4 off-the-beaten-track outdoor adventures in Singapore — The Soothe Approved
Explore the outdoors to escape cabin fever and boost mental health
Text: Anna A
With travel restrictions in full swing due to Covid-19, many of us are exploring Singapore and getting involved in a range of activities on our Little Red Dot to avoid cabin fever. Thanks to our Garden City, there’s plenty of outdoor fun on tap, which not only keeps boredom at bay, but also contributes to boosting our physical and mental health (spending time in nature has been proven to lift your mood and ease symptoms linked to depression and anxiety). If you’re looking to keep fit, healthy and well, here are things to do by foot, kayak, sailboat and bicycle to try out this weekend.
1. Glide around MacRitchie Reservoir
Had enough of hiking and trekking around Singapore’s oldest reservoir? Check out the kayaking on MacRitchie’s serene waters which not only works up a sweat, but reduces stress by giving you time to be ‘present’ while enjoying a change of scenery featuring monitor lizards and monkeys. For those experienced in kayaking, venture far and wide around the reservoir. First-timers or inexperienced boaters should opt for the large area cornered off near the Paddle Lodge to prevent sailing adrift.
The Paddle Lodge offers a range of different kayaks from SGD 12 per hour, including solo vessels and double kayaks for you to enjoy the water with a friend.
For more information or to reserve a kayak call 6258 0057.
Tip: Book in advance for weekends as the kayaks sell out fast.
2. Enjoy the serenity of the sea at Constant Wind
Offering a range of water sports, Constant Wind on Singapore’s East Coast has pretty much anything and everything you could want in terms of water sports, and is a hub of activity for water lovers. From stand up paddle-boarding, windsurfing, power-boating and sailing, enthusiasts can sign up to a lesson with an experienced instructor or rent the equipment for a few hours. Rates start from SGD 27 for one hour on the weekend and SGD 20 for an hour during weekdays. If you’re worried about getting soaked, we recommend booking a Laser Bahia — at 16 feet, these dinghies can comfortably fit up to five people and you sit out of the water.
For more information and to book your slot call 6445 5108.
Tip: Don’t miss the Laser races every Saturday.
3. Cycle around Pulau Ubin from Singapore
Pulau Ubin is the perfect way to ‘jump ship’ and discover an area away from home. Shaped like a boomerang, the island is home to Singapore’s last villages — reminiscent of our Garden City back in the 1960s — and also includes Chek Jawa Wetlands, a rich ecosystem. Situated only a 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi Village Ferry Terminal, it’s is a hub of recreational activities and an entire island ripe for discovery. Featuring all sorts of tropical wildlife (watch out for good old monkeys!), dense vegetation and quarries, Pulau Ubin offers urbanites plenty of diverse terrain to explore. In our experience, it’s best enjoyed on a bicycle — bring your own or rent one there. Remember to take plenty of water and mosquito repellent with you.
Tip: Prep to go old-school folks: pretty much everything on Pulau Ubin needs to be paid for with cash. We also advise purchasing any food or drinks from the island vendors — it’s a great way to support local.
4. Get off-the-beaten-track in the wetlands
The vast mangrove forest at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is about as far away from ‘normal life’ in Singapore as it gets. Situated in the northwestern part of the island, visitors can venture through the pathways and discover an impressive array of wildlife and a selection of birds such as egrets, hornbills and crocodiles. Indeed, Sungei Buloh’s wetlands is home to the estuarine crocodile which are critically endangered and on the danger list of Singapore’s threatened animals due to habitat loss and sadly, poaching.
Tip: Combine a trip to the wetlands with lunch at Bollywood Veggies and enjoy Poison Ivy Bistro’s delicious menu.
