A Jog In The Park
Not all business parks are created equal. While some resemble concrete jungles, others are surrounded by lush greenery and wide, open spaces that encourage denizens to take a moment to smell the roses.
The Singapore Science Park (SSP) is a classic example. Here, uplifting workspaces are nestled in landscaped avenues, while legit parks (yes, the type with trees and gardens) are just a stone’s throw away. Over at one-north, the upcoming Rochester Commons is another exciting destination, characterised by rolling lawns in a campus-like environment.
Whether you are a serious or casual runner, both SSP and one-north are excellent neighbourhoods to take to the pavements. Check out these trails for a good cardio workout!
Great for Beginners: Explore Singapore Science Park 1
The 1.2 km Science Park Drive offers an easy terrain with quaint detours. From Exit B of the Kent Ridge MRT Station (CC24), make your way past the upcoming site Geneo, and towards ① Ascent’s stately façade at the entrance of SSP 1. Behind these corporate walls lie a stylish lobby with cosy interiors.
💡Tip #1: Warm-ups are a good way to prevent exercise injuries. Ascent has plenty of great spots for you to stretch before your run!
Pick up the pace as you continue the trail along the sheltered sidewalk. Can you spot ② 5 Science Park Drive also known at the Shopee building at Geneo, the upcoming life sciences and innovation hub from the road?
When you're ready, continue to build your stamina by detouring into all the side roads as you run towards ③ The Rutherford at the end of Science Park Drive. Notice the manicured lawns and array of amenities — from cafes to childcare centres — as you loop around the entrances of the buildings.
💡Tip #2: Remember to pace your breaths and hydrate throughout your journey. Need a seat? Take a short break at the bus stops situated along the main road.
Before making your way back to the starting point, challenge yourself by mapping your route to the adjacent ④ Kent Ridge Park. Find the opening to the park from across ⑤ Oasis and locate the picturesque pond nearby for some Insta-worthy snaps. Increase your step count by exploring the Canopy Walk and make use of the free exercise equipment scattered throughout the park!
💡Tip #3: Don't forget to train your arms too! Achieve a full body workout at The Oasis, an amenities hub where you can scale the walls at Fit Bloc - Singapore's largest indoor fitness and climbing gym!
Seasoned Runners: Go The Whole Hog at Singapore Science Park 2
Experienced runners may continue from the main entrance of Kent Ridge Park (at Vigilante Drive) to SSP 2, and enjoy the idyllic settings of ⑥ South Buona Vista Road and Pasir Panjang Road along the way. Alternatively, pump it up with a short jog from Haw Par Villa MRT Station (CC25) to the start of SSP 2.
As you enter, turn right into the open driveway leading to ⑦ The Alpha, where a high concentration of global and local IT and R&D firms call home. Pay attention to the generous footpaths, tree-lined avenues and tranquil atmosphere — a refreshing contrast to the crowded cityscape and vapid skyscrapers downtown! Next, cross over to ⑧ The Capricorn to check out its luxurious new exterior, glasshouse-like lobby, and lush courtyard. Find a good spot to perform some yoga stretches!
💡Tip #4: Make a pit stop at any of the SSP 2 buildings to clock in your static sets like lunges and knee lifts. Or, take an aesthetic yoga shot while holding the Tree Pose in between green passageways.
Feel the burn as you push on towards ⑨ The Gemini, a hub for chemical, life sciences, software development and IT companies. You'll know you're here when the four-lobby building's iconic pyramid structure comes into view. Run past ⑩ Sparkle and ⑪ The Aries to check in at ⑫ The Galen, where a new arrival plaza and rejuvenated lobby, complete with futuristic meeting pods and cosy huddle corners, await. If you have made it this far from SSP 1 (excluding distances covered in Kent Ridge Park), you would have clocked a good 5km!
Make it a mini-marathon and take on one-north
Can’t get enough of these verdant trails? Run beneath the canopies of the magnificent Ficus and Angsana trees at one-north Park, a 16-ha green corridor spanning the entire length of one-north. The park is just a five-minute jog from ⑬ Rochester Commons, CapitaLand’s first campus-style integrated development. Spanning 17 storeys, Rochester Commons integrates modern workspaces, lifestyle offerings and hotel accommodation all under one roof - designed to complement Rochester Park’s iconic black-and-white bungalows.
There are many ways to explore one-north’s interconnected precincts. We suggest a quick orientation, starting from Exit A of the one-north MRT Station (CC23). Continue along Ayer Rajah Avenue and one-north Avenue towards Mediapolis, where Singapore’s finest soundstages and audio studios are housed at ⑭ Infinite Studios.
Turn this into an additional 3km endurance route by circling back to one-north MRT station via balmy ⑮ Portsdown Road, where you will discover blocks of colonial-style walk-up apartments and bungalows from a bygone era. Make ⑯ Galaxis your finishing line, and reward yourself at its two-storey food and retail podium right above the train station!
💡Tip #5: Sensible Running - Part-time ActiveSG fitness trainer Ms Annie Long advises that it is important for beginners to chart their own running pace. "Don't burn out by going too fast!"
She adds that "If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before progressing onto anything vigorous. An aching side also know as a side stitch is a common problem for new runners. If this happens, stop and focus on some deep breathing till the pain passes. To minimise its occurence, avoid a heavy meal before running. Also, remember to tuck in your tummy and maintain a good posture while running. Be mindful about the conditions of the running terrains, and invest in a pair of good running shoes to cushion your feet from impact and injury."
And with that, which level are you going to take on?
From lush landscapes to exciting eateries, the picturesque Singapore Science Park and one-north districts have much to offer. To learn more about our properties in these exciting locations, contact us.