Bedok Reservoir Park: From Sand Quarry to Scenic Urban Escape
A Reservoir with a Past
Bedok Reservoir is one of Singapore's 17 freshwater reservoirs, but unlike many of its counterparts, it carries a distinctly industrial past. Before it became a recreational hub, the site was a sand quarry. Today, it collects rainwater runoff from the eastern part of the island, and the surrounding land has been transformed into a vibrant park that offers far more than just waterfront views.
The park sits in the eastern part of Singapore, bordered by Bedok North and Tampines West, making it especially convenient for residents of those housing estates. It also lies directly behind Temasek Polytechnic — a bonus for students who have nature and watersports practically at their doorstep. For cyclists and walkers, Bedok Reservoir is linked to the broader Eastern Corridor via the Park Connector Network (PCN), connecting you to Pasir Ris Park, Tampines Eco Park, and the Siglap Park Connector.
What to See and Do
Walk or Jog the 4.3 km Loop
The reservoir is encircled by a 4.3 km (2.7 mile) gravel trail — a popular route for joggers and walkers. Distance markers are embedded along the path, and because it is a circular loop, you will see people moving in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, with some ambitious runners completing two laps. The trail is notably cyclist-unfriendly (the gravel surface deters most bikes), which makes it a calmer, safer space for pedestrians compared to other shared paths in Singapore.
The views are particularly striking in the late afternoon and around sunset, when the light hits the water at an angle that turns the reservoir into a mirror of the sky.
Watersports and Adventure
- Kayaking and dragon boating — available via the watersports centre, Passionwave
- Forest Adventure — a treetop obstacle course with ziplines and hanging ropes
- Fishing — permitted only at designated fishing decks; used-hook-and-line bins are provided for proper disposal
The Floating Decks
If your goal is simply to pause and absorb the view, the floating decks — complete with benches — are the best spots in the park. They extend over the water and offer an unobstructed perspective of the reservoir, especially atmospheric as the sun begins to set.
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| A scenic view of Bedok Reservoir along the boardwalk |
Unexpected Park Features
The Berlin Wall
Perhaps the most surprising landmark in the park is a segment of the Berlin Wall, installed in 2010 to mark the 20th anniversary of its fall on 9 November 1989. The original installation was painted black and stood as a sculptural reminder of German reunification and the power of collective, non-violent change.
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| Where a segment of Berlin Wall used to stand |
The Termite Mounds
As you walk through the park, you will notice light-brown, mud-coloured mounds at the base of trees and scattered across grassy areas. These are the nests of fungus-growing termites (Macrotermes carbonarius), and they have become an accidental signature of the park.
Despite their reputation, these termites do not eat live wood. They consume fallen leaves, dead bark, and decaying organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. (A fun fact: termites are not ants — they are social cockroaches.)
Do watch your step, though. Red ants also inhabit the grassier areas and are less philosophically inclined to share space peacefully.
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| A termite mound |
Tiger Orchids
Bedok Reservoir is home to massive Tiger Orchids — the largest orchid species in the world. They bloom only once a year, typically from July to September. Outside of blooming season, the plants are easy to miss entirely, as the flowers are the only giveaway. If you are visiting during those months, keep an eye out for these dramatic purple-pink blooms.
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| Blooming Tiger Orchids |
Park Life
Bedok Reservoir Park is a genuine community space. On any given weekend, you will encounter:
- Yoga groups with their floor mats spread on the grass
- Children learning to roller-skate on the open pavements
- Domestic workers gathering on Sundays for sing-alongs with fellow countrymen
- Bird enthusiasts at the Bird Singing Area, where metal poles are dedicated to hanging caged songbirds for competitive chirping sessions
The park also includes two playgrounds, an outdoor fitness station, and the standard family-friendly amenities found across Singapore's park network.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Wawawa Bistro — located within the park itself, offering meals and drinks with reservoir views
- Burger King and Fun Toast — situated in the nearby HometeamNS building, a cheaper alternative
- Aqua Adventure — also in HometeamNS, featuring water slides if you want to extend the day
How to Get There
Bedok Reservoir Park is a 5-minute walk from Bedok Reservoir MRT Station (Downtown Line, blue line). The proximity to public transport makes it one of the more accessible reservoirs in Singapore for a spontaneous scenic outing or workout.
Quick Tips
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon to sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures |
| Trail length | 4.3 km loop |
| Activities | Jogging, walking, fishing, kayaking, dragon boating, treetop adventure |
| What to bring | Water, insect repellent (for ants and mosquitoes), sunscreen |
| MRT | Bedok Reservoir Station (DT30) |
| Unique features | Berlin Wall segment, termite mounds, Tiger Orchids, Bird Singing Area |
Final Thoughts
Bedok Reservoir is not the largest park in Singapore, nor the wildest. But it is a rare example of a former industrial site that has been reclaimed into something genuinely useful and beautiful. Whether you are there for a serious run, a lazy afternoon on a floating deck, or simply to count termite mounds and wonder at a piece of Cold War history sitting quietly in the tropics, the reservoir rewards curiosity.
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