This period, my wife and I have the practice of going for a long walk (at least 3km) every weekend. On the said day this month, we decided to walk the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The last time we were there was about 20 years ago when both our boys were still young. The reserve has also since grown to twice its size. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is deemed the Diamond of Singapore’s nature reserve as nowhere in urban Singapore is there such a large piece of land reserved for nature/wetland on a permanent basis and open to the public for visit, in the interest of #Coastal Protection.
Time & Space
The Coastal and Migratory Bird Trails are about 1.3km and 2km respectively. However, the total distance is not a simple sum of the two distances. This is because most visitors start and end their visit at the Visitor Centre. This means that they would have to walk the Coastal Trail twice. Thus the total distance is 1.3×2 + 2= 4.6km. The Visitor Centre is a very nice one below:
Pods & Pods
Along the Coastal Trial (CT), it is punctuated by various Pods–covered natural looking points where visitors could rest and observe wild animals in their natural habitats. An example is the Fantail Pod, where fantails could be spotted.
The most popular among the pods is the Eagle Point, where visitors could see white eagles.
The final comment/caveat is that the reason I do not include pictures of the birds is that you need to stay at the pods patiently for a long time before you could spot any of the said birds….
Near & Far
When you are walking along the CT (which could be quite hot, so best to do it in the morning), at the near space, you can see many mangroves. This is one main reason of preservation as mangroves ankle coastal plants to the coast, prevent coastal soil erosion and is a habitat for many coastal animals/fishes.
The far view from the CT is even better, as it provides a very nice and panoramic view of Johor Bahru. I’m sure it is very nice at night too (the CT is closed at 7pm).
Migratory Bird Trail (MBT)
There is another admin centre for the above-mentioned–Wetland Centre. (My own view is that this is superfluous.) Anyway, from this centre, the visitors have to cross a short bridge with a great view, then you will enter the 2km trail.
Throughout the MBT, there are a total of 13 observation screens where visitors could hide behind to watch the activities of the migration birds. These are very effective as the birds are left quite peacefully to conduct their own activities.
Animals & Animals
While walking along the MBT, visitors often encounter wild animals. The three most common are :
- Migratory birds
- Minitor Lizards
- Otters
Key Takeaways:
- Being the diamond of Singapore’s nature reserve, I strongly urge all to visit the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The best time to visit is weekday mornings.
- Being an island state, preservation of coastal wetland is one of the most important tasks of the country. Citizens’ awareness is key.
- Being in a region with many coastal areas, countries in South/East Asia face a challenging task protecting its coastal region against an increasing climate challenge. Coastal protection is key for their livelihood and survival.
Comments
4 responses
Hi See Peng.
Yes, Sungei Buloh wetlands is a gem. Similarly, I went there last year and hoping to catch a glimpse of crocs; too bad no sightings.
Since I have time on hand, I explored Dairy Farm Park. Another nice place to explore but was not fit enough to climb all the way to the summit. Another nice place in the nature to have breakfast or lunch would be Bollywood Farms at Neo Tiew. I’m quite sure your wife would like to have a meal and follow by a short nature walk. Remember to bring your insect repellant. Another place I’ve yet to explore is Hort Park.
I’m walking around too but may not be too long. Going for a job interview next Monday. Fingers crossed.
You take care.
Tks for your kind comments, David. My wife and I went up Bukit Timah Hill yesterday; and we plan to mount the summit again via Dairy Farm this weekend. Will bear in mind Bollywood Farms. We will be heading to the Southern Ridges/Hort Park after this period. Good luck for the job interview, take care.
See Peng
Nice reading your blog documenting your walks in the “wild” side of Singapore, See Peng.
While having had Chionged up Peng Keng Hills many time, I have not yet climb Bkt Timah once. Thks for reminding me to put that one in by bucket list next year.
Tks for your kind comment, Fred.