Springleaf Nature Park Singapore

Tucked away in the Upper Thomson area, Springleaf Nature Park is more than just a peaceful patch of green — it’s a place where Singapore’s kampong past and rich biodiversity blend seamlessly. Once home to Nee Soon Village, a bustling rural settlement, the park now serves as a vital ecological buffer to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and a quiet haven for nature lovers.

A Glimpse Into Springleaf’s Kampong Past

Long before it became a nature park, this area was known as Chan Chu Kang, a kangchu plantation founded by Chan Ah Lak in the 1800s. It was later renamed Nee Soon Village in the early 20th century after businessman and rubber magnate Lim Nee Soon. The village thrived through the 1960s–70s with homes, markets, clinics, and schools, before resettlement programs moved residents to Yishun New Town.

Today, traces of that kampong history live on — from oil palm trees planted during plantation days to educational signboards detailing the park’s legacy.

Location and How to Get There

• Address: Along Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787123
• Nearest MRT: Springleaf MRT Station (TE4) – 5–7 minute walk from Exit 1
• Bus Services: Buses 167, 169, 860 stop nearby

Whether you’re driving or taking public transport, the park is easily accessible and well-connected via park connectors.

Opening Hours and Entry

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily
• Entry Fee: Free for all visitors

Facilities Available

Springleaf Nature Park offers a well-maintained yet rustic experience. Visitors will find:

• Walking and jogging trails
• A pavilion with sheltered rest areas and toilets
• Carpark
• Bird-watching observation deck overlooking Sungei Seletar
• Informative signs about the area’s history and wildlife

Things to Do at Springleaf Nature Park

1. Bird Watching

The park is a sanctuary for over 80 bird species, including stork-billed kingfishers, blue-throated bee-eaters, bulbuls, and sunbirds. The bird-watching deck offers unobstructed views of the waterway and surrounding trees.

2. Nature Trails and Photography

A loop trail takes you past serene water bodies, tall trees, and remnants of old plantations. It’s a great spot for photography, especially during golden hour.

3. Explore Kampong Heritage

Interpretive boards share stories of the former Nee Soon Village and the area’s transformation. You might even spot old plantation crops like rubber trees and oil palms near the entrance.

4. Relax and Reconnect

With fewer crowds than major parks, Springleaf is ideal for a quiet picnic, solo reflection, or mindful walking.

Conservation and Ecology

Opened in 2014, Springleaf Nature Park plays a key role as an ecological buffer to reduce edge effects on the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It’s part of Singapore’s broader strategy to balance urban development with biodiversity protection.

Insider Tips

• Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for bird activity and cooler weather
• Wear insect repellent as the area is lush with vegetation
• Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for wildlife photography
• Pair your visit with nearby attractions like Lower Seletar Reservoir or Upper Thomson’s food spots

Official Website

For trail maps, wildlife info, and conservation updates, visit:
NParks – Springleaf Nature Park

Final Thoughts

Springleaf Nature Park offers a peaceful green respite while preserving Singapore’s kampong heritage. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a history buff, or just seeking solitude in nature, this park promises a deeply rewarding visit just steps from the city.