Some of the most popular sports on the island of Singapore are
water-based. Round-the-island canoe trips are a rage, as are the
thrills and spills of water-skiing off Sembawang and Kallang
River (venue of previous world championships), windsurfing and
sailing.
Canoeing Various
private operators provide hiring facilities for canoes. These
are located at Changi Point, East Coast Park and Sentosa Island.
Operating hours are generally from 9am to 6pm daily. Single
seaters cost between SGD 6 to SGD 10 and double seaters cost
between SGD 8 and SGD 12.
Scuba Diving Most
local diving schools conduct courses sanctioned by NAUI or PADI,
two internationally recognised scuba-diving associations. Day
and night diving in local waters and nearby diving sports in
Malaysian waters are also available. Contact SeaDive Adventures
Pte Ltd at tel: (65) 6774 0105.
Water Skiing All
waterski centres are open from about 9am to 5:30pm (including
public holidays). Costs ranges from SGD 65 to SGD 85 per hour.
Windsurfing / Sailing For
windsurfing, costs are around SGD 20 for two hours with a SGD 10
deposit. For sailboats, costs are around SGD 20 for one hour
with a SGD 30 deposit. Operating hours are from 9:30am to
6:30pm. Contact the Sea Sports Centre at tel: (65) 6449 5118 or
National Service Resort & Country Club at tel: (65) 6546 5880.
With perfect weather nearly all year round, Singapore is the
ideal destination for golfers from all over the world to tee
off. International events such as the Caltex Singapore Masters,
are held here. With the superb golfing facilities and an
extensive selection of clubs - some of which have signature
courses of their own - you'll be spoiled for choice on our
beautiful fairways. You need not worry about your handicap
either, as most courses have multiple tee off positions. You can
play golf at almost anytime of the day - and night! - as some
courses are open for play in the evenings. This means you can
enjoy the courses at a wide variety of clubs, regardless of your
skill level.
You can also easily access regional golf courses in neighbouring
destinations like Bintan, Batam and Johor. For instance, two
signature championship courses in Indonesia, designed by Jack
Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch, are a short 45-minute ferry ride
from Singapore.
There are some things to keep in mind when golfing in Singapore.
Most of our golf clubs and courses have a dress code that
requires a collared T-shirt with trousers or short pants. Proper
golf shoes should also be worn. However, be aware that some
clubs may not allow spiked shoes on the course. If you need a
caddie or a golf buggy, they can be hired at reasonable rates
from most clubs. For your own convenience, try to confirm a tee
off time before going to the club as a competition or routine
maintenance may be in progress. Most clubs are well-equipped
with lockers, showers, changing rooms, as well as dining and
entertainment outlets.
Singapore has over 200 bowling centres, each offering more than
20 lanes. Most bowling centres open as early as 9am and close
between 1am and 2am, though there are some 24-hour centres,
mostly in the Marina South area. Prices range from SGD 2 to SGD
3.80 per game exclusive of shoe rentals.
Cycling is a modest mode of transportation, a great
recreational-cum-exercise activity (cycling paths link many
parts of the island), and last but not least, it can challenge
one's sense of adventure in the form of mountain or dirt biking.
Bicycles can be rented at a number of public parks, including
those at East Coast Park, Sentosa, Pasir Ris and Bishan. Pulau
Ubin also offers mountain and dirt biking.
On-site racing as well as "live" telecasts of Malaysian races
can be enjoyed at the Singapore Racecourse at Kranji. Visitors
must observe a strict dress code. Shorts, singlets and slippers
are not allowed in the public stands. The dress code for the
Hibiscus Room, from where tourists can watch the races, is smart
casual.
Currently, races take place on selected Fridays from 7pm and
selected Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30pm.
Admission is SGD 3 (non-airconditioned), and SGD 7 (airconditioned)
for the general public; SGD 20 (air-conditioned, Hibiscus Room)
for tourists. Please produce your passport at the ticket
counter.
The Singapore Racecourse is easily accessible from Kranji MRT
Station (NS7) For
more information, contact the Singapore Turf Club at tel: (65)
6879 1000 or visit the website at
www.turfclub.com.sg