Bedok and Tampines are the heart of the east, and this morning links a reservoir, two hawker centres and a public pool, all within the one town. We'd start on the reservoir loop at 6.45am, while the path is cool and quiet, then eat chwee kueh at Bedok 85, swim, and have lunch at the interchange.
The route is cheap: the park is free, an adult swim is S$2 on a weekday and lunch is hawker prices. Heartbeat@Bedok is shut on Thursdays, so pick another day if you want the pool. On a weekend morning the reservoir's bird singing area is at its best, and Bedok 85's stall hours vary, so keep to the early start.
Where to start
Bedok Reservoir MRT (DT30)
When to go
Morning, start by 6:45am
Stop by stop
We'd do these in order, and each linked stop has its price and directions.
6:45 AM
The reservoir loop
Bedok Reservoir Park is a 200-metre walk from Bedok Reservoir MRT and open 24 hours. Walk the 4.3km gravel track around the water, and on weekend mornings stop at the bird singing area, where songbirds hang in wooden cages on tall poles. Kayak hire costs extra. Give it 75 minutes.
8:15 AM
Chwee kueh at Bedok 85
Bedok 85 Market is at Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4, with about 72 cooked-food stalls and 142 market-produce stalls. Look up the nearest bus stop in a transit app before you set out. Stall hours vary, so go early for the chwee kueh and fried snacks.
9:45 AM
A swim at Heartbeat@Bedok
Heartbeat@Bedok Swimming Complex is on Level 5 of the Heartbeat@Bedok building, with linkways to Bedok MRT and the bus interchange. It opens at 8am and has a competition pool, a learner pool and an interactive pool with a jacuzzi. Bring a towel and give it an hour.
11:30 AM
Lunch at the interchange
Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre is at Blk 208B New Upper Changi Road, with about 70 cooked-food stalls and the bus interchange upstairs. It opened in 2014 as a replacement centre, and it's a plain, practical hall where the cooking is good.
Save for another day
- Tampines Eco Green, 36 hectares with three bird hides, best at dawn and unlit after dark
- Thursdays, when Heartbeat@Bedok is closed for weekly maintenance
- Kayak hire at the reservoir, which is ticketed separately
Before you go
Book ahead where you need to, and turn up for the rest.
Bedok Reservoir ParkBedok · FreeGo
Bedok 85 MarketBedok · FreeGoHeartbeat@Bedok Swimming ComplexBedok · From S$2Tickets 
Bedok Interchange Hawker CentreBedok · FreeGo
Tampines Eco GreenTampines · FreeGoReservoir to Bedok 85 questions
How do I get to Bedok Reservoir Park by MRT?
Take the Downtown Line to Bedok Reservoir MRT (DT30). NParks says the park is a 200-metre walk from the station and open 24 hours. The park sits on the Eastern Coastal Loop of the Park Connector Network, and the gravel track around the water is 4.3km.
When is Heartbeat@Bedok Swimming Complex closed?
Every Thursday, for weekly maintenance, unless the Thursday is a public holiday. On other days it is open 8am to 9.30pm, with lane swimming for the competition pool from 6.30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. An adult swim is S$2 on weekdays and S$2.60 at weekends and public holidays.
Is Heartbeat@Bedok near Bedok MRT?
Yes, it is in the Bedok Town Centre, and the People's Association says the building has linkways to the MRT station and the bus interchange. The swimming complex is on Level 5 at 11 Bedok North Street 1. Bedok MRT is EW5 on the East-West Line.
Can I add Tampines Eco Green to the Bedok route?
Yes, as a separate outing. NParks lists Tampines MRT as the nearest station, and the park is open 24 hours but unlit, so leave by 7pm. It has three bird hides, and pets and cycling aren't allowed. The dirt trails aren't wheelchair accessible, though the perimeter footpath is.
Stories from along the way
Longer reads on the places you'll pass through.
