5 places to go kayaking or paddleboarding this weekend
The weather has been cooling down lately, so get your sunscreen and hop on a kayak to properly enjoy the ocean breeze.
Text: Shin Yee Koh
Kayak on calm waters and enjoy the view (Credit: Pexels)
1. MacRitchie Reservoir
One of the four major reservoirs that make up the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, this beautiful reservoir is the ideal place for kayaking in Singapore. A favourite spot for enthusiasts, it's also great for aerial tree-top walks and spotting long-tailed macaque monkeys. Head to Paddle Lodge at MacRitchie Reservoir, operated by the Singapore Canoe Federation, for your kayaking rentals. They have various options for you to choose from – so you'll have plenty of options ranging from closed-deck kayaks to double sit-on-top kayaks for couples.
The calm and peaceful Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, located in the north of Singapore, is a paradise for nature lovers. The clear, pristine blue waters of the reservoir and the wildlife around you make for a perfect way to reconnect with nature. Set aside a whole day to leisurely paddle down the beautiful turquoise waters, and keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles and kingfishers while you're out there. Kayaking sessions, as well as regular rental of kayaks, can be found at Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre (LSWSC).
The Southern Islands are a cluster of tiny islands just a short paddle away and one of my personal favourites for kayaking with a big group of friends on the weekend. Go on an island-hopping tour around Singapore and explore The Southern Islands (Sentosa Island, Saint John's Island, Lazarus Island, Seringat Island, Kusu Island, Sisters' Islands. This is for the more seasoned kayaking enthusiasts, though, as the entire trip spans a minimum of 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the chance to marvel at some of Singapore's untouched marine life. With Kayakasia's 7-islands trail, you can paddle to all seven beautiful islands of the south.
You'll get to see otters if you're lucky (Credit: Pexels)
4. Pulau Ubin
Be prepared to detox and disconnect from your phone as reception is spotty on this island and take a walk on the wild side on one of Singapore's last surviving kampongs. At a sprawling 1,020 hectares, Pulau Ubin boasts lush greenery and twisting biking trails, drawing nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sign up for the island's kayak tours and paddle through the mangroves – you might chance a close encounter with jellyfish, kingfishers and even otters if you're lucky.
5. Siloso Beach
When you think of the beaches of Sentosa, kayaking isn't the first thing that usually comes to mind. Instead, it's lazy evenings at Tanjong Beach Club sipping on a frozen margarita. If you want something a little more exciting, drop by at Ola Beach Club – the club offers water activities from stand-up paddle-boarding to kayaking on Sentosa's gentle waters.
Spending a relaxing day paddling around Singapore's calm waves isn't good for just getting your daily dose of vitamin D; it also has some great benefits on your health, so get out your flip-flops and head there this weekend! If kayaking isn't the sport for you, here are The Soothe's top 5 places for watersports in Singapore
