Coney Island and Punggol Point: A Rustic Escape in Singapore's Northeast

Coney Island — also known as Pulau Serangoon or Serangoon Island — is one of Singapore's best-kept secrets for a nature day out. Located off the northeastern coast within the town of Punggol, this 81-hectare island feels a world away from the city despite being just a short bus ride from the MRT. With no electricity, no piped water, and no shops on the island, it is as close to "unspoiled" as Singapore gets. Pair it with Punggol Point and the surrounding park connectors, and you have the makings of a perfect half-day or full-day adventure.

📋 Quick Facts

Also known as	Pulau Serangoon, Serangoon Island, Haw Par Island (1930s–50s)
Size	81 hectares (Coney Island Park)
Opened	October 2015
Opening hours	7am – 7pm daily (gates lock at 7pm sharp)
Entry fee	Free
Nearest MRT	Punggol Coast (TE29) — 20 min walk; or Punggol (NE17/PTC) — Bus 84
Time needed	2–3 hours for a full walk

📖 A Bit of History

Coney Island has had more names than most places in Singapore. Originally called Pulau Serangoon — pulau being the Malay word for island — it was later known as Haw Par Island in the 1930s and 40s because the Haw Par brothers (of Tiger Balm fame) owned it. In the 1950s, it was sold to Indian businessman Ghulam Mahmood, who had grand plans to recreate New York's famous Coney Island amusement park here. That dream never materialised, and the island was returned to the Singapore government in the 1970s.

Ironically, the name Coney Island stuck — even though this quiet, rustic park is the polar opposite of the bustling amusement park in Brooklyn. The island was officially opened as Coney Island Park in October 2015, managed by the National Parks Board (NParks). It is an ecologically sustainable park, with conservation efforts focused on energy and water savings, recycling, and retaining natural habitats.

Casuarina trees

🚌 How to Get There

By MRT (Newest Option — 2024)

The Punggol Coast MRT Station (TE29) on the Thomson-East Coast Line opened in December 2024. Take Exit 2 and enjoy a leisurely 20-minute walk to the Coney Island West Entrance. This is now the most direct route for those coming from the city.

By MRT + Bus (Original Route)

Take the MRT to Punggol Station (NE17/PTC).
Head to the Punggol Bus Interchange (via Exit C).
Take Bus 84 to Punggol Point Park / Punggol Settlement.
Alight at the last stop, Punggol Road End.
Walk about 500 metres east along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to reach the West Entrance of Coney Island.

By Car

Drive to Punggol Settlement and park at the outdoor carpark. There is no carpark on Coney Island itself. From Punggol Settlement, walk towards the restaurants and follow the signs to the island's West Entrance. There is also limited parking near the East Entrance along Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 6, but the West Entrance is the more popular starting point.

By Bicycle

Coney Island is connected to the mainland via the Punggol Park Connector. You can cycle from Punggol Waterway Park or Punggol Point Park directly to the West Entrance. The cycling route around Punggol Promenade is about 4.2 km and relatively flat — suitable even for young children.

🚲 Bicycle Rental

If you do not have your own bicycle, there are rental options near the West Entrance:

GoCycling @ Punggol Jetty — 911 Punggol Road (across from the bus stop). Adult bikes from ~$10/hour, kids' bikes from ~$8/hour. Mountain bikes and vintage-style city bikes available. Opening hours: 10am weekdays, 9am weekends. You can rent here and return at any GoCycling outlet in Singapore.
Jomando Adventure & Recreations — Located at Punggol Settlement, near the West Entrance.

Coney island

🌿 What to Do on Coney Island

1. Walk or Cycle the Main Trail

The island's main path runs roughly 2.5 km from the West Entrance to the East Entrance, cutting through a variety of habitats: coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves, and casuarina woodlands. The terrain is a mix of dirt, gravel, and pavement — uneven enough to feel like real nature, but manageable for most fitness levels. There are no uphill climbs, so hiking boots are unnecessary. The entire loop, including beach detours, is about 3.6 km.

2. Visit the Five Beach Areas

Coney Island has five marked beach areas — A, B, C, D, and E — each showcasing different coastal landscapes. Beach Areas C and E are the quietest and most scenic, with Casuarina trees providing shade. The beaches are not suitable for swimming — the water is murky and box jellyfish have been spotted in the area. But they are perfect for dipping your toes in, building sandcastles, or simply sitting on the sand with a picnic.

3. Casuarina Exploration (Nature Play Area)

Near the West Entrance, you will find the Casuarina Exploration — a nature play area built entirely from recycled materials. The timber comes from uprooted Casuarina trees, and the ground surface is sand recycled from the nearby beach. Kids can weave through the "Millipede," balance on the "Earthworm," or hop across the "Caterpillar." It is a lovely example of how NParks has kept the park's footprint light.

4. Bird Watching

Coney Island is home to over 80 species of birds, including several nationally threatened species. There is a dedicated bird-watching hideout where you can observe birds in their natural environment without disturbing them. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, and the white-crested laughing thrush. Early mornings are best for birding.

5. Spot Wildlife

Beyond birds, the island is home to long-tailed macaques, wild boars, and stray dogs. The mangrove section is particularly rewarding — look down to spot giant mudskippers, mud lobsters, and tree-climbing crabs. The park also records the Malayan colugo (a gliding mammal) and nectar bats.

⚠️ Important: Do not feed the monkeys or carry plastic bags — they associate bags with food. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, including stray dogs. Do not eat in the presence of macaques.

6. Snap a Photo at the Iconic Green Gate

The Coney Island West Entrance gate — painted a distinctive green — is one of the most Instagrammed spots on the island. Get your shot before you start your walk, when energy levels (and hair) are still intact.

🗺️ Suggested Walking Route

Here is a recommended route that covers the highlights in about 2–3 hours:

Start at Punggol Point Jetty / West Entrance. Use the toilet and buy water — there are no facilities on the island. Snap the green gate photo.
Casuarina Exploration. Let the kids (or the young at heart) play on the nature structures.
Beach Areas C & E. The quietest beaches. Good for a picnic. Keep an eye out for box jellyfish — look, don't swim.
Bird Watching Hideout. Spot kingfishers and other birds in their natural habitat.
East Entrance & Lorong Halus Bridge. Exit via the red bridge. Great for photos. This connects to the Lorong Halus Wetland.
Punggol Settlement or Punggol Coast Mall. Refuel after your walk.

Total distance: ~3.6 km island loop + 1 km to/from entrance. Allow 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace.

🍽️ Where to Eat

There are no food or beverage outlets on Coney Island itself — not even a vending machine. This is part of its charm, but it means you must plan ahead.

Pack Your Own

Bring water, snacks, and a picnic. There are plenty of shady spots under Casuarina trees for an al fresco lunch. Remember: pack it in, pack it out. There are no rubbish bins in the interior of the island — NParks uses a "leave no trace" policy.

Punggol Settlement (Near West Entrance)

A cluster of restaurants and cafés right next to the jetty. Note that many open from 4pm or 5pm onwards, so check hours if you are visiting in the morning.

House of Seafood — Popular zi char and chilli crab.
White Restaurant — Famous for Sembawang white beehoon, a glutinous rice noodle dish with seafood.
Georges By The Bay — Casual riverside dining.
Whisk & Paddle — Western brunch and good coffee. Very popular on weekends; make a reservation.

Punggol Coast Mall & Hawker Centre (New — 2024/2025)

With the opening of Punggol Coast MRT, the new Punggol Coast Mall and Punggol Coast Hawker Centre have become convenient options. The hawker centre offers affordable local favourites — from kaya toast and kopi-o to mee siam — perfect for a post-walk meal. There is also a FairPrice Finest and a supermarket nearby if you need to stock up before heading home.

Punggol Container Park

A short walk from Punggol Settlement, this collection of container-style eateries and bars offers a more alternative vibe.

🌉 Nearby Attractions to Combine

Punggol Waterway Park

Connected to Coney Island via park connectors, this man-made waterway is great for cycling, jogging, or simply admiring the sunset. The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) campus at Punggol Digital District is also nearby and worth a look for its modern architecture.

Lorong Halus Wetland

Cross the iconic red Lorong Halus Bridge from Coney Island's East Entrance to reach this wetland park. It was formerly a landfill site; today it is a thriving wetland with a boardwalk and great views of the Serangoon Reservoir. It is a favourite spot for sunset photography.

Punggol Point Park & Jetty

Before entering Coney Island, take a moment at the jetty to enjoy river views and sea breezes. The jetty has clean, modern toilets — use them, as there are none on the island.

🎯 What to Bring

Water — At least 1 litre per person. There are no water points on the island.
Insect repellent — Sandflies and mosquitoes are common, especially near the beaches and mangroves.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat — Parts of the trail are exposed.
Closed-toe shoes — The paths are uneven and can be muddy after rain. Long pants are advisable if you plan to linger at the beach.
Picnic mat and snacks — Optional, but recommended.
Umbrella or raincoat — Tropical downpours are sudden and fierce.
First aid kit — Basic plasters and antiseptic, especially if visiting with children.

⚠️ Park Rules & Safety

No camping — The park closes at 7pm and the gates are locked.
No fishing — The waters around the island are protected.
No drones or kites — These are prohibited to protect wildlife.
No feeding of animals — Especially monkeys. Do not carry plastic bags.
No swimming — Box jellyfish have been spotted in the waters.
Stay on designated trails — Do not venture into vegetated or forested areas.
Do not enter during inclement weather — The island is exposed and trees may fall.
Pets must be leashed at all times.
Accessibility: Barrier-free access and wheelchair access are available at the East and West ends, but interior paths can be bumpy.

📸 Photography Tips

Best light: Early morning (7–9am) for soft, golden light filtering through the Casuarina trees.
Green gate: Shoot the West Entrance gate at an angle to avoid the crowd.
Beaches: Beach Areas C and E offer the cleanest compositions with fewer people.
Lorong Halus Bridge: The red bridge against blue sky is a classic shot — best in the late afternoon.
Wildlife: Bring a zoom lens for birds. The bird hideout offers a framed view.

🌳 Punggol Point: The Gateway

Punggol Point — the mainland area facing Coney Island — has undergone significant transformation. Once a sleepy fishing village, it is now a bustling recreational node with the Punggol Settlement restaurants, the jetty, and park connectors leading to Coney Island, Punggol Waterway, and beyond. The Punggol Digital District and Singapore Institute of Technology campus nearby give the area a futuristic, live-work-play vibe.

The Punggol Point Jetty itself is immaculate — clean modern toilets, orderly wood panelling, and spectacular river views. It is the perfect place to gather your bearings before crossing into Coney Island's rustic wilderness. And when you return, the restaurants and cafés at Punggol Settlement offer a well-deserved reward.

Punggol Point and Jetty

🎯 Final Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning (7–9am) or late afternoon (4–6pm). Avoid midday — the sun is relentless and shade is patchy.
Weekdays are best for a quieter experience. Weekends can get crowded, especially at the West Entrance and Casuarina Exploration.
Plan your exit: The gates lock at 7pm. Do not get caught inside — there is no lighting on the island after dark.
Toilet strategy: The last proper toilets are at Punggol Point Jetty (before entering) and near the East Entrance. There are none in the middle of the island.
Combine with other parks: Coney Island connects to the Punggol Park Connector, Lorong Halus Wetland, and Punggol Waterway Park. A full day could easily cover all three.

Have you visited Coney Island? Share your favourite beach area or wildlife spotting in the comments! For more nature walks, check out our guides to Bukit Batok Nature Park and Singapore's best park connectors.

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