I woke up at 7:30 this morning, feeling energized from last night's sleep. Instead of wasting that energy on nothing, I headed to Bishan Park, which is located halfway between Bishan and Ang Moh Kio estates. It’s one of those local gems in Singapore that tourists often miss. I think it's because it’s tucked away from the city center and doesn't have many attractions. Wait a minute, that’s what makes it special, right?
In recent years, this park has seriously leveled up in terms of wildlife. Back in the day, I’d only spot some fish and the occasional heron. But now? It’s like a mini wildlife sanctuary.
Today, I saw monitor lizards and river otters just chilling and doing their thing. It’s wild to see how this place has transformed from a simple park into a vibrant habitat.
Bishan Park still serves as a spot for jogging, running, or just a leisurely stroll. But now, it’s also a legit home for these animals. They hunt, thrive, and live here without fear. It’s awesome to see a park evolve like this, coexisting with humans in a way that’s safe and harmonious. This is the future we should aim for, a legacy for the next generations.
My journey started at the Bright Hill MRT station, just a six-minute walk to the park. As soon as I got there, I was greeted by this cool wooden bridge arching over the Kallang River.
It’s a stunning piece of architecture that blends seamlessly with the peaceful surroundings. The park’s design, with the river running through its heart, makes total sense. The animals rely on the river for water and food, so keeping it protected from development is an important step in preserving the safety of the creatures.
This setup keeps them safe from harm and creates a perfect balance between nature and urban life.
As I wandered through the park, I noticed a group of people gathered on a bridge, all eyes on the river.
Curious, I got closer and saw they were watching river otters hunting for fish. It was incredible to see these little guys working together, creating a barrier and cornering fish. No wonder river otters are considered super smart; they can catch a fish in under a minute as a team!
Another highlight was the monitor lizards casually roaming by the river. They moved so gracefully and seemed totally unfazed by the people snapping photos.
It’s amazing how these animals have claimed this park as their home, living in harmony with the otters and turtles.
One new addition to the park that caught my eye was the community gardening area.
Locals can now grow their own veggies and medicinal plants too. This neighborhood garden idea is brilliant and should be replicated across the city. It promotes a healthier lifestyle and helps with food sustainability.
Instead of relying heavily on imports from Malaysia and Indonesia, we can grow some of our own produce. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Another nice section of the park is the children's playground. By walking around this part, it brings out good memories of my childhood. The ones we had back then were simpler but I do enjoy my time with my cousins and friends so it has become part of my core memory too.
The amenities that we have now are the cooler versions of what we had back then. These ones are meant for playing and learning at the same time. The kids of today will have a great time here for sure.
Overall, I’m blown away by the developments in Bishan Park. Parks are no longer just for recreation—they’re becoming vital ecosystems where animals and humans coexist and thrive. I can’t wait to see how this park continues to evolve in the years to come.