We are a group of active climbers who have come together to request that the National Parks Board (NParks) and the relevant authorities allow rock climbing at Dairy Farm. 

On 11 February 2021, signs were put up by NParks at access points to Dairy Farm climbing areas, stating "No Entry except authorised personnel". This caused great disappointment and raised questions amongst many climbers.

We acknowledge that recent incidents may have surfaced issues about safety at the crag, but we believe there is a middle ground where risks can be managed and are ready to work with the relevant authorities to achieve that.

Overview of Climbing at Dairy Farm

The history of rock climbing in Dairy Farm began in the 1980s when climbers first started exploring the area. Formerly a granite quarry, it is now the only outdoor climbing crag in Singapore, and has the potential to be a unique destination for climbers not just in Singapore but throughout in the region.

Over the past few years, the climbing community in Singapore has grown exponentially. Global interest in sport climbing is also growing since its recent inclusion in the next Olympic games. As of 2015, there were an estimated 50,000 recreational climbers in Singapore gyms, and there are still many more people who may just want to try out climbing. The number of climbers who stand to benefit from outdoor climbing at Dairy Farm is large and still growing.

Being outdoors brings many benefits such as improving physical and mental well being, and outdoor climbing offers a unique experience that cannot be replicated in the gym. Although it has never been legitimised by the authorities, Dairy Farm currently has more than a hundred climbing routes, and the potential for additional development. As the only place for outdoor rock climbing in Singapore, we hope that this space in the nature reserve can be shared amongst all park users, including hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers.

How we can mitigate the risks

Outdoor rock climbing can be fun and enjoyable if appropriate safety measures are in place. For example, routes need to be well-equipped with good protection points, and climbing needs to be done by proficient climbers who do regular safety checks.

We also acknowledge that climbers need to take better care of Dairy Farm and be stewards of the climbing crag. We are prepared to improve standards at Dairy Farm by doing some or all of the following

• Come together as climbing-related park users and act as an information resource  for existing and aspiring rock climbers 
• Mark out trails that climbers should use and clearly demarcate out of bounds areas
• Create guidelines and educate climbers on emergency response, best practices for outdoor climbing and environmental protection principles 
• Set standards for fixed hardware used on climbing routes, reducing our impact on the walls and adhering to UIAA standards for outdoor anchors

We are open to additional suggestions to improve standards at the crag. We also hope that this effort will assure the authorities of our ability to self-govern and start the conversation about formally allowing climbing at Dairy Farm.

Who we are

We are experienced climbers who would like to see our climbing community grow in a sustainable and responsible manner, keeping up to date with standards and best practices of the global climbing community.

• Qx Cheang - American Mountain Guides Association Certified Rock Guide and SPI Provider, Singapore Mountaineering Federation Cat 2 Sport and Rock Instructor
• Foo Chee Chang - Climber & SMF Cat 1 Sport Climbing Instructor
• Michelle Ong - Climber & SMF Cat 1 Sport Climbing Instructor
• Melissa Ho - Climber & SMF Cat 1 Sport Climbing Instructor
• Yu Kanghao - Climber
• Chow Kok Yeang - Climber

How can you help?

1. Sign this petition to show your support

2. Spread the word to a fellow climber

3. Leave your contact details with us to get progress updates: https://forms.gle/Z8aks1jnBC5kzV7a6