Outdoor Activities in Singapore

When we visited Singapore a couple of years ago, we had already been on the road for over 6 months. By the time we arrived to this modern and exciting city in South East Asia, we were worn out and exhausted. We spent our time hanging out in the malls, drinking coffee and enjoying the air conditioning.  We never left the downtown core.

Our cash was running low and Singapore Hotels were soaring high.  We only managed to spend a few days walking around and we missed so much.  If only we knew about the discount hotel booking sites of today we may have been able to squeeze in a few more days to experience everything that Singapore has to offer.

We were surprised to learn that Singapore has many nature reserves and parks that a person can check out. Who knew that the second most densely populated country in the world could have natural havens for people to slow down and become one with Mother Nature.

There is so much more to do than just shopping and nightlife in Singapore.

Here are some ideas for you to plan your outdoor adventure when visiting this tiny country that packs a punch.

1. Rock Climbing – Who knew? Singapore has some great rock climbing at the old Bukit Timah Quarries. There are almost 50 routes to challenge a climber from easy 5.7′s to difficult 5.12 b routes.  Rock climbing is fairly new to Singapore, but it is catching on quickly.

2. Wake boarding – Not only is it popular to head out to a reservoir and hire a boat, there is also a Cable Ski Park. This looks like the best way to learn tricks on a board as you are pulled around a lagoon on a cable.  It is cheaper than renting a boat and up to eight riders can be on the cable at one time, giving you lots of water time.

3. Paragliding – Dave did this in Peru and I have been dying to try it ever since. It was offered in Nepal, but the cost was a little too much for our budget.  Maybe Singapore will be the place that I will finally soar into the sky.  A new addition to the adventure travel world of Singapore, Paragliding just might take off as a popular adrenaline activity.

4. Ziplining - Mega zip adventure park has outdoor activities to keep the adrenaline pumping for an entire day. Between its zipline over the jungle canopy, high rope obstacle course, mini bungee jump and rock climbing wall this may be family fun, but I want to go too! I haven’t been a fan of bungee jumps in the past, but I think that I would be able to actually try the 50 foot jump at Mega Zip.  Sign me up, we’re going to Singapore.

5. Mount Faber Park – We actually made it to this one.  Our friend Gilbert took us out to Mount Faber for spectacular views of the city.  This 9-km wide park is lush and filled with plant life. Trails cut through the forest and it has the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.

6. Zorbing – It isn’t only in New Zealand any more. This inflatable ball that rolls down a grassy hill has arrived in Singapore and we would love to give it a try. ZOBVB Singapore has more information and fun activities.

7. HSBC Tree Top Walk – A rainforest wouldn’t be complete without a canopy walk and Singapore is no exception. Located in the MacRitchie Reservoir this suspension bridge is only 250 metres long, but the hike through the rainforest is nearly 10 km. You may even catch sight of some monkeys and exotic birds.

8. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - At 7500 acres in area, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is Singapore’s oldest rainforest.  Home to over 500 species of animals and even more plants, it is a quiet refuge from the city.  It even keeps noise and visitors to a minimum by having a cap on the amount of people allowed to hike in a group.  Most of the trails are easy, but to hike anywhere in a rainforest is always fun.

9. Beach Life – We didn’t even know that Singapore had a beach! But East Coast Park has 7.5 km of sand and sun.  Not only can you relax on the beach and catch some rays, there are water sports, bicycle trails and running tracks.