Singapore is a city that never slows down. From dawn when cyclists cruise down East Coast Park, to evenings when runners flood the tracks at Yishun Stadium or the trails of Bukit Timah, the lion city sparks with lively energy, and good vibes.
But as Singaporeans push harder day by day, balancing intense workouts, intense work hours, and packed social calendars, the question remains: how do you best fuel that lifestyle sustainably, or to compensate the lack of nutrients for optimal hormonal energy support?
For many in Singapore’s running and fitness communities, the answer to diet, nutrition and supplements is becoming clear: clinically-proven natural herbs such as standardised Tongkat Ali are the gold standard when it comes to enhancing athletic performance through sustainable energy via optimal endocrine system or hormonal support.
The history of Tongkat Ali use in Singapore traces back to the 1800s when Singapore was part of Malaysia. Once discovered by Sir William Jack as a traditional herb for men’s vitality in the 1820, the Tongkat Ali plant was then painted by William Farquhar before he became the first Resident of Singapore – a now stored at the National Library Board in Singapore.
A historical record of Tongkat Ali in Singapore showed evidence of the existence and traditional use of Tongkat Ali as a natural herb for vitality in Singapore dating back to the 1800s.
From a regulatory standpoint, HSA treats Tongkat Ali as a health supplement, with no approval required if it is used as a traditional herb. Although it is generally legal and safe to use Tongkat Ali (in the form of root, capsules or powder) in Singapore, but the regulatory health agency constantly monitors products containing illegal substances such as steroids, slidenafil, or tadalafil.
So it is best to avoid Tongkat Ali products making drug-like or exaggerated health claims, and stick to pure authentic root extracts.
Popular brands such as AKARALI has long been sold in Singapore, mainly used as a natural testosterone supplement for aging adults (or those with hormonal deficiencies). However, it has now grown to appeal to wider audience – marathoners and endurance athletes who prefer natural herbs for constant energy boost through regulation of testosterone and cortisol (stress) support.
“Singaporeans prefer science-backed natural supplements and herbs to complement sports or high-intensity activities. Positive feedback from the Singapore running communities and athletes means we are on the right track to be the market leader in the premium Tongkat Ali segment.”
According to Shahid Shayaa, CEO & Founder of AKARALI, clinically tested Tongkat Ali should be the benchmark quality for Singaporeans seeking pure natural Tongkat Ali that work. He added that AKARALI is often viewed as clinically-proven natural performance supplement by the sports communities in Malaysia, UK, Australia and other countries – helping recreational and semi-pro athletes, long distance runners, and everyday individuals unlock their full potential.
In August, AKARALI collaborated with KJ Run Club (KJRC) and some of Singapore’s most passionate running communities – The Long Run Crew (TLRC), RunRilexsRepeat, and Singapore Runners Club (SGRC) – to review the effects of Tongkat Ali on energy, stamina and performance.
But the story of AKARALI wasn’t just about running.
“We are glad that we are the only Tongkat ali brand that performs in real-world settings, with high humidity and temperature that are critical to demonstrate the effects of Tongkat Ali on optimal hormonal support” said Alex Kua
“Herbal supplements such as ginseng are already widely used in Singapore and Tongkat Ali could be a better alternative for active Singaporeans without the side effects associated with taking panax ginseng or ashwagandha for sports”
Unlike generic Tongkat Ali supplements found in Singapore stores, AKARALI’s standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is backed by over 27 human clinical studies. And this what makes it the best in Singapore.
Every batch of Tongkat Ali extract is lab-tested to contain optimal levels of key bioactive compounds (eurycomanone, eurypeptides, glycosaponins, and polysaccharides) that help boost energy, improve performance, restore hormonal balance to the body, and more.
The good news for Singaporeans is they can now obtain the Certificate of Analysis (COA) lab report from AKARALI’s website, setting new levels of transparency to Tongkat Ali consumers around the world.
3rd-party lab tested Tongkat Ali pushes the boundary of quality natural supplement in Singapore, which are filled with fake, scammy and banned products. This gives Malaysian Tongkat Ali a bad name, low level of trust amongst Singaporean buyers who really wants to try Tongkat Ali.
“Clinical testing in men and women ensures means you are getting a potent extract, and where efficacy and safety provide the basic performance indicators on AKARALI products” said Alex Kua, Global Community Lead.
He added this real-world tests by athletes enables reliable and repeatable results – key for performance-minded individuals and serious fitness buffs.
So, is it worth a try?
40-year-old Celine tried Tongkat Ali for the first time and at 400mg, she recorded some level of improvements in her pace, time and distance. For an avid runner, it shows Tongkat Ali did have some effects on her energy, stamina and recovery.
For active individuals in Singapore’s busy urban environment, that consistency of the bioavailable compounds found in standardized Tongkat Ali root extract makes all the difference when consumed in moderate doses between 200mg to 400mg daily – the average intake by active Singaporeans, but although Singaporean bodybuilders and powerlifters opt to take higher dose of 600mg to 800mg.
While Tongkat Ali is not banned by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore, it is recommended to check on the purity and 3rd party lab test report for any contaminations, impurities and other banned substances.
If you want the best Tongkat Ali in Singapore, standardised root extract might be the best option as it meets the widely recognized Tongkat Ali industry Standards MS2409.
As we interviewed the running communities, the feedback from Singaporean runners who tried AKARALI’s limited-edition 4-capsule tester kits before each of the three events was immensely positive.
Martini Abdul Talib, co-founder of TLRC who joined the Yishun Stadium speed interval session as well as the Kampong Glam night run was impressed with how quickly she felt the effects:
“I felt it on the track and the road. My endurance was sharper, and I wasn’t as drained afterwards. It’s like AKARALI gave me another gear. I bought a bottle for myself soon after – it was delivered in just 2 days!”
Others echoed the similar experiences. Janine Low, a casual Singaporean runner who joined the Kampong Glam city night run, said:
“I always believed Tongkat Ali was just for men. But after learning more and trying AKARALI for the first time, I had more energy and I could recover quicker from my run. I was both impressed and surprised. Very excited to see how it will work for my day-to-day!”
As the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore recognises Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia or Malaysian Ginseng) as a natural traditional medicine, many Singaporeans are still confused which Tongkat Ali to buy, or which one truly work.
The truth is, Singaporeans are now switching to clinically tested Tongkat Ali as the preferred choice, if not the best since it is already known that clinically-proven Tongkat Ali can only exist if it is standardized.
This regulatory nod also means Singaporeans can feel confident in choosing this herbal supplement as a safe, trusted option – especially when backed by AKARALI’s extensive human clinical testing, GMP and ISO-certified production standards, as well as its 100% certified halal and kosher status.
According to local herbal and botanical experts:
“As a traditional herb, Tongkat Ali (LongJack) shares the same history in Singapore and Malaysia since its discovery by Sir William Jack. What Singaporeans want is guaranteed potency and efficacy to ensure it truly work as intended.”
But beyond certifications and lab tests, it’s the potency of Tongkat Ali that positioned brands such as AKARALI as a reputable natural sports supplement among Singapore’s fitness communities such as the Long Run Crew (TLRC), RunRilexsRepeat, and Singapore Runners Club (SGRC).
Unlike diluted or generic Tongkat Ali extracts that are diluted with excessive maltodextrin, rice fillers and other herbs, AKARALI uses only wild-grown mature Yellow Tongkat Ali roots, sustainably and exclusively harvested by hand from the rainforests of the state of Pahang in Malaysia.
“This single-origin Tongkat Ali root extract in a 200mg dosage capsule offers a unique advantage for consumers in Singapore, where it appeals more to purists and herbalists seeking authentic Singaporean Tongkat Ali brand” said Edmund Lim from Orchard Road.
With the high level of eurycomanone and saponin offered by AKARALI, each Tongkat Ali capsule or powder pack contains 99% pure root extract, refined through hot water extract – which can be used as high doses of up to 1,000mg in a single day. This is backed by extensive tests by endurance athletes, especially on 50km to 100km runs.
According to KJRC founder and captain, Syed Shazli:
“I’m consistently impressed not just with the product but with the brand itself. AKARALI has worked closely with us for nearly two years, are always keen to run with us, and they provide great support as well as guidance on supplementation - our runners love the product and have been using it to great effect for training and races. This commitment to on-ground testing tells me they’re not just selling something - they’re building a movement here in Singapore and beyond.”
During the events in Singapore, Syed recounted his own personal experience with performance testing AKARALI’s dose-optimised capsules as a seasoned runner, having used it both for training and during marathon races in Berlin.
“My own experience with Tongkat Ali supplement has been nothing short of spectacular. During my 16-week training, using AKARALI consistently helped shave off over 40 minutes for my finish time at the Berlin Marathon, netting me my first ever sub-4 for a full marathon! You have to try it for yourself to believe it.”
For Singaporeans, energy performance from natural supplement is only one side of the story. According YNF Co-Founder Andric Lim, Tongkat Ali is now is used by natural bodybuilders as one of the effective and scientifically-proven supplements.
Andric, who was born in Singapore said that he is proud that authentic Tongkat Ali brands such as AKARALI is now used in natural bodybuilding competitions as far as in Australia, which helps promote efficient fat burn and lean muscle development.
If you are a curious about buying Tongkat Ali for the first time in Singapore, AKARALI Tongkat Ali has been shown to support the following benefits:
That versatility, coupled with clinical validation, is what makes AKARALI resonate beyond just runners, bodybuilders, powerlifters and gym enthusiasts – it’s equally suited for busy office executives, weekend warriors, and anyone seeking a more balanced lifestyle.
AKARALI Global Community Partnership Lead noted:
“As someone who has used AKARALI personally for over two years now, its benefits extend far beyond just sports or exercise performance - when used consistently you feel it in your daily energy, focus, mood, and overall resilience. As a culture with a strong emphasis on fitness, I strongly believe Singaporeans can benefit immensely from clinically tested Tongkat Ali not only to enhance their workout performance, but also to support long-term health and vitality in the face of everyday demands.”
As the sun rose over the Singapore Sports Hub during the final 5km shakeout run, the atmosphere said it all.
Smiles, sweat, and post-run chatter filled the OCBC Square as runners shared their experience with the AKARALI tester kits handed out during the event.
The founder of Singapore Group Run Club (SGRC), Eugene Beh, remarked after the run:
“It was great to finally meet the AKARALI team in person and to have our runners test the product. The feedback was very positive, with many saying they felt more energised and recovered faster. For us, it’s always about helping the community run stronger, and AKARALI has shown it can play a meaningful role in that journey.”
For a city built on performance, precision, and productivity – AKARALI represents more than just another natural supplement. With the revival of Tongkat Ali amongst Gen-Z, it is setting a new standard for natural sports supplements in Singapore, with proven clinical science, approval from HSA, and fast delivery island-wide.
As daily sales soared 57% in Q3 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, AKARALI is here to stay – aligning to Singapore’s Stay Active campaign, fuelled by the natural support that is appreciated by many fellow Singaporean runners.
Whether you’re chasing a marathon personal best, seeking better gains at the gym, powering through work deadlines, or simply looking to feel more revitalised day-to-day, one thing is clear: Singapore runs better with natural supplements, and AKARALI is their preferred choice.
Alex Kua leads AKARALI’s Global Partnership Community to help athletes, sports communities, and thousand of others optimize their well-being through evidence-based research that enables them to make better informed decisions. His legal and business consulting background underpins the rigorous data-driven approach in his writing – from hours of interviews, real-world performance data, and firsthand experiences of real people – offering actionable insights that connects clinical research, emerging health trends, and real-world applications. He is also an experienced researcher in herbal nutrition, with years of deep technical knowledge on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), including quality standards, industry benchmarks, lab tests, clinical trials, and the use of natural herbs by collaborating with top scientists, herbal experts, and nutritionists. As part of the core team behind AKARALI’s knowledge portal, he empowers people worldwide to access the benefits of high-quality herbal nutrition in a way that is effective, sustainable, and safe. He is also an avid runner, with regular participation in local sports communities and running events.
Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.
Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.
Disclaimer:
The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read, or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contain Tongkat Ali. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.
