Kayaking is an outdoor water sport activity that can be a fun alternative to land activities. It has become increasingly popular among locals this past year. While there are many kayak tours and other sea kayak adventures, this article would be focusing on the freshwater kayak locations (permitted by PUB) for leisure kayakers.
Things To Note Before Going On A Kayak
Kayaking has different level of certification that ranges from 1-star to 5-star. The star level determines if how far we can kayak out in the sea and the boats we can use.
For leisure kayakers, we do not need to pursue certification to enjoy kayaking in the freshwater locations listed below. Leisure kayakers are only allowed to use sit-on-top boats. For those of us with 1-star certification onwards, we would be able to use closed-top boats too.
Before venturing out, it is important to take note of PUB’s safety guidelines for kayaking. In general, check the weather forecast to avoid disappointment, be aware of how far out you are paddling out and ensure that you are within the safe kayaking zone. Lastly, do apply sunscreen and bring along a bottle to stay hydrated.
Read Also: What You Need To Know Before Booking A Yacht In Singapore For The December Holidays
Here is the list of freshwater kayak locations.
#1 Lower Seletar Reservoir
Located in the Yishun area, Lower Seletar Reservoir is known for its scenic views at the Heritage Bridge and the popular Family Bay. Currently, the water sports centre is managed by Camelot.
Opened in 2020, Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre offers dragon boat and kayaking services. For interested kayakers, the centre offers both one-seater and two-seater kayaking boats. Interested kayaker should note that for bookings 2 hours and above, we would need to book online here. For one hour sessions, we could just walk in for the appointment.
Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre (LSWSC)
Opening Hours: 8:00am to 6:00pm. Closed on Monday and Thursday.
Address: 100 Yishun Ave 1, Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre, Singapore 769140
Price Of Rentals: Singles – $14 for 2 hours; Double sit-on-top kayak – $24 for 2 hours. Full price details available here.
Types Of Boats: Single sit-on-top kayak, Single closed-top kayak and Double sit-on-top kayak. (Closed-top kayak requires at least 1 Star Kayak Certification) More information on the facilities provided can be found here.
#2 MacRitchie Reservoir
Completed in the ’80s, MacRitchie Reservoir is the oldest reservoir in Singapore. A popular destination for locals, it is a place for people to explore nature visit its famous Tree Top Walk. Apart from hiking, the reservoir is also known among local canoeist and kayakers as it is the location for hosting interschool national competitions.
Operated by Singapore Canoe Federation, The Paddle Lodge offers kayak rentals to the public. Due to limited capacity, interested kayakers should book online here.
The Paddle Lodge @ MacRitchie
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Address: MacRitchie Reservoir Park Singapore 298717
Price Of Rentals: Singles & Doubles sit-on-top – $15/hr; Singles closed-deck – $12/hr; Single Sprint Kayak (K1) – $20/hr. Full price details available here.
Types Of Boats: Single sit-on-top kayak, Double sit-on-top kayak and closed-deck kayak. (Closed-top kayak requires at least 1 Star Kayak Certification). Canoe sprint kayak Single (K1) is also available and requires at least 1 Star Kayak Certification.
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#3 Marina Reservoir
The largest reservoir in Singapore, Marina Reservoir spans through the Marina Channel and is Singapore’s 15th reservoir. Situated right in the urban centre of Singapore, it has scenic views encompassing Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
The reservoir is also linked to Kallang Basin which is an old favourite water sport location situated near the national stadium. The kayaking location within the reservoir is demarcated into two areas whereby the Kallang basin area is for all kayakers but the area towards the marina barrage is limited to 2-star kayakers. For more information on the demarcation, refer to PUB’s guidelines.
There are two water sports activities centres at Marina Reservoir. The first water sports centre is located at Singapore Sports Hub, known as Water Sports Centre, it is home to Singapore Canoe Federation, Singapore Dragon Boat Association and ActiveSG Canoe Academy. For kayaking activities, we can rent directly from Singapore Sports Hub.
The second water sports centre is PAssion WaVe @ Marina Bay operated by PAWV. Bookings can be made online here.
Water Sports Centre
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, (Closed on Tuesdays and selected Public holidays)
Address: 8 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397699
Price Of Non-Peak Hour Rentals (Weekdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm): Adult – $12 for 2 hours and $26 for a full day. Children – $8 for 2 hours and $18 for a full day. Full price details available here.
Price of Peak Hour Rentals (Weekdays 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Weekends and Public Holiday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm): Adult – $14 for 2 hours and $30 for a full day. Children – $10 for 2 hours and $22 for a full day.
Types Of Boats: Single sit-on-top kayak, Single closed-top kayak, Double sit-on-top kayak and Double closed-top kayak. (Closed-top kayak requires at least 1 Star Kayak Certification)
PAssion WaVe @ Marina Bay
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on Monday and Public Holidays)
Address: 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437440
Price Of Rentals for Non-PAssion Members: Singles – $10 for 2 hours.
Price Of Rentals for PAssion Members: Singles – $9 for 2 hours. Full price details available here.
Types Of Boats: Both Single sit-on-top kayak and closed-top kayak. (Closed-top kayak requires at least 1 Star Kayak Certification) More information on the facilities provided can be found here.
#4 Jurong Lake Gardens
A popular destination in the West, Jurong Lake Gardens is one of Singapore’s National Gardens. The 90-hectare location comprises Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Garden, and Garden Promenade. The lake has since transformed to accommodate water activities for families with its wetland rich with biodiversity.
Currently, the water sports centre is PAssion WaVe @ Jurong Lake Gardens PAssion WaVe @ Jurong Lake Gardens operated by PAWV. Apart, from kayaking, the centre also offers dragon boat and paddle boats for families. Bookings can be made online here.
PAssion WaVe @ Jurong Lake Gardens
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on Monday and Public Holidays)
Address: 100 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618662
Price Of Rentals for Non-PAssion Members: Singles – $10 for 2 hours.
Price Of Rentals for PAssion Members: Singles – $9 for 2 hours. Full price details available here.
Types Of Boats: Single sit-on-top kayak. More information on the facilities provided can be found here.
This article was originally published on 4 September 2021 and updated with new information.
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