An Office Worker’s Guide to One-North Park, a Green Oasis Amidst the Grind
Not many people are aware of One-North Park in Singapore, despite it being one of the few parks that strike a balance between city convenience and natural calm. It’s designed for both quick breaks and full-day outings, with its open lawns and canopy boardwalks.
Although I discovered it through my work, I believe this hidden gem offers something for all ages. Let me be your virtual guide to its nooks and crannies, so you can see why it’s worth a visit.
Overview of One-North Park
One-North Park is an urban park in Singapore designed as a green corridor linking Biopolis, Fusionopolis, and Mediapolis. It opened in 2002, weaving nature into the city’s research and business hub.
The park provides walking trails, plazas, and lawns that connect people working in the district while offering spaces to relax. It’s both a leisure spot for residents and a natural complement to the innovation-focused surroundings.
Things to Know
Location: North Buona Vista Road
Hours: 24/7
Accessibility: Barrier-free paths, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, ramps and gradual slopes, rest areas with benches
Amenities: Clean public restrooms in Biopolis, Fusionopolis, and Mediapolis, shaded benches, and nearby restaurants
Pet-friendly? Yes, but pets must be kept leashed and cleaned up after
Rules and restrictions:
- Keep noise levels low
- Don’t feed wildlife or release animals into the park
- Stay on designated trails for cycling and walking
- No smoking
- Dispose of litter properly
- No drone flying where prohibited
How to Get There
By MRT: The easiest way to reach One-North Park is by MRT on the Circle Line. Alight at One-North MRT Station (CC23), and you’ll find park entrances within a short walk, connecting directly to the Biopolis and Fusionopolis sections.
By bus: Bus services such as 91, 92, 95, 191, 198, and 200 stop along North Buona Vista Road and nearby Fusionopolis, placing you just a short walk away from the park’s entrances.
By car or taxi/dropoff: Head towards Buona Vista Road, where the park runs alongside Biopolis, Fusionopolis, and Mediapolis. Parking is available at nearby buildings like Fusionopolis and Biopolis, and taxis can drop off directly at designated points near the park entry.
Things to See and Do at One-North Park
Take in the views at Hilltop Plaza
– Media from jeronimoloco
Location: Biopolis section adjacent to the development cluster
Hilltop Plaza at Biopolis gives you some of the best elevated views in One-North Park. The shaded ficus trees make it a cool, breezy spot to sit and take in the scenery.
The open plaza feels tucked away, yet still connected to the heart of Biopolis. It’s ideal for quiet phone calls, reading a good book, or simply unwinding between walks.
Pro-tip: Pack a light snack or a book; Hilltop Plaza is one of the breeziest rest stops in the park.
Walk the Forest Canopy boardwalk
– Media from rowell.heria
Location: Central Exchange Green, Fusionopolis South
The Forest Canopy boardwalk at Fusionopolis is a 150 m elevated walkway that takes you above the trees. Observation platforms along the way give you a clear view of the greenery and passing birds.
It’s fully wheelchair-accessible, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy the canopy experience.
Pro-tip: Early mornings are the best time to spot species like parakeets and green pigeons.
Bring the kids to the Biopolis playground
– Media from littledayout
Location: Beside the Chromos building, Biopolis Way
The Biopolis Playground has interactive play gear like monkey bars, climbing frames, and sound corners to keep kids engaged. My kids and I find it a safe and lively spot tucked within the park’s greenery.
Parents like me appreciate its location next to family-friendly amenities like Pepperoni at Chromos. We usually let the little ones play, then head over for an easy meal together.
Pro-tip: Visit in the late afternoon so the kids can play in cooler weather, and you can wrap up the day with an early casual dinner.
Chill out at The Oval
– Media from alice.mediapolis
Location: Mediapolis precinct, near 1 Stars Avenue
The Oval at Mediapolis is a wide, open lawn that’s great for group games like frisbee, football, or even tag. Families and friends often use it as a gathering space to relax and play.
It’s also right next to Cafe Melba, so you can easily grab food or drinks before or after your planned activities. The mix of greenery and nearby amenities makes it one of the most convenient hangouts in One-North Park.
Pro-tip: Come over on weekends. The Oval often feels livelier with families and community events.
Spot colourful birds in the wild
– Media from urbanbirdsinitiativesg
Location: Forest Canopy Boardwalk, Fusionopolis South
Surprisingly, One-North Park is also a good spot to see long-tailed parakeets and green-necked pigeons among the trees. I wasn’t even using binoculars when I first spotted them!
The best birdwatching place in the park is the Forest Canopy boardwalk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Along the paths, you’ll also notice them among plants like the common Lantana, the Chinese fringe flower, and shady ficus trees.
Pro-tip: If you want to see parakeets and pigeons perched higher on the canopy, bring a zoom lens or a high-powered pair of binoculars.
Jog or cycle through scenic trails
– Media from lafuturesila
Locations: Biopolis, Fusionopolis North & South, Mediapolis
One-North Park has that mix of hilly and flat paths that make jogging, cycling, and even inline skating more varied and exciting. The Biopolis gives you a bit of a slope, while Fusionopolis and Mediapolis offer smoother stretches.
You’ll also find exercise corners along the way if you want to add bodyweight routines to your run or ride. I find it a solid option for combining cardio with outdoor workouts.
Pro-tip: Start at Biopolis for a cardio push on the slopes, then cool down with a flat cycle or jog through Fusionopolis.
Find a quiet corner for a picnic
– Media from homesbyanne
Locations: The Oval at Mediapolis; Banyan clusters near Rochester
The park has several quiet corners where you can lay down a mat for a picnic. The shaded areas under Banyan trees give a cool, calm spot away from the main paths.
It’s also a nice place to catch up on reading or get a quick shut-eye before getting back to the daily grind. It’s easy enough to find your peaceful nook, thanks to One-North Park’s mix of greenery and open lawns.
Pro-tip: Pack light bites like sandwiches, sushi rolls, or cut fruit so they’re easier to carry, make less mess, and can be easily shared.
Join outdoor group activities
– Media from talesfromthebackpack
Locations: The Oval at Mediapolis; Biopolis and Fusionopolis trails
I’ve joined friends at The Oval in Mediapolis for frisbee games, which is easily the best spot at the park because of its wide, open space. The lawn feels like it’s made for big gatherings and weekend meetups.
When it’s just a smaller group, we usually end up at Rochester West or East for a relaxed picnic or a slow cycle. On more active days, the Biopolis and Fusionopolis trails are our go-to for group runs and fitness sessions.
Pro-tip: Head to nearby Fusionopolis or Biopolis for clean restrooms to freshen up after your workout or picnic.
Explore nature trails
– Media from bebiertq
Location: Interconnected routes of Biopolis, Fusionopolis North & South, and Mediapolis precincts
I like how the trails in One-North Park link Biopolis, Mediapolis, and Fusionopolis into one continuous walk. It feels like you’re slipping through a green corridor in the middle of the business district.
Expect the Biopolis stretch to be lined with more trees and gentler slopes, while Fusionopolis and Mediapolis open up into flatter paths framed by greenery. When you walk through them, you’ll notice how the park shifts from shaded clusters to open landscapes.
Pro-tip: Go in the early morning for a great mix of cool air, bird calls, and soft light.
Spot some public sculptures
– Media from autumnrhapsodyy
Locations: Rochester West precinct; Biopolis junction
At Biopolis, you can’t miss the “Flying Carpet” perched on the slope. It’s visible even from the Buona Vista MRT! Nearby, the “12 Gentlemen” adds a quiet (at times, eerie) artistic touch to the open space.
Over at Rochester West, keep your eyes peeled for some bronze sculptural pieces that brighten the paths and make evening walks more playful. These pieces turn the park into both a green corridor and an open-air gallery.
Pro-tip: Visit near the golden hour when the sculptures look especially striking in the fading light.