Kopitiam – An Insider's Brew

On the northwestern end of Singapore lies a rare oasis, a thriving wetland of brackish and fresh-water ponds, mangrove mudflats, estuaries and swamps. Welcome to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the first ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Heritage Park in Singapore.

The Reserve is a landmark in the history of nature conservation, as it was one of two Nature Reserves to be gazetted since Singapore’s independence in 1965 (Labrador Nature Reserve being the other).

Here, both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the tropic wetland version of “Sistine” ceiling inspired by nature at the shelters of the mangrove boardwalk.

Walk right up to the mangrove formations and wonder at the wealth of wetland wildlife like mudskippers, spiders, sneaky water snakes, tree-climbing crabs and the lounging monitor lizards, the 130-hectare wetland Reserve allows visitors to get up close to 53 species (85% of Singapore’s total) of native mangrove flora without getting their feet wet. Also, try to spot the family of Smooth Otters frolicking and fishing in the river of Sungei Buloh Besar, which runs through the Reserve.

The show-stealers are the birds, big and small, majestic and exquisite. For those with binoculars and long-zoom cameras (see left), try spotting resident flyers like herons, kingfishers, coucals and fish eagles.

The months between September and March also herald the arrival of migratory birds from as far as Siberia to refuel along their arduous journeys. Look out and listen to the wild birds in the Reserve where 223 species have been recorded (about 61% of Singapore’s total).

Splash on sufficient insect repellant -- spray yourself liberally before entering the reserve -- and you can brave the boardwalk and trails that take anything between half hour to up to five hours!

Sungei Buloh Wetlands is best viewed in the morning or early afternoon before it gets too hot. Even though there are many shelters throughout the park, a lot of the park area is uncovered by shady trees unless you want to stand under the mangrove shades, so bring sufficient drinking water and try to stay out of the heat in mid-afternoon.

Some of the thriving wildlife on display at Sungei Buloh

Unlike city parks, the reserve closes at 7pm and some of the routes don’t loop, so be prepared to enter the reserve with ample time to complete your routes at a leisurely pace.

The Visitor Centre houses an informative display area and a theatrette that regularly screens a video about the Reserve. There are lockers if visitors wish to stow their belongings before they start. A combined cafeteria and souvenir shop overlooks the pond, where White-breasted Waterhens (Amauronins phoenicurus), swimming monitor lizards and fruit-eating birds are regular attractions. Binoculars can be hired from the souvenir shop.

Navigating the wetlands

The reserve is divided into several routes that will lead you through different sites within the reserve. You can get route info from guide maps available at the entrance. Not all the routes intersect and some take several hours, so you should plan ahead to ensure you get to see all the interesting areas.

Mangrove Boardwalk (30 min walk)

This is the easiest route just off the entrance of the park, a 500m wooden boardwalk that weaves through the mangrove swamps.

The boardwalk is built a couple of meters above the waterline so you can get a good view of exotic water creatures like monitor lizards that live in the mangroves without getting your feet wet. The boardwalk is relatively wheelchair friendly with small shelters and viewing posts and goes in a circle around the swamp near the entrance.

Route 1 (1~2 hours walk)

Approximately 3km, this circular trail will take you through the central waterways in the reserve. En route, you get a great view of the marshes and swamp scape. This is the prime spot for checking out birds, monitor lizards and the smooth otter family that lives in the vicinity.

In the evenings, you can get great pictures of kingfishers and herons resting in the distance against the setting sun. Along the trail, there are many hideouts and spots for that provide shelter and give you a place to nature-watch without disturbing the plentiful wildlife. Take some time to observe the scenery and see how many birds and water creatures you can spot.

Route 2 (2~3 hours walk)

This route consists of a boardwalk route as well as a loop deep into the park where the Tower Hide is. As you walk through the park, you can get great views of the Mangrove Arboretum, the Prawn Pond and the main river that flows into the park.

Route 3 (4~5 hours walk)

This is a 7km route that intersects with Route 2 leading you to the deepest area of the park where the Freshwater Ponds are. At the Freshwater Ponds, there’s also a hideout where you can do some bird watching.

Do You Know…

The 130-hectare Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was once a rich place to harvest for prawn and fish farmers.

“Local Lingual”

Sungei Buloh is pronounced as “Soong-eye” “Bull-low”.

Getting There

Sungei Buloh Wetlands is situated within the vicinity of Kranji Reservoir. Drivers will need to go either via Lim Chu Kang Road to Neo Tiew Road or via Kranji Way. Alternatively, take a taxi, or a bus (From Kranji MRT Station, take Service 925 which stops at the entrance on Sundays and Public Holidays; on other days, alight at Kranji Reservoir car park, follow the signs and take a leisurely 15-minute walk).

Opening hours/ admission: 7.30am to 7pm (Mondays to Saturdays), 7am to 7pm (Sundays and Public Holidays); entry is free except for weekends, Public and School Holidays – S$1 (adult) and S$0.50(child).

Contact: 6794 1401

Free Guided Walk: Every Saturday (except Public Holidays) at 9am, 10am, 3pm and 4pm.

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