Although the best place for our hamsters to run about is within the boundaries of our homes, sometimes, we may want to bring our hammies out for a small vacation at some of the parks in Singapore.

1. Check out the place or at least know of any potential dangers lurking at that place. The environment beyond the house is more unpredictable. It pays to be safe before deciding to spend some time outdoors with your hamsters.
2. Try bringing your hamsters out for a short period of time at a nearby park to see how they react to strangers, crowds and greenery. For example, when let out of the cage, an alert Syrian hamster will seize the opportunity to escape. Be sure that you and your friends are able to catch him or her the moment the hamster makes for a dash or else your pet will be lost to the wilderness.
3. The cage should have sufficient ventilation. A thin piece of dark coloured cloth can be used to keep drafts, sunlight and prying eyes of strangers away. The amount of food, water and bedding e.g sawdust for the hamsters should be enough to last them during the period they are away from home. Fresh food can be given but they should be taken out after a few hours when they may turn bad.

You can check out the websites of National Parks Board (http://www.nparks.gov.sg) and Singapore Online Guide (http://www.travel.com.sg) for more information on parks near your home.

The following is the review of some parks where you can bring your hamsters for a walk:

MacRitchie Reservoir

The trees provide lots of shade. You and your hamsters can take a walk along the beaten tracks into the forest to Lornie Road or around the reservoir or to the nearby country club. But don’t get lost. Also look out for any monkeys (atop the trees) who are used to humans feeding them.

How to get there:

Take SBS bus 132 or TIBS bus 167 from Orchard Road to Lornie Road.

Botanical Gardens

Although there is less shade as compared to MacRitchie Reservoir, the grass patches and the few gazebos scattered around the park are excellent for picnics. Just find a shady spot under a tree or seek refuge under the gazebo and immerse yourself in the greenery and watch your hamsters' antics

Opening hours:

The opening hours of the Singapore Botanic Gardens are from 5.00 am to 12 midnight. Admission to the Botanic Gardens is free. The opening hours of the National Orchid Garden are from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm. Admission charges are $2.00 for adult and $1.00 for children and senior citizens.

How to get there:

Public buses to the Gardens are SBS 7, 77, 105, 106, 123, 174, TIBS 75 and CSS 2 along Holland Road, SBS 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 186 and TIBS 182 along Bukit Timah Road.

Pasir Ris Park

One interesting feature found in this park and not in others is the beach cafes and food centre. This is why the beach is swarmed with humans on weekend evenings. Thus, bringing your hamsters at this time may be noisy and disturbing for them. There are still parts of the beach and the park unspoiled by human activities where you and your hamsters want to enjoy the tranquility of the beach and the fresh sea breeze. Look at National Parks Board website for the map of the park.

How to get there:

Take Service 354 to Pasir Ris Close or Service 403 to Elias and Pasir Ris Road

East Coast Park

Like Pasir Ris Park, people swarm to this place during weekend but there are certain stretches of the beach where there are less human activities. You can also take a walk at the jetty to see some "fishermen" at work.

How to get there:

Take service 401 to east Coast Park Service Road (Sundays and Public Holidays only), or,
Services 16, 155, 196 to marine Crescent or Marine terrace and walk across the underpasses or overhead bridge, or, Services 16, 31, 55, 76, 135, 155, 196, 197 and 853 to Marine Parade Road.

Bishan Park

Compared to the other parks mentioned, this park is the hottest during the day as it has less shade. Therefore, it is better to visit this park in the evenings. The activities for humans there include cycling, roller-blading and fishing.

How to get there:

Take Service 132, 133, 136, 165, 166, 169, 262 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange, or, Services 59, 410 from Bishan MRT Station.