The days are getting longer and the heat is on, but that’s no reason to avoid the outdoors. With Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore surrounded by rivers and ocean, it’s a great time of year to take to the water to exercise and cool off. Be sure to avoid extreme temperatures, wear a hat and sunscreen, and stay hydrated!
Hong Kong
HK Outsider
Want to get fit, meet people, and explore Hong Kong’s hiking trails, coast and waterways at the same time? Then sign up to HK Outsider, a community of outdoor enthusiasts who get together for organised adventure. Summer sees a focus on activities such as canyoning, coasteering, and stream trekking, all of which involve navigating the coastline or waterways. Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels catered for.
Aberdeen Boat Club
With the wide open waters of the South China Sea at Hong Kong’s doorstep, it would be a shame not to get out onto its (mostly) sparkling blue waters. While junks are the default option, we suggest teaching yourself how to sail instead. The Aberdeen Boat Club holds regular lessons for adults and young people, starting with little dinghies. Non-members are welcome to sign up, but book early, as courses fill fast.
https://www.abcmiddleisland.com
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Watersports Club
Looking at the Saigon River as it flows through Ho Chi Minh City may not tempt you to jump right in. But head slightly out of the centre to District 7 and things become more appealing. That’s where you’ll find Saigon Watersports & Boat Club, which offers a heap of water activities to suit most energy levels. Think standup paddling, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and even waterbikes.
Yet Kieu Aquatics Center
There are plenty of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City that allow non-guests to use their pools for a fee. But if you want to do some serious laps, most of them are not up to the task. That’s where the Yet Kieu Aquatics Center, a public swimming pool, comes in. The centre has a 50-metre and 25-metre lap pool, and huge shade cloths covering the pool itself. Opening hours can be erratic, check their social media.
https://www.facebook.com/yetkieuac/
Singapore
Wild Wild Wet
Proving that water activities can be fun for everyone is Wild Wild Wet, a sprawling water park that’s been going strong since 2004. The rides and slides are sure to get your heart rate up, especially on the Free Fall and Torpedo rides, which can hit speeds of up to 70 km/hr. Kids and the sedate are catered for too, with handy thrill meters indicating how heart stopping a ride will be.
SUP ventures
Stand up paddling is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and work on your core at the same time. SUP ventures offers lessons for novices of all ages, and you’ll be on your feet paddling out to sea in no time. Tours around the waters of Sentosa also available.
