Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant Review : Isolated Tranquility
Many of us would be familiar with Marina Barrage and the green roof where you
can have a picnic, fly kites or simply relax with an awesome view of the
Singapore skyline.
In February, the little sibling Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant. (KMEDP) opens its doors to the public. Unlike the Marina Barrage, which is
essentially a dam, KMEDP is Singapore's fourth desalination plant and the
first in Singapore to treat both sea and reservoir water.
About KMEDP
Unlike the other desalination plants, this oval shape plant boosts a green rooftop space spanning 20,000 sqm. The design is similar to Marina Barrage with a track around the open space. The green rooftop space is design to fit
500 pax. As we are under phase 3, only 100 pax are allowed for now.
View from Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant |
Here you will have an expansive view of the city despite is being located a km
away from the bay.
View from Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant Roof Garden |
Unlike the Marina Barrage, you would not be able to enter the plant or access the viewing gallery as the KMEDP is a critical infrastructure facility. The green roof is a shared space open to the public for community
recreation and private bookings are not avaliable.
The green roof is an open space. The only shelter we saw is a pavilion in the
middle of the green space.
Water Feature |
Rules and Regulations
Rules of Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant |
There are a set of rules for KMEDP as follows ( correct as of March 2021)
- No smoking, open fires, barbecues, or any other flammable activities
- No plucking of plants, tampering with or damaging park property
- No camping
- No motorised vehicles
- No cycling, skateboarding, skating or scootering – you may park your bicycle at the Promenade
- No feeding birds
- No releasing of animals
- No pets allowed
- No flying model aircraft – flying of drones requires an approval permit from CAAS.
- Please bag your own trash and dispose of it in the rubbish bins along the Promenade, do not litter
- No kite flying or ball games
Due to its location, it is along the flight path of Paya Lebar Airbase. As a
result of kite flying is not allowed.
Bicycles, scooters and roller blades at not allowed in all areas. You can park
your bicycles along the Promenade of the Park Connector Network or around
KMEDP.
Getting there
Access to KMEDP can be tricky. KMEDP is essentially located in the middle of nowhere. There is no straight road access. The philosophy is to create a green, car-free community that is cyclist and pedestrian-friendly.
There are 2 ways to access there by foot or bike.
Fort Road Carpark |
The first is via Fort Road Carpark along East Coast Park service road. There
is a path about 1.9 km that will lead you to KMEDP.
A shorter way to head there would be via a stretch of bike/jogging path from
Bay East Garden. The track is about 1km long and should take you about 10-15
minutes to reach there
Best time to visit
Sunrise at KMEDP |
It is a quiet spot for one who wants to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. Go early in the morning to catch the sunrise or the late afternoon to catch the sunset with the Singapore skyline as your backdrop.
Mid-day may be a tad hot given that there is a lack of shelter in the green space. Opening hours are from 8am to 9pm daily.
Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant
1 Marina East Drive, Singapore 029996
No comments