Perched at the north western tip of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is an ecological treasure trove perfect for a day’s adventure with the family.

The Reserve’s mangroves, mudflats and forests, are home to a large variety of wildlife, from mudskippers, crabs, monitor lizards, to birds like herons, kingfishers, sea eagles and even crocodiles.

During the migratory season from Mid August to late February, thousands of migratory shorebird birds arrive from as far as Siberia in search of warmer climates. For some of these birds, Sungei Buloh is a rest point for them to feed and recharge before they fly on to Australia and New Zealand, while the rest will remain here throughout the winter months before making their way back to their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere in March.

Apart from animals, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve contains more than 200 native plant species. And, out of the 70 species of mangroves in the world, Singapore has 31 of them of which 27 of these can be found in Sungei Buloh!

Activity #1:

Get your kiddos to spot these native Mangrove trees! They have specialised roots that rise out of the mud to help them breathe.

Did you know?
Mangrove plants are critical to the ecosystem, because their roots trap sediments such as mud and sand and prevent them from being washed away by waves and storms, thereby stabilising the coastline.

So, if you are hankering for an escape from the concrete jungle, the 202-hectare reserve is easy to access. SMRT Bus 925 runs every fifteen minutes from Kranji MRT to the Reserve located at 60 Kranji Way.  Drivers will be pleased to learn that parking at the reserve is free-of-charge.

The reserve does not charge an entry fee and the best time to visit is early in the day from 8am to 11am and in the evening from 4pm to 7pm.

At those times, the weather cools and the animals become more active, and you are more likely to catch glimpses of exotic species like the spectacular Oriental Pied Hornbill.

Activity #2:

How many hornbills can you spot throughout your hike?

Did You Know?
The Oriental Pied Hornbill was once thought to be extinct in Singapore, but a pair of the birds reappeared on Pulau Ubin in 1994 and since then, thanks to a successful breeding program, that was undertaken by NParks in conjunction with Jurong Bird Park and The Singapore Avian Conservation Project, the Oriental Pied Hornbill population in Singapore has multiplied to about a hundred birds spread out across the island.

For first time visitors to Sungei Buloh, we recommend starting off from the Visitor’s Centre at Kranji Way. Parents with young kids can make the Junior Adventure Trail their first stop before moving on to the mid-canopy walk, where you get to traverse the forest via a bouncy rope bridge – a thrilling experience for the little ones!Proceed on to the 1.3km coastal boardwalk for a panoramic view of the Johor Straits. As you make your way along the coast, keep a look out towards the sea and you may just spot the majestic White Bellied Sea Eagle, the largest raptor in Singapore, returning inland from a hunt.

Beyond the coastal trail is the Wetland Centre, the gateway to Sungei Buloh’s tidal ponds. Once upon a time, the ponds were used for prawn farming. Even though these ponds are no longer farmed today, they are still rich in marine life which is why so many birds come to Sungei Buloh to feed.

Be sure to spend some time on the main bridge across Sungei Buloh Besar. It’s a great spot for fish-watching.

Activity #3:

Are your eyes sharp enough? Try to spot a crocodile floating in the river below from the main bridge!

Did You Know?
Sungei Buloh is home to at least 5 Estuarine Crocodiles. The largest of all living reptiles, the Estuarine or Saltwater crocodile can grow up to 5 metres in length. The presence of these Apex predators in Sungei Buloh is the sign of a healthy ecosystem. Do not fret though, for as long as you stick to the designated well-marked trails in the Reserve, you are in no danger.

If you are looking to burn off some calories, you can take a family hike along the 1.9km Migratory Bird Trail to the Aerie Tower which affords a gorgeous 360 degree view of the wetlands. Along the way, there are numerous sheltered hideouts you can enter to observe the wildlife on the mudflats.If you are looking to hone you nature photography skills, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is one of the best places in Singapore to do so, due to the wide variety of species that are found there.

Looking to get started in Nature Photography?

Here’s a quick tip.

If your photos are not sharp or clear, you are probably not close enough.

The Nikon Coolpix P900 boasts the longest zoom range of any camera on the market. It has an amazing 83X Zoom (equivalent to 2000mm in 35mm format) packed into a small form factor, so you won’t have to break your back carrying it along with you on the hike.

Here’s another trick. Mounted on a tripod, the P900 doubles up as a telescope, so you won’t have to shell out thousands of dollars on a Swarovski telescope!

The Coolpix P900 retails for $799 at Max Photo at The Centrepoint. It’s also available at Courts and Metro Causeway Point by the way!

Equip Yourself Right!

As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Sungei Buloh.  But too make the most of your time in Sungei, it is essential that you are properly equipped!

1. Keep yourself hydrated by bringing along a water bottle. Metro at The Centrepoint has a good selection of BPA –Free water bottles. BPA-Free water bottles do not contain bisphenol A, a chemical that is known to negatively affect the human brain and is widely used in the production of disposable water bottles.

2. Wear proper hiking shoes to avoid injury. The Royal Sporting House and Timberland both located at Causeway Point boast a great selection of hiking shoes, which are designed to give more ankle protection compared to regular sports shoes. (Causeway Point is located right at the doorstep of Woodlands MRT, just two stops away from Kranji Mrt Station! Why not get your supplies there?)

3. Keep cool. The sun in Singapore can often be unforgiving. Be sure to slap on some sun-block or alternatively, bring along a cap.

4. Look good for those memorable family selfies. The Royal Sporting House at Causeway Point has a great selection of sports and hiking apparel as well!

5. Keep the mozzies away by bringing along mosquito repellant!

6. Pack some snacks! Because we all know the kids, yourself included, get awfully grumpy when hungry. Before you reach Kranji, stop by YewTee Point at YewTee Mrt Station (the stop right before Kranji Mrt Station) for food glorious food!

Looking for a meal? YewTee Point has all your comforting favourites including Xin Wang Hong Kong Café, Toast Box, KFC, Long John Silver’s, SOD Café, and West Co’z Café.

Picnic Meals-To-Go? Stuff’d has really scrumptious and generously-filled wraps, while Subway, Sushi Deli and Nihon Mura Express are also great options.

Tidbits? A must while bird-watching, grab something from NTUC FairPrice, Four Leaves, Mr Bean or Old Chang Kee!

Now who’s ready for some fun on the wild side?