Geocaching in Singapore: A Hobby Less Spoken
Not all who wander are lost, some are just geocaching
BY: JERELYN LEE
BREAD LOVER
All memes by Singaplex, Photo by Martin Lostak on Unsplash
There are many different types of hobbies today. From collectors of varying objects like collection cards, stones and POP MART figures, to those who engage in sports and recreational activities, for some Singaporeans, their hobby is geocaching, an outdoor activity that is akin to a treasure hunt. A hide and seek that involves the ‘seeker’ going around different locations to search for a cache box using hints left behind by the ‘hider’, it is an activity that allows an individual to get outdoors, touch grass, be adventurous and explore.
We speak to a Singaporean who has tried her hands at Geocaching, Clementine Soh, and she shares how this hobby keeps her active on her feet and eager to make geocache discoveries with her family.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity that any Singaporean can enjoy by bringing out their inner Dora the Explorer. A treasure hunt that involves finding hidden capsules and containers known as geocaches or cache boxes, located at different locations and spots, geocachers have to find the ‘treasure’ by looking at the coordinates of where the capsules and loots (if you will), to determine where they have been stashed away.
The rules behind geocaching
Unlike other types of sports related recreational activities, the rules to geocaching are simple. An individual just needs to register online before they can start making their exploration to discover geocaches located all around Singapore.
While it may seem like finding treasure in the middle of nowhere is just like finding a needle in a haystack, this is where having a knowhow of how to read the coordinates helps. In the worst case scenario, most owners of geocaches have left behind hints that can help you out.
The characteristics of geocaches
Locating the exact position may come off as a challenge for first time explorers, but geocaches are usually easily identifiable. With waterproof exteriors that of a capsule or container, its contents will defer from cache to cache. Some geocaches contain trinkets, and others, a note. One common thing that you will find in a geocache, is a log book that allows you to leave your mark, and pen down your discovery.
Leaving behind something of an equal value in the geocache is usually what is done traditionally, but be mindful not to leave any food or rubbish in it, and on instances that you do not have anything suitable to put into the cache, listing your visit in the logbook is enough.
“Geocaching motivated me to get back in shape and get outside more”
A working mum of 2 whom we interviewed previously, Clementine Soh shares that going outdoors and touching grass brought her to geocaching, a recent discovery she has made. Intrigued by the concept of finding other things people have left behind, the idea of making a discovery was interesting not only to her, but especially her younger children, who always are in for adventures.
“Going outdoors to touch grass and spending time with family is great. Discovering geocaching further motivated me to get active, and touch base with the more adventurous side of me.
The side that always wants to get outdoors, but still stays in now and then, with the excuse of work and being busy.”
Photo by Olena Sergienko on Unsplash
A personal insight: Geocaching allowed me to take a step closer to nature”
I am not one with an adventurous nature, preferring to stay indoors, but the concept of geocaching after coming across a YouTube video on it, was fascinating enough to make me download the app, and head outdoors to check out caches near my home.
“It’s like Pokemon, but you get to be immersed physically in the experience of discovering ‘treasure’.
It allowed me to appreciate being outdoors, getting insights and even photographs of nature, while I was at it.
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Afterword
Geocaching may not be as popular as it once was, back when the hype was at its peak. Today, it remains a niche outdoor recreational activity with a small community of enthusiasts and hobbyists, but the idea of going on an adventure to discover items is heartening, coming from a Singaporean who prefers staying indoors and working. To this, I say, “Come on, vamanos! Everybody, let’s go! Come on, let’s get to it. I know that we can do it!” ~Dora
JERELYN LEE | BREAD LOVER
Jerelyn Lee is an aspiring content creator, who is passionate about the Arts. An enthusiast in writing, drawing, photography and music, she is keen to capture and share moments, memories and life experiences.
While she is shy in nature, she is more than happy to talk about books, art, anime, music and the joys (woes, and lessons) in life.
