I hadn’t been to Sungei Buloh itself in more than 20 years… the nearest I’d been was the Kranji countryside for a friend’s proposal in 2008 and then to an Agrotech farm nearby with B’s kindy about 5 years ago.
So when the June holidays rolled around, I thought it’d be fun to sign up for one of NPark’s free guided walks and make the long trek to Sungei Buloh with the girls.
In the northwest Singapore, Sungei Buloh is the first wetlands reserve to be gazetted in Singapore. Its global importance as a stop-over point for migratory birds (from as far as Siberia flying to winter in Australia) was recognised by the inclusion of the reserve into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network. The reserve, with an area of 130 hectares, was listed even as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.
We signed up for “What’s in my mud?” which would take us through the “Mud Experience” trail.
As it was low tide, we were able to ‘descend’ to the mudflats and observe the flora and fauna up close.
The guides helpfully pointed out some well-camouflaged horseshoe crabs.
She even lifted one out gently for us to take a closer look.
Next, those almost mythical looking creatures – mudskippers. This was a Blue-spotted mudskipper (enlarge the photo to spot the blue spots)! I learnt this fact from these useful NParks info and activity sheets (which I printed out for the girls beforehand to stave off some possible whining about boredom along the walk).
Our guides pointed out that the two mudskippers fighting in the distance were Giant Mudskippers – these can grow up to 27 cm in length! They are territorial and like to guard their little “swimming pool” habitats, which look like shallow puddles nearby. Beneath these pools are a J-shaped burrow where female mudskippers lay their eggs.
The burrows are also used for mudskippers to thermoregulate, and to protect themselves from marine predators during high tides. When high tide comes in, they will get inside their burrows. The water keeps the burrows and the fish submerged and safely hidden. Clever!
Mudskippers might be common but they are actually a fascinating amphibious fish. They do not have special gills, but carry water with them, not least in their bulbous cheeks!
Was glad that I brought my camera along – by zooming in I could capture these tiny crabs that were scuttling all around. Look at how rich in nutrients and biodiversity a swamp of mud can be.
Our dear friends who are missionaries in Southeast Asia were in Singapore for a visit, and agreed to accompany us. The weather was really cool and overcast, so that made for a pleasant trek. We knew it was forecast to rain, so we came mentally if not physically prepared for that!
After the Mud Experience walk, we decided to go on the Migratory Bird Trail, even though the season for spotting migratory birds is from September to March.
And it was a great trail to take for we spotted not one but three crocodiles along the way! See if you can spot not just the croc in this pic but also a very well camouflaged monitor lizard.
We saw a kingfisher here, and again at another tidal pool, picking out little minnows from the water.
These sluice gates help to regulate the amount of water in each inter-tidal area.
We entered one of the small hides and beyond providing a good hideout from which to observe birds, it was also chock full with interesting information.
We spotted the Aerie Hide in the distance (in photo below) and decided to extend our walk there, come what may (aka heavy rain).
On the way there we spotted a pond full of egrets.
Apparently some people leave without seeing any of the Sungei Buloh crocs at times, so we were really thankful to see this other huge one who lingered near for a while.
We were also delighted to chance upon 2 monitor lizards as we walked along. These gentle giants are quite calm and didn’t panic as we approached.
We made it to the 18m high Aerie Tower.
And managed to enjoy the really cool breeze and the view…
… just in time to see the rain clouds pouring in the distance and moving towards us!
So we decided to make our way back to the bus stop with our friends via the Coastal Walk that we had come by. We stopped by the Information Centre first, which was again very nicely done.
As we departed the centre, those who were more observant amongst us looked up and saw these packets of ‘pandan chicken’. No prizes for guessing what they are! Cute balls of fur.
Sungei Buloh is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re a nature lover.
As I was researching for this trip, I was amazed to find out that there are so many nature walks and activities by NParks all across the island every week – check out this link for more information. This programme booklet is also a gem.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Visitor Centre:
60 Kranji Way, #01-00
Singapore 739453
Wetland Centre:
301 Neo Tiew Crescent
Singapore 718925
Parking lots are available near both entrances.
Opening hours:
7 am to 7 pm daily (entering or remaining in the nature reserve after 7pm is not allowed)
Public Transport
By bus:
Mondays to Saturdays
Board SMRT Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station. Alight at Kranji Reservoir Carpark B (the bus does a loop and U-turns in the carpark so you won’t miss it). Walk across the road (there’s a traffic light) and it’s 5 minutes to the Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is a 20 minute walk to the Wetland Centre via the Coastal Walk route.
Sundays and Public Holidays
Board SMRT Bus 925C from Kranji MRT Station. The bus turns into and stops at the Wetland Centre entrance. Please note that SMRT Bus 925C operates only on Sundays and Public Holidays.
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