General

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the trails are accessible at all times, save for selected parks and gardens which are closed at night. For example, some Nature Parks are closed from 7pm to 7am, while the Singapore Botanic Gardens is closed from midnight to 5am. These hours will apply during any special events period as well. You can check the opening hours of specific parks and gardens on the NParks website at www.nparks.govs.sg.

The mobile app is available for download and use by anyone in Singapore.

The app is free - no payment is required.

There are no in-app purchase options in the app.

You can submit a report via the in-app feature at User Profile->Settings->Report an App Bug.

You can submit a report via the in-app feature at User Profile->Settings->Feedback & Enquiry.

You are able to access the trails by bicycles, however there are certain stretches that require you to dismount and push your bicycle.


Technical

Frequently Asked Questions

The app is available for mobile phones which use either the Android operating system (OS) or Apple’s iOS. For those on Android OS, the minimum required version is Android version 6.0 and above (API 22). For those on iOS, the minimum required version is iOS 10.3 and above.

Depending on the mobile devices you are using:
  1. For Android, please check that you have set the “Location Permission” for the NEAR App to “Allow all the time”
  2. For iOS, please check that you have set the “Location Services” for the NEAR App to “Always”

Resources are accessed by the app open in the background only when a background process is involved, such as accessing GPS location during a recording/mapping of a trail using Phyll My Trail feature with the phone screen turned “off”. In fact, having the app run in the background uses less battery as opposed to keeping the app “on” at all times while accessing it’s features.

You will still receive push notifications in your inbox even when the app is not turned on.

The app will not be able to function without WiFi or 4G/3G connection. In the event that the app has no network coverage, please check your phone network settings, or reset the NEAR App by shutting the app down and re-launching the app.

The GPS function should be enabled all the time to best enjoy the features of the app as many of the features (eg. Navigation, trail mapping) are tagged to your location.

As the system discovered irregularities with your mobile device, such as a “modified” or “rooted/jail-broken” device, access to the app will be limited. We would encourage you to switch to another device to be able to gain full access to all the app features.


Points Accumulation (Flower Points)

Frequently Asked Questions

As long as you are registered with the NEAR mobile app, you are automatically a participant of the point accumulation programme. Point accumulation programme will only be activated when there is an organised special event that utilises the Flower Points.

“Flowers” is our name for points, which are accumulated when using the NEAR mobile application. You can accumulate these points by completing tasks during a special in-app event/challenge. Accumulated Flowers can be used to redeem chances to win attractive prizes during the special in-app events.

Flowers received will be converted to winning chances when you participate in a NEAR App Special Event. For example, a user can redeem 1 winning chance by converting 1000 Flowers to 1 winning chance during the special event. So, if you have accumulated 2000 Flowers, you can redeem your Flowers for 2 chances to win the prizes. The exact number of chances you can redeem with Flowers will be released closer to the event date. Stay tuned!

You can earn Flowers by exploring the trails and using certain features and functions of the app, such as:
  • Daily visits to the Trail
  • Visiting checkpoints along the Trail
  • Completing quests at checkpoints
  • Searching for digital Hidden Fruits that may appear in randomised locations daily

Details of flower points will only be released nearer to an in-app special event date.

You can submit a report via the in-app feature at User Profile->Settings->Feedback & Enquiry.


Special Events

Frequently Asked Questions

The app will occasionally feature special events which all users can participate in. These special events may be in conjunction with festivities, national celebrations, and partner promotions. Such events may include lucky draws and competitions and may use Flower points. More details will be released nearer to the special event.

All registered users are eligible to participate in the special events.

Announcements will be made via several channels such as the NParks Facebook page and in-app notifications.

The duration of each special event may vary and will be shared when the event is announced.

Special events provide you and other users with different ways of experiencing the trails. It also encourages you to visit our parks and green spaces more frequently and lead a more active lifestyle.


Special Events - Lucky Draw

Frequently Asked Questions

Lucky draws will be held during special events. More details will be released nearer to the special event.

More details will be released nearer to the special event.

The lucky draw will be held at NParks Headquarters at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Please see the Specific Terms and Conditions applicable to the lucky draw during the special event.

You can submit a report via the in-app feature at User Profile->Settings->Feedback & Enquiry.


Navigation (Explore)

Frequently Asked Questions

You may tap on any point or checkpoint along the trails that you see on the mobile app and the app will activate OneMap navigation service to provide directions and instructions.

OneMap navigation is an in-built feature of the NEAR App. There is no need to install OneMap App separately.

You will not be able to use the app as a navigation tool to other parts of Singapore at the moment. The navigation services are currently curated to the designated trails on the app only.

You may use other apps, however navigation along the trail may not be accurate. You will also not be able to enjoy the functions of the app.


User-experience Sharing (Community)

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone who has registered to use the app will be able to view the trails and photos residing within the app. However, you have the option to not share photos or keep your recorded/mapped trails under the privacy setting.

You may flag out photos by tapping on the top right corner of the photo and clicking on 'Report Post'.

You may delete them under the ‘Me’ tab by clicking on the photo and tapping on the ‘Delete’ option on the top right dropdown menu.

Your photos will remain in the app unless you or an administrator of the app deletes them.

Yes, you may share your photos on your social media accounts via the share feature once your photo has been uploaded onto the app.


Checkpoints on the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail

Frequently Asked Questions

The checkpoints are currently available only on the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail. The 10 locations are shown on the homepage map feature of the app.

There is a physical signboard at each checkpoint location and there are instructions on how to activate certain features of the app on the signboard.

You can repeat the quests as many times as you wish, however during a Special event/challenge, Flower points will only be awarded once every 24 hours.

The AR scanner can be accessed via the ‘Explore’ tab. Click on the Camera icon on the top left, find the ‘scan’ icon on the top right and click to scan.

The C2C Trail provides a curated walking experience and is best enjoyed on foot, as it may be dangerous to use the app while cycling or while riding personal mobility devices. To encourage you and other users to walk the C2C Trail using the app, the checkpoints and time restriction have been spread out accordingly based on average walking speed.

You are encouraged to use the app to explore the C2C Trail on foot for the best experience.

Your app should be left open so that you can find Hidden Fruits in order to gain more Flower points during a Special event.

There will be C2C Trail signs and each Checkpoint will be demarcated with a specific sign as well. You can also use the app to navigate to the Checkpoints.


Services and Points of Interests (Information)

Frequently Asked Questions

The “Services” and “Points of Interests” feature carries information about the attractions and tenants that are located along the trails. You can find out more about these places and get directions via the app.


Notifications

Frequently Asked Questions

You may receive updates on upcoming events, F&B promotions, invitations to participate in special app events and more.

You are not able to send messages to other users.

You are not able to disable any of the features within the app.


NParks
For more information about the NParks Explore A Route (NEAR) mobile application, visit: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/c2c
For any other enquiries, please email: NParks_Programmes_Events@nparks.gov.sg
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