Sports in Singapore

Soccer in Singapore

Like many countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore breathes soccer. A legacy of the country's colonial past, soccer is both watched and played extensively, and English soccer clubs are akin to cults in the country. Many of the major teams have local fan clubs, including, for example, Singapore's official Manchester United fan club (Manchester United Supporters Club Singapore), which regularly organizes events and viewings in different bars across the country. Match days at pubs provide a fascinating insight into the fervor of Singaporeans for soccer.

Singapore's local league is called the S League, and joining in watching can be a good way of mixing with the locals. For those who'd like to play rather than watch, there are many amateur leagues, as well as soccer fields, that can be rented by the hour. In addition to outdoor fields, there are a number of indoor venues (such as The Cage) that offer indoor football facilities, five-a-side, and seven-a-side fields.

Badminton in Singapore

Badminton is one of the most popular sports in Singapore, and it is played and enjoyed by people of all ages. You can find numerous clubs and facilities all over the country. The Singapore Badminton Association is highly active in organizing events, promoting the sports, and attracting top international players to Singapore. The Singapore National Badminton Club is very competitive in South East Asian and Commonwealth Games. 

Rugby in Singapore

Another testament to the country's history is the prevalence of rugby leagues and networks. The vitality of rugby is further increased through the large number of expats from Great Britain, Australia, and Ireland, to name a few countries.

For general information about rugby-related events and where to practice the sport, make sure to consult the website of the Singapore Rugby Union. The website also presents a list of active clubs (both for men and women) in Singapore.

Read also Leisure activities in Singapore

Water sports in Singapore

Being an island, Singapore also offers various water sports, such as diving and snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, etc. Sports facilities are available on almost all beaches.

Pulau Hantu Island is also very popular for its coral reefs. You can certainly explore its fauna and flora underwater if you like diving.

You can also enjoy kayaking and canoeing at the Bedok and Marina reservoirs or other thrilling water sports at the Pasir Ris Park. You can indulge in boating and water skiing at Changi Beach Park, Riverside Park, and Lower Seletar Park Kallang.

Dragon boating in Singapore

If you want to indulge in something different, you can try dragon-boat racing, which involves racing in teams of 21 oarsmen. Very often, corporate outlets will have employee events out on the dragon boats, but if you're interested in pursuing this interest on your own, you can obtain information from the Singapore Dragon Boat Association or the Singapore Paddle Club. You can also join sessions for beginners, which give you a taste of the sport.

Cycling in Singapore

Unlike other major cities, Singapore isn't very popular for riders. The country has a high density of traffic and isn't as cycle-friendly as some other cities. Additionally, the climate makes it difficult to combine a work commute and a ride, and most of the cycling gets done on the weekend.

Nevertheless, cycling clubs do exist in Singapore, especially since cycling rose in popularity during the pandemic. Some of them organize cycling sessions. Some interesting cycling routes include rides in Pasir Ris Park and the Khatib Loop.

For those willing to combine cycling and technology, head to the Athlete Lab, which offers a realistic indoor cycling experience using bikes that reproduce the strains your body would experience out in the open.

Tennis in Singapore

Tennis courts are very popular in Singapore. In addition to private clubs, many condominiums have their own tennis courts, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a convenient location. There are numerous online forums that allow players to find partners. For more information about tennis-related events, check out the Singapore Tennis Association website.

Other options in Singapore

Singapore is a country replete with surprises, so it shouldn't shock you that ice hockey enthusiasts can play here, even in the tropical latitudes of the country. For more information about venues and events, visit the Singapore Ice Hockey Association.

Another popular sport you can easily play is cricket, and if you want to experience a walk down memory lane, visit and sign up for the Singapore Cricket Club. Membership doesn't come cheap, but you'll get to experience a clubhouse, a wide range of sports amenities, and the opportunity to socialize in a historically significant venue.

Singapore also has numerous golf courses. Singaporeans like to play golf, although the membership fees for golf clubs are not as cheap as in other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam or Thailand, where you will find well-maintained, good-quality courses. Other sports you can easily play are baseball, netball, field hockey, basketball, and, of course, running. In other words, a stint in Singapore should be no excuse for not exercising!