Paddle into Sangai Changi

On August 9, 2025, we paddled into Sangai Changi successfully, and kayaked all the way to the Changi Creek reservoir spillway. The whole trip was 4km, and took us about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Changi Creek paddling Trail

it had been 8 month since we last kayaked at Sungai Teris

it is no-wake zone upstream to the ferry terminal

The first time we tried to kayak from Changi beach park to the dam of Changi creek reservoir through Sungai Changi (i.e. Changi Creek) on March 26, 2022. Unfortunately the entrance portion of the creek is also the busy waterway for ferries from main island to Pulau Ubin. Our one attempt to paddle into the creek got us splashed by the high waves generated by a speeding ferry, the kayak and us were soaked :(.

This time we learnt from the first time's mistake. When we turned at the tip of the Changi Beach Park, and about to enter the the creek, we paid attention to the ferry traffic, and stayed close to the shoreline.

When there was a ferry leaving or returning to Changi Ferry terminal, we would turn the kayak to face the coming wave so the wave generated by the ferry wouldn't push the kayak to flip on the side. Instead of paddling toward the wave front, we would pause and let the kayak ride over the wave. 

After passing the ferry terminal, the creek was calm, and we were the only people on Changi Creek.

We first passed a pedestrian bridge over the creek. We were photographed by some park visitors at the beach and on the bridge. 

After crossing the bridge, we were in a section that is as wide as the creek mouth, with outbound facility on the north side of the river. We saw another bridge ahead of us which is under the Changi airport landing trajectory, and an airplane was descending.  

Passing the road bridge, we entered the mangrove area. We saw a white head thrush (bird) flying over tall trees, and a large bird gliding across the creek. The creek gradually narrows, and mangroves start to hang overhead. We had to cross underpass 3rd bridge. The mangrove there is dense, and fallen branches block the paddling trail at several locations. We managed to pass them and enter the drainage.

A short while later, we saw a big fence across the drainage, blocks the waterway, and our kayak from reaching the reservoir spill way. Just then we felt the kayak rudder was rubbing the river bed, and we could not back paddle. I had to get off the kayak, and pushed it downstream, a bit deeper place.

We were then on the return trip. 

drainage downstream Changi reservoir

reflection of the concrete beams under the bridge

Notes -

1. The creek had oil sheen and foam over a stretch of it upstream of the roadway bridge

2. On the main island side, we kayaked at Sentosa, Mandai River, Sungei Simpang, Sungei Khatib Bongsu; on Pula Ubin, we paddled to Sungai Teris, Sungai Puaka, Sungei Jelutong, Frog Island, Sungai Mamam

3. There are a few other creeks which might be paddle able - they are shorter.