Whether you’re from around Sembawang or just planning to visit, it’s still one of the most fun places to visit in Singapore. At Sembawang, you can find the famous battleship playground, its popular hot spring park, black and white bungalows and much more!
But the coastal town of Sembawang is actually more than just its hot spring park and playgrounds. It is one of Singapore’s most popular historic destinations with a rich naval heritage residing within its old buildings and landmarks.
Thanks to the National Heritage Board’s self-guided heritage trail, we’ve listed down all the kid-friendly places to visit at Sembawang.
So bring the kids along and kickstart your own mini-adventure at Sembawang from its natural hot spring park to its coastal kampong mosque!
Places To Visit At Sembawang: Hot Spring Park, Battleship Playground, Historic Landmarks And More!
1. Sembawang Park
Image source: NParks website
If you’re planning to visit Sembawang, you should definitely add Sembawang Park to your itinerary! This park was named after the Sembawang tree, which you can find towering across the area.
Sembawang Park is the perfect place to take the whole family for a sunny tranquil day out. It has a breathtaking beachside view and there are even shelters as well as barbecue pits scattered throughout the park.
Walk further along the restored old pathways of Sembawang Park and you’ll be able to spot historical places such as the Beaulieu House, Sembawang memorial, and Sembawang Shipyard, which used to be a British Naval Base from 1938 to 1968.
The park is also famous among kids, thanks to its maritime-themed playground that everybody loves. This brings us to our second must-visit Sembawang spot.
2. Battleship Playground
Image source: iStock
Installed in the park after its renovation in 2011, the popular Battleship Playground has all kids jumping in excitement. Everybody wants to climb, run and hop within the uniquely designed installation.
True to its name, the playground is built to resemble a battleship seemingly floating on the sand. The structure has enough slides and climbing parts for children to enjoy as well as a clean white sandpit.
While it is meant to entertain the kids, it actually holds a historical element to it. The Sembawang Park playground is actually a homage to the Sembawang Naval Base that occupied the area from the 1920s to 1971.
3. Beaulieu House
Image source: iStock
From historic buildings to holiday homes, Sembawang Park has a number of these on its centuries-old land. Beaulieu House in particular is a must-see holiday home that overlooks Johor Strait.
With its name derived from the French phrase “beautiful place,” the restaurant does not disappoint with its intricately designed building and the eye-catching seaside view that it offers when you dine in.
4. Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang
Image source: Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura website
Another historical spot you should visit at Sembawang is the only surviving coastal kampong mosque, Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang.
Dated way back in 1963, the mosque is a landmark that serves as a reminder of the past coastal villages that used to be around during the kampong days.
Aside from the lush green space surrounding the mosque, it also contains a large rubber tree that is said to be the oldest one in Singapore.
You will also find a kentong drum placed at the entrance, which used to be struck to call to prayer for the surrounding coastal villages.
5. The Former Admiralty House
Image source: Roots.sg website
Before getting to the Sembawang Hot Spring Park, it wouldn’t hurt to also visit the National Monument around the area.
The Former Admiralty House was the home of the highest-ranking British officer in charge of the naval base in the past.
It used to be the grandest building built in the arts and crafts architecture style, between the years 1939 and 1940.
The Former Admiralty House was originally known as the Navy House or Canberra House as it was located near the Canberra Road.
As the National Monument was built on top of a hill, its occupants get to enjoy a clear view of the Sembawang Naval Base and the Johor Straits.
6. Sembawang Beach
Image source: iStock
After you’ve visited the historical sights and the playground, you can head down to Sembawang Beach where you can spot enough sand and shady trees to layout a fun picnic.
Spend an afternoon with the entire family with the fresh sea breeze to accompany you and maybe take a dip in the water when you feel like it.
7. Sembawang Hot Spring Park | (Temporarily Closed)
Image source: NParks website
What’s a trip to Sembawang without visiting the popular Sembawang Hot Spring Park! Bask in the relaxing streams from the hot springs of Sembawang. There is also a Floral Walk that visitors can enjoy and seating areas sheltered by planted trellises.
The Sembawang Hot Spring Park also holds a bit of history to its community as its rustic environment is still reminiscent of old kampungs.
In addition to this, the Sembawang Hot Spring Park now has new cascading pools and a water collection point. There are even educational panels for visitors to learn more about the history of the hot springs.
While the Sembawang Hot Spring Park is temporarily closed due to pandemic restrictions, it is still a popular place to visit and should not be missed out on if you’re planning a trip to the area.
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