Karachi offers a several recreational facilities. Water sports are particularly enjoyable here since the city possesses a long shoreline.

Sea & Beaches

You can reach several beaches, which are within 30 minutes to 45 minutes drive from the centre of the city. For nine months of the year you can enjoy swimming in the sea, but avoid it during the monsoon months (May, June, July) when there are strong undercurrents.

Caution: Refrain from photography!

Swimming. Swimming Pools are available at various Clubs for the use of their members. All first class Hotels have their own Swimming Pools where members of their health clubs are offered the use of Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre. There is a well-designed Swimming Pool complex in Arabian Sea Country Club, and also at Dreamworld Family Resort.

Sailing & Rowing. These sports can be enjoyed as members of Yacht Club and D.A. Marina Club. Sculling on Korangi Creek can be enjoyed from the Boat Club. For information on Clubs see Section 6 of this chapter.

Wind Surfing, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling. The best time to enjoy these sports is from October to April when the sea is relatively calm. You will need to bring your own wind surfing equipment which can be bought from local sports stores. Snorkling and Scuba Diving are best carried out at Paradise Point and French Beach which have rocky areas. You will need to take your own equipment, however, air tanks can be filled locally.

Bunder Boating. This is a favourite activity of people of Karachi, and an exhilarating experience not found anywhere else in Pakistan. Sailing boats, a host of which can be found in East Wharf, complete with a captain and a small crew are available for hire. The rates should include drop lines and cooking your catch on board; however, you will need to bring your own drinks which can be bought at the dock. Some boats can be used for night trips to see hatching of turtles, beach trips and fishing.

Fishing. For those who enjoy fishing, the waters of Arabian Sea offer excellent possibilities to indulge in this sport. If you go to Keamari Boat Basin, you will be able to choose from a large number of motor launches with their guides.

Golf

Golf as a game is being taken up enthusiastically in Karachi. The fact that so many excellent golf courses have been built in different parts of the city demonstrates the popularity the game enjoys.

Arabian Sea Country Club

Karachi Steel Mill, Bin Qasim, (tel. 0201-750-401; fax 0201-750-404). Open: Monday to Friday 7:00 am-7:30 pm, Saturday, Sunday, Holiday 7:00 am-8:30 pm.

This Club, consisting of Golf and Swimming Pool Complex is set amidst scenic and picturesque surroundings. Its specially designed 18-hole golf course is rated among the best golf courses available in the country. Although accessible only to golfers, the course itself is set amidst 200 acres of open uncharted territory. Other facilities available include Mountain Bike-riding, Skate boarding, Roller-skating and Cycling. The Swimming Pool Complex apart from its well-designed pool, also provides Sauna, Health Club, Jacuzzi and Poolside Games facilities.

Designed as a Conference Centre, the Club has several Seminar and Committee Rooms with the Banquet Hall providing theatre style seating for up to 250 persons. For dining facilities. Banquet Hall provides seating for 120-150 persons. Cafe for 40-50 persons and Grill Room also for 40-50 persons. The Verandah, with a view of the rolling green of the golf course, is available for open air snacks/refreshments etc. Events can also be held at the Swimming Pool Complex.

The Conference Centre is well equipped with boards, flip chart stands, overhead projector, TV & VCP while Multimedia Projector and PA System can be arranged on request.

The whole Complex is safe and secure with its own security system and emergency generator for power supply, and has ample parking space for members and visitors alike.

The entrance to the Club is restricted to members and their guests as well as members of PGF Affiliated Clubs.

Membership Fees and Charges: PGF Affiliated Club Members: PGF prescribed fee; Guests: Rs. 500 for 9 holes, Rs. 800 for 18 holes; Karachi Boat Club Members: Rs. 300 for 9 holes, Rs. 500 for 18 holes; Golf Cart Charge: Rs. 300 for 9 holes, Rs. 500 for 18 holes; Caddie Fee: Rs. 150 for Class A, Rs. 100 for Class B, Rs. 50 for Class C. There are separate charges for the use of Swimming Pool Complex on Weekdays and Sundays.

D.A. (Defence Authority) Golf Club

Khayaban-e-Zultiqar, Defence VIII, (tel. 0303-729-5150, 0320-432-2520).

This Club was started with the aim of improving the current golf standards in the city and to nurture golfers, young and old alike, for representing Pakistan in international tournaments. The Club is an expanse of lush green grass spread over 150 acres. Situated along Gizri Creek with Arabian Sea on one side and Defence Authority Phase VIII residential area on the other, the Club is easily among the prettiest sites of Karachi providing a pollution free environment close to densely built-up areas of the city. There are plans to add a clubhouse, golf sports shop and a snack bar.

Membership Fees: Individual Members: Rs. 550,000 plus Rs. 50,000 security deposit; 40% concession for D.H.A. members.

Karachi Golf Club

P.N.S. Karsaz, Shara-e-Faisal, (tel. 457- 1335, 566-34330; fax 485-3431).

Karachi Golf Club is the oldest golf club of Karachi and has played a pivotal role in popularizing the game of golf. The original Golf Club started as a subsidiary of Sindh Club in 1888 and within three years had become an independent entity. The original club was located near Cantonment Railway Station, in the proximity of the present Jinnah Hospital. In 1958 new ground was leased and the Club moved to the present location. Perennially short of water, the 18-hole golf course was established on a dusty and dry piece of land full of cacti and dry riverbeds. Between 1986 and 1990, through a concerted effort the entire course was turfed, landscaped and planted with trees, providing the largest green area in greenery-starved city of Karachi. In 1992 the course was redesigned at which time another 9 holes were added.

Presently, the 27-hole golf course is spread over 250 acres of land and is the only one of its kind in Pakistan. Golfing activity can be carried out all through the day, the only limitation being sufficient natural light. A major effort has gone into greening this golf course which, at one time, was quite barren and dry.

Membership Fees: Individual Members: Rs. 300,000; Women Members: Rs. 150,000; Corporate Members: Rs. 1,200,000; Non-Members: Rs. 360/day (locals) & Rs. 850/day for foreigners.

Facilities: A clubhouse where snacks and drinks can be enjoyed. Hiring facility for golf equipment and caddies to carry it available.

Affiliations: Karachi Golf Club is affiliated with the following golf clubs: In Malaysia, The Royal Selangor Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur and Golf and Country Resort, Seremban; in Kenya, Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi; in United Kingdom, The Stapleford. Abbotts Golf Club, Essex; in Sri Lanka, Royal Colombo Golf Club, Colombo; in Thailand, The Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Bangkok; in Bangladesh, Kurmitola Golf Club, Dhaka.

Other Golf Courses include 18-hole golf courses of Carlton Hotel, off Zulfiqar Street 1, Defence VIII, (tel. 584-9172 to 86, fax 584-9170), and Dream world Family Resort, adjacent to Gulshan-e-Maymar, off Super Highway, (tel. 635-0494 to 96, fax 635-0503).

Tennis, Squash, Badminton

Tennis, Squash, Badminton: Squash is particularly popular in Pakistan, since it has produced world class squash champions such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan; and also manufactures some of the best sports equipment in the world. Facilities for Tennis, Squash,

Badminton are available in many parts of Karachi. All major Clubs have their own courts available to their members. Similarly all First class Hotels have courts on their premises for the use of their guests as well as members of their health clubs. Squash and Tennis can also be played at Syed Saeed Meer's Sports' Club in Defence, managed by the champion tennis player, Saeed Meer. Squash can also be played at PIA Squash Club, Kashmir Road. You will need to carry your own rackets and balls etc. which are easily available in a number of sports shops in the Light House Bazaar district.

Horseback Riding

Riding lessons and facilities are available at Shahsawar Riding School, 3rd Floor, 4-A Sahil Promenade, Block 3, Clifton, (tel. 0303-728-9923), managed by the well-known Polo player. Fakir Aitazazud Din, open 5:30-7:00 pm. There is an enrolment fee, a monthly club fee and tuitionfee. Dreamworld Family Resort, adjacent to Gulshan-e-Maymar, off Super Highway (tel. 635-0494 to 96; fax 635-0503), also offers riding lessons by experienced trainers on trained horses.

Billiards & Snooker

Baba Snooker. 1st floor Clifton shopping Arcade, opposite Clifton Centre, Khayaban-e-Roomi. Open: 5:00 pm-12:30 am.

Prime Snooker. 1st floor Clifton Shopping Arcade, opposite Clifton Center, Khayaban-e-Roomi. Open: 9:00 am-12:00 midnight.

Several Clubs offer facilities for playing Snooker and Billiards. See Section 6 of this chapter for a list of Clubs.

Museums

Art Galleries

Cultural Centers

Amusement Parks

Gardens & Parks

Join the Club!

Sports