We have all spent most parts of the last two years cooped up at home, waiting earnestly for the pandemic to go away. While that does not seem like it will be happening anytime soon, the government’s pivot to treat COVID-19 as an endemic means that we are progressively seeing a semblance of normalcy returning. Team sports are back and live music has returned to our bars and restaurants.
For all of you here planning the next outdoor activity with your gang, we have curated a list of 7 best outdoor activities that will help you get that precious vitamin D we all could do with a little more of.
If you are looking for activities to do with your kids this holiday season, read Things to Do with the Kids - Fun Activities & Attractions this School Holiday
1. Visit Mangrove Swamps with a Leg Paddled Kayak
If you have run out of places to explore on mainland Singapore and going on VTL holidays isn't exactly your cup of tea at the moment, consider a leg paddled kayak excursion that will bring you to places such as the mangrove swamps of Pulau Ubin and Sembawang, the kelongs of Changi and Punggol or even a floating restaurant. These places are not exactly accessible to most people unless you own a kayak or swim really well.
Image credit: @aileron_yak
Aileron Yak offers Singapore’s very first leg-paddled kayak adventure, where you get to choose if you want to paddle or row. Each kayak is fitted with a special foot paddle that keeps your hands free to do whatever you want while out in the sea. When you get tired of paddling, retrieve the oar stowed in the kayak and work your hands while your legs take a breather. If you ever felt like you needed a day out in the sea enjoying the sea breeze, this is the activity for you.
Image credit: @aileron_yak
Website: https://aileronyak.com/
Contact: +65 9179 8803
Email: info@aileronyak.com
2. D’Ultimate XCape Carnival at Downtown East
Yes, yet another carnival in the East. Westsiders can only wait patiently for the day we can visit a carnival that is not an hour and a half away from home. Taking nothing away from this latest attraction, D’Ultimate XCape at Downtown East is Singapore’s first carnival this year to be built at such a scale. Featuring a 10m-high octopus water slide, Viking ship ride, Uncle Ringo’s carnival games, art installations and more, there are activities for the entire household to enjoy. Ticket prices range from $5 to $12.
Image credit: @mel_sim_rainbow
Image credit: @mel_sim_rainbow
Date: Until 22nd March 2022
Time: 4.30PM - 9.30PM Mon & Wed, 12PM - 9.30PM Sat - Sun (Closed on Tue) Last entry at 9.15PM
Venue: Downtown East Begonia Open Air Carpark, 60 Pasir Ris Drive 3, Singapore 519497
Website: https://ultimate.sg/duxbookings/
3. Waterbike SG at Pasir Ris Park
Featuring another first in Singapore is Waterbike SG, Singapore’s first water bike adventure. Think of it as cycling on water. Slower but minus the bruises. You do not need to know how to cycle as the chances of the water boat capsizing is very low. Wander the waters of Pasir Ris Park on your own, race your friend or you can even go on your own photo-taking adventure as you get to stow your belongings in a waterproof box attached to the water bike. Rates start from $30/pax for 1 hour.
Image credit: @waterbike_singapore
Image credit: @waterbike_singapore
Meeting point: Campsite 1 at Pasir Ris Park, 159T Jalan Loyang Besar, Singapore 506927
Opening hours: 9AM - 6PM on Sat & Sun (by appointment basis)
Website: https://www.waterbike.sg/
Contact: 9871 8007
Email: sgwaterbike@gmail.com
4. Go-Kart in Jurong/Bukit Timah
Something to excite those living in the west, the Karting Arena has recently opened its second karting track in Jurong. Aspiring racers can look forward to a 700m-long track with up to 30 go-karts on the track at any one time. Kids from as young as 9 can join in the fun, and prices start at $25 per session for novice and $35 per session for adults. Novice aspiring racers race in a separate course and are subject to a speed limit of 30km/h. Adults in another track can go as fast as 50km/h but do note that you are required to show that you have a valid driving license before you are allowed to hop into the kart.
Image credit: @thekartingarena
The original race track is located at The Grandstand, Bukit Timah. The karts at Bukit Timah are powered by electricity and are built on lighter chassis for better handling whereas the karts at Jurong run on petroleum like most other karts. Try out both karts and let us know which one you prefer!
Image credit: @thekartingarena
Karting Arena@Jurong
Venue: Block B, 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366
Opening hours: 1PM - 9PM Tue - Fri, 9AM - 9PM Sat - Sun (Closed on Mon)
Website: https://thekartingarena.com/
Email: contact-j@thekartingarena.com
Karting Arena@Bukit Timah
Venue: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-01B,The Grandstand, South Car Park, Singapore 287994
Opening hours: 1PM - 8:30PM Wed - Fri, 10AM - 9PM Sat - Sun (Closed on Mon & Tue)
Website: https://thekartingarena.com/home-bt/
Email: contact-bt@thekartingarena.com
5. Pop-up skating rink at CHIJMES
Ever wondered how it feels like to be ice-skating under the skies in Singapore? For only $5 per entry for 30 minutes, you can now enjoy a skating session at a pop-up rink located at the outdoor lawn area of CHIJMES. Bring your own skates or rent the equipment from them at $5 for a pair of skates, seal skating aid or a set consisting helmet, knee and elbow guards. In your typical streetwear fashion of t-shirt, bermudas and slippers? You can purchase a pair of socks at $2.50 to wear with the skates. Do note that you will need to book your slot and equipment online at the link below.
No need to travel all the way to Jurong East to use the skating rink anymore.
Image credit: @patricchoy
Website: https://christmas.capitolsingapore.com/collections/activities
Email: capitolsingapore@perennialholdings.com
6. Hydrodash Sentosa
Hydrodash is Singapore's first and only open water obstacle course. Yes we know, another first in Singapore, but no one’s really complaining. If you grew up watching Japanese gameshow contestants running and sliding their way to victory on water obstacle courses, this is your chance to experience that very same adrenaline rush. Featuring courses with 3 varying levels of difficulty, you get to twist and turn your body to obstacles such as target wheel, monkey bars, trampolines, jump-off platforms and slides where we get to let loose our inner child. Book your tickets online via the link below.
Image credit: @hydrodash.sg
Image credit: @hydrodash.sg
Venue: Palawan Beach, Sentosa
Opening hours: 12PM - 6PM Weekdays, 10AM - 7PM Weekends, Public Holidays & School Holidays
Website: https://ultimate.sg/duxbookings/
Email: hydrosplash@palawan.com.sg
Contact: 9783 7549
7. Singapore Wake Park
Before this very horrible virus called COVID-19 came into existence, Singaporeans used to throng neighbouring islands such as Batam or Bintan for our water skiing and wakeboarding fix. With the onset of the pandemic, the very activity of surfing now mostly involves sitting at a table and clicking away at something resembling a squeaky mammal.
For water sports enthusiasts, Singapore Wake Park offers a cable-skiing and wakeboarding courses where you get to zip about round after round at prices starting from $50/hour, or from $20/hour if you purchase the Share-The-Fun pass. You may bring your own wakeboard, but board rentals are also available at an additional $20/hour.
Image credit: @singaporewakepark
Image credit: @singaporewakepark
Venue: 1206A East Coast Park, Singapore 449891
Opening hours: 10AM - 9PM Mon - Fri, 9AM - 9PM Sat - Sun
Website: https://singaporewakepark.com/
Email: iwannaride@singaporewakepark.com
Contact: 6636 4266
With the latest relaxation on social gathering size limit, there is no better time to gather your friends and get those idle muscles back to work again. Dust off that pair of sports shoes, grab that sunblock and head outdoors for a frolicking good time this weekend!