3 little-known things about Sungei Buloh that will make you want to go there now

Last Updated on 2016-05-18 , 2:52 pm

Located in the Kranji area, which I know it’s a bit ulu, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a pretty underrated place, for the amount of cool things it has to offer. Here are some facts about the Reserve, which I hope will encourage you to visit (or volunteer) at Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park.

Walking around with a nature guide there is very, very rewarding.
Here’s a rough idea of how much I know about nature:

Guide: What’s that over there? Do you recognise it?
Me: Bird.
Guide: Err haha, how about the one next to it?
Me: Erm, another type of bird?
Guide: Okay never mind, how about the one flying just above the tree there?
Me: A small bird? (sheepish giggle).

If you join in for a guided tour (which happens nearly every weekend), you will definitely not regret it. The guides here have super sharp brains and even sharper eyes, and they are able to not just name all the birds around the reserve but also tell you interesting things about them. You may also come across some guides who have their own equipment, and they will let you peer at the animals through their scopes, for a magnified and clearer view. They are also well-versed in other types of fauna, including mud skippers, monitor lizards and even bees.

Play eye-spy with the monitor lizards!
They’re pretty difficult (though not impossible) to spot for several reasons. Firstly, they look a lot like their surroundings, so they kinda blend in. Secondly, they may not be at your eye level. You have to constantly look up into the trees, or into the water, or by the side of the walking paths. However, you will sometimes be in for a surprise! As I was walking around, I found one just lying there, right-smack on the walking path. Pretty cool.

The Reserve organises quite a number of art/photography events.
I always thought it was a bit of an obscure (but really cool) thing to pursue nature and art in tandem. However, the reserve offers many nature painting and nature drawing sessions regularly, along with mentoring and guidance.

Besides these 3 things, the reserve undoubtedly offers a space of lush greenery, fresh air and peace, for anyone and everyone.

How to Get Here:

SMRT bus 925:
Board bus from Kranji MRT station. On Sundays and public holidays, the bus stops at the entrance to the reserve, Monday to Saturday at the Kranji Reservoir carpark. From there it’s a 20 minute walk, either along the road or through the wilderness of the Kranji Nature Trail (KNT).

Kranji Express:
Departs every hour from Kranji MRT station. This private bus service stops at the reserve entrance and can also be used to explore the farms surrounding Sungei Buloh. The bus operates daily from 9am to 4.30pm at one and a half hour intervals.