Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - Singapore
The wetlands of Sungei Buloh are a dream come true for keen nature lovers. At this sprawling 87-hectare ecological site, you can catch migratory birds escaping the cold on their way to the warmer climes of Australia–with some having come as far away as Siberia.
Elsewhere, crabs, mudskippers and mud lobsters can be found in their natural habitats, and viewed from a distance at observation posts that dot the park.
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a world-class eco-tourism experience first discovered in 1986 by a group of birdwatchers from the Malayan Nature Society.
Three years later, the site was designated as a nature park by the government in 1989, and officially opened in 1993. To properly experience the wetlands, you can take the free guided tours, while activities like art classes and a prawn farming demonstration will keep you busy the whole day.
If you want to take a break from the concrete jungle of the city, head to this ecological gem in the north-east of Singapore for a breath of fresh air.
This 200-acre reserve, situated north of the island, is home to over 150 species of rare and exotic birds.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve accounts as the first ASEAN heritage park of Singapore. This wetland reserve has been playing a chief role in maintaining an ecological balance. Spanning across a land cover of around 202 hectares, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve homes to hundreds of floral and faunal species. It features mudflats, mangroves, forests, and ponds. With its astounding beauty, this place has been attracting photographers, bird watchers, and nature lovers.
The park remains open for all 365 days of the year. Yet, it is good to plan your visit here anywhere in between September to March. You can either reach here by train, bus or a car. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is known as an essential spot to locate migratory birds.
However, you need to mark your presence here during the peak season from September to March to locate the migratory birds. Mudskippers, water snakes, screen reptiles, shellfish, crabs, insects, are amongst other species to be found here. Also, look out for the halfbeak, mullet, and archerfish varieties in the pond waters here.
Migratory trail, Mid-canopy walk, Forest Trail, and a Coastal Trail are four significant trails of this Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Mud experience, a mangrove boardwalk, free guided hikes, and free guided themed walks are add-ons.
Discover the beauty and wonders of nature at Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. Uncover a world filled with rich biodiversity as you wander through the wetlands with an extensive mangrove forest of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Sungei Buloh was first opened as a Nature Park in 1993. In 2002, 130 hectares were officially gazetted as a Nature Reserve and renamed Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to better reflect its status. In the same year, it was recognised as a site of international importance for migratory birds and awarded a certificate by Wetlands International, marking the reserve's formal entry into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network, which includes Australia's Kakadu National Park, China's Mai Po – Inner Deep Bay and Japan's Yatsu Tidal Flats. And in 2003, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve became Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park.
Since then Sungei Buloh has expanded to include 202ha of mangroves, mudflats, ponds and forests, providing an even larger sanctuary for the flora and fauna that call it home. This includes the newest extension that houses a brand new Visitor Centre and new trails for visitors to explore and enjoy. This new extension is situated along Kranji Way, and is easily accessible by public transport, bringing Sungei Buloh even closer to the public.
Throughout the year:
Trek through this ecological jewel’s many trails and discover its native inhabitants such as mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, water snakes, birds, spiders, monitor lizards and otters. Admire the beauty of resident birds such as herons, kingfishers and sunbirds.
Seasonal from September to March: During the migratory season, catch sight of the diverse flocks of shorebirds or waders including plovers and sandpipers.
Essentials to Bring to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves is no less than a fun-filled adventure for all nature enthusiasts. Before entering the reserves, here’s a list of 5 essentials to equip yourself with -
1. An enthusiasm for Adventure:
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves is quite large with a stretch of 202 hectares of land cover. There are 4 trails to explore here – Forest Trail, Migratory Bird Trail, Mid Canopy Walk, and Coastal Trail. Make sure that you remain open-minded as you traverse through the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves. Every single spot will surely surprise you with some new adventure.
2. Patience:
This is a natural habitat for all the faunal species thriving here. To explore the vast array of wildlife that thrives here, you need to carry your patience throughout. You may likely find some of them at some point in time, whereas other times, you won’t. Off-season, you won't see any migratory birds wandering here and there. In the end, if you are patient enough, you are sure to reap the maximum benefits from your visit here.
3. Wear an observer’s Glasses:
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has a variety of flora and fauna. They vary widely in their size and shapes. Some may be quite huge so that you can properly see them through your eyes. For others, you may need to strain your eyes a bit. Keep your eyes sharp enough to watch every tiny to a large creature with crystal clarity.
4. Softer Tones:
As you keep on walking through the trails, make sure that you maintain a softer tone. If you keep on talking loudly, you might scare them away. Loud noise alerts the animals that you are approaching towards them.
5. Always be respectful towards Nature:
As you are entering their habitat, you need to respect their privacy. Do not provoke or poke any of them. Keep a safe distance from trees and do not harm them in any way. Littering here inside the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a big no. You can take ample pictures and leave your footprints behind, but never interfere in the natural lifestyle that goes on smoothly here.
Restaurants Near Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
If you are amongst those who can't control their food cravings, make a note that there’s no restaurant inside the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. You need to wander around to find the best quality of food. Here are some nearby options available before you -
1. Tomodachi:
Tomodachi is a perfect restaurant for casual dining. This eatery is wholly inspired by Japan, which makes it one of the favourite places for Japanese food lovers to crawl here. Sushi recipes and its preparation are worthy to enjoy here.
2. Lots Gourmet:
After Tomodachi, this is the second-best tourist spot for casual dining. You can find a wide variety of burgers and breakfast here. Besides many quick bite options, there’s a sufficient place for you all to sit and enjoy a sumptuous meal. Turkish pride bread preparations, coffees, and eggs benedict are the most favoured dishes here.
3. The Basil Inn:
The Basil Inn is a multi-star cuisine restaurant facilitating international cuisine preparations of Singapore. Visiting here, you can taste a good variety of food preparations from Thai and Asian regions. Tourists prefer their meals here as it offers a myriad of options and is also the cheapest amongst the rest.
4. Georges @ The Cove:
This is a bar cum restaurant to approach when you need good options for wines and some light foods. You get some excellent American finger food in the private dining area of this restaurant.
5. Drunken Rabbits:
At Drunken Rabbits, you will get both Mexican and Italian food and a wide variety of wine flavours. Locals prefer this restaurant as an elegant night dining option.
Places To Visit Near Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - Singapore
Feed the excitement of the traveler inside you by visiting Singapore Zoo. It’s around 10.8 KM away from this nature park. Many times, this zoo is filled with other travelers around the world. This zoo is a sure-shot chance for your family to have a great day ahead.
Head over to Sentosa Island, merely 19 KM away from the park. You will witness the pictorial views and a quaint coastline. The sand is comfortable and not too pebbly. So, you can try sunbathing using your favorite swimsuit. In fact, the crowd is much less here.
3. Port Spa:
Pay a visit to Port Spa, You will meet many regular customers here. If you are an extroverted traveler, you can make new local friends here. Also, it is advisable that you make a booking in advance, just to be sure that you do not have to wait on arrival for an aromatic spa treatment.
4. Jurong East Swimming Complex:
It is merely a 12-minute drive away. This is one of the cheapest water parks. So, you and your entourage can enjoy the numerous water rides as well as swimming in the pool, whenever you feel bored and want to have fun.
Essential Information
Location: 301 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718925
Timings: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves operates from 07:00 am in the morning to 07:00 pm in the evening
Tips for Visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
It is best to plan your visit to these reserves during the early morning till afternoon.
Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes, apply sunscreen, and carry your sunglasses and hat before you reach here. Additionally, to keep yourself hydrated, store plenty of water with you.
Pack your bag with insect repellent cream and binoculars. Both are essential things while you plan your visit to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Entire premises of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves are strictly prohibited for smoking purposes.
For those who are planning to drive their personal vehicle here, can seek parking assistance at parking zones at either entrance.
Specific trails here at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve have wheelchair-friendly paths.
Those who want to visit the mudflats should make their way through the Neo Tiew Car Parking. In case, you are approaching from Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Extension, you will have to bypass the coastal trail to reach the mudflats.
If you are bringing your children here, make sure that you take care of them. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves advises you to take care of your child at all times.
It is advisable to visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve during low tides. This is so because there’s a boardwalk over the mudflats. So, when there’s a high tide, the boardwalk gets flooded with seawater.
The Boardwalk entirely remains covered with water. Wet conditions favours the growth of algal blooms. With algae blooming tremendously, the boardwalk might turn out to be slippery. Therefore, be extremely cautious as you start walking down the boardwalk. There’s a rope railing hung on both the ends of the boardwalk. You can make the best use of it to avoid slipping down or falling in the mudflats.
You have two different paths to explore Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – V-profile rope bridge and Dragonfly Pond.
Make sure that you don’t step in the mud even accidentally. It is a natural ecosystem which is home to a wide array of flora and fauna. You may end up harming some of them.
Bristleworm, Fiddler Crab, Mud Lobster, Periwinkle Snail, and Mud Crab are some of the most common species here.
There are sign boards hung everywhere to ensure the safety of all the visitors visiting here at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Before visiting here, make sure that you carry 5 essentials with you – a sense of adventure, patience, an observer’s eye, softer tones, and a respect for nature.
Do not forget to visit the Kingfisher’s pod. Reaching here during sunsets merely is astounding as you can get a glorious sunset view amidst a tree canopy.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has two restrooms – one at the Visitor Centre and the second one at the Wetland Centre.
In case you find yourself stuck somewhere, make sure to seek shelter or hut nearby. You will find plenty of them throughout the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
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