VERY often we take off to explore what's out of Singapore.

But just how much do we know about our own island and the available sporting and recreational facilities?

Let me charm you in this first episode of a regular sporty guide with a stroll along the Kallang Park.

Kallang is growing to be a sporting hub and over the next few years, the biggest sports arena will be built in the vicinity of the present National Stadium.

Hey, have you ever taken a leisurely walk along the Kallang and Geylang River or got over the Tanjong Rhu Bridge?

Did you know that Tanjong Rhu was once a marine yard, occupied by boatyard workers and their families?

In the 1980s, the yards were relocated to Jurong.

Today, Tanjong Rhu presents itself as an exclusive private residential area boasting probably the most prestigious waterfront condominiums, on reclaimed land.

When I was there last week, a tourist approached me for directions.

I was curious how she found out about Tanjong Rhu.

So I asked her.

And her reply: 'I saw the river marked out on the map and my instincts told me that as long as there is a river, the place should be worth visiting.'

Hey, what are you waiting for?

Get up from your couch and put on your running shoes for a nice stroll or jog.

Pick a starting point: Tanjong Rhu Place.

Follow the path along the river.

Soak in the postcard view of Tanjong Rhu (suspension) Bridge that 'divides' the Geylang River and Kallang River.

CONDOMINIUMS

It's a glorious view watching the dragonboaters paddling hard and soaking in the sun.

Come to the end of the path and you will reach Tanjong Rhu View.

Turn around and head back towards the bridge.

By then you would have got over 2.4km, which would feel just like a breeze.

This little spot is still unknown to many Singaporeans, most of whom would probably have seen the orange rooftops of the condominiums when they travel along the East Coast Parkway Expressway.

The area's rising property prices have also hogged the headlines recently.

On weekends, you can spot good-looking hunks from different nationalities playing rugby or football at the open fields near the river.

Other times, the fields serve as training grounds for the four-legged pets.

To me, they are just ideal for kite-flying with the sea breeze a definite advantage.

Cross the suspension bridge and you will reach the Singapore Indoor Stadium and Kallang Leisure Park.

It's a different view from the Stadium Promenade.

You can even see the Singapore Flyer from those condominiums.

For the 'workout-holics', the more than 50 steps leading to the stadium provide a good steps workout.

Continue along Stadium Road which goes underneath the Nicoll Highway, you will reach Kallang Riverside Park.

The best time to go is around 5.30pm where you can watch the beautiful sun setting in the horizon of the charming shore, lined with coconut trees.

It takes less than an hour by foot to complete this 5km trail from Tanjong Rhu to Kallang Riverside Park.

You're likely to burn between 200 and 350 calories.

Very often, we set mental limitations on what we can do.

Did you know that if you think you can run one kilometre, you can actually run two?

And if you think you can run three kilometres, you can actually complete six.

That's my experience.

You will be surprised at what you can actually accomplish.

So go on and surprise yourself this weekend.

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 17, 2008.