It is arguably true that shopping and eating seem to be every Singaporean’s pastime, and not forgetting – we are adept at queuing too. Perhaps, in my opinion, the size of this island-nation is why everything becomes a little too crowded. But hey – we’ve got to work with the geography we have, and we should consider ourselves fortunate that we are relatively safe from seismic activity in the region.
Perhaps the questions we should be asking ourselves are, why we feel the lack of space and why are we yearning to be someplace idyllic despite having plenty of cutting-edge, man-made marvels.
I supposed it is a paradox of our time, the issues go deeper than surface-level. We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, we have more conveniences, but less time.
And what happens when you have completed exploring every shopping mall in town?
It’s time for a change of scenery.
You want to shed the week of sitting in front of a computer by feeling the motion of your arms and legs, feeling the wind in your hair, listening to the forest soundscape, basking in the sun. You wish you could once again feel that sense of unhurried living that descended upon you when you were travelling abroad or on a scenic cruise.
Obviously taking a stroll around HDB blocks and the labyrinthian maze of reflective office towers do not count.
Let’s get away from the concrete jungle for a while. Singapore is more than just a mega-shopping mall although she looks like that.
Kayaking in Singapore
KayakAsia is a Singapore-based eco-adventure travel company that organises kayak trips. These trips will take you to some of Singapore’s best-kept secrets that are serene, uninhabited, completely free from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Usually these kayaking trips take about 5 hours, and they are suitable for beginners, including those who cannot swim. You can even bring your dogs along to enjoy the great outdoor which definitely beats your regular walk in the park! You’ll be surprised to learn that mangroves kayaking in Singapore is possible in Sungei Khatib Bongsu and Mandai, and discover the 7 unspoiled, rustic Southern islands of Singapore.
It’s good to know that there are still adventures off-the-beaten track in this small and crowded city.
Just don’t forget to slather on sunscreen!