I’ve always been enchanted by the thrill of soaring through the skies, and paragliding offers just that—an exhilarating blend of adventure and stunning scenery. While visiting Singapore, I wondered if this could be a place to do just that.
Key Takeaways
- Limited terrain: it would not be impossible to paraglide in Singapore, but it would certainly be difficult due to the limited suitable areas for takeoff and landing. Singapore is a small, flat island with limited hills, mountains, or large open spaces.
- Regulations: takeoff and landing within towns or other built-up areas is not permitted, including adjacent public spaces like parks or beaches (which is most of Singapore). There are no designated paragliding sites or public parks where paragliding is allowed. If you were to fly, you’d have to comply with local aviation laws, obtain necessary permits, and adhere to designated altitude limits in Singapore’s tightly controlled airspace.
- Year-round paragliding opportunities nearby: while Singapore isn’t ticking the boxes, there are an incredible number of fantastic sites around Singapore. Thanks to the local tropical climate, paragliding can be enjoyed almost all year, with the best conditions during the northeast monsoon season from November to March.
Overview
The Paragliders Association of Singapore unfortunately closed in 2020, which would have been the easiest way to be able to fly in Singapore, without having to navigate getting local permits yourself. Due to the size of the country and the numerous airports, it would be very difficult to comply with all the rules in place.
Luckily, you can very easily travel out of Singapore, either to Malaysia by bus, to Indonesia by boat, or anywhere else via plane (tickets can be very cheap thanks to local asian airlines such as Air Asia). The area is full of fantastic sites for paragliding, which we will cover below.
Best locations for paragliding
Unfortunately, it seems Singapore is a no-go, so here are the best sites you can paraglide in Southeast Asia, which you can easily reach from Singapore.
Indonesia: Bali (Uluwatu & Timbis Beach)
- Launch from limestone cliffs with sweeping views over the Indian Ocean.
- Flights typically follow the coastline for up to 12 km, offering smooth sea-breeze lift.
- Peak season is May through October for steady conditions.
Vietnam: Da Nang, (Son Tra Peninsula,Monkey Mountain), Nha Trang & Dalat
- Da Nang: takeoff from Ban Co Peak (~550–700 m elevation), flying over jungles, beaches, cityscapes, and landmarks like Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Nha Trang: relaxed coastal tandem flights from hills overlooking the sea.
- Dalat: cooler highland spot, ideal for scenic gliding in pine forests.
- Best flying months: March to September
You can read more about paragliding in Vietnam by checking out our article: Ultimate Guide to Paragliding in Vietnam: Sites, Safety & Seasons.
Thailand: Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket & Pattaya
- Chiang Mai: mountainous launches near Doi Inthanon make it popular, scenic, and ideal for combining trekking and flying.
- Krabi: cliffside coastal flights with views of the Andaman Sea and iconic limestone islands.
- Phuket: paragliding in Phuket is thrilling, scenic with stunning coastal views, and accessible, making it ideal for tandem flights and/or beginners.
- Koh Lan (Pattaya): here as well, it starts and ends on Koh Lan, easily accessible from Pattaya. The coastal views are beautiful.
You can read more about paragliding in Thailand by reading our article: Ultimate Guide to Paragliding in Thailand: Spots, Safety & Seasons
Malaysia: Gunung Jerai or KKB Paragliding Park
- Gunung Jerai (Kedah): launch from around 1,200 m elevation above paddy fields and the Andaman coast; great for beginners.
- KKB Park (near Kuala Lumpur): featured by local community pilots, safe and organized for all levels.
Philippines: Oslob (Cebu) & Mount Apo
- Oslob: tandem flights from coastal cliffs with stunning views of reefs, beaches, and nearby Sumilon Island; can pair with snorkeling or whale-shark tours.
- Mount Apo: lofty take-off (2,954 m), offering ~20–30-minute aerial rides over Davao Gulf and rainforest terrain.
Sites comparison
| Location | Scenery | Flight Experience | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uluwatu, Bali | Coastal cliffs/ocean views | Smooth sea-breeze flights | Beginners, tandem fun |
| Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang | Jungle, city, beach views | Higher-altitude glides | Beginners & scenic lovers |
| Dalat or Nha Trang, Vietnam | Highlands, lake, sea views | Calm, panoramic flights | Relaxed tandem tours |
| Chiang Mai / Krabi, Thailand | Mountains/islands & beaches | Varied terrain flights | Adventure seekers |
| Gunung Jerai / KKB Park, Malaysia | Hilltop greenery, sea, or paddy views | Beginner-friendly, stable winds | Intro to flying |
| Oslob & Mount Apo, Philippines | Coastal reefs / highland panorama | Longer tandem durations | Thrill and views |
Conclusion
While paragliding in Singapore would be fun, navigating the regulations would be a nightmare. Instead, travel to one of the neighbouring countries that offer fantastic sites to paraglide for all levels.
