SINGAPORE : The National Parks Board has lifted the requirements
for camping permits from next month to make camping more
enjoyable.
The five parks that allow camping are Changi Beach Park, East Coast
Park, Pasir Ris Park, Sembawang Park, and West Coast Park.
NParks says camping in these parks is a popular activity,
especially during weekends and public holidays.
From January to October 2004, it received over 10,000 applications
for camping permits.
It says the permits were available for free and were needed for
NParks to manage the number of campers at each site to prevent
overcrowding, and to reinforce general guidelines to applicants on
camping at parks.
Dr Leong Chee Chiew, NParks Chief Operating Officer, said: "With
the relaxation of this rule, we hope more families and friends can
enjoy camping in our parks. This is part of NParks' ongoing efforts
to enhance parks users' experiences, and bring more people into our
parks".
"We would like to encourage all campers and other park users to
exercise courtesy towards others in carrying out their activities.
Together we can create a pleasant and safe environment for all to
enjoy."
In addition to the five parks, camping is also allowed at Noordin
and Mamam Beaches in Pulau Ubin.
These two sites currently do not require permits. However, campers
are advised to inform the officers at the Pulau Ubin Police Post on
the day that they are camping there.
Additional information is available at the NParks website. -
CNA
