6 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Singapore

Know your vessel. In common parlance, most people use the terms kayaking and canoeing interchangeably. While this might cause diehard enthusiasts to blanch, it does reflect significant similarities between the two activities. In essence, a kayak and a canoe are both small vessels propelled through water by means of a paddle. They are distinguished by the shape of the paddle and also somewhat by the shape of the vessel. Though in principle a kayak and a canoe could be the same size, the former normally has enclosed decks while the latter has an open shape where the rider sits on a bench or seat that places them higher from the water. Kayaking makes use of a double-bladed paddle, which the paddler drags through the water on alternating sides of the kayak to generate motion. Paddlers in a canoe, by contrast, use a single bladed paddle, which is similarly alternated between sides to provide power and control. Both kayaking and canoeing are highly enjoyable activities and both are possible to do in Singapore.

When deciding to go kayaking or canoeing, it's helpful to plan as you would for a day at the beach. While it is certainly possible to avoid getting wet, novice kayakers and canoers will have an easier time if they're prepared to get into the water. Pack a bathing suit and wear suitable footwear. If you plan to bring electronics or other valuable items, invest in a waterproof case or bring a sturdy plastic ziplock type bag. Both kayaks and canoes are quite stable on the water, but there's always a risk when beginning that you will end up with water onboard. If you're visiting one of the several rental locations around Singapore, you will likely be provided with a lifejacket. If not, it's a good idea to request one, even if you're a strong swimmer. Finally, bring some snacks and things to drink so you can enjoy a longer time on the water without having to come back early cause you got hungry.

Kayaking and canoeing in Singapore isn't about deciding which class of rapids you feel up to tackling. You're simply not going to find anything above a Class I, unless you're riding Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure at Universal Studios. Rather, you want to pick a place where you have the opportunity to enjoy your surroundings. Aspiring kayakers essentially have two basic choices when it comes to locations. There are the urban areas like the Singapore River and Marina Bay or there's the beaches, parks, and smaller islands. Fortunately these provide several great locations from which to choose. Here are our picks for the best places to go kayaking or canoeing in Singapore.

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Spending all your time Downtown makes it easy to forget the beautiful scenery tucked away in the Northern reaches of Singapore. Of the several spots good for outdoor recreation, kayakers and canoers will find much to enjoy around Pasir Ris and Pulau Ubin. The calm waters away from the straits make for an easier time for beginners. The mangrove forests on Pulau Ubin are great to explore in a kayak or canoe. You can take the ferry from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Several tour operators in the area offer kayaking trips through the mangroves. Or, another option, and one we recommend is to check out the kayak and fishing tour that runs out of KOKOMO Beach Club at Pasir Ris. Here you can find day-long guided tours that include kayaking and fishing, which make for a natural combination. Give it a try if you haven't already.

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MacRitchie Reservoir Park, essentially located right in the center of Singapore, is another excellent choice for kayaking and canoeing. MacRitchie is home to some great hiking trails in addition to being known as one of Singapore's best kayaking spots. Make your way here and look for Paddle Lodge, which is operated by the Singapore Canoe Federation. They can easily get you set up with a one or two person canoe. The federation sponsors lots of activities throughout the year so be on the lookout for events at MacRitchie. Marked areas at the reservoir help keep everyone safe. You'll be able to practice your navigation skills as you attempt to maneuver around the buoys. Paddle Lodge offers rentals by the hour so it's a good place to go if you want to do a bit of canoeing in addition to some hiking. In terms of great places to kayak and canoe in Singapore, MacRitchie Reservoir is high on the list.

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The Kallang Water Sports Centre at the Singapore Sports Hub is one of the more convenient options for kayaking and canoeing. The Sports Hub's easy accessibility and large number of sporting attractions make it a highly popular venue. Kallang Water Sports Centre is home to the Singapore Dragon Boat Association. If you've ever seen them in action during the Dragon Boat Festival or at one of their other events held throughout the year, you're probably well aware how awesome they make boating look. Don't worry if you're not all into the competition. Kallang Water Sports Centre is welcoming to beginners who are looking to explore the sport for the first time. The concentration of sporting resources in the area make this a good choice for novices as there's always a good chance someone will be on hand to assist or help you develop some basic techniques. This is a big reason why we think Kallang Water Sports Centre is among the best places to go kayaking in Singapore.

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Everyone knows Sentosa is home to some great beaches. Whether you're avoiding tourists at Palawan, relaxing at Tanjong, or living it up on Siloso, there's much to enjoy. Next time you're thinking about spending some time on Sentosa, pay a visit to Ola Beach Club. You can try your hand at kayaking or give it a go doing some stand up paddleboarding. Thought to be one of the fastest growing water sports, stand up paddleboarding offers a cross between kayaking and surfing. Balancing can be tricky at first but, that's why it's super fun to do at the beach where you're bound to get wet anyway. Equipment rentals and other services are provided out of the beach club, which is located on Siloso Beach Walk. The club is home to the Singapore Paddle Club so there's normally lots of activities going on here as well. With its prime location on Sentosa Island, Ola Beach Club is one great place to explore kayaking and paddleboarding in Singapore.

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Despite being an island with one of the world's busiest maritime container ports, water transportation in Singapore is not as common as in say Bangkok. This makes Singapore's major rivers fascinating places to explore by kayak or canoe. Sure you’ve been to the Promontory and visited Clarke Quay. You've probably spent plenty of time walking along the Singapore River too. Now imagine changing things up and rather than clumsily plodding along on two feet on a hot afternoon, you’re instead enjoying the River’s rich surroundings as you float lazily along the water. Sounds pretty good, right? Head on over to PAssion WaVe's Marina Bay location at Bay East Gardens where you will find kayaks and other equipment rentals. PAssion WaVe is a well-known as part of the People's Association and they have multiple locations around Singapore. From Marina Bay you can enjoy some kayaking and canoeing with the famous Downtown skyline as a backdrop. It makes for a great experience.

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Speaking of PAssion WaVe, one of the organization's other fantastic locations is in Sembawang. From here you can explore the beautiful scenery in the North Region. PAssion WaVe runs guided tours through nearby Sungei Simpang and the Lower Seletar Reservoir is not far away either. These are both downright fantastic locations to do some kayaking. We think they're particularly good choices for those who want to escape the urban hustle and bustle and exploring a bit more in nature. Make your way to PAssion WaVe's location in Sembawang. It's on Jln Mempurong near Sembawang Park. From there you can get information on equipment rentals, tours, and nearby places to explore. In terms of great places to try kayaking in Singapore, it's hard to go wrong in the North Region.

Don't let Singapore's reputation as a trendsetting modern metropolis fool you into thinking there aren't great places here for outdoor recreation. Next time you're looking for something fun to do, try your hand at kayaking or canoeing. Singapore has a wealth of organizations and resources to help you get started. The ones we've profiled above are places you're sure to enjoy yourself. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced paddler, we hope you've enjoyed this look at 6 great places to go kayaking in Singapore.