Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
双溪布洛湿地保护区
Singapore first protected wetland.
In 1986 : A group of birdwatchers from Malayan Nature Society from Singapore branch wrote a proposal to the government for it's conservation.
1989 : Area of 87 hectares of wetland
(Designated as a nature park)
2002 : Area of 130 hectares of Sungei Buloh
(Officially gazetted as nature reserve and renamed as "Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve)
2003 : Sungei Buloh became Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park.



I was at Sungei Buloh on the 30th January 2009.
The weather was good and I had a very enjoyable walk that day.
Upon arrival, I took the free map at the visitor counter and there are 3 different routes.
Route 1 which is approxmately 3km is about 1-2 hours walk.
Route 2 : Approximately 5km, 2-3 hours walk.
Route 3 : Approximately 7km, 4.5 hours walk.
I knew I would take much longer time as I was taking photographs, so I selected Route 1.
The next time, if I'm there early, I would like to try out the route 2 or 3.
I've been to Sungei Buloh a few times and I never forget the first time I was there, many years ago.
I brought my rabbit along for a stroll, not knowing that no pets are allowed, we both were not able to be admitted! LOL!

A unique letterbox outside the visitor centre.


Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre
Location : 301, Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Opening Hours : 7.30am - 7.00pm (Mon - Sat)
7.00am - 7.00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays)
Admission : Free Entry except on Saturday, Sundays, PH and School Holidays (8.30am - 6pm).
S$1.00 per adult / S$0.50 per child or senior citizen
(Remember to get a free map here!)


A metal pledge on a big stone reads :
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Officially opened by
Mr. Goh Chok Tong
Prime Minister
on
6 December 1993




This is the biggest Kingfisher I've seen so far.
He was perching on the fence just outside the vistor centre.
Some vistors got very excited and you see huge cameras started to setup to capture this cute bird.
There was a couple and the lady asked "Is that real? It's not moving..."
I turned over and told her "It's is a real bird, I saw it move a little earlier!"
They both seemed happy!
Then the guy said he used to live in kampong area when he was a kid but have never seen a kingfisher so big!


Walkway in the park


Signboard : Care for nature - No catching of birds and No Fishing!
Looking at this sign, I can't help thinking of Elmo! (My pet cockatiel)
Reminds me of Elmo having his wings trimmed at the pet shop.
The guy at the pet shop grab him so tight and it looks just like this picture!




The first squirrel I saw.
Snap, snap, snap... the squirrel must have find me a nuisance.






Can you spot the bird?


Razor/Pencil Fish
There are lots of fishes like this in the water.






A Bird Observation Hide








This squirrel is very cute.
He was so busy eating, he didn't know I was slowly getting nearer and nearer to him.
When I was only just 3 feet away, he decided to discard his lunch and ran off!


A simple screen for viewing.


Monitor Lizard
I used to see a few of them but my this trip, I only spotted this one.
This one is not very big.
Actually seem tame and friendly.
I took a few photographs and left quietly.
Then, I remembered my previous trip, I saw a very big one.
I was scared and luckily the Monitor Lizard also seemed scared by my present and ran off fast...


I wonder what is these wooden poles for?


Snails crawling up the tree


Mangrove


Flora Mangrove
Name : Rhizophora apiculata
Family : Rhizophoraceae
Common Name : Bakau Minyak

Description : A medium sized tree reaching 30 meters
tal with smooth to slightly cracked grey bark. The thick
leaf has a sharp pointed tip. The leaf stalk and stipule
(leaflike appendage to a leaf) are often tinged red in
colour. The cream coloured flower comes in paris and
without stalks. The brown fruit looks like an inverted pear
with persistent calyx (modified leaf forming a proctective
layer that would remain without falling off). The green
with purple hypocotyl is measured up to 33 cm long and
cylindrical in shape with a blunt knob at the end.

Uses : The wood is a source of timber, firewood,
charcoal, piles and fishing stakes. The branched stilt
roots are used for anchors weigh down by a stone.
Medicinally, the bark may be used
as an antidysenteric.








Aerie at Sungei Buloh (Route 1)
This aerie can be seen in many different parts in the park.
Height of tower is 18m
Width of deck is 9m
Number of steps to deck is 72 steps.














View from the main hide
















Mudskipper / Goby






It took me about 3 hours plus to complete Route 1 and it was then 5 plus when I left Sungei Buloh. It was a nice visit this time except that I was feeling quite hungry.
The next time, I'll remember to bring something to eat, more water and a pair for binoculars.
Please click here to view the Kranji Dam and parks! It's a place very near to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Kranji Dam and Parks

Location : Singapore, Kranji Way
Kranji Tidal Gate


There are a total of four Kranji Tidal Gate Towers in this Kranji Dam.


Whenever I visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
I would definetly stop by this place first for about an hour.
I find this a peaceful and beautiful place.
Not much has changed and I like it the way it is...unspolit.

The towers was there since my very first visit when I was just a child.
I didn't know what it was then and I didn't ask my parents either.
I just kept quiet and imagined it was some aeroplanes control tower or some towers that shoot down enemies...! LOL!
Now that I've become more sensible...heehee, these towers are actually tidal gates.
Kranji dam was built in 1976 to ensure no flooding at the Kranji freshwater reservoir during heavy downpours.
It will released excess water into the Johor Straits.

This is the Kranji Reservoir.
My favourite view!
I like standing there, just relaxing and enjoy the environment and air.
Enough to make it a good day!


Here's the roading leading in and out of the Sungei Buloh wetland reserve through Lim Chu Kang road.


Kranji Way Park
Along the Kranji tidal gates, you notice a park beside.
A nice place for a little stroll and picnics.
Quite often, you can see a ice-cream seller on motorbike outside the park.










A police post in Kranji park!
I'm not sure if it's still an operating one.
Took a peek inside, there was nobody.
Find it nice, have not seen it anywhere else, so I took a picture of it!


In the park, it provides a good views across the straits to Malaysia, JB.


Warning Sign in 4 different language :
Danger
Rapid Water Flow
Keep clear of the channel
when siren is sounded




Kranji Reservoir Fishing Ground 'B'

Ah... a fishing rule sign - it reads :

To maintain cleanliness and the quality of water in this reservoir, you
are reminded to use only fishing rods or lines with artificial baits.

For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, we advise you :-
- to exercise due care and attention when casting your lines to avoid
casuing injuries to others.
- to help to keep the place clean by throwing all litters in the litter bins.
- not to use fly fishing tackles or fishing rods exceeding 2.7m (9ft).

Children under 12 years of age are to be accompanied at all times by
adults who shall be resonsible for their safety.

Activities that are disallowed are : -
- Using live baits for fishing.
- Using fishing nets, traps, spears or other fishing methods.
- Boating, swimming, bathing, washing or wading in the water.
- Camping, staking out, marking or reservation of places.
- Using of cooking stoves or setting open fire.

We wish to advise that PUB shall not be liable for any damage, loss,
injury or death incurred or sustained by any person in the designated fishing ground.

We wish you a pleasant day at out fishing ground.
Opening Hours : 7.00 am to 7.00 pm


This is fishing ground B.
I've missed the fishing A spot.
Will definetly go over there for my next visit.
I'll will be posting on Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in the next one or two weeks time!

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I am very happy to receive this "Let's be Friends" award.
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They are :
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2 New Hermits

Updated Post on 19 February 2009(Night), 21 February 2009


These 2 are my new hermit crabs, Snowy and Bubbles.
All my previous 6 hermits died after keeping for about 9 months only.
I was quite sad then, so I gave up keeping them sometime last August 2008.
Clean up, packed up all the tank stuff and store it away.
But this afternoon, when I was at the aquarium shop, I saw these hermits again.
Wow...it's still as cute, so I brought back 2 hermit crabs.
When I reached home, I immediately bathe them at the kitchen sink with de-chlorinated water.
Leaving them at the sink (above photo), while I set up their tank.



About an hour later, they were both introduced to their new home.
Done a basic setup with 1 fresh water and 1 salt water for them.
Plus put in some empty shells for them.
I'll need to find suitable sand and a coconut husk for them too.
I gave them some fish pellet foods and to my surprise, they ate very fast.
They must be very very hungry at the aquarium shop.

This is Snowy!

This is Bubbles!


Initially, they were quite afraid when I was snapping photos from them!
But after a little while, they eventually got used to this crazy owner never-ending photo taking! Hee...hee...


Taking a shade under the (fake) coconut tree!


Hours later, they both seems to settle down quite well.
When I pick them up, they did come out from their shell to look around.
Just hope they'll be happy and healthy!


Post Additions on 19 February 2009 (Night) :
I went over to the aquarium shop to pick up another little one!
Named this one "Summer" as it is rather active and it's body is slightly orange in colour!


Post Additions on 21 February 2009:
Another 2 hermit crabs are added today.
Now, they are all living together as a family of 5.
Sand and drift wood were also added to the tank.
Hope these 2 will able to settle down soon with their tankmates.
Below is photos of them freshly after bathing!

This hermit crab is call "Cola".


This one is named "Caramel". A very shy little one.






For all my Hermit crabs posts, please click here!