XpatXperience - Being Active in Singapore

Being active when you are an expatriate is important, both when you are alone or with family and both for your physical and mental health. Especially on short term assignments it can be easy to forget about life outside work but that 'ain't no good for ya' and there is much to do in Singapore! Like what?!

Wake-boarding

What snowboarding is to skiing is wakeboarding to waterskiing. You may not be doing it in paradise itself but with the water, the weather and the speed it's still quite a thrill in Singapore and you can do it in several places, including on a wire at East Coast. Off course good old waterskiing and sailing are also possible.

Mountain biking

Well, the trails in Singapore may not be many and not the most challenging after a while, it is definitely good practice for your trips to Malaysia or Indonesia. Look around Bukit Timah Hill for the more challenging options.

Diving and snorkling

Again, Singapore itself may not be the greatest place to do it but in the surrounding waters an underwater paradise awaits you so why not get your practice here, it's still nice enough!
>> more on diving spots
>> more on learning to dive

Hashing
As in Hash House Runs, there are several hashes in Singapore and though not necessarily the most active of activities it could be and it is definitely 'very expat'.

Dragon boat racing

It's a biggish boat in the shape of a … yes that is propelled by rowers in roughly the same style as an 'open kayak'. There are several teams and some clubs and big companies that have teams participating in the yearly race, for more info you can look at the site of the Singapore Dragon Boat Association.

Climbing

There aren't any mountains in Singapore and 'natural' climbing is somewhat restructed but there are in- and outdoor climbing walls all over the place. Many of the larger schools have one but there are also many outside of the schools. To say something about the popularity, there is even one in the atrium of a shoppinng centre on Orchard road.

If you want an all-round workout its certainly a good option.

'Working Out'

There is definitely no shortage of ways to work-out here, many condo's will have an excersize room as do most clubs but besides these there are a large number of (international) fitness centres in Singapore where you can do any thing from pump-iron to calenetics, boxersize, pilates, ABT ... I'm out of breath. Clubs are either mixed or women only and facilities and prices vary enormously, usually you will be able to get a cheap (or free) intro so look around.

Golfing

Singapore may be small but that has not stopped people from building golf courses. There are a number of them in Singapore themself, mainly attached to the various Country Clubs though some are open to the general public. A lot of people also play in Malaysia or Indonesia, there are a number of courses just across the causeway that cater to Singapore 'tourists' and memberships or greenfees of those are definately more affordable. If you want to combine your golftrip with some beachtime then Bintan in Indonesia is a good idea, only a little over an hour with the ferry.

Flying

Yes, why not get your pilot licence? Physically not too difficult but mentally and emotionally quite a challenge. You can do it in Singapore or just across the causeway in Malaysia. The former is very convenient, the latter a bit cheaper so it depends on your budget (both in time and money).

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