salt & Light Archery
Hidden under the West Coast Flyover is a gem that will delight aspiring archers—especially children who grew up watching and reading epic stories about archers in fantasy lands. This gem is Salt & Light Archery.
Salt & Light Archery features a sheltered range that’s up to 70 meters in length. It has 16 boards set up throughout the range, and everyone is welcome here; this place can even hold an event with more than 100 people.
If you’re interested in taking a course, you have the following options:
Once you’re BAC-certified or already a competitive archer, you can practice your skills here whenever you want. The rates for bow rentals depend on the bow: wooden bows cost 10 SGD a day, metal or compound bows 15 SGD, and high-end bows 25 SGD.
As for passes, the rates are as follows:
- Operating Hours: 9 am to 9 pm (Mondays to Saturdays), 9 am to 6 pm (Sundays and public holidays)
Exercise Garden
Hiking and jogging are definitely fun ways to exercise, but if you’re like us, you probably get sick of simply hiking and jogging every time. To add variety to your exercise routine, feel free to head to the exercise garden and use the facilities there.
To be more specific, there’s an elliptical-like structure and a metal ring that works like a pull-up bar. So, take advantage of these features to add some variety to your exercise routine.
ALL THAT ROLLER
Another exciting physical activity you can do instead of hiking or jogging is rollerskating. You don’t even have to be professional yet—we certainly aren’t—because ALL THAT ROLLER is here to teach you some lessons.
They usually hold their classes about inline skating, speed skating, and other skills during the weekends, and if you’re planning to attend one, refer to the table below:
If you’re a newbie, you’ll need to attend an introductory session, which is required before you join the regular group. This introductory session lasts for about 50 minutes.
- Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (daily)
Beach Volleyball Court and Sand Play
On the sandy section of the park, you can find a volleyball net. If you’re interested to play beach volleyball with family or friends, be sure to check this area out.
This sandy section is also perfect for children; they can bring their sandbox tools and play around with the sand. However, do take note that this area isn’t shaded, so you might prefer stopping by this area when the sun is no longer high up in the sky.
The Promenade
Located beside the water, the Promenade allows visitors to take a leisurely stroll while cherishing the fresh breeze on their faces. This section of the park also has a Lookout Jetty at the end, where you can sit on the bench and enjoy the panoramic view.
For us, we prefer stopping by the jetty in the afternoon, just when the sun is about the set because we love catching the sunset. Witnessing the sun paint the horizon in vivid hues of orange, red, and yellow is truly breathtaking.
Other Establishments
Dog Wash
Are your dogs covered in mud and dirt after a long day of exploring the park? Don’t worry because there’s a Dog Wash here.
The best part about the Dog Wash is that it already has everything you need—shampoo, conditioner, and even a flea and tick rinse—so you don’t have to bring your own anymore.
Dog Wash is located near the toilets in Area 1. It’s also near Dog Run, so you can wash off your furbabies right after running around there.
GoCycling
Walking is undeniably the most preferred way to explore West Coast Park, but you’ll get tired in no time. When this happens, you might wish for a bike or a pedal-go-cart to make exploring much easier and faster.
Luckily, there’s a GoCycling branch here in West Coast Park, so you can rent a bike or a pedal-go-cart if you want. Best of all, this kiosk has options for both adults and children, so the whole family can enjoy a day of biking and pedaling around the park.
A single bike costs 8 SGD per hour, while pedal-go-cart costs 13 SGD per hour.
- Operating Hours: 10 am to 8 pm (weekdays); 8:30 am to 8:30 pm (weekends)
McDonald’s
Are you hungry after exploring the park? Then be sure to refill your energy well by getting food from McDonald’s.
A world-famous fast food chain, McDonald’s features a menu full of burgers, fries, refreshing drinks, and sweet desserts. Because of this, there’s an option for everyone, and whatever you choose will quell your hunger in no time.
- Operating Hours: 24 hours (daily)
BBQ Pits
If you prefer not to eat fast food during your visit to West Coast Park, you might be interested in booking one of the BBQ pits available here instead.
With nine pits to choose from, there’s a lot of room for everyone. Better yet, these pits are in an open area, so you can enjoy grilling and eating burgers while cherishing the fresh air and the soothing view.
Just keep in mind that you need to book the BBQ pit beforehand and you also need to submit a permit.
As for rules and regulations, be sure to keep in mind the following:
- Your permit is only valid from 12 noon to 10:30 pm on the day of the barbecue.
- Don’t use open fire and/or naked flames other than the one in the BBQ pit. Additionally, using LPG cylinders, refillable gas cylinders, mobile kitchen portable stoves, or generators is not allowed.
- Don’t dispose of hot charcoal in the bins.
- Take care of the property when using it.
Campsite
Here’s something that will delight campers and everyone who loves the great outdoors: camping is allowed at West Coast Park.
To make things better, the park’s campsite faces the sea, so once we have our tents pitched and ready, we just sit outside and enjoy the sea breeze.
However, before you start packing your camping essentials, you need to obtain a camping permit first.
Applying can be done online or via an AXS machine, and you also need to do it at least three days in advance of your planned camping date.
Once you have your permit, you have to make sure that there’s a five-meter distance between you and the nearest tent.
FAQs about West Coast Park
What makes West Coast Park special is that even though it’s smaller than its counterpart in the east (East Coast Park), it still boasts quite a number of facilities and amenities that make people’s experiences here fun and memorable.
It’s also accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The playground has areas that cater to children in wheelchairs and toddlers, and there are many spots to sit down and simply relax.
Since there are many facilities and amenities in West Coast Park, you won’t run out of amazing things to do here. Some of the activities you can participate in include:
• Exercising. West Coast Park aims to inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle because there are many opportunities to exercise here. You can go on a hike or jog or use the facilities in the Exercise Garden.
• Cycling. Another physical activity you can do is riding a bicycle around the park. If you want to explore further, you can even bike your way to other parks nearby, such as MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
• Rollerskating. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll have a fun time skating around in this park.
• Kite Flying. The Grand Lawn is a popular spot for kite-flying enthusiasts. So, be sure to join in the fun.
• Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting. While West Coast Park isn’t technically a nature park, it still houses some animals, such as White-Breasted Waterhens, Striated Herons, and otters.
• Camping. Spend a night out in the great outdoors, and pitch a tent here. Since the campsite faces the sea, you’ll be able to enjoy the cool sea breeze throughout your stay.
• Having a Picnic. Treat yourself and your family to a fun day out by going on a picnic in this park. To make things better, you can book a BBQ pit and cook burgers while your children play around.
Even though West Coast Park is located on the waterfront and has a beach volleyball court, it doesn’t have a beach where you can swim in the water.
If you really want to swim or sunbathe on the shores, you can visit East Coast Park, which is about 16 minutes away by car. Other beaches near West Coast Park include Palawan Beach and Siloso Beach.
McDonald’s is the only restaurant within West Coast Park, so that’s where you can get food during your stay. If you want other options, check out La Pizzeria, which is located near the park (within the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club).
La Pizzeria specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, and since it’s located on the waterfront, you can enjoy a gorgeous view while dining.
Other restaurants and dining options near West Coast Park include:
• Ju Shin Jung
Location: 27 West Coast Highway #01-18/19, Yess Center 1F
Operating Hours: 12 to 2:45 pm, 6 to 9:45 pm (daily)
Specialization: Barbeque, Asian, Korean
• 99 Buona Vista Kitchen
Location: 22 South Buona Vista Road
Operating Hours: 11 am to 11 pm (daily)
Specialization: Asian, Chinese
• The Pipe District
Location: 45 Science Park Road, Sparkle #01-09/10
Operating Hours: 11 am to 2:30 pm (Mondays and Tuesdays) & 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm (Wednesdays to Saturdays)
Specialization: Bar/pub
• Barrels
Location: 34 South Buona Vista Road
Operating Hours: 12 to 10:30 pm (daily)
Specialization: Indian, British, Asian, vegetarian/vegan options available
• Rock N Drop
Location: 218 Pasir Panjang Road, #01-03 Icon @ Pasir Panjang
Operating Hours: 3 pm to 12 am (Mondays to Fridays) & 9 am to 5 pm (Saturdays)
Specialization: Italian, European, Asian, Central Asian
Pets are absolutely welcome in West Coast Park. Dogs, in particular, will love visiting this park because there’s a specific section that’s dedicated to them.
They can also stroll along with you in other sections of the park, and whenever they get dirty, you can simply head to the Dog Wash area and bathe your furry friends to make them clean again.