Sembawang Hot Spring

The Sembawang Hot Spring is a unique attraction located in Singapore and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts touring the country.

The hot spring was first discovered in 1909 by a merchant of Chinese origin by the name Seah Eng Keong.

Following this discovery, a well was constructed around the spring. The well’s waters were revered for their healing powers, and many villagers took time to visit it. Its popularity led to the change of the village’s name in which the spring is located to Kampong Ayer Panas which translates to the ‘Hot Water Village’.

Over the years, the land on which the spring is located has been saved from destruction following plans by the Ministry of Defence to expand the airbase. Today, the spring attracts as many as 300 people daily, providing a perfect destination for those keen to explore and discover one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets.

The hot spring’s waters are rich in mineral salts and this is believed to give it its curative powers. As such, the spring continues to attract both locals and foreigners looking to immerse themselves in its healing waters. It is important, however, to mention that visitors who suffer from conditions affecting the nervous system are required to take extra caution to prevent accidents and injuries.

In addition to the spring, there is also an abandoned brick house that is thought to be part and parcel of a bottled drinking factory that was once built on location. Sembawang Hot Spring is located close to the junction of Gambas Avenue and Sembawang Road. Take Jalan Ulu Sembawang to get to the spring and enjoy a day out of the city.

Sembawang Hot Spring is currently managed by Sembawang Air Base grounds, but is open to the general public. Visit the spring anytime between 7am and 7pm. Note that even though this is referred to a spring, visitors only get to access the concrete base with standpipes that jut from the structure and channel the hot water to visitors. It is not unusual to see visitors carry their own buckets for this purpose.