Guide to Adventure and
Sports in Singapore AboutMainOthers
Introduction
Are you coming to Singapore?
Thrilled for its adventure and sports?
Welcome to Singapore's exciting Adventure and Sports scene! From Dragon boating and 42.195km Marathons to Reverse Bungy Jumping and Treetop trails, Singapore awaits to enthrall you!
You will be able to find the information you need for your stay in Singapore here. Visit VentureTrail every week to get updates on the various adventure and sports activities in Singapore!
Do look through the archives for more activities!
Background
We are from the Industry Planning and Development Division of Singapore Tourism Board. This website introduces and promotes the adventure and sports in Singapore. Sports and adventure actitives are getting more popular lately in Singapore, especially since the Table Tennis tournament in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the upcoming Youth Olympics held here in 2010. In addition, Singapore Sports School was officially open in year 2004 to nurture the youth in different sports.
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Disclaimer: This blog is for a school project and the information provided is correct at time of blogging. We are a group of students studying Hospitality and Tourism Management in Temasek Polytechnic, and are not related to the Singapore Tourism Board in any way.
Our names are Aishah, Kimberley, Kimberly, Tiffany and Rowell.
This blog is for one of our school projects and features the theme of adventure and sports in Singapore. With the current rave and rage about the upcoming Youth Olympics as well as the Asian Youth Games 2009 that just ended recently, we are very much excited to proceed in our journey of discovering the many adventure and sports activities in Singapore.
But other than that, our group is very interested in adventure and sports activities. We each have some background in this topic and love the thrill adventure and sports give us. Activities like white water rafting, trekking high mountainous regions, golf and night cycling are all exhilarating and fulfilling!
We have researched greatly into this theme and are determined to bring you the information you need to guide you through the various adventure and sports in Singapore.
Please comment if you have any queries and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for visiting!
Introduction to Venture Trail
posted on
Monday, November 12, 2012
Dear readers,
Welcome to our blog! Venture Trail is a reader-friendly blog, aimed to provide the best and detailed information about adventure and sports in Singapore! We have come up with a list of the most fulfilling activities for everyone, be it tourists or locals, to enjoy this side of Singapore at its best.
With extensive research, we provide you with directions, fresh insights and photographs of the various activities. We update weekly with more fun, entertaining and exciting information!
We hope you have much joy reading our posts, as we did while penning these activities!
With much love, the Venture Trail team
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Dragon Boat
posted on
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Long, multi-coloured boats, with frightening dragons' heads, long tails, and scaley bodies, splash through the water. Men, women, and children grunt and sweat as they push themselves harder and faster to be the first towards the finish line. You'll hear the crowds screaming and cheering for their favourite team, while the drummers pound on their drums and yell at the paddlers.
What will you think of after reading this paragraph above?
DRAGON BOAT! A human-powered boat.
A loud and exciting celebration, this celebration began more than 2000 years ago when a group of superstitious people believed that the boat racing would ensure prosperous and abundant crops throughout the year.
The drummer giving her members the moral support by shouting and asking them to paddle faster, they give instructions of the direction of the boat too.
The standard crew complement of a contemporary dragon boat is around 22, comprising 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 sweep or tiller(helm) at the rear of the boat, although for races it is common to have just 18 paddlers. Dragon boats vary in length and crew size will vary accordingly, from small dragon boats with 10 paddlers, up to the massive traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer and sweep.
Now that dragon boat racing have become the modern racing game, schools are having it as a co-curriculum activity.
How i got in contact with dragon boat? Well, i have friends who joined dragon boat in Temasek Polytechnic and they shared some of their interesting stories and the excitement they get every time they race with other schools. Who says males are stronger and can row better? There are ladies who joined the dragon boat team and proved that they are as strong as men.
This is a photo of my friend's dragon boat team, it is an all girls team!
Dragon boat not only makes you stronger, it strengthens your mentality to persevere and go forward all the way towards the finishing line. It builds bond and trust between your team members. You can kill two birds with one stone! You get to train yourself and gain friendships too!
So, why not start joining now, because dragon boat is included in the Youth Olympic Games 2010! Join to experience how our youths participate in dragon boat competitions, you will definitely have a enjoyable experience!
Singapore SAFRA do provide you a chance to experience the team spirit of dragon boat team. Each year, the SAFRA Dragon Boat Club participates in both local and regional races. The Club also organizes recreational activities for members such as rowing expeditions to train the member's muscles. Occasionally, training are also conducted on Sundays at the Kallang Basin.
Do go to their website for more details such as their achievements and their contact details are tpclub@safra.sg, 6259 4000
Click on the photo for the safra website.
I had my fair share of fun trying out dragon boat for a day with my friends, i hope you enjoy it too! Do try this sports!
Sailing
posted on
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sailing
Takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
It's not far down to paradise
At least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me"
-Christopher Cross
Sailing is one of the most thrilling sea sports in Singapore. It gives new meaning to letting your hair down when you hike out with the wind caressing your hair. Choose your desired craft now, be it in an Olympic-class Laser dinghy, a simpler Topper dinghy or move on to a double-handed boat like Laser Pico, and you could be on your way to taste these new pleasures in life.
There are 11 sailing clubs and 5 sailing centres in Singapore which provide full service, such as courses for beginners to sailing practices and even sailing competitively in a competition.
To save yourself the trouble from selecting the wide range of clubs and centres available, National Sailing Centre provides full service. It is Equipped with a large berthing area for boats, it also comprises an administration block, a multi-purpose sports hall, a cafeteria, a dormitory and an auditorium, the Centre has been the first-choice location for regional and international competitions. In conjunction with the 2010 Youth Olympic Game which will be held in Singapore, it has been proposed that the competition venue for the Triathlon event of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games 2010 will be held at East Coast Park, which is less than 1km away from the National Sailing Center.
Work with both the water and wind elements and combine it with a spoonful of sailing technical skills, and you are set on becoming a sailor. With gales and squalls coming your way, hesitate no more and sign up with Water-Venture (Pasir Ris). A variety of programme, events and activities all lined up which you can participate. There are 8 outlets in Singapore run by a group of professional staff and trainers. Visit http://www.water-venture.org.sg/ to find out more!
Here is a headstart for you:
Fishing
posted on
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Fishing is boring? That is just a myth. You will only know after experiencing it!
Fishing is a fun and exciting adventure that you should try. And later, some even got hooked after several cast and eventually it became a hobby.
So which do you prefer? The cool breeze of the sea under the sun or just relaxing at the shady corner ?
If you prefer the outdoor, don't forget to bring along your fishing rod, reel, line and bait.
There are 4 beautiful beaches in Singapore to choose from: East Coast Park
Situated on the south-eastern front of the island, this is the longest and most popular beach stretch in Singapore. With great food stalls, various water sport activities, cycling and rollerblading kiosk located along the stretch. Along the jetty and water breaker is where people will fish. It is understandable why this beach is known to be the best in Singapore. For a quiet time alone, it will be best to be there one to two hours before sunset. Changi Beach
With its serene and quiet environment, Changi Beach is a nice place for families and friends to get together for picnics and barbeques. Visitors can enjoy this excellent spot to watch landing planes, as the Changi Airport is located just behind the beach. Sembawang Beach
Locals are drawn to this beach to relax, swim, jog or if you have a passion for fishing, this beach still has its regular fishing crowd lined along the beachfront of coastal Kampong Wak Hassan. The habitants of these shorelines are mostly the Grouper and the Flower crab. It would be best to bring your own food because there aren't many places to buy food or drinks here.
For those who prefer relaxing under a shady corner, you might want to try pond fishing. Pond fishing an activity that is highly popular for the young and old. Although it requires a fee to take up this activity, the good thing is, you will never leave empty handed. Varieties of fishes such as Toman, Red guppy, Patin, Pink Tilapia, Gold fish and more.
Bottle Tree Park
Revisit your childhood days by fishing together with your children. At Bottle Tree Park, watch your children scream with delight as they try their hands out in our unique “Long Kang” (drain) Fishing.
One of Singapore's hottest spots for saltwater fishing . This anglers' hunt boasts a pond the size of a football field, well stocked with sea bass, mangrove jacks, groupers, snappers and cobias. Bring your own rod and come here after 10pm, to ensure a big catch. One special feature about this place is its signature "Sure Catch Pond", a small, attached pond where you are guaranteed a catch for dinner. The kitchen staff at the Beer Garden will cook your catch for a small fee. It also features a small prawn pond that is ideal for aspiring anglers.
Price starts from S$30
Address: New Pasir Ris Fishing Pond Pasir Ris Drive 1 , Pasir Ris Town Park Singapore, Singapore phone:+65 6584 4479 fax: +65 6584 4439
Golf
posted on
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Hole in one?
Thirty three in one, maybe. With over 33 golf clubs, lush greenery and a perfect sunny weather nearly all year round, Singapore boasts one of the world's best places for golf.
At Singapore, you will be spoilt for choice by its many large public golfing courses or country clubs for a more intimate atmosphere, wide range of different terrains, world-class golfing facilities and extensive dining and entertainment outlets attached! In addition, you need not worry about any handicap problems, time factor or even weather– some golf clubs are ready with multiple tee-off positions while many others are opened in the evening so you can enjoy a good game at night! As for protecting you from any bad weather, the LilliPutt indoor mini golf course will be an experience like no other! It even allows the whole family to take part in a game of thematic golf next to the control tower in Changi Aiport.
Barclay’s Singapore Open is an annual golf tournament that attracts professional golfers, as well as amateur golfers and golf fans, world-wide every year. It continues to help develop and set the standard of golf in the region. With extensive golf courses and beautiful fairways in Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore is thus renowned for golf in Asia.
There are many different courses in Singapore to suit every type of golfer, regardless of your skill level. Featured golf clubs are listed in the following map.
For an enlarged view, click here then click expand map.
1. Jurong Golf Club 2. Sentosa Golf Club 3. Seletar Country Club 4. Tanah Merah Country Club 5. Changi Golf Club 6. Laguna National Golf & Course Club 7. Safra Resort & Country Club 8. Singapore Island Country Club 9. Superbowl Golf School 10. Orchid Country Club Golf School 11. Executive Golf Course 12. Seletar Base Golf Course 13. Tanglin Sports Complex
To save yourself the hassle of carting your clubs around everywhere, the beautiful Orchid Country Club will provide accommodation, a golf resort and even entertainment for children all in one! It has three 9-hole courses as well as a signature 27-hole course. Besides the Orchid Country Club, you may wish to find out about other hotel and golf packages in Singapore here.
Most golf courses in Singapore have a dress code - collared shirt with trousers or short pants and golf shoes. Some also do not allow spiked shoes. Caddies or golf carts are available with a small fee, and the courses are usually equipped with locker rooms and showers, as well as entertainment outlets, cafes and restaurants. Golfing is highly popular in Singapore, so it is advisable for you to make your bookings well in advance.
With fees going as low as SGD40 for a 9-hole course, you should not miss out golfing when visiting Singapore. Make Singapore your holiday destination for a superb golfing experience, book now!
For further information on golf courses, booking times and fees, please click here.
Trekking
posted on
Friday, November 27, 2009
What is so adventurous about trekking in Singapore?
Trekking is a challenging adventure to everyone as you are only given a map and you are to depend on yourself or your group members to reach a destination in the complicated rainforest.
It keeps you away from but hustle and bustle life style in the city, a good opportunity to explore various kinds of plants and species of insects that you do not get a chance to see in the city life.
Though Singapore does not have the land mass for certain adventure but this green city has certainly made trekking more enriching and anticipating!
Do you know that Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore contains more species of tress then the entire North American continent?
This is a magnificent view you are able to see if you are trekking in Bukit Timah Reserve.
Let us step into the nature reserve where Sir Stamford Raffles arrived back in the old days, when much of the island was covered with lowland, tropical forest. Though much of Singapore's original vegetation had been cleared for logging and cultivation, the forest at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has remained relatively undisturbed.
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve contains the largest patch of primary rainforest left in Singapore.Bukit Timah Hill, at about 163.63 metres above sea level, is the highest point in Singapore.
The forest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a rich variety of flora and fauna, with more than 840 flowering plants, almost 100 species of ferns, and over 240 species of vertebrates. More than 350 species of trees were recorded and not to forget that since modern Singapore was founded for the past 200 years, many species of plants and animals were first obtained and described from here.
Here are some photos of various kinds of flora and fauna.
This benjamin's fig (Ficus benjamina), a fig tree at the carpark near the entrance to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
This pretty tree is related to jambu trees (Syzygium sp).
In these patches of primary vegetation, you can usually see one of the common features of an Old World primary tropical rainforest - the lianas. Lianas are woody climbers. Climbing from tree to tree, they link up the various trees like highways for animals that live in the canopy.
This red dhup (Parishia insignis) is one of the larger tree in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and it is also one of our heritage trees. The Heritage Tree Scheme was started by HSBC and NParks to protect some of our old and big trees. These tress are under regular inspection and pruning, and is also protected against potential lightning damages with lightning conductors.
As a result, decomposers such mushrooms can be commonly seen sprouting out of fallen branches or dead trees.
Bat Lily (Tacca integrifolia), a herb which usually grow in moist shady spots, is also quite common in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This herb produces beautiful purplish black flowers with long whiskers.
If you arelucky enough to spot the clouded monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis). Monitor lizards are mildly venomous, their bites are dangerous due to the many bacteria found in their mouths, victims are prone to get a bad infection.
Lastly, you get to see monkeys! Tourist from all over the world came to see these monkeys and have a close interaction with them. Beware, not to feed them food.
Other than Bukit Timah Reserve, there are other nearby reserve such as lower seletar reserve, upper seletar reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir Park for you to explore as there are some nature walks too.
Trekking is challenging and enjoy it to the fullest!
You can get a map of the bukit timah nature reserve here to start trekking!
Opening hours: 6am - 6.30pm ( no night walks after 7pm )
By Bus SBS service 170. TIBs services 67, 75, 171, 173, 184, 852 and 961. Alight along Upper Bukit Timah Road, opposite Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and Beauty World Centre, or along Jalan Anak Bukit, opposite Courts furniture store, and walk to the end of Hindhede Drive.
By Car Travelling from the city, follow the direction of Upper Bukit Timah Road towards Woodlands, make a u-turn just after the Courts furniture store and turn left into Hindhede Drive. Limited parking is available at the foothill of the reserve, in order to minimize the damage to the nature reserve, do consider taking public transport.
Make your stop in Singapore an interesting and fruitful one.
posted on
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Outward Bound?
What is that?
OBS is Singapore’s leading organisation providing outdoor education and adventure learning programmes to help people realise their full potential. Since 1967, more than 250,000 people have benefited from their journey of self-discovery at OBS and emerged stronger both mentally and physically.
Through expeditions and outdoor activities, participants acquire new skills and a sense of adventure, develop the tenacity to overcome challenges as a team and broaden their perspectives.
For many, the lessons learnt at OBS have sparked a new journey in life.
As a member of the global Outward Bound network, OBS ranks as one of the best in facilities, training expertise and safety. OBS operates from two centres on Pulau Ubin.
A third centre is situated at East Coast Park. Together, these three centres see more than 23,000 people, comprising children, youth and adults, passing through each year.
There are even programmes ranging for pre-teens, youth, outdoor leaders and professionals.
What are the programmes available?
Watch the video below to know more about the programmes available in OBS Singapore!
As you can see, OBS Singapore have several progammes available for you to choose! There is definitely a suitable program for you, so do not fret! OBS also do provide customized programs for you, just contact them for more information :)
Hot Latest Events coming up:
Basic Ice Climbing Course at Korea!
Purpose of this program:
For Adventure seekers with a flare for climbing to embark on an Ice Climbing escapade in the climber-haven of Soraksan National Park, Korea. It is uniquely designed to expose enthusiasts to the sport, under a controlled, safe and learning environment.
This climbing experience is very much suitable for both beginners and avid climbers as it is set at a comfortable training pace. Furthermore, the training programme is customised into two phases to better prepare participants in tackling the new skill and the unfamiliar environment.
PROGRAMME:
First Phase
Duration: 2 days
Venue: Outward Bound Singapore, Pulau Ubin Campus
Objective: Basic understanding of cold gear and ice climbing tools and equipment. This allows participants to understand the principle of layering in the cold alpine terrain and the special equipment used in the snow and ice condition.
Second Phase
Duration: 8 days
Venue: Sorakshan National Park, Korea
Objective: Introduction to basic ice climbing skills and techniques.
DETAILS OF ENROLMENT: Age Requirement: 21-40 years old
Slots available: 20 participants per enrolment
Other requirement: Physically and medically fit
Promotions: $100 discount for either early-bird applicants (sign up by 10 Oct 2009) or PAssion Card Members.
1st Round of Enrolment:
1st PhaseDate: 16-17 Jan 2010
Venue: OBS, Pulau Ubin Campus
2nd PhaseDate: 31 Jan - 7 Feb 2010
Venue: Soraksan National Park, Korea
*NOTE Transportation: Arrange own air transportation to Korea International Airport where liaison officers will arrange a pickup. Accommodation: Meals and accomodation will be provided during programme duration only.
