Sembawang Hot Spring
Touch its water and you’ll know why people visits the hot spring in Singapore

The Sembawang Hot Spring is popular with local people for its apparent curative properties. They believe that the minerals found in the hot springs especially the sulphide content are able to cure sickness such as rheumatism, arthritis, and skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.

Some old people we met there said that they feel healthier and younger by having a regular visit to the springs.

It’s quite embarrassing to tell you that I have a problem with my feet. They are stinking! I use foot powder, foot spray, etc. to eliminate the smell. I change my shoes everyday and clean them thoroughly – I’ve done that since young. It doesn’t work!

Not until I went to the Sembawang Hot Spring and soaked my feet inside the pail with approximately 55 deg C water (I guessed) for about 1 hour. They are ok now! No more smell!

By the way, the water temperature ranges between 100 and 150 deg C. It will drop to 70 - 50 deg C after few hours. Bring small towels, swim suit, comfortable clothes, and sandals when you go there. We suggest you to dip the towel in the hot water squeeze it and put it on your face or body to get a natural hot massage!

How does the place look like?

It’s actually an open cemented field in the middle of tropical forest with high fence along the perimeter of the springs to separate it from the military camp.

Located along Gambas Avenue near the junction of Sembawang Road and Gambas Avenue, you’ll see the pathway with small door opening and sign board. This is the entrance to the Sembawang Hot Spring.

Inside, you’ll see the hot water pipes connected to the hot springs with electrical water pump. Colorful pails (coated with a thin layer of white residue actually) and water tanks are everywhere to collect the hot water from the pipes.

History

Have you heard about Liang Seah Street, a street name near Bugis Junction? I thought this name was related to Seah Liang Seah, the Chinese pioneer who owned the pineapple plantation estate at Sembawang in late eighties. Am I right?

According to history, his son named Seah Eng Kong discovered Sembawang Hot Spring in 1909.

The spring became popular with the villagers at that time. They went there to boil eggs, wash their clothes and de-feather poultry. The place gained fame and widely known as “Kampong Ayer Panas”, translated as "Village of Hot Water".

The Japanese who came to Singapore during World War II built a number of thermal baths in the area, to relax in the waters.

The spring was also known to the punters as giving them luck in the 60’s. They went there to have "good luck" baths before the start of races.

Few ideas to develop the area into a spa-like tourist resort were discussed over the time since then. However, nothing has been materialized yet.

As for now, the spring is preserved by the government.

Source: National Library Board, Author: Renuka M. & Nureza Ahmad

Opening Hours:

How to get to Sembawang Hot Spring?

1. By Bus:
• Take MRT and alight at Yishun MRT (NS 13), take bus no. 800, 811, 965 to Yishun Avenue 7 and walk toward Gambas Avenue.
• Take MRT and alight at Woodlands MRT (NS 9), take bus No. 858, 965, or 969 to Gambas Avenue.
2. By Private Car:
• Park your car at HDB Car Park Block 118 Yishun Avenue 7, walk toward the junction of Sembawang Road and Gambas Avenue.

Admission: Free

Here is your walking guide:

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