From Green Trails to Blue Seas - Nature's Harmony at Sembawang Park
Welcome to Sembawang Park
I decided to visit Sembawang Park on a Saturday morning after a colleague who lives in the area recommended it to me. It’s just two train stops away from where I stay, followed by about nine bus stops from Sembawang MRT station. The journey didn’t take too long, though I did have to wait a bit for the bus. As soon as I alighted, I was greeted by a beautiful sea view and a clear sight of our neighbour across the Johor Straits. The scene reminded me of Woodlands Waterfront though Sembawang Park seems to offer a little more to see and do.
Sandy beach with Johor Straits in sight
I saw people fishing, children playing along the beach, and elderly folks relaxing on the benches despite the sunny weather. There were also runners making their way through the park. In the distance, the sounds of ongoing work from the shipyard filled the air. It’s a pity the jetty was closed, as it would have offered an even better view of the shipyard together with the park.
Great place for families to stroll in the evening
A view of Sembawang Shipyard
I didn’t expect myself to start visiting parks, but this one feels different. Sembawang Park holds so many memories from both the pre- and post–World War II eras, and if you take the time to explore deeper, you can still find traces of the past.
Direction: Take bus 882 opposite Sembawang MRT and alight at the 9th stop.
Dating back to the 1910s, this house was originally built as a holiday residence for a Jewish businessman. Its name, Beaulieu, translates from French to “Beautiful Place.” With its refined ornamentation and detailed plasterwork, Beaulieu House showcases the elegance of Neoclassical architecture. The residence features a distinctive patio crowned with ornate cast-iron balustrades, while similar railings adorn the front porch, catching and reflecting light off the terrazzo clay floor tiles.
After passing through several owners, the property was eventually acquired by Sembawang Seafood Paradise Pte Ltd. Today, the beautifully restored Beaulieu House sits atop a hill overlooking the Johor Straits, offering stunning sea views. It now operates as a restaurant serving Western and Chinese dishes, along with local-inspired creations such as Lamb Shank Rendang.
Beaulieu House was officially granted conservation status in 2005.
Stairway to Paradise
Beaulieu House as of 25 Oct 2025
Neoclassical architecture
Conserved status since 2005
Rear of Beaulieu House
I’ve always loved sandy maritime-themed playgrounds, and the one at Sembawang Park perfectly blends the old and the new: the classic sandy ground with modern play structures. Stepping onto the sand brought back such a wave of nostalgia, a reminder of the simple joy of playing barefoot, not just on the beach but in playgrounds like the ones from our childhood. Sure that cleaning up afterwards can be a bit of a hassle, but is worth letting the kids experience the kind of fun we once had growing up.
The map of Sembawang Park
Sandy playground
I came across a colonial-era house at 164 Malta Crescent, located on the opposite side of the park. From the outside, part of it appears to be abandoned. If you venture a little further into the area, you might even come across some old bunkers. I’m still quite new to this park, so that’s as far as my exploration has gone for now.
House at 164 Malta Crescent
I have to say our Singapore Government has done an excellent job in maintaining the City’s greenery through National Parks Board (NParks). They truly deserve credit for the sense of tranquility we get to enjoy in Singapore’s parks, all part of the Singapore Green Plan 2023, which aims to promote sustainable development and tackle climate change. The climate is indeed becoming more unpredictable by the day, so let’s each do our part to make a difference.
Do you know is much cooler to walk with more trees above you?
Before wrapping up my morning walk around the park, I noticed a few apartment blocks nestled among the trees. Curious, I headed over and discovered that they're actually walk-up apartments still occupied by the residents today. These building were constructed after WWII within the former Sembawang Naval Base to accommodate the growing number of European staff stationed here.
Imagine living right in the middle of the park; just a short stroll to the beach, perfect for a jog, a picnic, or even a meal surrounded by nature. Perfect for those who wants to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I also read that there are old bunkers hidden around the area. This place truly holds a wealth of Singapore’s history, both before and after WWII. Pity that I didn't go further to show you more.
Cyprus Road Apartments
Unique designs of the exterior
Entrance to the apartments
That window exterior is unique
No regrets spending my weekend here as it turned out to be such an eye-opening trip, filled with nostalgic buildings and stories I can’t wait to share with all of you. I’m even thinking of coming back to search for the bunkers. It sounds both exciting and a little risky since they’re hidden deep within the forest.
On my bus ride here, I also spotted a cluster of colonial houses along Admiralty Road East and Sembawang Road. Keep an eye out for them if you are heading to Sembawang Park. I’m definitely planning to return for a closer look because I just love those charming old houses.
Do check out my full video on Sembawang Park soon for a better glimpse beyond what I can capture in this blog post. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed exploring the place in person. Cheers!
