Doesn’t a park in the north-eastern part of Singapore sound inviting? I am talking about Punggol Park. It is a place where the hustle and bustle of city life fades. Punggol Park is a green oasis that offers a refreshing escape.
Punggol Park spans 16 hectares. That is approximately 40 acres. Within its borders lies a five-hectare lake. This lake is a central feature. It adds to the park’s tranquil atmosphere. However, keep your kites at home. Kite flying is not allowed due to the nearby Paya Lebar Air Base.
The park is divided into two distinct zones. The Southern Active Zone is designed for major activities. It is equipped with facilities for recreation and exercise. The northern part of the park is a densely forested area. It is known as the Passive Zone. It is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
The plan for Punggol Park was announced in 1992. Hougang Avenue 8 and Hougang Avenue 10 became its location. The park is known for its pond. Many schools use it for 1.6 km runs. Interestingly, the pond was once a quarry. Sand was extracted from here. It reclaimed the swamps in Hougang. This is how the pond was formed.
Once upon a time, Punggol was a rustic rural kampong. There were rubber plantations and farms. Secret societies caused trouble here. Bodies were dumped in the swamp. Track 13 is now a housing estate. It is bordered by Punggol Walk, Sentul Crescent, and Punggol Central.
Punggol Road was once considered one of Singapore’s dirtiest roads. Motorists avoided it at night. Urban legends circulated about lone female passengers. Cab drivers picked them up at midnight. They asked to be dropped off at the old Muslim cemetery. People attributed the accidents to vengeful spirits.
There were 26 dirt tracks in Punggol. Many remained rural even in the late 80s. Some became dumping grounds for occult rituals. People left religious items under trees tied with yellow cloth. An urban legend said that Track 22 was the Gates of Hell. Spiritual practitioners would spend the night there.
At Track 26 stood Masjid Wak Sumang. There were rumors of Pontianak sightings. An old Malay woman recalled hearing scratching sounds. These sounds came from the mosque’s roof. It was said that they appeared on Thursday evenings.
The Punggol Waterway was constructed in 2009. It connects the Serangoon and Punggol rivers. It is 4.2 km long. It is flanked by housing, recreation, and diners.
Supernatural beliefs linger. Locals say spirits are drawn to large bodies of water. The Punggol Waterway may be man-made. The land’s history is often forgotten. Some believe restless spirits need to claim souls to reincarnate.
An elderly retiree shared a chilling experience. He felt a dark presence after walking along the waterway. He had disturbing dreams. A spiritual master helped him. He had accidentally brought a spirit home. The master performed a ritual. The retiree slept peacefully after that.
Today, Punggol Park is a place for recreation. It is also a place with a rich history. It invites us to reflect on the past. Take a stroll around the lake. Enjoy the tranquility of the Passive Zone. Punggol Park offers something for everyone.