Singapore Sea Kayaking Trails: Northern Coast

NORTHERN COAST

Distance: 25-30km (Changi, Pasir Ris, Punggol, Seletar, Sembawang)

Duration: 1-2 days, spend a night on one of the deserted northern islands

Type: Coastal Paddling, Island Hopping, River Paddling

Difficulty: Beginner to Experienced

Access: From Changi Beach Park or Sembawang Park

Permit: Kayaking certification for renting kayaks, free camping permits from Nparks

Facilities: Kayak rental from Water Venture Pasir Ris, Changi, or Sembawang. Showers facilities at Pasir Ris Park, Changi Beach Park, or Sembawang Park

Highlights: One sea kayaking trail that will take you a weekend to complete for all its offerings of 5 islands, numerous rivers, and urban-wilderness mix. The best to see everything is to start at Sembawang Park, as you can end your journey with great food at Changi. Right off Sembawang Park are two mangrove rivers of Simpang and Khatib Bongsu, where at high tides, you can spend a couple of hours exploring disused prawn farms, sinking trawlers, and the many inlets and waterways created by the mangrove forest.

Another 2 rivers worth a paddle in are Sg. Tampines and Sg. Api Api. Previously Serangoon and Punggol rivers are great urban rivers, but are now damed as reservoirs. Future access could be allowed from the sea. Of the 5 islands on this trail, Seletar Island and Coney Island (aka Serangoon Island) offer the best place to string a hommock and camp. Watch out for hoards of sandflies on Coney Island. The perfect end to the trail is a sumptuos meal at Changi Food Center.

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