Are you curious about the wildlife that are living among the mangroves, muds, ponds and river? Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is an unique place in Singpapore that provide educational value as well as a fun day-out for your family. The Wetland Reserve covers 130-hectare and was officially opened on 6th December 1993.
Sungei Buloh means “Bamboo River” in Malay. It is situated in North-West of Singpapore between Kranji Reservoir and Sarimbun Reservoir. There are numberous trails and hides for visitors to enjoy the quiet serenity of the mangrove habitat. You and your child will be able to observe many different kinds of resident and migratory birds. Every year, during the migratory sesson of September to March, huge flocks of shorebirds will visit this Reserve.
The park has 3 main parts: 1) The reserve proper 2) The Visitor Center 3) Pulau Buloh which is a island in the north. The reserve proper consists mainly of man-made brackish and freshwater ponds. The Vistor Center and Pulau Buloh consist mainly of mangrove.
For the plants’ lover, there are as many as 248 native and naturalised vascular plant species you could find here. At the gate of the park, you could find an exotic species of bamboo, Bambusa vulgaris, planted there. The most prominent trees are Avicennia alba, A. officinalis and A.rumphiana, Bruguiera cylindrica, R.musronata and Sonneratia alba. You could also find climbers such as the endangered species Cassine virburnifolia here as well.
Archer fish is well-known for its ability to literally shooting insects and other small animals down with water droplets from its specialized mouth. You will find Archer fish hunting especially during high tides. You will also be able to spot numberous monitor lizards which can measure to 2m long. If you are lucky, you may see some Purple and Grey herons nesting and feeding in this natural habitat. Occasionally, you may also be able to see otters which swim from Malaysia to this part of Singpapore. Many other wildlife such as the crabs, water snakes, sunbirds, shellfish, mudskippers, bee-eaters, woodpeckers, doves, kingfishers, tailorbirds and munias could be observed from here too.
Your family will be able to “walk” through the mangrove without getting your feet wet or muddy. There are several long routes on boardwalks and several viewing hides including a tower hide for viewing the mangrove habitat.
Mangrove ecosystems are unique and have many benefits such as the protection against erosion and it is good that Singapore has made Sungei Buloh part of the conservation programs. On top of enjoying the tranquility of this natural reserve, your family will end up with a richer knowledge of the mangrove ecosystems.
Suggested Tour
Show screenings hourly from 9am-5pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. Monday to Saturday: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.
Free guided tours on Saturdays at 9.30am and 3.30pm (except Public Holidays). Each tour is limited to maximum of 15 person per guide and it is first come first served.
See Maps for getting around in the Reserve.
Tips
1. Dress comfortably in neutral color.
2. Put on comfortable walking shoe and wear a hat.
3. Bring binoculars, camera, umbrella and plenty of drinking water.
4. While Mosquito repellent may be good precaution but may drive away insects that you want to observe. So apply sparingly,
5. Get out of the mangrove during thunderstorms as it will be lightning-prone.
6. Do not approach dangerous wild-life such as crocrodile.
7. Be patient and do not surprise the animals.
Location
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