Lower Seletar Reservoir

Lower Seletar Reservoir, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

2nd weekend in a row. I went to explore Lower Seletar Reservoir near Yishun.

My sister was kind enough to sent me and my nephew Nick from Woodlands. The inflatable kayak with the pump, paddle and life jacket weighs about 10kg, still a manageable weight.

While we are setting up the kayak, a few curious people stopped and watch. One uncle ask me if kayaking is allowed in Singapore. I pointed the Paddle Lodge to him. Since they could rent out kayak, it goes to show that kayaking is allowed.

I applaud the PUB for their new approach towards usage of resevior in Singapore. In the past, PUB prohibit any form of activities at the reservior. Back then they view water as a precious asset and has to be kept away by the public. Over the year, Singapore and her citizen matured and PUB wanted to use a different approach. Instead of keeping people away, they let people interact with it so that they can value and understand the importance of keeping our reservoir clean. Over the past few years, I think this new approach works. More people take up water sports such as kayaking, dragon boat, wake boarding, fishing and etc.

Since the Kallang River flows to the Marina Barrage, it is essentially part of Marina Reservoir. And Kallang River stretch all the way to Bishan Park, about 10km from the Marina Barrage. If you want, you can kayak from Bishan Park to Kallang MRT to Kallang riverside part to Indoor stadium, under the Sheares Bridge, past the Singapore Flyers, Esplanade, Merlion and eventually reach the Helix bridge. I can imagine how scenic that would be. When I've done so, I'll share with you my experience. This will be the route, I've map it for visualisation.




I must say I enjoy fresh water kayaking better. Cleaning up is easier as i don't have to rinse my whole kayak. Assuming the reservoir water is pretty safe, I just wipe dry the kayak with a cloth.

Kayaking on calm water is so much easier as compare to the waves and strong wind of the sea. I've took a video to demostrate the calmness of the water.



What you are hear in the background is an aircraft from Youth Flying Club. They were doing circuits. I don't think I've every been to a place in Singapore like this-Surrounded by water, greenery, and with aircraft flying over you.





Via Flickr:
Orchid Country Club in the background

Kayaking Sembawang

15 years ago when I was working as a retail assistant in Marina Square I thought to myself that there should be an underground walkway that links from City Hall to Marina Square and the vicinity. Then the authority approved and built the City Link Mall

10 years ago I thought to myself that since Singapore has so much waterway around, why is nobody utilising it? Yesterday, I tried out my inflatable kayak at Sembawang Beach.

Years ago, I try to search on the internet for info on inflatable kayak. Back then, the ones that are available on the market are high end ones. Cost at least $1K. But last month at the OCBC cycle Lifestyle event. I spot a company that sells inflatable kayak. After asking a zillion question, I set my eyes on the Firefly, a basic and entry-level inflatable kayak. Of course, a wise men would heed the wise advice of not doing adventure solo. Remember 127 hours??

So I talk to my buddies and manage to persuade 2 of them to check out the kayak. Junhao decide to join me on the adventure to explore the waterways of Singapore.



Kayaking Sembawang, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

My buddy all set to go. At first the coast guards patrolling the straits of Johor was quite near us. We're wondering if they would escort us out of the water. Our doubts are unfounded. We spent the next hour or so without the coast guards interception.


I figure it's better to kayak in fresh water such as reservior, at least I don't have to deal with the wind and the wave. Firefly is built for kayaking in calm water condition

It's not easy to take photo as my hands are wet from the sea water. Very bad for electronic to get in contact with them. I have to use a dry towel to dry my hands before I handle my camera.

In the background is Simpang Kiri Sembawang. At the other end is the area near Yishun Sapphire.

I forget to frame Bottle Tree Restaurant into this shot. The tree is right beside it.




 Kayaking in sea water also mean the kayak needs a good rinse with fresh water after use. And in the case, it was a mess at the public toilet here. East Coast park might be better for washing up because of the open concept shower.

Most people like the fun part but not the setting up and taking down. I see it as part of the deal. While packing and waiting for the kayak to dry, it's great for talking about the adventure that we just did in the sea.

I

I'm using the foot pump to suck out all the air for easy keeping into the bag provided. Everything can fit in, including the paddle, pump and life jacket.

If you wanna join me in exploring the waters in Singapore, drop me a comment. You can purchase the kayak at www.activesports.com.sg.