Water Sports Centre at The Kallang

The best seat for the skyline is about 30 centimetres above the waterline. For now, the haze has taken it away.

Check before you go: The Kallang has suspended all Water Sports Centre activities until further notice because of the haze, and nothing below applies until it lifts that. Once it does, this is the easiest way to get on the water in the middle of the city: a sit-on-top kayak on Kallang Basin, no certificate needed, walk-in only. It suits a slow paddle with a friend far more than a workout, and the main compromise is timing – the last rental goes out in the late afternoon, so the sunset takes planning.

Most people only see the basin from a stadium seat or a taxi on the way to a concert. From the waterline it is a broad, calm stretch of water with the Singapore Flyer ahead, the National Stadium's dome behind you and the skyline all round. The bars you'll paddle past charge more for a drink than the centre charges for the boat; the rates are in the facts box, and residents pay less.

The water is sheltered and flat, so first-timers are fine in the sit-on-top kayaks, double kayaks or canoes. Otters turn up along the Kallang River. Lockers are free, so your phone doesn't have to ride in your lap.

Families: children from seven can paddle, and those aged seven to 12 must be with an adult. A double kayak with a parent doing the steering is the obvious set-up.

To do it well, fill in the online indemnity form before you leave home, bring photo ID, and pay by card or PayNow at the centre; it is first come, first served. Aim for a weekday afternoon and take a late slot if you want the sun going down behind the skyline, working back from the 5pm last rental. It is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays, and the basin shuts for big events such as dragon boat races, so check The Kallang's notices on the day. Rentals aren't refunded for bad weather, so look at the sky before you pay.

If you catch the bug, the centre runs a ladder of courses: a kayak and canoe orientation for beginners, then the 1 Star Personal Skill Award (with a short swim test), and a 2 Star course covering rescues and the spray cover. Certification unlocks the closed-deck kayaks and outriggers. There is also a guided Marina Cityscape Kayak Excursion from the centre to the Singapore Flyer. Regulars should look at the 5 + 1 Kayak Pass: six sessions for the price of five.

Bring a friend willing to share a double kayak, and the steering arguments that come with it.

Good to know Water Sports Centre, 8 Stadium Walk (Stadium MRT). Listed hours: Mon and Wed–Sun 9am–8pm, last rental 5pm; closed Tuesdays, public holidays and during selected events. Walk-in only; complete the online indemnity form first and bring photo ID. Card or PayNow only; rentals are non-refundable in bad weather.

Water Sports Centre at The Kallang | Water Sports Centre, 8 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397699 | Nearest MRT: Stadium