Where to go kayaking in Singapore
While it’s common to hear people list hobbies like hiking, cycling, and bouldering, kayaking tends to be one of the outdoor activities that’s left out. You’re probably even thinking “Do I have to go all the way to Pulau Ubin to kayak?”. To answer your question simply, no, you don’t. There are more kayak-friendly places than you think there are, located across our small island.
In fact, a day out kayaking can become quite the adventure if you consider it a form of transport to get you to other islands and beaches. If this has sparked an interest to give the sport a try, here’s where to go kayaking in Singapore.
How to kayak properly?
Before we get into our list of where to kayak in Singapore, here are some tips and tricks to help you understand the basics of this water sport.
Be in the right seating position
Make sure you’re seated with your back upright and have your legs outstretched with a slight bend in your knees. Your hips should lean firmly against the backseat. This posture can prevent too much pressure from being placed on your lower back, while also providing stability as you paddle.
Get the right kayak size
The right kayak size depends on whether or not you’re kayaking solo or in a pair:
- Solo: Those below 1.67m in height should go for a low-volume kayak, which are about 8ft-10ft long. If your height is above 1.67m, go for a high-volume kayak that is 12ft-14ft in length.
- Pair: It’s difficult to account for the height of both kayakers, but any kayak 12ft in length or above should suffice.
Know the differences in kayak paddle types
- Matched: Suitable for beginners and easiest to learn, since both blades are designed to parallel each other.
- Feathered: Useful in windy weather; can be converted to matched type by rotating the blade.
- Concave: Glides through water with ease.
- Asymmetric: Helps kayak sail straight. Keep the shorter end of the paddle blade closest to the water as you row.
Learn the different types of strokes
- Forward stroke: Keep one end of the paddle fully submerged in the water and push it backwards towards your hip. Repeat on the other side, as you lift the submerged paddle from the water.
- Reverse stroke: To stop or move backwards, do the opposite of the forward stroke by pushing your paddle forwards to your toes.
- Sweep stroke: To turn the boat around, dip the paddle in the water near the front of the kayak and start rowing with a half-moon motion.
- Draw stroke: To move your boat sideways, angle your paddle about 2 feet away at the side of your kayak.
Overview of kayak rentals in Singapore
Here’s where you can kayak in Singapore and how much it costs to rent a kayak.
| Place to kayak | Best feature | Rental spots | Prices |
| Lower Seletar Reservoir | Easy waters for first-time kayakers | Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre | Single kayak: $14/2 hours |
| Jurong Lake Gardens | Convenient for westies | PAssion Wave | Single kayak: $10/2 hours |
| Pulau Sekudu | Lesser-known area with lesser kayakers | Ohana Beach House | Single kayak: $12/hour |
| Pulau Ketam | Tour a beach-forest habitat | Book a guided tour | Klook: $106.85/adult Asian Detours: $95/adult |
| Southern Islands | Explore 7 different islands | Book a guided tour | Kayakasia: $125/adult |
| Pasir Ris Park | Has a nearby beach house serving bar bites | Ohana Beach House | Single kayak: $12/hour Double kayak: $20/hour |
| Sentosa | Offers kid-friendly kayaks | Ola Beach Club | Single kayak: $25/hour Double kayak: $35/hour |
| Sembawang Park | Open area, easy to manoeuvre | PAssion Wave | Single kayak: $10/2 hours |
| Seletar Island | Kayak through mangrove trails | Book a guided tour/PAssion Wave | Kayakasia: $135/adult Full-day rent: $17 |
| Kallang Basin | Admire SG skyline views while kayaking | Water Sports Centre | Single kayak: from $12/2 hours |
| Macritchie Reservoir | Moderately challenging trail | Paddle Lodge | Single kayak: $18/hour |
| Pulau Ubin | Learn kayak fishing | Book a guided tour/Ohana Beach House | Kayakasia: from $105/adult Single kayak: $12/hour |
Best places to go kayaking in Singapore
1. Lower Seletar Reservoir
Calm waters to pick up kayak basics
Image credit: PUB
For first-time or novice kayakers, you might want to start your journey at Lower Seletar Reservoir. The calm and smooth waters make it a great spot to pick up kayaking basics before you try out more difficult terrain in the open sea.
As you’re kayaking, see if you can spot the resident birds of prey circling the area, such as the white-bellied sea eagle or the collared kingfisher scouting the waters for lunch.
Kayaks can be rented at the Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre. Single kayaks cost $14 for 2 hours, or you can take the ABC Kayaking Experience for $25/pax, a guided class in which you’ll also learn about Seletar’s rich history.
Duration: ~2 hours
Starting point: Lower Seletar Reservoir
Contact: Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre | 9154 9424
2. Jurong Lake Gardens
Paddle alongside pagodas
Image credit: NParks
Westies can check out Jurong Lake Gardens for a good kayak workout.You’ll even be able to admire the Twin Pagodas up close when paddling through the newly-opened Chinese and Japanese Garden waters.
You can rent kayaks at PAssion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens. A single kayak costs $10 for 2 hours.
Duration: ~2 hours
Starting point: Jurong Lake Gardens
Contact: PAssion Wave @ JLG website | 6970 4262
3. Pulau Sekudu
Lesser-known island near Chek Jawa
Image credit: Cindy Png via Facebook
Pulau Sekudu AKA Frog Island is a smaller, lesser-known area sitting right opposite Chek Jawa Wetlands – a rediscovered wetland located near Pulau Ubin Jetty. Those exploring the island will get to observe some of the tallest Pulai trees in Singapore, and the centrepiece – a stunning giant rock formation that resembles a frog.
There are also plenty of sea creatures crawling the shallow waters, such as starfish and crabs. Start your journey from Pulau Ubin, and paddle a short distance towards the island on open waters with nothing major in the way of your path.
If you want to rent a kayak, begin instead from Pasir Ris Beach Park, where you can rent single kayaks from $12/hour at Ohana Beach House.
Duration: ~ 4 hours
Starting Point: Pasir Ris Beach Park
Contact: Ohana Beach House website | 9737 7944
4. Pulau Ketam
Spot a diverse variety of wildlife
Image credit: Pelago by Singapore Airlines
Pulau Ketam, which translates to Crab Island, is another highlight just southwest of Pulau Ubin. The island is made up of a 2.87km-long narrow strip of land, and offers a beach-forest habitat which you can tour in your kayak.
Keep a lookout for a variety of bird species and wildlife that call the island home, while you soak in the serene surroundings. Kayaking to Pulau Ketam is best done with a guided tour, which can be booked online through platforms like Klook ($106.85/adult). So, getting here should be relatively easy with an experienced guide leading the group.
Book a Pulau Ketam kayaking guided tour.
Duration: ~ 5 hours
Starting Point: Pulau Ubin
5. Southern Islands
7 island-long trail
Image credit: @kayakasia.sg via Instagram
Challenge your skills by kayaking to not 1 but 7 islands that are part of the Southern Islands trail. It’s a win-win situation since you’ll get the rare opportunity to island-hop and explore each area, while also training those muscles.
Most tours go the full route – an 8-hour long journey that circles around Kusu Island, St John’s Island and Lazarus Island, Pulau Tekukor, Pulau Seringat, and the Twin Sisters’ Island. It is quite the task, so we suggest this route for slightly more experienced kayakers.
If a single session in a day feels too tiring, you can always opt to break up the journey into 2 days such as the Kusu-Lazarus ($125/adult) and St John’s-Tekukor ($125/adult) tour offered by Kayakasia to complete the trip instead.
Duration: ~ 8 hours or 2D1N
Starting point: Tanjong Beach
Contact: Kayakasia website | 9756 2040
6. Pasir Ris Park
Convenient for Easties, with nearby amenities
Image credit: Kamarus Zaman via Facebook
Easties, you can easily enjoy kayaking around Pasir Ris Park with a number of options for kayak rentals including Ohana Beach House, where those holding Civil Service Club memberships get further discounts on their equipment. A single seat kayak here will set you back $12/hr, while a double seat kayak is $20/hr.
If you get hungry after the workout, just head back to the beach house which is also an eatery that serves bar bites.
Other rental stores include PAssion Wave by PA, which is a great pick if you want to train professionally. They offer 1 STAR to 3 STAR certification courses starting from $80/pax. Whether you’re here for leisure or practice, the calm waves make it a good kayaking site for anyone starting out.
Duration: ~ 1.5 hours
Starting point: Pasir Ris Park
Contact: PAssion Wave @ Pasir Ris website | 6582 4796
7. Sentosa
Clear waters & scenic views at Siloso Beach
Kayaking at Sentosa is suitable for kids too.
Image credit: @olabeachclubsg via Instagram
The iconic Siloso Beach is one of the popular kayaking spots in Singapore, especially if you’ve got kids. You get to glide across clear waters while catching a panoramic view of Sentosa Island. Hop in a double kayak ($35/hour) from Ola Beach Club if you want to ride with a friend or a little one. Or if you’re more confident in your skills, you can paddle the single kayak at $25/hour. If you go further out, you can even catch a view of the Malaysian port in the distance.
Duration: ~ 1-2 hours
Starting point: Siloso Beach
Contact: Ola Beach Club website | 8028 3228
8. Sembawang Park
Rental from only $10 for 2 hours
Image credit: Wendy Tang via Facebook
Sembawang Park is the go-to place for kayaking in Singapore when looking for an affordable option. At just $10/pax for a 2-hour kayak rental from PAssion WAVE, you know you’re getting your money’s worth here.
Beginners to the sport will have a smooth experience thanks to the open area and relatively calm waters. Certified kayakers can opt for the closed-top kayak for more of a challenge. If you’ve got the skills and are feeling adventurous, try kayaking all the way to Seletar Island about 4km away.
Duration: ~ 2.5 hours
Contact: PAssion Wave @ Sembawang website | 6755 0225
9. Seletar Island
Beginner-friendly route
Image credit: Mysginsider via Facebook
If you turn right and head eastwards from Sembawang Park, you’ll find yourself arriving at Seletar Island. The island’s quite a small one, with luscious trees and mangroves that create a tranquil environment. It’s also not too far from the Singapore-Malaysia border.
While kayaking there is simple for novices, getting to Seletar Island from Sembawang Park will take about 3 hours, so you’d want to go with a tour group or experienced friends to avoid getting lost.
You can do a full-day kayak rental ($17/pax) from PAssion Wave @ Sembawang, or book the Sungei Khatib Bongsu Trail ($135/adult) on Kayakasia.
Duration: ~ 3 hours
Starting point: Sembawang Park
Contact: PAssion Wave @ Sembawang website | 6755 0225
10. Kallang Basin
Iconic SG skyline views
Spot the Singapore Flyer and National Stadium from the Kallang Basin.
Image credit: Jonathan Lim Yik Chin via Facebook
While walking around Gardens by the Bay, you may have spotted a kayak or two in the water body nearby. A popular spot for kayak enthusiasts, Kallang Basin has gotten a good rep for its picturesque views. Imagine chilling in your kayak and watching the sun set behind the city skyline – it’s like the perfect end to an active day out.
Your route starts at the Water Sports Centre at the Singapore Sports Hub. Lockers provided there are free and you can rent your kayaks from $14/adult for 2 hours or $12/adult if you go during non-peak. For students and children, prices start from $10/pax. The waters here are definitely on the calmer side, so you’ll experience a more relaxing sesh.
Duration: ~ 2 hours
Starting point: Water Sports Centre, Singapore Sports Hub
Contact: Water Sports Centre website
11. MacRitchie Reservoir
Great for nature enthusiasts
Image credit: @linghoonglean via Instagram
At MacRitchie Reservoir you get the best of both worlds – a moderately challenging kayak trail and a whole stretch of nature. This OG kayaking spot in Singapore leads you along the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, so you can get a workout while appreciating the surrounding flora and fauna.
The reservoir is shared between both the public and kayak professionals, so just remember to kayak within the yellow buoys as the area further ahead is a practice space for competitive kayaking.
Single seat kayaks can be rented at Paddle Lodge for $18/hour. Or if you’re planning to spend a full day out on the waters, opt for the full day rental at $54.
Duration: ~ 2- 3 hours
Starting point: MacRitchie Reservoir
Contact: Paddle Lodge website | 6258 0057
12. Pulau Ubin
Mangroves & kayak fishing
Pulau Ubin isn’t just a spot for hikers, it’s got a sea-mangrove route that’s great for those kayaking too. The route passes by some dense greenery so you can expect to spot other island wildlife like otters and monkeys, aside from just mangroves. For beginners, feel free to join a guided tour since the waters here are quite easy to navigate through.
Image credit: @fishon.sg via Instagram
There’s also a community of people who go kayak fishing regularly at Pulau Ubin. This might be your chance to pick up 2 hobbies in one go.
For beginners, the relatively calm waters between Pasir Ris Park and Pulau Ubin makes it the perfect environment to pick up basic skills. Rentals from Ohana Beach House start from $12/hour. Kayakasia also offers half-day kayak trails around the island from $105/adult.
Duration: ~ 4 hours
Boost your local kayaking adventures with Nature Valley
*Note: The promotions featured in this article may no longer be available.
Whenever you’re out and about being sporty, it’s a must to carry sunscreen and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Let’s add snacks to that list of things to pack, especially if you’re doing something labour intensive like kayaking.
Engaging in physical activities expends a lot of energy and you’re bound to work up an appetite. The last thing every kayaker wants is to be left in the middle of a water body with no sustenance to paddle back to shore. Even better if the snacks are healthy.
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Nourishing yet yummy snack, check. Small and easy to pack, check. Pop 1 or 2 Nature Valley protein bars in your bag and you’re ready for any local adventure.
This post was brought to you by Nature Valley.
Cover image adapted from: @olabeachclubsg & @kayakasia.sg via Instagram, Mysginsider & Jonathan Lim Yik Chin via Facebook
Last updated by Mae-Z Fam and Kelly Lai on 26th October 2024.