Active Pursuits

Beaches

Besides the beach at East Coast Park and those on Sentosa Island you can try the smaller beach at Changi Village, called Changi Point. From the shore, you have a panoramic view of Malaysia, Indonesia, and several smaller islands that belong to Singapore. The beach is calm and frequented mostly by locals who set up camps and barbecues to hang out all day. There are kayak rentals along the beach, and in Changi Village you'll find, in addition to a huge hawker center, quite a few international restaurants and pubs to hang out in and have a fresh seafood lunch when you get hungry. To get there take SBS bus no. 2 from either the Tanah Merah or Bedok MRT stations.

On Kusu and St. John's Islands there are quiet swimming lagoons, a couple of which have quite nice views of the city.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycles are not for rent within the city limits, and traffic does not really allow for cycling on city streets, so sightseeing by bicycle is not recommended for city touring. If you plan a trip out to Sentosa, cycling provides a great alternative to that island's tram system and gets you closer to the parks and nature there. For a little light cycling, most people head out to East Coast Park, where rentals are inexpensive, the scenery is nice on cooler days, and there are plenty of great stops for eating along the way. One favorite place where the locals go for mountain-biking sorts of adventures (and to cycle amid the old kampong villages) is Pulau Ubin, off the northeast coast of Singapore.

At East Coast Park -- Bicycles can be rented at East Coast Park from SDK Recreation (tel. 65/6445-2969), near McDonald's at Carpark C; open 7 days from about 11am to 8 or 9pm. Rentals are S$4 to S$6 (US$2.60-US$3.80/£1.30-£2) per hour, depending on the type and quality bike you're looking for. Identification may be requested, or leave a S$50 (US$32/£17) deposit.

On Sentosa Island -- Try a couple places on Siloso Beach off Siloso Road, a short walk from Underwater World. There's a kiosk at Sakae Sushi (tel. 65/6271-6385) and another at Costa Sands (tel. 65/6275-2471). Both are open 7 days from around 10am to 6:30 or 7pm. Rental for a standard bicycle is S$4 (US$2.60/£1.30) per hour. A mountain bike goes for S$8 (US$5.10/£2.65) per hour. Identification is required.

In Pulau Ubin -- When you get off the ferry, there are a number of places to rent bikes. The shops are generally open between 8am and 6pm and will charge between S$5 and S$8 (US$3.20-US$5.10/£1.65-£2.65) per hour, depending on which bike you choose. Most rental agents will have a map of the island for you -- take it. Even though it doesn't look too impressive, it'll be a great help.

Golf

Golf is big in Singapore, and although there are quite a few clubs, many are exclusively for members only. However, many places are open for limited play by nonmembers. All will require you bring an international par certificate. Most hotel concierges will be glad to make arrangements for you, and this may be the best way to go. Also, it's really popular for Singaporeans to go on day trips to Malaysia for the best courses.

Scuba Diving

The locals are crazy about scuba diving but are more likely to travel to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian destinations for good underwater adventures. The most common complaint is that the water surrounding Singapore is really silty -- sometimes to the point where you can barely see your hand before your face.

Sea Canoeing

Rubber sea canoes and one- or two-person kayaks can be rented at Siloso Beach on Sentosa, the beach at East Coast Park (near MacDonald's Carpark C), and the beach at Changi Point. Prices range from S$6 to S$12 (US$3.80-US$7.70/£2-£3.95) per hour, depending on the type of craft you rent. Life jackets are provided. These places don't have phones so just go to the beach and scout out the rental places on the sand.

Tennis

Quite a few hotels in the city provide tennis courts for guests, many floodlit for night play (which allows you to avoid the daytime heat), and even a few that can arrange lessons. If your hotel doesn't have tennis facilities, ask your concierge for help to arrange a game at a facility outside the hotel. Many hotels have signing agreements with sister hotel properties or special rates with independent fitness centers within the city.

Water-Skiing & Wakeboarding

The Kallang River, located to the east of the city, has hosted quite a few international water-skiing tournaments. If this is your sport, contact the Cowabunga Ski Centre, the authority in Singapore. Located at Kallang Riverside Park, 10 Stadium Lane (tel. 65/6344-8813; www.extreme.com.sg), they'll arrange lessons for adults and children plus water-skiing and wakeboarding trips. Beginner courses will set you back S$130 (US$83/£43), while more experienced skiers and boarders can hire a boat plus equipment for 4 hours for S$300 (US$192/£99) on weekdays and S$360 (US$230/£119) on weekends. It's open Tuesday through Friday noon to 7pm and Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 9am to 7pm. Call in advance for a reservation.

Windsurfing & Sailing

You'll find both windsurfing boards and sailboats for rent at the lagoon in East Coast Park, which is where these activities primarily take place. The largest and most reputable firm to approach has to be the Pasta Fresca Seasport Centre at 1212 East Coast Pkwy. (tel. 65/6449-5118). For S$24 (US$15/£7.90) an hour you can rent a Laser, or for S$22 (US$14/£7.25) an hour you can rent windsurf gear. Expect to leave around S$20 (US$13/£6.60) deposit.