Sungei Buloh: A Wetlands Reserve in Singapore
Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, situated in the northwest region of Singapore, was given nature park status in 1989. This came after the Singapore Branch of the Malayan Nature Society advocated for its conservation, due to its remarkable bird diversity. The reserve then officially opened its doors to the public on December 6, 1993.
From here the park's significance grew, culminating in its formal announcement as a nature reserve on January 1, 2002, joining the ranks of Singapore's gazetted nature reserves alongside Labrador Park, and Bukit Timah. In the same year the reserve's international importance for migratory birds was formally recognised, introducing it to the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network.
Stepping Inside Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Covering 130 hectares, Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve achieved ASEAN Heritage Park status in 2003, marking a milestone as the first in Singapore to do so. Over the years, the wetlands has expanded to 202 hectares, incorporating mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and forests. Recent additions, including a Visitor Centre and new nature trails along Kranji Way.
Wildlife
The reserve's giant mudskipper, tree-climbing crab, estuarine crocodile, butterflies, and mollusks add to the allure of the extensive mangrove wildlife at Sungei Buloh. Atlas moths, Southeast Asia's largest moth species, also gracefully inhabit the back mangrove.
You may also come across other native residents such as spiders, monitor lizards, and smooth otters. The park is also home to various snake species, including Dog-Faced water snakes, Oriental Whip snakes, Spitting Cobras, and King Cobras.
Observation hides offer a tranquil space for visitors to appreciate the surrounding flora and fauna while maintaining a respectful distance from the diverse wildlife.
Birdlife
As an integral part of the Kranji–Mandai Important Bird Area, Sungei Buloh is a paradise, with 231 species of migratory birds. The wetlands act as a feeding ground for various species, including the Eurasian whimbrel, common greenshank, curlew sandpiper, and Pacific golden plover.
There are also herons, kingfishers, sunbirds, Chinese egrets, greater spotted eagles, and greater crested terns. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the resident elusive lesser whistling-duck and the rare milky stork.
Nature Trails
There are a variety of trails to explore at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, each catering to different preferences and ages. The Migratory Bird Trail, spanning 1.9km, is the longest at Sungei Buloh, and loops through all the best places bird-watching spots. This makes it ideal for those seeking photo opportunities.
For a simpler yet still enchanting experience, the Forest Trail offers a brief 300m stroll amid towering trees. Adventure seekers can also enjoy the Mid-Canopy Walk, a netted bridge suspended above the forest floor.
The Coastal Trail stretches onto the Straits of Johor and provides the perfect journey for families. The long boardwalk offers picturesque views of Singapore, and the Observation Pod is a perfect backdrop for your next family portrait.
Families with little children will enjoy the Junior Adventure Trail, tailored for a more kid-friendly experience. The trail features a pond for curious minds, along with obstacle courses and pulley boats to engage young adventurers.
To enhance your understanding of Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, consider registering for a free guided walk, which is held every weekend.
Educational Programmes and Visitor Center
For those keen on understanding the wetland's ecological significance, the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve has an informative visitor centre. Interactive exhibits delve into the diverse flora and fauna that call the wetlands home, as well as the conservation efforts aimed at preserving this delicate ecosystem.
In collaboration with the British Council and the Ministry of Education, Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve also offers a range of educational programmes. These include the SUN Club program for students with special needs, mentorship programs catering to secondary school students, and the Young Naturalists Program. To complement the programs, the reserve also distributes valuable educational materials such as workshops, guidebooks, and the triannual magazine, Wetlands.
These collaborative efforts also resulted in the creation of a wireless learning trail launched on August 25, 2007. This creation has set Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve apart as the first reserve of its kind in Singapore to integrate technology with nature education. Resultantly, the reserve consistently hosts over 400 organised school visits annually, reinforcing its role as a vital hub for nature-based learning experiences.
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