If you're a sports nut and planning to head to Singapore for either short or long term stay, you'll probably want to know what kind of physical activities the locals like to do. You'll be happy to hear that the Singaporeans love sport and keeping fit, so you have a real plethora of things to choose from. Whether you want to spectate or participate, there's plenty to keep the sports fan entertained. Here are some of the most popular outdoor pursuits and games on the island.
Golf
If you are one of those people who thinks no sunny day is complete unless it's been spent driving balls down the fairway, then Singapore has lots to offer. Over 20 spectacular courses dot the island, and both members and non-members can be accommodated at most. Amongst the most beautiful places to play golf are the Seletar Base club, which was designed by famous architect Christ Pitman, the Laguna National Golf Club, which has won numerous awards and the Sentosa Club, which is one of the most visited in Asia.
Basketball
Since the mid-1920s Singapore has been basketball mad. The national team has competed at 16 Asia Championships, while winning bronze in two Southeast Asian Championships. Though not quite as popular as it was in its 70s and 80s heyday, when the team was one of the continent's best, the game is still played regularly all over the island.
Bodybuilding
As the population is very interested in clean living and physical fitness, it is unsurprising to learn that bodybuilding is amongst Singapore's most popular sports. The country has produced numerous world and Asian champions, most famously Joan Liew, who has NPC Tournament of Champions, Multi Asian Championships and Asian Women's Bodybuilding Championship titles under her belt and is still competing at the top level today. Other notable Singaporean bodybuilders include Abdul Halim bin Haron, Simon Chua and Azman bin Abdullah.
Football
Though they might not be world beaters, the Singaporeans love football and their national side has punched well above its weight considering the, relatively, small population, frequently coming home winners from the ASEAN Football Championships, where they compete against sides such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. If you fancy checking out a football game while you're in Singapore, the place to be is the Singapore Sports Hub, which was opened in 2010.
Cricket
Like many Asian countries, Singapore take cricket very seriously. The national side has appeared at every International Cricket Council World Cup Qualifier between 1986 and 2005 and, though one of the smaller teams on the world stage, is steadily climbing up the rankings. Since winning the World Cricket League Division Six title back in 2009 they have risen all the way to Division Three, where they finished in 3rd place last year.
Swimming
Given its fine batch of glistening beaches and gorgeous climate, it is no surprise that Singapore is a country that loves its watersports. With so many people spending so much of their time in the ocean, it has produced a number of world class swimmers through the years, including Ang Peng Siong, Joscelin Yeo and Tao li.