Singapore - There’s something magical about early mornings in Singapore, especially when nature is involved. On a quiet weekday morning, my sister and I decided to start our day with a walk at Hampstead Wetlands Park, a tranquil green space tucked away near Seletar Airport. At 7:30am, the air was crisp, the skies clear, and the park was already humming gently with the sounds of birdcalls, rustling leaves, and a few curious visitors just like us. There are ample pubic car parks around.
A Hidden Gem Near Seletar
Hampstead Wetlands Park isn’t a large park, but it’s a hidden gem for nature lovers. Managed by NParks, the park is part of a broader effort to restore habitats and biodiversity in urban settings, especially in areas like Seletar that are undergoing redevelopment. Once home to kampungs and later transformed into a private aerospace hub, this patch of land has found new life through ecological restoration.
According to NParks’ Handbook on Habitat Restoration, the park integrates carefully designed water features, native plant species, and conservation efforts to encourage the return of native wildlife. The wetland serves as a freshwater ecosystem that supports birds, reptiles, fish, and a wide range of flora. Despite its proximity to aviation and industry, the park has become an oasis of biodiversity.
A Chance Encounter with Birdwatchers (and Owls!)
As we entered the park, the golden morning light filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on the waters and boardwalk. After a short stroll along the trail, we noticed three birdwatchers gathered near the edge of the water, their cameras mounted on tripods, all eyes fixed on something hidden in the canopy.
Naturally curious, we walked up to them and gently asked what they were observing. One of the men turned to us with a smile and whispered, “It’s a baby owl. And its mother is perched just a few branches above, keeping a close watch.”
Our excitement doubled—how often do you stumble across an owl sighting in urban Singapore, especially a baby?
To our surprise, one of the birdwatchers offered to fetch a pair of binoculars from his car, parked just nearby. A few minutes later, he returned and handed them over. Peering through the lenses, we could see the fluffy little owl nestled among the branches. Its head bobbed slightly as it blinked its round, golden eyes, looking both vulnerable and curious. Higher up, the mother owl sat alert, her feathers beautifully camouflaged against the bark, eyes sharp and unwavering. It was an unforgettable moment—the closeness to these majestic creatures, the stillness of the morning, and the kindness of a stranger all rolled into one.
Teeming Wetlands and Curious Creatures
As we continued walking, we noticed how alive the wetlands were. The still waters were dotted with floating leaves and ripples from beneath. A closer look revealed terrapins basking on half-submerged logs and fish swimming toward the edge, perhaps mistaking us for visitors who might feed them. We stood there for a while, watching the mini-drama unfold beneath the surface—schooling fish darting in unison, terrapins dipping in and out of the water, and the occasional insect skimming across the surface.
The trail itself is an easy walk, with plenty of shaded areas and interpretive signboards that explain the local ecology. The design of the wetland encourages natural water flow, helping to manage rainwater runoff and support aquatic life. Native plant species planted around the area attract pollinators and birds, contributing to an ecosystem that feels both wild and thoughtfully curated.
Watching the Skies—Seletar Airport in Action
The park’s proximity to Seletar Airport means that, at any given moment, you might hear or see aircraft overhead. As we sat on a bench near the open viewing area, we saw several private jets coming in for landing or taking off. It was an odd but fascinating contrast—on one side, the stillness of nature; on the other, the sleek noise of aviation.
For the aviation curious, Seletar Airport is a lesser-known civil airport in Singapore. It's mostly used for private and chartered flights, as well as aerospace maintenance. Interestingly, the only commercial airline operating out of Seletar is Firefly, which runs regional flights between Singapore and destinations in Malaysia. Watching the Firefly propeller aircraft land and taxi felt almost nostalgic, like stepping back into a simpler era of flying.
Breakfast at Boh Geh Uncle Canteen
By 9am, hunger called. Just a short walk away, we found ourselves at the Boh Geh Uncle Canteen, an old-school kopitiam with serious retro vibes. It’s a place that looks untouched by time—faded signage, creaky plastic chairs, and the unmistakable smell of kopi and fried noodles. There were signs clearly displayed around the canteen: “No Photography”. The request adds a mysterious charm to the place. Perhaps it’s about maintaining privacy, or simply preserving the no-frills authenticity of the space.
Despite its modest appearance, the food was delicious. I ordered steam bee hoon with egg, and my sister order the same steaming hot bee hoon with fried fish fillet. The Malay lady behind the counter moved with the efficiency of someone who’s been doing this for decades—minimal small talk, maximum flavour.
As we wrapped up our morning and drove home, I thought about how rare it is these days to find places like Hampstead Wetlands Park and Boh Geh Uncle Canteen in a city constantly evolving and redeveloping. Both spots—so different in nature—offered the same kind of satisfaction: a quiet pause, an unexpected discovery, and a glimpse into the parts of Singapore that still pulse with authenticity.
Whether you're a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or just someone looking to slow down and reconnect with simpler things, a morning walk at Hampstead Wetlands Park promises a refreshing escape. And if you can pair it with a humble breakfast at a classic kopitiam, your day is off to the best possible start.
