Focus on Coney Island, Singapore

If you are here looking for more information, this article is a guide on how to get here, what to see and what to watch out for.

This is a very isolated place. Visitors are advised not to come here alone. There is no shelter or facilities here (Update : There are shelters here now). As highlighted during the past lightning incident here, don’t seek shelter under a tree during stormy weather.

Why come here? Great place for hiking and birding, peace and quiet, great location for sunset and sunrise views.

Google Map

Where is Coney Island, Singapore?

Coney Island, formerly known as Serangoon Island, is located at northern east of Singapore, facing Punggol estate and Pulau Ubin. It is now connected to mainland Singapore via two dams. At one end – the East Dam – is near Lorong Halus Wetland. The West Dam is across Punggol Promenade, between the Nature Walk section and Jetty Walk section. Previously people have to hire boats to get here.

The East Dam leading to Coney Island near Lorong Halus Wetland

The East Dam

This side is more accessible for the general public and formerly a great location for fishing – the rocky shoreline opposite the Dam. Pass by Lorong Halus Wetland, through the gravel path and you will see the Dam or Tidal Gates as some called it. Facing the Dam is a road, a pathment with green railings and a view of the sea facing Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris in the distance. Beyond the gate, is the rustic path towards the other Dam. More is explained in an earlier posting here : Exploring Coney Island

The West Dam from Punggol Promenade connecting to Coney Island

The West Dam

The other Dam is nearer to Punggol Beach and leads to one corner with steps or staircase.. You can get to Punggol Beach by taking Bus 84 from Punggol Bus Interchange and alight at Punggol End. Walk along Punggol Promenade on the right side of Punggol Beach to get here.

What to Do and See on Coney Island

Hiking and Cycling

A rustic path cuts through the heart of Coney island and connects the two dams. Personally I would prefer that rustic path closer to the shoreline facing the Nature Park, Punggol Promenade and leave the central section of Coney Island intact. Less environmental destruction this way and leave the wildlife here more space to roam.

Coney Island Rustic Path

Sightseeing

Favourite spots are along the rocky shoreline facing Pulau Ubin. There is a staircase or steps there. There used to be a Kelong here, which had since moved much closer to Pulau Ubin,

Staircase or steps on Coney Island facing Punggol Beach/Pulau Ubin

Eagle

Nature and Wild Life

Casuarina trees and other tropical trees inhabit the island. Along the shoreline, the sea almond trees are spotted at various locations. The nuts are edible. Spot the kingfishers, hermit crabs and other wild creatures along the shoreline. So many brown eagles were spotted above the trees and fishing in the water.

Beach Seats

Beach

Some of the interesting sightings along the beach – wild boar hooves prints, old tyre, fallen trees, stone seats. Where the seats came from, I have no idea. (Update : don’t try to find the seats yeah, it’s no longer at the beach. There is a similar looking stone seats near the “Coney Island” signboard somewhere near the middle of the island, close to the shoreline.)  There used to be lots of rubbish along the shore when there was no rubbish bins then. (Update : The beach has been cleaned and there are rubbish bins now on the island.) So please be mindful of the environment. Bring along a bag and remove all your rubbish once you leave the island. Do your part. A little effort goes a long way.

Hermit Crabs

How to Get to Coney Island, Singapore

To Punggol Beach : Bus No. 84 from Punggol Bus Interchange. Walk to the right side of the beach to reach the West Gate entrance.

To Lorong Halus Wetland : Alight at Riviera LRT Station (from Punggol MRT Station) or Bus No.  3, 83, 85 (from Punggol Bus Interchange). Edit : That is now a longer way. A shorter way now is to alight at Kandaloor LRT station, walk towards Punggol Edge, follow the trail down the bridge. Turn right and cross the red Halus bridge. Follow the gravel path on the left towards the beach where Coney Island. If coming from Pasir Ris Dr 3, turn right to Pasir Ris Coast Ind Park 6. To the left, there’s a road heading to Coney Island. Only bicycles here, no motorised vehicles allowed (except wheelchairs).

Fallen Tree

Operating Hours : 7am – 7pm. Gates are locked outside operating hours.

Important Noting

• No fishing.
• No camping.
• No street lights here. Plan your route and don’t come too late.
• No water cooler/venting machine here. Bring your own drinks. There is a water cooler at Lorong Halus Info Kioks and near the toilet at Punggol Beach.
• Put on insect repellants as there are plenty of sand flies at the beach.

Estimated walking time from one gate to another, depending on your route, is about 2 – 3 hrs including photo taking time, etc. Fastest way is the main route, mostly straight line from one gate to another but not much shade from the sun. The meandering tracks closer to the shoreline is more sandy and rocky but have lots more trees shade. Beware of falling branches though.

Keep the Environment Green

On an end note, Be Green and remember the saying “Leave Only Footsteps Behind” or words to that effect.

• Don’t light any fire (in the past, there are burnt out patches of trees there)
• Don’t take anything you don’t need
• Don’t throw away any rubbish
• Bring along a trash bag to put your rubbish there
• Leave the wild boars and other wildlife on the island alone

Update – Latest news articles. Coney Island has been declared as the 9th nature park in Singapore by the National Parks Board (NParks).  Set to be ready around 2 years time, NParks aimed to leave the park as untouched as possible to preserve the island’s natural habitat.

www.eco-business.com
www.straitstimes.com
news.xin.msn.com

New updates : Sorry folks, no fishing or camping here. But cycling is allowed. The official opening was on 10 October 2015. Much has been done by Nparks to preserve the natural charm of this place. No lights here so check your time and plan accordingly when hiking before it gets dark. While there are rubbish bins now, please be mindful and keep the environment green. Have fun exploring!