West Coast Park is a coastal park located along West Coast Highway. However, unlike most coastal parks, West Coast Park is mostly not connected to the sea as it is blocked off by Pasir Panjang Container Terminal. However it does have many unique features and is worth visiting. The park is divided in 3 areas, which each have their own unique feel and sort of flows. For example, you would fine a mix of Area 1 and Area 3 in Area 2.
Area 1
Area 1 is classified as the eastern part of West Coast Park. It is characterised by a general lack of crowd and a more natural landscape. You will find clusters of 'rain forests' in and around Area 1 giving it a natural feel. However the noise from the container terminal and West Coast Highway is quite clear when you are in this area.
The containers at the terminal also blocks off most of the sea breeze, so in this area, you have little indication you are by the sea. This would be a nice area for an hour 'get away' if you find yourself in too urban an environment.
Area 2
Area 2 is the center part of the park. 2 unique things it has is a
bicycle obstacle course and a pedal go-kart shop. The bicycle obstacle course offers nothing challenging to the average adult cyclist, but should be of some challenge to children.
The pedal go-kart shop is something worth taking a look and perhaps trying out. This unique business seems to have picked the best spot in Singapore for their business,
with empty tracks 
that curve around on weekdays, this does seem like it is fun. Leslie, the man running the shop is friendly and offers information on the pedal go-karting.
He says that weekdays is the best for this activity as the tracks are empty and they offer $2 off on weekdays. You should reserve or be down early if you want to rent a kart on a weekend, as they are usually fully rented out after 4.30pm. If you feel like trying something new and if you are not put off paying $12 to rent a kart for 30 minutes, this does look like a fun activity to try.
Area 3
Area 3 is the happening part of West Coast Park. Located around Car Park 3, the most prominent landmark of the park is located here. The 24 hour MacDonald draws a crowd throughout the day. On weekends, you would be hard pressed to find a parking lot in Car Park 3.
Area 3 is home to 8 playgrounds. These playgrounds offer obstacles for children of all ages. There are even activities like a zip line and a pyramid to climb.
This is also the only part of West Coast Park that one can go right up to the sea. Do not expect any sandy beaches, nor a nice natural view. With Pasir Panjang Container Terminal to the East, Jurong Island to the South and Pandan Shipping industries to the West, this view is one of a busy maritime industry. Perhaps what is interesting is that in a single view, you can see all kinds of vessels ranging from motor sampans to LPG carriers to luxury boats.
The camping area in West Coast Park is located in Area 3. It is a medium size plot of land, suitable for perhaps 70 to 80 tents comfortably. The ground does have some issues, including hard soil on the top of the elevation and waterlogged-prone ground on the bottom. There are also many trees, mostly Casuarinas in the area. The best camping location in my opinion is somewhere on the higher ground with a nice gentle slope. This will prevent you from sleeping in the waterlogged bottom if it rains and allows you to peg into the ground as well.
The camping experience is somewhat unique in this area. The air has a constant smell of burnt fuel from the vessels and the lights from the ports and Jurong Island give Orchard Road a run for its money in terms of its brightness. You will also hear bum boats moving to and fro throughout the night. You get less of this if you camp further away from the water.
But West Coast Park does have its plus points as well, with a MacDonald's breakfast 3 minutes away and you could actually get your camping permit at the park itself, as the MacDonald's has an AXS machine located there. Children would love this park with much to do. Bright lights and a port feel should be interesting for anyone not in the industry.
Getting there:
Bus: West Coast Highway - 1755
Kent Ridge Bus Terminal (10 walk down Clementi Road) - 10, 33, 95, 151, 200, 560
Driving: West Coast Park is located along West Coast Highway.
From AYE: Exit off Clementi Road and head towards West Coast Highway. Take a left at West Coast Highway to get to Area 1 or take a right to get to Area 2 and 3. All areas have their own car parks.
Cycling: Either cycle down Clementi Road as mentioned above. If coming from West, you could take Jurong Town Hall Road to end and turn left. If you are coming from the East or city area, cycle down Pasir Panjang Road.
Go camping with the Iguania 4-men Dome Tent
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