"July 2022"
Singapore is a tiny island country. Been living here for 20+ years you always thought that you know the place already.
Gurl, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I recently found out that there’s a natural hot spring… In sunny Singapore!
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FORMAT BELOW THE POST
Who would ever thought that there would be one. More so, in a really hot and humid country. I certainly did not expect this. So I recently moved to Woodlands pre-pandemic – December 2021 – and early 2022 was when I found out about this ‘hidden gem‘. Gurl, was I surprised knowing that it’s just nearby where I live!
So I invited my brother and his family on one Saturday morning to explore this local hidden gem: Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Let’s get into it!
Location: Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Address: Along, Gambas Ave, 756952
About: Sembawang Hot Spring Park is a natural hot spring and a public park in Singapore. It is located beside a military camp about 100 metres off the main road, Gambas Avenue.
At this point in time, there were constructions going on around the area and along the main road, you’ll literally just drive by it. There’s no flashy signs or whatsoever. Except for early mornings, people walking towards an entry way with buckets and towel in hand.
It was a fascinating scene to see.
Upon entering the place, it’s complete with lush greeneries – just as what you could always find around Singapore. There were a lot of people when we get there going in and out of the place.
As you go further into the entrance, you’ll be greeted by this huge majestic tree. It looks better in real life. And just ahead the pathway is the main attraction. My expectation was something like the Japanese hot springs. In the middle of the forest with hot spring water emitting hot mist into the air.
But ummm… It was the opposite.
Nonetheless, it’s still a fascinating scene to see. There’s a lot of locals from different generations – family, friends and cyclists sitting around, chilling by the hot spring or by the egg station.
Yes, they have an egg station! Like what?!
We will cover what are the things that you can do here.
Educational Trail
Along the way, you’ll find boards that show the history of the hot spring. How it was found and what were the changes throughout the years – pre and post world war. So all of you history junkies out there. Go around the park to read all about the historical value of this hidden gem. It’s great to bring your little kiddos too!
I love looking at the old images of the earlier days.
Tip 1: Go around the park to real the historical value of this local secret
Foot Bath Area
Basically, my knowledge of hot springs is quite limited. I could only imagine the Japanese style where you can submerge yourself into the water. However, in Singapore, we only have a Foot Bath which can accommodate quite a number of people.
There was a long queue when we got there but don’t you worry, if you don’t find any space by the water – you can also grab your own bucket, scoop up the hot water, and find a seat. It’s quite flexible. Pre-pandemic, I believe they provided a bucket but during this time, they were all removed. So you have to bring your own.
Tip 2: Bring your own bucket/container to scoop up the hot water and enjoy your own foot bath.
Egg Station
Of course, I was fascinated by this egg station. Basically, they have a pipe with an endless flow of hot water.
As hot as 70 Degrees Celsius.
I’m amazed by these things because this isn’t something you see in a modern country like Singapore. So when I see this kind of hidden gem, I’m all out for it. There are a lot of spots where you can place your container of eggs.
You best bet in a couple of minutes you’ll get your favourite Singaporean breakfast soft boiled egg ready!
Tip 3: Bring eggs (normal-sized eggs or quail eggs) and container. Salt, pepper, and soy sauce are optional – But hey, it completes the local breakfast experience doesn’t it? Maybe bring your own kaya toast too – if you wanna. Lol.
Photography
Why not, go around and take beautiful pictures of the fauna and flora. The first time I saw this majestic tree – I just knew I must take a snap of it.
As if it’s something out of Avatar.
There are beautiful flowers, trees and little streams of water if you know where to look.
Tip 4: Bring your camera or phone for nature photography.
Dine At Sembawang Eating House
Of course, we wouldn’t miss out on our actual breakfast. Fortunately, at this ‘ulu’ place (remote place) there’s a restaurant that you can dine in for your heavier meal.
Location: Sembawang Eating House
Address: 500 Gambas Ave
You won’t miss this restaurant as you enter from the main entrance. It’s located on the right hand side as you walk along the winding pathway to the hot spring. Their menu is quite extensive for a small dining area. We did try out their Kaya and Nutella toasts, Char Kway Teow, ice milo and teh peng.
We were pretty full by the end of it.
Tip 5: Don’t miss out having your heavier meal at Sembawang Eating House
Bottomline
Is this place worth a visit? Based on my personal opinion, yes and no.
Yes – because it’s fascinating to know that there’s actually a natural hot spring that exists in Singapore. I love to see how locals would come together and have a great chit-chat with you while they sit by the foot bath or by the egg station. It’s a fascinating scene to see the older generation and younger generation coming together and experience something out of the ordinary in a modern country. This place really holds a great history.
No – because it wasn’t what I expected. My expectations were like the Japanese style hot springs. But when you get there it’s just a tiny pool and you can only submerge your feet. It didn’t exceeded by expectation – I was a little disappointed if I’m being honest. I wished it could be a lot bigger.
In overall, I’ll still suggest to visit this park because it’s still a great place to see locals together. It isn’t popular to international tourists yet from what I know. So better visit it while you can! It’s great to discover this kind of places in our tiny red dot and I bet there are many more places to see such as this one.
See below video for the video format!
Go out and explore!
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