Outdoor Activities in Singapore
I’m probably not the only one feeling this, but one of the best ways to unwind after a long day at work is to get some fresh air. For many Singaporeans, spending time outdoors in nature does wonders for our mental and physical health.
Sometimes, however, we may crave something different from jogging, biking and hiking through PCNs and natural reserves. Here is some unique nature and outdoor activities for you to get your dose of nature.
1. Escape “room” on St John’s Island – Solve clues with friends
For amateur sleuths, please your inner sleuth by taking over the escape room challenge on st john island. For 5.5 hours, work with your friends to find clues, solve puzzles and eventually find the cure for the Green Death, a fictional pandemic sweeping the world.
Unlike the typical escape room experience, this outdoor challenge covers the entire island. As you try to find the cure for the virus, take time to learn about the island’s rich history and explore the island.
Rates: $481.50 for a group of 5
Address: Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988
Opening hours: Sat 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Ile Saint-Jean Escape Room Website
2. Scuba Diving in Pulau Hantu – Explore SG Marine Life
Image credit: @khailengchua
Think about scuba diving and destinations like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia probably come to mind. But it turns out you don’t need to pack your passport to do the needing locally at Pulau Hantu.
Scuba diving sessions are conducted by licensed dive instructors over a 4.5 hour period.
Image adapted from: @chuo.ren and @cuddlefishdivers
Dive into the crystal clear waters while looking for turtles, seahorses and even nudibranchs – colorful sea slugs typically only found in shallow tropical waters. One thing is for sure, you will come away with a better appreciation and understanding of the diversity of marine life there.
Rates: $100 for a 4.5 hour session
Book a scuba diving session.
3. Changi Beach Intertidal Walk – Family Beach Trail
Rarely will you come across a child who doesn’t like animals or is at least intrigued by them. A good nature activity for families with curious children is the Changi Beach Intertidal Walk. These guided tours allow participants to learn to identify various species of marine life.
Image credit: Search Sophie
The 2-hour tour is hands-on and interactive, making it perfect for youngsters who like to get their hands dirty. As the tour takes place at low tide, participants will be able to spot typically hidden creatures, such as hermit crabs, starfish, and anemones.
Image credit: Search Sophie
Rates: $81 for a 2 hour tour
Book it Changi Beach Intertidal Walk.
4. Forest bathing – De-stress with guided forest therapy
Image credit: @forestbathingsg
Getting in touch with nature doesn’t just involve adventures and physical workouts – you can choose to take a more meditative route. Derived from the Japanese word shinrin yoku, forest bath is a mindfulness exercise designed to promote spiritual rejuvenation through lounging in nature.
Image credit: @forestbathingsg
Xiu Nature Connections offers exactly that – guided forest therapy sessions for you to relax and unwind in nature. Led by certified forest therapy guides, the forest bathing sessions allow you to slow down and take a breather away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Weekly lessons vary in location and price and are only for people aged 16 and over.
Rates: From ~$72
Xiu Nature Connections website
5. Sungei Buloh Wetlands Tour – Visit the largest mangrove forest in SG
Image credit: @tripeon.pang
Fun fact: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to Singapore’s largest mangrove forest. This gem is a must-see for nature lovers to spot everything from migrating birds in the sky to mud lobsters hiding in the ground. For the uninitiated, you can explore the reserve and all that it conceals on a guided walking tour of the mangrove forest.
Image credit: @ronwanderlust
During the 2.5-hour tour, you will learn about the different species of mangroves found in Singapore. Try to spot birds, mudskippers, and even rock-climbing crabs as your guide shares information about these creatures.
Rates: $55 for the 2.5 hour tour
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925
Book a Sungei Buloh Mangrove Forest Guided Walking Tour.
6. Nighttime Forest Adventure – Spot nocturnal animals in the wild
Performed at night, when forest creatures are most active, the Naturalist Night Adventure by The Untamed Paths is for all nature lovers who want to get close to Singapore’s wildlife.
Image adapted from: Klook
Unleash your inner boy/girl scout during the 2-hour tour and see Singapore’s hidden species up close and learn to identify them, while hearing the stories behind these creatures.
Image adapted from: Klook
You can walk the designated walking paths from the tour meeting points in Bukit Batok and Pasir Ris. During the tour, watch out for fruit bats, owls, insects, frogs, snakes, and even scorpions.
Rates: $89 for a 2 hour tour
Book it Naturalist Night Adventure.
7. Kranji Countryside – Hop on the farm and taste fresh produce
Live out your basic cottage dreams for a day as you tour the farm Kranji Campaign. Located along the Kranji Reservoir, the area is relaxed and serene and home to several farms including fisheries and goat farms.
If you want to sample fresh Singapore produce or simply enjoy healthy eating, visit the farmers marketwhich occurs once a quarter.
After a long day of visiting the farm, have a meal at one of the many restaurants located directly on the compound. These restaurants are operated by the local farms themselves and many of the meals offered are made with fresh ingredients grown right on the farm.
Poison Ivy Bistro’s Warrior’s Family Meal ($26) serves two
Check complete list of farms in Kranji.
8. Biking on the water at WaterBike SG
If you’ve been to Pasir Ris Park recently, chances are you’ve heard of WaterBike SG. Water Cycle Activity has gone viral on TikTok recently, and for good reason. Water biking is both safe and fun, and provides a scenic and thrilling workout.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the water bike is easy to maneuver and suitable for riders of all skill levels. The pedaling action mimics the feeling of riding a bike on land, except instead of being surrounded by trees, dirt and rocks, you’ll be greeted by calm sea views and gentle waves.
If you’re worried about losing your perfect complexion to the unforgiving rays of the sun or getting lost, you’ll be relieved to know that the water bikes come equipped with umbrellas to protect you from the elements, as well as walkie-talkies. so you can keep in touch with your friends at sea.
Rates: $30 for the first hour, additional $20 for each subsequent hour
Address: Campsite 1 at Pasir Ris Park, 159T Jalan Loyang Besar, Singapore 506927
Opening hours: By appointment on Saturday and Sunday (between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.)
Telephone: 9871 8007
WaterBike SG website
9. Gallop Stable – Horseback Riding in Pasir Ris and Bukit Timah
If you like animals and nature, you might want to try horseback riding in gallop stable. Guided riding sessions allow riders to trot along a scenic off-road green track while being accompanied by an experienced horse handler to ensure your safety, even if you are new to the activity.
Image adapted from: @gallopstableofficial
Gallop Stable currently runs two stables – one in Boukit Timah and the other in Pasir Ris Park. On the green trail, expect to encounter all kinds of wildlife, including monkeys and monitor lizards.
Image adapted from: Gallop Stable Singapore
Bukit Timah Gallop Stable
Rates: $85 for a one hour ride
Address: 100 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287992
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 8am-8pm (closed Mondays)
Telephone: 6463 6012
Stable Galop Pasir Ris
Rates: $85 for a one hour ride
Address: 61 Pasir Ris Green Carpark C Singapore 518225
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 10am-12pm, 2pm-7pm | Sat – Sun 8am-12pm, 2pm-7pm
Telephone: 6583 9665
Galop stable website
10. Kayak Fishing – Guided group tours along Tanjong Beach
If you love the water, but want to try something different from the typical kayak, you can enjoy kayak fishing. The unique activity takes place in small groups of four and allows you to practice well while catching fish.
Held in the waters near Tanjong Beach, each kayak fishing session lasts four hours, so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Unlike regular kayaks, the kayaks used here are pedal powered, so you’re sure to get a great workout.
Image adapted from: Fever SG
Rates: From $99/person
Address: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098942
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily
Telephone: 8850 8501
Fever SG website
Unique outdoor activities for Singaporeans
When the weekend rolls around, it can sometimes be difficult to decide what to do. Instead of spending another day off watching Netflix in bed, get out of the house and get outside.
The next time you’re in the mood for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, try one of these outdoor activities. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a challenge or a mom looking for something to entertain her kids, you’ll be able to find one that’s right for you.
See also:
Cover image adapted from: Xiu Nature Connections, @gallopstableofficial
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