We love the park connectors, you can run, cycle, blade, scoot or simply walk. Day or night, the scenic waterways always attract families (including pets) and activities.
When I need to choose a spot for my long runs, the Sengkang Park connector links me to Punggol and Buangkok, and the loop will last me 20 to 25km. Some convenience factors for me would be be toilets, water point and shelters (lockers would be a bonus).
1) Toilets – For obvious reason, stomachache in the middle of coney island is no fun.
2) Water point for my hydration needs. Try running in Bishan Park loops and you will realise they only have 2 or perhaps 3 water points. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
3) Shelters from the environment. You can run in the rain but not under thunderstorm.
Look at Google Map below, I have highlighted the water points (roughly every 5km) in my favourite running route. You can start from anywhere, any direction, just follow the waterways and “long kang” (drains) to form a 20km loop. Google Map Link
Expect to see Container parks, nice vantage bridges, dams, beautiful sunrise or sunset, and the spectacular Punggol landscape. I have yet to spot the otters.
I live in Sengkang, but I need to admit that Punggol is more scenic 🙂
When you run around your neighbourhood, you will realise how landscapes can change in months. Green area cleared, boarding come up, and the BTO flats literally grow floor by floor in weeks! And Sengkang hospital will be ready in a few months!
If you start from Compass One (Seng Kang MRT), clockwise through Buangkok you will reach Sengkang Park connector towards the swimming pool. You will run behind Kampong Lorong Buangkok (Singapore’s last Kampong on the main land, GPS 1.383346, 103.878035).
#Water point B(refer map) Anchorvale Swimming Pool
Run along the river and you will reach the dormitories and Punggol Marina. Look across the straits at Johor Pasir Gudang. There will be a lot of fishing enthusiasts (anglers) too.
#Water point C. Punggol End
If you want to end your run, take a bus back to Punggol bus Interchange. Or if you want additional challenge, run the Punggol end slopes!
You can enjoy seafood or rent a bike to go to Coney Island (closed at 7pm).
But this lush greenery and laid-back corner at Punggol end will be very crowded soon, with new flats and even industries.
I hate this zig-zag route running parallel to Coney Island. Seems like never ending, and always feel lonely on this stretch. You will get occasional bikers and joggers.
Below picture of HDB, you will see remote planes flying around weekends.
You will see Lorong Halus bridge before Water Point D. This bridge looks nice day or night.
#Water point D. Punggol Promenade toilet (200m from bridge, 50m to Container Park)
This is 15km mark on my run, 5km to go but I hear Happy hours 🙂
Nearing the end of my route, one more km to Water Way E.
#Water point E. Punggol Park (This is actually in Hougang)
#Water point A. This can be Buangkok or Sengkang MRT
A slow run (20km pace 7 to 8) will take you between 2 to 2.5 hours. Enjoy the scenery.
Additional tips :
1-Ladies, do not go running alone in the late evenings, run with a pal. Some areas suffer from blackouts. And there are many construction sites around.
2-Beware of the irritating bright lights from ebikes and scooters, they are fast and often blind you with their spotlights!
Do you prefer Sunrise, Sunset or even full moon? Do share your favourite park and running routes with me.
– Macritchie Trail run
– Cycle to Sengkang North and Seletar airport
– Cycle to Coney Island
– Follow our running adventures here
