Coney Island

Public transport and amenities in Coney Island

If you need a good getaway without actually leaving the country, Coney Island is the answer. Being an ecologically sustainable park with many environmentally friendly initiatives, the rustic Coney Island Park focuses on conserving energy and water, recycling and retaining the natural elements in the park. The timber from uprooted Casuarina trees was collected and recycled into park signages, seats, benches, boardwalk, and exhibits at Casuarina Exploration. The different habitats in the park allow for a great diversity of bird species, thus making the park an ideal location for birdwatching. Try spotting one of 80 species of birds on Coney Island Park, including the resident male Baya Weavers, the Oriental Magpie-robin and parakeets. The 2.5 km Coney Island Park Connector also provides a beautiful ride through the island.

Summary

Coney Island, also known as Pulau Serangoon, is located off the coast of Punggol in northeastern Singapore. Originally just less than a quarter of its current size, the island now spans about 100 hectares after a series of reclamation projects. A 50-hectare park managed by the National Parks Board was opened on the island in October 2015. Besides being rich in history, Coney Island Park is also home to a wide variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves, and casuarina woodlands. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are critically endangered. Some plants at the park are even presumed nationally extinct in the wild. With its rich biodiversity within such a well-preserved slice of nature, Coney Island Park offers much to explore for animal and nature enthusiasts.

Coney Island - History

Originally known as Pulau Serangoon or Pulo Serangoon, the more popular English name “Coney Island” also referred to Pulau Satumu, an offshore island in the southwestern part of Singapore on which Raffles Lighthouse stands. The island changed hands in the 1950s when it was sold to Indian businessman Ghulam Mahmood who intended to model it after the Coney Island amusement park in New York. But the island was later acquired by the government in 1972, where land reclamation efforts began in 1975. However, back then, there was not much activity and no development was carried out on the island after the reclamation.

Coney Island Park was officially opened on 10 October 2015. Today, the park features a two-kilometre-long beach, a boardwalk and basic amenities on the island. The island’s natural state was largely retained for a sense of nostalgia of a kampong past, while environmentally friendly features were adopted to preserve its natural beauty. These include the use of rainwater and solar-powered pumps in the toilets and recycling timber from uprooted trees to make benches and boardwalks. Neither electricity nor piped water is available on the island - Coney Island is the rustic sanctuary we urbanites need.

Coney Island - How To Get There

Rest assured, you don't have to swim to the island. There are two new bridges on each end of the island, one connected to Punggol and the other to Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park. The nearest MRT station is Punggol, from which you can take bus 84 from the adjacent bus interchange to Punggol Point Park or Punggol Settlement. From there, it is a 500m walk along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to get to Coney Island Park's West Entrance.

While you can trek the entire island on foot, you can also rent a bike at Punggol Settlement or Punggol Point Park if you prefer cycling around instead. Alternatively, you can enter Coney Island from the other end of the island from Lorong Halus Wetlands.

Coney Island - What To Do

Here's a guide to Coney Island so you have a perfect day there! 99.co has a list of the best things to do here and what you can expect on Coney Island to help you plan your day here in this scenic park of Singapore. First off, keep in mind that the park is closed from 7pm to 7am. You can head over in the morning or evenings to avoid the blistering sun.

1. Explore Coney Island Park on foot

If you are new in town or would like to learn more about this interesting place, we suggest a guided walk especially if you're bvringing along little ones! The 2-hour walk is conducted by NParks volunteers on selected Saturday mornings in the months of June, November, and December. So if your schedule permits, be sure to join one and learn about the diverse biodiversity and interesting history of Singapore’s Coney Island.

Before Coney Island Park closes its gates at 7pm, take an evening hike to catch the glorious sunsets at Coney Island. Watch the sun spill through the tall trees as you walk on the main track or simply sit on the steps by the water to enjoy a clear view of the orange sunset and waterfront.

2. Birdwatching

Coney Island Park is home to over 80 species of birds on the island, surely it is not hard to catch a glimpse of these creatures hard at work in their natural habitat. Spot the resident male Baya Weavers weaving intricate nests from flowering Acacia trees, be serenaded by birdsong from the oriental magpie-robins, or watch colourful parakeets soar through the forest canopies. If you take the coastal trails, you will find designated bird-watching huts where watchers with binoculars or photographers with trusty cameras sit and wait to catch a glimpse of the rare species on the island.

3. Spot the wildlife

Birds aside, wildlife is aplenty on Coney Island. From butterflies and tiger moon snails to horseshoe crabs and snapping shrimp, there is a lot to see here. There is also a particular bunch of mischievous natives on the island: the long-tailed macaques. Hide your plastic bags and anything remotely food-like and you'll be fine!

4. Cruise along cycling routes

While the park’s terrain may make for a bit of a bumpy bike ride, rest assured that cycling in Coney Island is an enjoyable experience. You can cycle along the 2.5 km Coney Island Park Connector, with the pretty promenade view of Serangoon Reservoir. The more adventurous types may find themselves veering off the beaten path to explore the island a little more. If you are looking for a real adrenaline-pumping adventure, 99.co recommends you hit the hilly trails of Pulau Ubin on a mountain bike. 

If you do not have a bike of your own, you can pop by Jomando Adventure & Recreations located at the end of Punggol Settlement, where bikes of all types are available for the whole family, from mountain bikes and tandem bikes to vintage-style ones and children bikes in different sizes.

5. Relax by the beach

While cycling, look out for signs that will direct you to any of the five beach stretches. These sandy spots provide a quiet seaside break after a long bike ride in the sun. Follow the main trail that brings you from the main West entrance of the island to the East entrance near Lorong Halus but venture out to the many coastal trails that branch out from it. Beach areas C and E are recommended for a quieter hangout.

6. Mangrove trail

Being one of the highlights of Coney Island Park, the mangrove trail is not to be missed. The boardwalk takes you through a mangrove forest where you may see mudskippers and water snakes. The best time to enjoy the trail is after a rainy day because the mangroves will be filled and there will be plenty more to see. Remember to dismount if you are cycling to be considerate to other hikers. At the end of the boardwalk lies one of the best views of Coney Island.

7. Casuarina Exploration playground

Constructed from the timber of uprooted casuarina trees and other recycled materials, the all-natural Casuarina Exploration playground will entertain your young ones with its mini obstacle course. Keep your balance across a wooden bridge, jump over stepping stones, and race as you climb over log fences!

Coney Island - What To Bring

Before spending your perfect day at Coney Island, make sure that you pack the essentials first. Sunscreen and insect repellent are definite must-brings, to ward off sunburn and sandfly attacks! Long pants and covered shoes are also recommended, especially if you plan on lingering by the beach. Do not forget to bring bottled water too to keep yourself hydrated, and maybe some sandwiches or snacks to keep you well-fed along the way. Avoid bringing plastic bags because you may end up surrounded by a hungry group of macaques. Lastly, remember to always take home whatever you brought in - we want to keep Coney Island just the way it is.