Rock climbing and bouldering have never been so popular in Singapore. The number of commercial rock climbing gyms had grown from about 10 to more than 30 in the past four years. The sport is still considered relatively niche locally and has taken off more gradually compared to the US and Europe.
Nonetheless, it remains attractive to both the young and young-at-heart, especially those who are always eyeing for fun things to do or new indoor activities to participate in. Rock climbing and bouldering have a low barrier to entry. It does not require any complicated setup and equipment. All non-competitive climbers need are a good pair of climbing shoes and a small pouch with climb chalk to start.
At the same time, the sport challenges one’s physical and mental self. The thrill of continuously racing to the highest spot while refraining from looking down is a unique form of excitement that’s seldom enjoyed in other sports.
All ready to set your anti-gravity spirit alight? Whether you are learning, training, or just after some fun with friends or loved ones, here are the seven rock climbing and bouldering gyms in Singapore to kick start a whole new experience.
1. Climb Central
The first thing that many shoppers and visitors will notice as they enter Kallang Wave Mall is likely its massive, colourful climbing wall, situated not too far away from the entrance.
This wall also happens to be Singapore’s tallest indoor climbing wall, which stretches across four levels at 16m high.
There are more than 50 climbing routes to choose from at Climb Central Sports Hub. This is a specially-designed venue where bouldering can take place at the same time together with indoor rock-climbing and auto-belaying (climbers learning how to descend to the ground).
Climb Central Sports Hub can accommodate any individual, with or without prior bouldering and climbing experience, as long as they are above five years old and at least 1.1m tall.
A single adult entry pass costs S$25. A single youth pass for those aged between 13 and 18 costs S$20. An adult-child entry pass is S$31 (additional children will come at S$18 per person). Multiple entry passes cost between S$105-$230.
Climb Central Sports Hub also offers a monthly plan at the price of S$180 for unlimited access.
Equipment such as climbing shoes, harness, set are also available for rent at a fee of S$3 to S$7. More information about the latest entry requirement, rates, and membership can be found here.
Address: Kallang Wave Mall #B1-01, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00am to 11:00pm, Weekends and Public Holidays - 9:00am to 9:00pm
2. Ground Up Climbing
Ground Up Climbing is one of the pioneering bouldering gyms in Singapore. There are two levels of bouldering walls and an outdoor wall for those who look forward to a more technically demanding outdoor rock-climbing option.
On level one, you can find bouldering walls designed for beginner climbers, or individuals looking to refine their footwork and coordination. On level two, there are climbing routes of various difficulties (clearly labelled with coloured tags) to offer a real challenge for experienced climbers.
Ground Up Climbing organises taster sessions for individuals who are keen to pick up a new sport, but are unsure where to start. In this hour-long guided session, participants will not only learn bouldering, but also the fundamentals of rock climbing – specifically, how to condition one’s body to climb safely and effectively.
For the more experienced climbers, Ground Up Climbing offers The Singapore National Climbing Standards (SNCS) Level 1, 2, and 3 courses and assessments to prepare individuals for more advanced climbing techniques and those who want to take the sport to a more professional level.
A single adult entry costs S$22 (it’s S$27 with equipment). A single youth for those 18 and below costs S$15 (it’s S$20 with equipment). Multiple entry passes cost between S$70-S$180. An hour-long taster session costs S$45.
Equipment such as climbing shoes are also available for rental at a minimal fee. More information about the latest pricing and programmes can be found here.
Address: Level 2, CSC@Tessensohn, 60 Tessensohn, Singapore 217664
Opening Hours: Monday - 5:00pm to 11:00pm, Tuesday to Thursday - 12:00pm to 11:00pm, Friday - 12:00pm to 10:30pm, Weekends and Public Holidays - 10:00am to 9:00pm
3. Boulder Movement
This bouldering gym sits among trendy shops and hipster cafes in Downtown Gallery right in the heart of the CBD.
Boulder Movement Downtown is especially friendly towards first-timer and beginners as they are equipped with walls that are easier to manoeuvre, as compared to their other outlets. These walls are also not as high for those who are afraid of heights or landing on foot after their climbs.
There is a fitness zone right in the middle of the walls for one to stretch and flex right before their climb or while waiting for their turns.
Whether you are looking for something fun to do after work, or do not wish to travel too far for an activity that you’ve always enjoyed or wanted to do, this gym is definitely a good fit.
A single adult entry costs S$30. Shareable multiple entry passes cost between $135-$200. Boulder Movement also offers monthly membership with all access to its gym and climbing facilities at the price of S$118.
There is a wide range of hour-long lessons to choose from - from learning the foundation of bouldering classes to more specific and advanced climbing sessions. Equipment such as climbing shoes are also available for rental at a minimal fee. More information about the latest pricing and programmes can be found here.
Address: #B1-03 Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way, Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: Monday - 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Tuesday to Friday - 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Weekends and Public Holidays - 10:00am to 10:00pm
4. Fitbloc
Fitbloc is not just your ordinary bouldering gym. On top of the three bouldering sections, they also offer a swimming pool, sauna, a weights room, and a co-working space.
This is, undeniably, a haven for digital nomads tired of working from home and the office. It’s also a great space for those who want to squeeze in some additional training, bouldering, and indoor activities in between work throughout the day.
A single adult entry pass with unlimited access to all facilities costs S$28. A pool-only access pass costs S$10. Multiple entry pass bundles cost between S$60-S$180. Fitbloc also has a monthly plan at the price of S$80.
Equipment such as climbing shoes are also available for rent at a minimal fee between S$5-S$10. Fitbloc also operates an online store selling a wide variety of climbing shoes, equipment, and accessories. More information about the latest rates, classes, and online store can be found here.
Address: The Oasis #03-02, 87 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118260
Opening Hours: Opens daily from 9:30am to 10:30pm
5. Boulder Planet
This gym is not just about bouldering: it’s also about sustainability and building a business for good. The gym wishes to grow a community of sports lovers who enjoy outdoor activities as much as those who love the environment.
For example, use and distribution of single use plastic, like cups and plastic bottles, is strictly discouraged within this gym’s premise. There are also recycling bins at every corner for gym users to properly dispose of anything they no longer need.
Boulder Planet welcomes children, adults, and first-time climbers. They host special route setting workshops for those who want to design and build their own climbing routes for a more one-of-a-kind bouldering experience.
There is also a S$50 starter pack for first-timers to learn more about bouldering. Participants will be given an 80-minute onboarding session and a two-week unlimited access to Boulder Planet’s Tai Seng and Sembawang climbing gyms. This is to adequately prepare and empower them for an unparalleled anti-gravity experience.
A single adult entry pass costs S$30. A single youth pass for those 18 and below costs S$18. Multiple entry passes cost between S$125-S$200. The gym also offers a monthly plan at the price of S$110 for unlimited access.
Equipment such as climbing shoes are also available for rent at a minimal fee. More information about the latest pricing and classes can be found here.
Address: Sembawang Shopping Centre #B1-22/23, 604 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758459, Grantral Mall @ MacPherson #02-07, 601 MacPherson Road, Singapore 368242
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00am to 10:00pm, Weekends and Public Holidays - 10:00am to 9:00pm
6. Lighthouse Climbing
This is Singapore’s first crowdfunded climbing gym. This shows how popular bouldering has become – Singaporeans simply can’t wait to have another climbing gym up and running.
Lighthouse Climbing has a total of 280 square-metre-wide bouldering walls housed in a spacious, warehouse style building. Every week, the Lighthouse Climbing team will carefully craft new routes so regulars will always be challenged.
For individuals looking to improve their strength and flexibility, they can opt for the Animal Flow sessions. Participants will be taught techniques and movements that will equip them with better mobility, as well as better physical and mental health.
A single adult pass costs S$24. A single youth pass for those aged between 13 to 18 costs S$18. A senior citizen pass for those aged above 55 costs S$18. A child pass for those aged below 12 costs S$15.
Multiple entry passes cost between S$110-S$200. Each Animal Flow session costs S$35. One needs to be at least 4-year-old before they can enjoy the bouldering facilities inside Lighthouse Climbing.
Equipment such as climbing shoes are also available for rent at a minimal fee. More information about the latest pricing and classes can be found here.
Address: 44 Pasir Panjang Road #B-02, Singapore 118504
Opening Hours: Opens daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm
7. Kinetics Climbing
Opened in 2011, this is a one-stop bouldering gym and equipment stall that serves the needs of all climbers.
Children as young as six can attend bouldering lessons called Tiny Tots to pick up basic techniques and build endurance. Kinetics Climbing also offers a Climbing 101 course to accommodate bigger groups of less experienced climbers, like families or employees in a corporate bonding session.
For those who are looking for more individualised coaching, they can sign up for one-to-one lessons that address specific improvements that climbers would like to focus on. Overall, Kinetics Climbing is going all out to accommodate both seasoned and casual climbers.
A single adult entry costs S$19. A single student pass costs S$15. Multiple entry passes cost between S$85-S$150.
Equipment such as climbing shoes are also available for rental at a minimal fee. More information about the latest pricing and programmes can be found here.
Address: 511 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218153
Opening Hours: Monday - 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Tuesday to Friday - 1:00pm to 10:00pm, Weekends and Public Holidays - 10:00am to 7:00pm
Rock climbing and bouldering are very friendly indoor activities. They not only train one’s body, but our minds too. Our brains are constantly figuring out the best possible way to reach the ending point as we boulder.
So, it’s beyond just using upper body strength – each participant needs to coordinate every inch of muscle, and learn how to do so patiently. Falling or getting stuck in the middle of a climb is common. Don’t panic, you’ll have all the time to get your body used to it. Most importantly, remember to have fun!
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