Good news for joggers, cyclists, and nature lovers! Yishun Dam is set to receive a major upgrade with the development of a new Park Connector Network (PCN). This improvement will make the area a lot more accessible, safer, and enjoyable for everyone while preserving its scenic beauty. Just need to bear with the interim construction phase though. 🙄

The Yishun Dam has been one of my favourite haunts since the 90s. In the late 90s or early 2000s, I recall seeing folks playing mahjong or having BBQ along the stone pathway of the sea-facing bank. 

For those who do not know about Yishun Dam (formerly known as Sungei Seletar Dam), it is one of the most scenic spots in Singapore to watch a beautiful sunrise (on the sea-facing bank) or a picturesque sunset (on the reservoir-facing bank) 🌞. It is a 975-metre long earth-filled dam - the open vastness of its view gives you the peace and tranquility that you cannot find in the densely constructed urban landscape of Singapore.  

The open stretch of the dam is ideal for those who love nature, cycling, jogging, fishing, photography, or simply relaxing by the water 🚴‍♂️🏃🧺. Along with the refreshing sea breeze, it’s a fantastic place to work out while taking in the stunning waterfront views.

However, truth be told, the stone pathway has not been maintained over the years and certainly gives a bumpy or fall-prone ride if you attempt to cycle on the stone pathway instead of the smooth road beside it. In other words, the accessibility of Yishun dam is limited, especially if you are wheel-chair bound. Thus,  although the stone pathway contributes to the 'nostalgic' look of Yishun Dam, I think it's a good idea to integrate the park connector with the dam, so that more can enjoy what the dam offers.

As with all park connectors, the new park connector should feature well-paved, dedicated lanes for joggers and cyclists along the 975-metre stretch, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience. With clearly marked paths, we can look forward to uninterrupted scenic runs or relaxing bike rides along the dam.

Along the way, you may spot different bird and reptile species. In the past, I have caught sight of an occasional monitor lizard entering the shallow waters and witnessed the action of a white-bellied sea eagle circling above the waters and diving towards the sea for a fish catch 🦅🐟.

At the Southeastern end of the dam, you will find the recently completed Rower's Bay - a popular rest point for joggers and cyclists. At the Rower's Bay, you will find several viewing decks where you can chill and admire the panoramic waterfront views of the Yishun Dam and the Lower Seletar Reservoir.

In essence, the new park connector will make the Yishun Dam more accessible and inclusive to visitors and residents of Yishun by foot or wheels, enabling regular folks to easily traverse between the picturesque nature spots of Yishun and Seletar. I believe this will certainly add to Yishun’s reputation as a nature destination for visitors to Singapore!

Getting to Yishun Dam

To reach Yishun Dam by public transport, board Bus 117 from Khatib MRT Station and alight at the 'Aft Shell Aviation' stop on West Camp Road. A short walk will lead you to Yishun Dam and Rower's Bay.