Fishing in Singapore: Inland and Out at Sea

Many carry the misconception that fishing is absolutely mundane and only enjoyed by the minority. In fact, this recreational activity which requires ample patience and time is gradually becoming one of the top hangout ideas even amongst teenagers today. Though it’s bound to seem ‘mission impossible’ on your first catch, you will get there with perseverance and determination. There are many locations which support fishing on our sunny island, Singapore.


Shores and jetties

Jetties are man-made walkways that project out from lands into waterbodies while shores are lands along the edge of waterbodies. Fishing is optimum within these two boundaries as anglers are closest to the seas.

Sembawang Park

Named after the ‘Sembawang’ Tree (Mesua ferruginea), Sembawang Park is a popular fishing ground where families and friends gather to engage in leisure activities under the sun. Fitness enthusiasts are often spotted running and swimming while the laid-back visitors prefer more passive activities like fishing or taking a pleasant stroll as they listen to the sound of the waves. Adding a historical touch, reconstructed old pathways used during the British occupation and the remains of the 1920s Seletar Pier continue to lie in the vicinity of Sembawang Park till today. Regular anglers will know to position themselves at the jetty where they can obtain a generous catch.


Labrador Park

Situated beside Sentosa Island and Keppel Marina, Labrador Park is another favourite fishing ground for anglers. Anglers usually camp at the jetty as this brings them closer to the sea and eliminates the need for long distance casting. Though getting to Labrador Park may be quite a hassle, visitors can take bus service 408 on weekends and public holidays.


Woodlands Waterfront Park

At Woodlands Waterfront Park, you can cast your baits at the end of the well-furnished jetty. If you happen to bump into any monkeys, please do not be deceived by their cuteness and forgo your food! Also, kindly advise those whom you see feeding not to do so!


Reservoirs

Besides being the common source of freshwater for Singapore, reservoirs are also homes to heaps of exotic freshwater fish and their presence will make your fishing experience a fruitful one.  

Kranji Reservoir

Visiting Kranji Reservoir would bring flashbacks of the Battle of Kranji in which the Empire of Japan planned to invade Singapore in World War II. Now, it has two developed fishing grounds with amenities like improved toilets, spacious car parks and bright lighting to create a memorable experience for its visitors.


Bedok Reservoir

With the efforts of the Singapore Sports Council, sports enthusiasts can now engage in various water sports such as wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing and not forgetting, fishing. Try your luck at fishing by heading over to the fishing deck where you can cast your line into the reservoir’s waters. However, do remember to only use artificial bait to maintain the quality of the reservoir’s waters and also to practise catch and release in order to maintain fish stock in the reservoir.


Jurong Lake

Next to Lakeside MRT station lies the water playground for residents in the west – Jurong Lake. Serving as one of the reservoirs that contributes to the water supply of Singapore, the wetlands help ensure the cleanliness of the waters and provide homes to both land and sea creatures. A stage and viewing promenade further make Jurong Lake the perfect location for community events to take place. As the rules apply, fishing is only allowed at designated areas using artificial baits.  


MacRitchie Reservoir

Catch-and-release practices are strongly emphasised and encouraged at MacRitchie Reservoir to sustain the livelihood and supply of the reservoir’s fishes. Plus, anglers who wish to fish here should only use artificial baits.


Pay Ponds

For beginners who are less skilful and experienced at fishing, do not worry as there are pay ponds available where you can sharpen your skills. At pay ponds, customers pay to fish at man-made ponds and are guaranteed a catch. So, head down to Pasir Ris Town Park Fishing Pond or Bottle Tree Park for a surprise – who knows what you may bring home at the end of the day!

Pasir Ris Town Park Fishing Pond

Pasir Ris Town Park Fishing Pond is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most widely known fishing spot. Located just a few minutes away from Pasir Ris MRT station, its prime location makes it highly accessible for everyone. Common species caught by anglers include sea bass, snapper, grouper and what not. Of course, predatory fishes are prohibited in the pond! Food stalls selling snacks and drinks will ensure that your tummies don’t rumble over the long hours of waiting. Besides fishing, give prawning a shot for something new but at a different price rate. 

Prices

Fishing: $38 onwards

Prawning: $13/h onwards


Fishing Paradise at ORTO

Formerly named Bottle Tree Park, ORTO is the newly revamped 24/7 multi-recreational park which caters round-the-clock fishing and prawning to the public. Despite having been refurnished, it still retains its nostalgic countryside charms. Fishing Paradise promotes customised team building and family togetherness as customers motivate and work in teams to flourish their catches. They even provide a Beginners’ Pond especially for families with young children to ease the difficulty of fishing. As for prawning, what’s best is that customers get to barbeque their catch and eat them fresh! So… who’s hungry already?

If you are wondering how to get here, ORTO is within walking distance from Khatib MRT station.

Prices

Fishing

Main Pond: $12/h onwards

Beginner’s Pond: Catch and release - $5/catch

                             Catch and keep - $15/catch

Prawning

Freshwater Pond: $20/h onwards

Saltwater Pond: $22/h onwards


Offshore Islands around Singapore

For the outdoor enthusiasts, offshore islands around Singapore are other great destinations for a rural getaway and a leap closer to Mother Nature. So grab your bag packs and put on your adventure hats!

Pulau Ubin

Hop onto a bumboat to Pulau Ubin to escape from the bustling city. From thousands of settlers in the 1960s to less than a hundred villagers today, Pulau Ubin may just be the last ‘kampung’ you’ll ever see in Singapore. However, it still remains as a popular destination amongst nature lovers due to its rustic feels and occasional whiffs of wildlife – Yes. Monkeys, hornbills, otters and the ever-hungry wild boars who prey on your food. Although permitted areas for fishing are limited, it is still possible to carry out this leisure activity. Other offshore islands ideal for fishing are St John’s Island, Sisters’ Island and Kusu Island.

Now that you’ve got the list of places to fish in Singapore; inland and out at sea, bear in mind some good fishing etiquette and you’re ready to go!

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