Golf

Some of the best courses are at the Raffles Country Club (which has two 18-hole courses); the Sentosa Golf & Country Club (two 18-hole championship courses); and the Tanal Merah Country Club (two 18-hole championship courses). Operating hours vary (some clubs offering night golfing until 2300). In most clubs, non-members are allowed to play for a special fee ranging from S$50-200. Weekends, however, are often strictly reserved for members. Many clubs also require visitors to hold a handicap or proficiency certificate from a recognized club.

Watersports

One of the most  popular watersports is canoeing round the island and there are a number of operators hiring out canoes at Changi point, East Coast and Sentosa Island. There are also numerous scuba-diving schools offering PADI or NAUI recognized courses. Day and night diving in local waters and nearby Malaysia are also available. Sailing and windsurfing is generally popular on the eastern coast, where most facilities are located. For water-skiing, the best locations are Sembawang and Kallang River (a venue for previous world championships). Fishing is a year-round sport. Boats and equipment, inexpensive to hire, are available at the Jardine Steps, Changi Park. Singapore offers easy access to numerous offshore islands and Singaporeans drive over to Malaysia to enjoy the watersports off the East coast (see the Malaysia section).

Cycling

The cycle paths link many parts of the island and bikes can be rented in many public parks, notably those at Bishan, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris and Sentosa. Mountain- or dirt-biking is particularly popular in Pulau Ubin.

Horse racing

The Singapore Turf Club (website: www.turfclub.com.sg) is responsible for all horse racing meetings. Visitors must observe a strict dress code. Races take place at weekends only; the first race is at 1330, the last race at 1800. Polo matches are played regularly at the Singapore Polo Club.

Other

Many sports associations and clubs welcome visitors. Badminton is almost a national sport, played all year round. Cricket is also played in Singapore, the Singapore Cricket Club being one of the oldest sporting associations in the world. It has a sports ground where cricket, soccer, tennis, hockey and rugby are played. 10-pin bowling is also very popular, with over 20 centers (each offering more than 20 lanes) catering for the enthusiast. In the Marina South area, some bowling centers are open 24 hours; otherwise, they are generally open 0900-0200.

Travel Insurance Advice

It's always a good idea to take out travel in-surance. Check the small print to see if the policy covers potentially dangerous sporting activities such as diving or trekking, and make sure that it adequately covers your valuables. Health-wise, you may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than your having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later, make sure that you keep all documentation. Check that the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.

A few credit cards offer limited, sometimes full, travel insurance to the holder.