One of our kayaking friends put together this ambitious plan – to kayak from Sembawang, the northern tip of Singapore, to Changi Village via the back side of Pulau Ubin. And then back to Sembawang. That journey would have been roughly 56km.
Not something I’d have undertaken, not in the heavy humidity of Singapore. Since we were going by Pasir Ris though, Jeff and I thought we could just load up our foldable Oru Kayaks into the car to Sembawang, then paddle home to Pasir Ris. Our two other friends who had their own kayaks as well also elected to pull out at Pasir Ris.
The four of us with our own kayaks launched early Saturday morning, from the newly renovated Sembawang Park. We drifted just outside the park, on the Singapore side of the channel, waiting for the others who were renting from Sembawang Yacht Club. A Police Coast Guard came charging up the channel, towards us. They cut their engine and floated alongside us, asking for our trip itinerary. Malaysia loomed large just a couple of kilometers away – and in fact our phones had already jumped to the Malaysian networks.
Satisfied with our answers, the coast guard soon departed as the others caught up.
It was a fun paddle, along a side of Singapore I’d never visited before. The winds and current were a bit against us, but nothing we couldn’t handle. We hit Pasir Ris after a leisurely 4 hour paddle, around 18km. By then, it was past noon, and the team who had to return back to Sembawang decided not to cull back their ambitious plans. Instead, we decamped as a group to the zichar food court by the beach for a quick lunch just as the skies opened.
ptanphoto 
I would have been nervous about being stopped. Luckily they let you continue your trip. Is it common for them to stop kayakers? Always love reading your adventures, I can’t even start to imagine how muggy it gets there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha this was the first time we were stopped, but we’ve always taken care of sticking closer to the Singapore coast. How humid it can be? Imagine your sauna, and cutting down the density of the air by half. It’s still pretty intense! Lol, but at least on the water we get to cool off!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is very humid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks incredibly fun. How does one get started on kayaking in singapore?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you not been out before? PA water ventures does run regular beginner courses, and they provide certifications so you can rent from them. Otherwise I think there are a few other companies that run courses as well. But if you’d just like to rent for fun, there’s Kayak Adventures by Pasir Ris Park.
LikeLike
I had no clue! Thanks veyr much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoy! I love kayaking! Would be great to see more people out on the water.
LikeLike
Wondering which Oru Kayak you’re using? And how did you order it? Through their website?
LikeLike
Hello. I’m using the Bay that I bought five years ago from REI in the US. I’d received it in the States when I was there and then checked it in as luggage when I flew to Sydney. But yes, you can buy it on the Oru site and they do ship to Singapore.
LikeLike