Water Sports

Water Sports in Singapore

By Cara Merren

By Mia Russell

Beat the heat of Singapore’s perpetual summer and hit the water! Garden City is renowned for having some of the best museums, restaurants, and shopping in the world, but the city also has some fantastic water sports to enjoy.

Encircled by water, the island state has some beautiful beaches like Palawan and Changi. Spending the day relaxing on one of these spectacular beaches is a must. But if you prefer getting active, there is a range of fun water sports to enjoy. Whether it's exploring Singapore’s islands on a kayaking adventure or scuba-diving on the brightly colored reefs, here are some exciting water sports to enjoy in Singapore.

1. Kayaking

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Kayaking in the calm waters around Singapore’s many islands is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. This fun, family-friendly activity is ideal for all fitness levels and ages, and you don’t need any sailing experience. Experienced guides will teach you the basics and show you some of Singapore’s secret spots along the coast.

Venture to Pulau Ubin and explore the magnificent mangrove forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife like otters, mangrove lizards, and long-tailed macaques. Visit one of the island’s floating fish farms (kelongs) and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch of locally-farmed sea bass and mussels. You can even try your hand at kayak fishing and catch your own lunch!

Use your pass to enjoy a Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin. Explore the beautiful coastline of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam on this fantastic tour and soak up the spectacular natural scenery.

Where: Pulau Ubin

2. Windsurfing

Sailing meets surfing in this adrenalin-rushing sport. If you haven’t tried the sport before, take a basic windsurfing course or rent a board to show off your jumping, looping, and spinning skills. The Aloha Sea Sports Centre at East Coast Park offers courses for all skill levels and the Constant Wind Sea Sports Centre at Changi Beach has top-notch equipment to rent.

Where: East Coast Park / Changi Beach

3. Stand-up paddleboarding

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If you prefer a less intense water sport, try stand-up paddling (SUPPING). This easy, relaxing sport involves standing on a longboard and paddling with a double-bladed oar. The whole family can enjoy paddling on calm waters and it's a great upper-body workout.

Try stand-up paddling at the Aloha Sea Sports Centre at East Coast Park, the Constant Wind Sea Sports Centre at Changi, and the Ola Beach Club in Sentosa.

Where: East Coast Park / Changi Beach / Sentosa

4. Sailing

Soak up one-of-a-kind views of the city with the wind in your hair and salt on your lips from the bow of a sailboat. If you’re an experienced sailor, head to Marina Bay, where you can rent a boat from the DBS Marina Bay Sailing Program. Sail around the Central Business District and take in the breathtaking city skyline.

Don’t despair if you don’t know how to sail. You can jump on one of the many boat cruises offered at Marina Bay and enjoy the same experience without the hard work!

Where: DBS Marina Bay Sailing Program, Marina Bay

5. Wakeboarding

Love high-energy, adrenaline-rushing fun? Try wakeboarding to get all of that and more. This invigorating water sport involves surfing on a specifically designed board while being towed by a high-speed craft.

The best place to hit the water on a wakeboard is at Singapore Wake Park at East Coast Park. The park features a lagoon with three cable-ski systems for all skill levels from novices to experts. Glide along at gentle speeds and work your way up to mastering obstacles and jump ramps.

You’ll find some great package deals offered at the park and there are professional wakeboarders on hand to help you with the basics.

Where: Singapore Wake Park

6. Flyboarding

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Want to experience the thrill of ‘flying’ above water? Head to Sentosa’s Ola Beach Club for a thrilling, heart-pumping hydro-flying experience. Flyboarding involves standing on a board connected by a long hose to a watercraft. Pressurized water is forced through jet nozzles at the bottom of the board to shoot the rider high into the air.

You don’t need any experience to try this exhilarating water sport - certified instructors will show you the basics and you’ll be soaring through the air in no time!

Where: Ola Beach Club, Sentosa

7. Jet-skiing

Another fantastic water sport to enjoy in Singapore is jet skiing. You can rent a jet-ski or book a ride with an instructor at the Puteri Harbour and head out for some wet and wild fun around the city. If you haven’t jet-skied before, a professional instructor will guide you through the basics. Remember to always wear a lifejacket and keep the engine shut-off clip attached to your waist.

Where: Puteri Harbour

8. Pedal boating

If prefer a gentler pursuit on the water, try pedal boating. Enjoy a tranquil ride on the calm waters of Discovery Lake without even getting wet! Pedal boating is a lovely way to spend some time with family and friends on the water. You can rent pedal boats from the Sports Hub Water Sports Centre near Discovery Lake at the Singapore Discovery Centre.

Help keep Discovery Lake clean and join the Waterways Watch Society in picking up litter on the water while paddling around the lake.

Where: Sports Hub Water Sports Centre, Discovery Lake at the Singapore Discovery Centre

9. Bodyboarding / Surfing

Singapore isn’t known for having big swells and curling barrels, but you can hit waves to bodyboard and surf at the Stingray half-pipe surfing facility at Splash-N-Surf in the Singapore Sports Hub. This specially designed wave house creates artificial waves for all skill levels. Start on the slower 32 km/h waves if you’re a beginner or catch the faster 48 km/h waves and show off your skills.

Where: Singapore Sports Hub

10. Dragon boating

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Try your hand at this incredible 2,000-year Chinese watercraft tradition. Head to the Kallang River with a group of friends and join the Singapore Dragon Boat Association for some paddling fun. Experienced trainers will guide you through an orientation program and some introductory classes before you hit the water with your team. Once you get the hang of it, you can rent dragon boats from the DBA or the Singapore Sports Hub’s Water Sports Centre.

Where: Singapore Sports Hub

11. Scuba diving

Dive beneath the surface on a scuba-diving adventure and explore the multi-hued corals and rich marine life off Pulau Hantu. A 30-minute boat ride away from the mainland, Pulau Hantu features two islands – Hantu Kecil and Hantu Besar. The islands are surrounded by gin-clear waters teeming with sea life. Keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays, butterflyfish, and parrotfish.

If you aren’t a qualified scuba diver yet, take a course with a certified PADI instructor and venture into the magical underwater world. You can also rent diving equipment and underwater cameras.

Another way to explore the wonders of the ocean is a snorkeling adventure on Rainbow Reef at the Adventure Cove Waterpark. Use your pass to gain free access to the park and snorkel along the brightly colored Rainbow Reef and see thousands of vibrant fish up close.

Where: Pulau Hantu

Cara Merren
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Singapore in the Morning

With the sun rising over the Garden City around 7AM, there’s plenty of time for getting up early and exploring Singapore’s many wonders, from mighty nature reserves and atmospheric local neighborhoods to major attractions like Marina Bay, Singapore Zoo, and the Sentosa cable car. Jump out of bed and into our guide to all the best things to do in Singapore in the morning…
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festivals in singapore
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Festivals in Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of so many beautiful cultures, so it's no surprise you'll find dozens of festivals there throughout the year. If you're visiting this beautiful country and want to join in the festivities, you'll need to know when they are, what they're about, and what you can expect to do and see during them. So, let's talk about festivals in Singapore. We've run our fine-tooth combs through the wealth of offerings to find the very best ones you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, this is our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! And by the by, this list is in chronological order. So you'll find your early-year ones at the top and your later-year ones at the bottom! Enjoy! Including: Pongal Chinese New Year Thaipusam Lantern Festival Hari Raya Puasa and more! Pongal When: January 15 - January 18, 2023 This four-day festival is widely celebrated by the Indian population of Singapore, as it originated there. Dedicated to the Hindu god of the sun, Surya, Pongal is honored to bring wealth and a rich harvest to the people. Head to Singapore's Little India, and you'll find it ablaze with lights, celebrations, and events. It's customary to exchange gifts and wear new clothes during Pongal, so bear those in mind if you want to get in on the festivities. Chinese New Year When: January 22, 2023 Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world, and in Singapore, it's no different. In 2023, the big day falls on January 22, so expect Chinatown to be full of fun and fancy! This year is the Year of the Rabbit, and people born in these years are said to be witty, ingenious, and vigilant. You can be all of those things, too, believe it or not. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Expect to find plenty of red and gold decorations, dancing in the streets, and lively processions to boot. And, like with many of these festivals in Singapore, gifts are often exchanged. Because gift-giving is fun, and fun is all we have in this cruel, cruel world. Thaipusam When: February 5, 2023 'Thai' is a month in the Tamil calendar. 'Pusam' is the name of a star in the night sky. What do you get if you combine the two together? Thaipusam, of course! And you can bet your stars that Singapore's burgeoning Tamil population will celebrate it with abandon! Over the festival, you'll see those taking part walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, carrying all sorts of symbols of divinity, but the celebration itself actually takes place over two days. Lantern Festival When: February 5, 2023 Taking place on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is unsurprisingly celebrated by lighting paper lanterns and letting them drift up into the sky. It's one of the most popular festivals in Singapore, so if you're visiting at the beginning of February, you're sure to see some of these bright tributes floating in the air. Head to Chinatown to get the best views of the festivities. If you've never seen countless lanterns lighting up the sky, you're in for a treat. Hari Raya Puasa When: April 21 - April 22, 2023 Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. So it's no surprise that the following day is called the 'day of celebration'! Following a month of fasting, you can understandably expect plenty of delicious food making the rounds. On the holy side of things, many Muslims also flock to local mosques, visit the graves of their forebears, and wear new clothes to signify the purity and renewal that comes in the wake of Ramadan. If you're a Muslim and visiting Singapore at the back end of Ramadan, you'll be pleased to know you can share Hari Raya Puasa with others! Vesak Day When: May 5, 2023 Don't worry, Buddhists, we see you. And thankfully, you're catered to too here, thanks to Vesak Day. For those that don't know, Vesak Day marks the enlightenment and death of Buddha. And, given its melting pot of cultures, you'll find many Buddhists celebrating Vesak Day in Singapore. Meditation and charity are the name of the game here, which gives believers a chance to look inward and take part in some nice self-reflection. Duanwu Festival When: June 22, 2023 More commonly known as the Dragon Boat Festival around the world, Duanwu Festival is another celebration of Chinese origin. Falling on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar, it's been celebrated for thousands of years. As you may expect from the Dragon Boat Festival, it primarily consists of dragon boats racing one another. Pretty cool! Even onlookers can enjoy the day, thanks to the food and rice wines often consumed from the sidelines. Hari Raya Haji June 28 - July 2, 2023 Another Muslim festival, Hari Raya Haji is dedicated to the character of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his first-born son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Sacrifice plays a huge role over Hari Raya Haji, with volunteers from mosques sacrificing goats, sheep, and cows on the holy day. A third of the meat from these animals is given to people that need it most. The rest is given to the families of those who sacrificed their animals. Singapore National Day When: August 9, 2023 No matter your religion or cultural background, August 9 is a special day for Singaporeans. It's the country's National Day, and it draws massive crowds from all over the world every year. Expect massive parades, choreographed dance, and plenty of other festivities to enjoy! Diwali When: November 12, 2023 And finally, we end our guide to festivals in Singapore with Diwali, the biggest celebration in the Hindu calendar. Marking the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, it represents the triumph of good over evil. But what does it mean for you, oh traveler? Well, plenty! Plenty of fireworks, bright clothes, and dancing. Little India will be buzzing all day, so make sure you go down there and check it out! And that rounds out our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Go City's got you covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience the best of Singapore for one low price, and fit them around your festival itinerary!
Dom Bewley
Singapore SEA Aquarium
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Things to do in Singapore for Families and Kids

Looking for a holiday destination that’s fun for the whole family? Singapore is basically a giant playground - safe, sunny, and full of fun, all year round. From adventure parks to beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife to mesmerizing light shows, there are plenty of family-friendly sights for you and your children to enjoy. If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities. Cycle with dinosaurs at the Jurassic Mile The fun begins as soon as you touch down at Singapore’s Changi Airport. It’s a magnificent building, housing waterfalls, wildlife exhibits, a swimming pool, movie theater, and much more. It certainly breaks the mold of what an airport can be. But that’s not the really cool part. Connecting Changi Airport to East Coast Park, via a 3km path, is the Jurassic Mile. The largest outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs! If your kids are dino-lovers, they’ll have a blast here. Take your pick of walking, scooting, or cycling as you pass pterodactyls, velociraptors, an angry T-Rex, and many more. The whole route takes around 30 minutes one-way, depending on how many times you stop for photos. Take a walk on the wild side at Singapore Zoo Welcoming over two million visitors per year, Singapore Zoo aims to showcase how animals behave in their natural habitats. The park is so big there’s a tram to help you get around - always handy if the little ones are getting a little restless. Check the Zoo map and feeding schedule before visiting, so you can see all your favorite animals, and even feed a few too. There are also special events and animal shows, so be sure to factor these in when planning your itinerary. You’ll see a vast array of animals, including kangaroos, pygmy hippos, frogs, sloths, wolverines, and rhinos, to name just a few of the 300 species. There are also plenty of feeding holes for humans, so you can keep your energy levels up as you explore the wilderness. Head below the surface at SEA Aquarium Explore Singapore’s underwater world at SEA Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With over 100,000 aquatic animals of more than 1,000 species in over 45 habitats, SEA Aquarium has one of the largest collections of aquatic life in the region. Standing face to face with a Giant Pacific Octopus is an experience your little ones won’t soon forget. If that sounds a little too scary, how about Bottlenose Dolphins or adorable little seahorses? With a huge central aquarium and immersive shark tunnel, you’ll be loving life under the sea. Slip and slide at Adventure Cove Waterpark If your kids have more energy and like things a little more hands-on, head to Adventure Cove Waterpark. They’ll can snorkel through the rainbow reef and see 20,000 colorful fish up close, or really let loose in the giant wave pool. With rides for all ages, including the Big Bucket Treehouse, Riptide Rocket, and Seahorse Hideaway, the hardest part of the day will be dragging them away when it’s time to leave. For the adults who need a brief moment of peace and quiet, hop in a tube and float down Adventure River where you’ll drift through 14 different environments, including an immersive underwater tunnel filled with marine life. Take it to the next level at Universal Studios Singapore Scream if you want to go faster! Universal Studios Singapore features seriously exciting rides, attractions, and shows. Are you brave enough to ride Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON? Or take on The Ultimate 3D Battle featuring The Transformers? Don’t worry, if you need to slow things down a little then Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey or Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase are a little easier on the nerves. With seven themed areas to explore: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar, plus plenty of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, it’s an adventure-packed day for young and old alike. Head to the beach A day at the beach is a must if you’re heading to Singapore, and whether you have teens or tweens, there’s a beach for them. If building sandcastles while you sip on a frosty drink sounds like a dream day out, add Silosa to your itinerary. The restaurants have tables on the sand, meaning you can always keep an eye on the little ones as they splash in the shallows. Silosa also offers watersports for the older ones, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available year-round. If you get bored easily and want a little more action, East Coast Park is the dream destination. Soak in the sun as you explore the abundance of cycle and rollerblading paths. (rental shops are aplenty), or really test your nerves in the Xtreme SkatePark. For the ultimate watersport adventure, Singapore Wake Park offers a safe environment for both beginners and experienced wakeboard riders looking for an adrenaline fix. It’s set in the safety of a lagoon, with rides available for children as young as six years old. Finish the day with a light show The light shows in Singapore are magical, and the perfect end to a long day of exploring. Some are paid, others are free, but all are amazing. With a variety of fireworks, water jets, and lasers choreographed to music, Wings of Time is a stunning, state-of-the-art performance that’s guaranteed to get a “Wow!” from even the most temperamental of teens. Other light shows worth attending include Spectra, which takes place at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Both are unmissable, jaw-dropping experiences. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

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