Nestled in Singapore are some parks that will give you an insight into Singapore’s diverse culture. These parks tend to be smaller, and you may have even been running nearby some of them without knowing it.
Slow down and visit these 5 parks to learn a little more about the rich heritage of Singapore!
War Memorial Park
The War Memorial within this park is a familiar sight to many people in the city district. Featuring four columns joined at the base representing the four major races (the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians), the War Memorial is dedicated to the civilians of all races who were victims of World War 2.
The next time you’re running around the popular Marina Bayfront Area, take the time to detour over to the War Memorial Park, located less than 500 metres away from the Esplanade.
Dhoby Ghaut Green
This park is situated nearby Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Located just behind the bustle of activity at the nearby Plaza Singapura, there is a sculptural open-air amphitheatre where you can take a rest in the shade before resuming your run.
Istana Park
Located right next to Dhoby Ghaut Green, the Istana Park features the Festival Arch, which stands over four stories high. Get to see special musical and cultural performances here on the first Sunday of each month.
The Istana Park fronts the main Istana Gate, and you might even have the change to watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guards too! The next scheduled Changing of the Guards Ceremony will be on 7 September.
Add the Dhoby Ghaut Green and Istana Park for a little more variety in your runs!
Fort Canning Park
This park deserves a second mention, simply because there are so many things to do here. Overlooking Singapore’s Orchard Road, the Fort Canning Park has great historical significance while continuing to be one of Singapore’s most vibrant parks, with many events happening every week.
Fort Canning has a deep history that predates its current status as a National Park. Impressed by the view atop this 60-metre hill, Sir Stamford Raffles built his residence here in the 19th century.
A century later, Fort Canning would also serve as the site where Lieutenant General Percival would surrender Singapore to the Japanese in World War 2.
Today, you can still see carefully preserved relics of the past, such as the centuries-old Fort Canning Gate. Or you can run along art exhibits, such as the ASEAN Sculpture Trail, which has over 20 different sculptures made by artists from Southeast Asia.
The spacious outdoor lawns are also popular for picnic goers, concerts, and theatre performances too. From currently hosting the 19th edition of Ballet Under the Stars to the inaugural Singapore Rock Festival recently in March, Fort Canning is truly a melting pot of modern and classical culture!
Located south of Dhoby Ghaut Green and Istana Park, you’ll never be bored when you come to Fort Canning Park for a run!
Tiong Bahru Park
Singapore used to have many uniquely themed playgrounds that were designed and built locally in the 1970’s. A fondly remembered example would be the famous dragon playground at Toa Payoh.
A relatively recent restoration to the 47-year-old Tiong Bahru Park adds a uniquely designed playground. Designed to look like a tilted train, you’re bound to see children happily letting their imaginations run wild as they play in here!
There’s a fitness station here for you if you’d like to combine some exercises on your run.
If you’d like a longer, more challenging run, the Tiong Bahru Park is also located around 1.6 km away from the bigger Pearl’s Hill City Park, which like its name implies, is located on a hill that is approximately 50 metres high.
Run through the Tiong Bahru Park and scale Pearl’s Hill for a great way to try out stair running to improve your endurance!
Run and Enjoy Singapore’s Heritage
These arts and heritage parks in Singapore are small (with the exception of Fort Canning Park), but all of them offer an interesting insight into Singapore’s history and culture.
The next time you’re running, slow down, take a detour and learn a little more about Singapore!
