While it is commonly said that the two favorite Singaporean pastimes are eating and shopping, sports has gained popularity in the last few years in the country. There is a growing number of Singaporeans and expatriates who take off for short diving trips, dirt biking, water-skiing, and rock climbing whenever there is a chance.

The less active indulge in another Singaporean pastime – spectator sport. From the local S-League to the English Premier League to world-class events like the Johnnie Walker Classic and the Heineken Tennis Open, Singapore is the place to lap up all the thrills and spills.

LAND SPORTS

Tennis
Need to de-stress after a long day? Try any of the tennis and squash centers in Singapore. Charges range from S$3.50 per hour during non-peak hours to S$6 per hour during peak hours in the evenings.

Golf
There are several world-class golfing facilities in Singapore. If these are not enough, golf courses in neighboring places, like Bintan and Batam in Indonesia are just a short ferry ride away, and Johor in Malaysia is just across the Causeway.

Bowling
Singapore has over 200 bowling centers, each offering more than 20 lanes. Most bowling centers open as early as 9:00 a.m. and close between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., though there are some 24-hour centers, mostly in the Marina South area. Prices range from S$2 to S$3.80 per game, exclusive of shoe rentals.

Cycling
Cycling is a great recreational-cum-exercise activity. Cycling paths link many parts of the island. Those with a strong sense of adventure can go mountain or dirt biking. Bicycles can be rented at a number of public parks, including those at East Coast Park, Sentosa, Pasir Ris, and Bishan. Pulau Ubin also offers mountain and dirt biking.

Horse racing
On-site racing as well as live telecasts of Malaysian races can be enjoyed at the Singapore Turf Club (Tel: 460-3400). Visitors must observe a strict dress code: Shorts, singlets, and slippers are not allowed in the public stands. Smart casual is the dress code for the Members' Enclosure.

Admission is S$5.15 and S$10.30 for the public stands, and S$20.60 for foreign passport holders (except Malaysian) for the air-conditioned Members' Enclosure. Races take place on weekends only and start at 1:30 p.m. with the last race at 6:00 p.m.

WATER SPORTS

Some of the most popular sports on the island are water-based. Round-the-island canoe trips are currently a rage, as are water-skiing off Sembawang and Kallang River (venue of previous world championships), windsurfing, and sailing.

Canoeing
You can hire a canoe from various private operators located at Changi Point, East Coast Park, and Sentosa Island. Operating hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Single-seaters cost between S$6 to S$10 and double-seaters cost between S$8 and S$12.

Scuba diving
Most local diving schools conduct courses sanctioned by NAUI or PADI, two internationally recognized scuba-diving associations. Day and night diving in local waters and nearby diving spots in Malaysian waters can be arranged. Contact Sharkeys Dive and Travel Pte Ltd at Tel: +65 294-1068.

Waterskiing
All waterski centers are open from about 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including public holidays). Costs range from S$65 to S$85 per hour.