sungei buloh wetland reserve

even though the calm mangrove water’s muddy, it forms a nice mirror-liked reflection on the water surface. i’m all excited when i learnt that our well program will take us to sungei buloh wetland reserve.

situation on the northwestern part of singapore (overlooking johor bahru), the site was first discovered by the singapore branch of the malayan nature society. subsequently, a proposal was written to the government for conservation efforts. sungei buloh was announcement as one of the two parks to be gazetted as nature reserves on November 10, 2001. On Jan 1 2002, the 130ha of sungei buloh was officially gazetted as a naure reserve and renamed to sungei buloh wetland reserve.

over the years, sungei buloh has been the transit point for migratory birds from as far as siberia, to escape from the cold winter. the best time of the year to visit is between august and september.

we were only lucky to catch a glimpse of the kingfisher bird. the other sights along the way included cicadas, mud skipper, a pair of mating pine needle crab, monitor lizards, mangrove trees, knee and pencil roots, to name a few. if you are lucky enough, snakes will be sighted on the wooden platforms.

the 2-hour walk only took as around the mangrove area and up to the bridge before the bird sighting area. do not forget your insect repellent! those pests are unforgivable, especially if you are out in calm waters or freshwater ponds. do bring bottled water to quench your thirst and to wash your hands should you want to consume food at the rest stations.

i like the place, the peace and tranquility (forget about the snakes), and probably an unforgettable photographic experience.