Coney Island

Tucked off the Punggol coast and reached by a footbridge, Coney Island Park (Pulau Serangoon) is a deliberately rugged escape kept about as wild as Singapore's parks get. A 2.4-kilometre gravel spine runs the length of the island through casuarina woods, grassland and mangroves, with five rustic 'beach areas' and bird hides along the way. Keen-eyed visitors spot kingfishers, otters and even the island's famous resident Brahman bull. There are no shops, toilets are basic and there's little shade — so bring water, sunscreen and, ideally, a bicycle to cover ground. It's a peaceful, slightly offbeat half-day, easily paired with the Punggol waterfront.