ROCK GYMS IN SINGAPORE – An all time favourite outdoor hippie sport that has started picking up greater mass interest in Singapore recent years.

Being a rock climber, here’s a list of common misconceptions people have when they consider taking up the sport:

1. You’ll need to have a lot of arm strength, so the more muscles the better
2. You need to be very strong hence boys always have a huge advantage
3. You will require a lot of money to pursue this hobby ( just like diving)

In actual reality, the above are all wrong.

Once you embark onto this sport, you will start to realise how different it is from what you perceive, and how this sport accommodates people of different strength, sizes, young and old, male and female; all have the ability to excel in this sport.

Me in an indoor rock climbing gym. Rock Climbing is a hobby that after you pick it up, it gets addictive

Starting out rock climbing as a hobby isn’t hard.

For 1st timers who want to just give it a try, you just need to head to your nearby rock gym, rent climbing shoes and harness for  a day and be accompanied by a certified belayer ( for majority of the gyms). An average trip with equipment rental all included in can costs you between SGD$25 – 40 for the whole day, which isnt much compared to some other recreational/ adventure activities in Singapore.

Leaning how to tie the figure of 8 knot in your level 1 certification

In the event you did give rock climbing a shot, love it and want to take it more seriously, you can go the next tier to take a level 1 certification course at about SGD$65 – $80 which is available for booking at respective rock gyms in Singapore or via qualified private climb instructors. Then comes the buying of..

your first pair of shoes…

harness…

belay device…

and before you know it, you are hooked to the sport….

Here’s sharing the Top 6 rock gyms in Singapore for your consideration:

(In no ranking order)

1. ONSIGHT CLIMBING GYM

Onsight Climbing Gym

One of the more popular climbing gyms in Singapore for lead climbing given their very nice overhang routes, this gym is located at Mountbatten and its a popular choice for people staying in the East, not to mention they have amazing food options nearby at Old Airport Road Food Centre for the ever famished climber after an intense workout.

2. CLIMB CENTRAL

Lead wall at climb central

The ONLY air conditioned top rope climbing gym in Singapore, hence explains one of its greatest draw factor.

Located smack at Kallang Wave Mall which is next to the Stadium MRT station, this gym is perfect for those who want to experience climbing for the 1st time with your friends but do not have your level 1 belay certification. The rock gym’s setup makes it friendly to top rope belay in safety with your kids or 1st timer/ beginner friends. But for safety precautions, you would need to sit through a quick 15 minutes safety briefing.

Belaying at Climb Central Lead Wall

3. CLIMB ASIA

Lead climbing at Climb Asia

This rock gym in Singapore has its heritage as the pioneer climbing gym, with its cosy atmosphere in the heart of Tessensohn Civil Service Club. Regarded as one of the more affordable rock gyms around, they also have an amazing climbing shop to browse as and when you feel like feasting your eyes on some new gear. Always look out for their sale periods!

4. SAFRA YISHUN ADVENTURE SPORTS CENTRE

Still reign as Singapore’s highest outdoor rock wall. For those who like a bit of the sun and the full experience of outdoor climbing, this location will be my recommendation. However, the weather proves volatile in this part of Singapore so do come earlier in the day to get more hours into your climb, or get caught in a downpour.

5. THE CLIFF

Calling all Westies, this is one of the newest outdoor rock gyms in Singapore located next to Science Centre/ Snow City which is walkable from Jurong East Mrt station. Popular place with many to take thier level 1 certification as it is less packed and a good training ground in outdoor setting.

6. CLIMBERS LAB

Rock Climbing at Climber’s Lab

Always wanted to try a 180 degrees arch route? Climbers lab is the only rock gym that can allow you to experience that. Situated at the western part of Singapore near toh guan area, this cosy little gym is popular with westies coming after work. They also have a climbing shop that sells quite a number of climbing equipment options. Nearest mrt is Jurong East MRT.

6. THE ROCK SCHOOL

Locatd at Bedok Community Centre, this heartland climbing gym is perfect for the easties and for people just starting out climbing.

Located at 850 New Upper Changi Road, Singapore, 467352. p. 6242 2106. 

7. CLIP ‘N’ CLIMB HOMETEAMNS

This fuss-free fun gym, first developed in New Zealand, is perfect for people of all ages and climbing abilities. More fun than anything else, this gym comes with 19 exhilarating routes, and with its auto-belay system. Thud making it super convenient for climbers coming alone or with people.

8. KINETICS CLIMBING

The most popular bouldering gym in Singapore among the regulars and hardcore boulderers. They have recently moved to their new location at Serangoon Road. They also occasionally have really good discounts for their climbing shoe brands.

Address: 511 Serangoon Road Singapore 218153

9. OYEYO

Located at Mackenzie Road, this bouldering gym is tucked away from the bustling city area. A cosy spot for climbers to just boulder, people watch and have fun.

Address: 148 Mackenzie Road Singapore 228724

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Concluding the list of top rock gyms and bouldering gyms in Singapore to explore. Check them out to fuel that adventurous sporty spirit in you.

COURSES: If you are interested to join a rock climbing course with a certified qualified private instructor, drop your details in the comments below and I’ll link you up with the best! rock gyms in Singapore

WHY CLIMBING? To read on why one should pick up rock climbing as a hobby, read more here.

Outdoor Natural Rock Climbing at Dairyfarm Singapore

Outdoor Climbing Spots in Asia, find out where they are here