A Therapeutic Adventure on Water: My List of Best Kayaking Spots in Singapore
In the past year or so, I’ve made it my goal to adopt a healthier coping mechanism (I had a bad habit of drinking or eating lots of junk food). Exploring nature has been the most common suggestion, I’ve tried hiking and, most recently, kayaking (or canoeing).
And wow, I can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on! Being out in the open water and seeing gorgeous sights around me (usually mangroves or faraway islands) soothes my soul.
If you also want to get into kayaking, here are my recommendations on where you can start.
Ola Beach Club at Siloso Beach
— From: olabeachclubsg
Address: 46 Siloso Bch Walk
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 9 pm
- Friday—10 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6580283228
Located in Sentosa, Siloso Beach is one of the country’s most popular beaches. There are just many things to do here—I’ve even tried bungee jumping—but now, it’s one of my go-to spots for kayaking thanks to Ola Beach Club.
The water on this beach is relatively calm, so even beginners can kayak here. I usually go all by myself, but when I have a friend over, we book the double kayaking. We don’t go very far; we just kayak around the small islets off the coast and back again.
Pro Tips:
- Sometimes the club hosts the 5 PAX Promo, which lets you book kayaks for five people at a discounted price.
- The beach club also has an on-site restaurant if you’re feeling hungry.
Kokomo Beach Club
— From: kokomo.beachclub
Address: 131 Pasir Ris Road, Carpark E, Pasir Ris Park
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday—9 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday—9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 6:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562388072
If you’re somewhere in North Singapore, then Kokomo Beach Club is your best bet for kayaking. This club is a recent addition to the park (but it has been operational in Sembawang and Tuas), and it offers a wide variety of water sports.
You can rent a kayak or canoe and explore the strait between the beach and Pulau Ubin. But if you’re new to this sport, you can book a SeaOPS Course, which will train you in the basics.
Afterward, you can earn a certificate so you can take on harder expeditions.
Pro Tip:
- You can host your own customized kayaking adventure with loved ones or co-workers! Just fill out this form to get more information.
Ohana Beach House
— From: ohana_beach_house
Address: 159W Jln. Loyang Besar
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—3 pm to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—8:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +6597377944
Another great spot for kayaking in Pasir Ris is Ohana Beach House, which is also located in Pasir Ris Beach Park. Just like the other beach club, this one offers a beginner’s class to kayaking, which is why it’s popular among newbies.
If you’re already proficient in kayaking, you can rent a kayak and explore the beach. You can even embark on an adventure to Pulau Ubin if you so wish. But just make sure that you’re ready for that trip because it’s pretty far.
Pro Tip:
- You can book a team-building event here.
Water Sports Center at Singapore Sports Hub
— From: jaesenta
Address: 8 Stadium Walk
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Most people know the Singapore Sports Hub as a venue for concerts or sports matches because it’s where the National Stadium and Indoor Stadium are located. But this hub also has the Water Sports Center, where you can kayak (or learn how to kayak).
You’ll be kayaking in the Kallang Basin, which is pretty calm, so even your non-athletic family and friends—even children—can navigate it without any problem. What I love about kayaking in this basin is that sometimes I come across adorable otters!
Pro Tip:
- This center is now cashless, so be sure to bring your credit card (VISA or Mastercard) or use PayNow and NETS.
Lower Seletar Water Sports Center
— From: lowerseletarwatersports
Address: 100 Yishun Ave 1, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday—9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6591549424
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is an underrated location in the northern part of Singapore. I only know it because of its water fountain (my little cousins love playing here). Recently, I heard that kayaking is possible here, so I tried it immediately.
It was so much fun! Since we’re far in the north, there’s less traffic, so the experience was mostly peaceful. I love doing the double kayak with my friend who’s also into kayaking. This is one of our few opportunities to bond these days because of how busy we are.
Pro Tip:
- You can avail of the promo that lets you get two free visits when you purchase six double kayak passes.
Lazarus Sea Sports Center
— From: lazarus.seasports
Address: 21A Pulau Seringat, Lazarus Island
Operating Hours:
- Friday—10 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6591549424
Bored of kayaking on the Singapore mainland? Then you might want to hop onto a ferry from Marina South Pier and head to Lazarus Island, one of Singapore’s southern islands!
What I love about Lazarus Sea Sports Center is that it offers a kayaking option for three people, on top of single and double. This allows me to bring a friend or family member who may not know how to kayak but is still interested in it.
As for the experience itself, it’s quite serene. Lazarus Island doesn’t have any inhabitants, so it’s very quiet, which I love. Plus, the water is so blue that it’s practically sparkling under the sun!
Pro Tip:
- If you don’t know how to kayak, you can join the center’s introductory program to kayaking.
PAssion WaVe at Bedok Reservoir Park
— From: pa.passionwave
Address: 911 Bedok Reservoir Rd
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday—9 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6597101697
There are several outlets for PAssion WaVe in Singapore, but my favorite has to be the one that’s located in Bedok Reservoir Park.
What I love about kayaking here is that the catchment area is cut off from the bustle of the city, so it’s very quiet and peaceful. I also love that I can see the trees on the shoreline. The scenery really adds to the serene atmosphere!
Pro Tip:
- You can book a beginner’s course to kayaking here.
Paddle Lodge at MacRitchie Reservoir
— From: singaporecanoe
Address: Lornie Rd, MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6562580057
MacRitchie Reservoir Park has always been one of my favorite natural parks to visit in Singapore, so when I learned that I could kayak here (thanks to the Singapore Canoe Foundation’s Paddle Lodge), I was of course overjoyed.
While the water of MacRitchie is still and calm, Paddle Lodge requires all kayakers to have at least a 1-star certificate. That said, earning this certificate isn’t that difficult. Even children as young as 12 years old can do it!
Pro Tip:
- Children aged 12 years old and below are only allowed to ride a kayak if they have adult supervision.
Mangrove Kayaking at Pulau Ubin
— From: izumidreamz
Where to Meet Up: Ubin Adventures Hut, No. 34
If you’re already an experienced kayaker who’s looking for a more challenging adventure, then you might be interested in kayaking amongst the mangroves in Pulau Ubin.
This kayaking experience is an 8.27 km-long journey, and it takes you through the dense mangroves of the little island. My favorite part of this experience is that I can come across various wild animals.
From my experience, I’ve mostly spotted birds like kingfishers, eagles, hornbills, and herons. But my friends told me they’ve seen otters and even pink dolphins! I’ll be coming back to see these animals myself.
Pro Tip:
- Food isn’t included in the program, so I recommend bringing your own lunch. You can also dine in any of the restaurants on the island.
Kayakasia at Sungei Khatib Bongsu
— From: urasingapore
Where to Meet Up: Sembawang Park, Sembawang Rd
Another destination that experienced kayakers might like to take on is Sunegi Khatib Bongsu, which is also a mangrove riverine ecosystem. In fact, it’s the largest of its kind in the country!
This river trail is so extensive that it’s divided into several sections to make it more manageable. That’s why I can only recommend this to long-time kayakers. Stamina and endurance are important to make this experience enjoyable.
Just like kayaking in Pulau Ubin, expect to find different kinds of wildlife here. I’ve personally encountered snakes and birds, and it took everything in me not to be too scared.
Pro Tip:
- Breakfast is included in the program, but not lunch. So it’s best to bring your own food.