22 - 28 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Dive and kayak our wild places

Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference


MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.




28 Aug (Sun): Paint Along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Conducted by Mr Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Pui San is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work. Bring along your art materials and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.
More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

Time: 8.30-11.30am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Meet at Api Api Lab (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/ and http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

28 Aug (Sun): Kayaking Sungei Simpang

Open to the Public - Registration Needed - Member's Priority

Embark on a leisurely paddle in one of the last riverine mangroves on our shores. If you have never kayaked before, this would be a good introduction. Participants will learn about the giant fig, snails, Rubik cubes, lobsters, and why there are plenty of babies in the mangroves. Be inspired by the beauty and brains of this riverine system.

Registration and more details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.45am - 11.15am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Aug (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers

YES! Singapore has awesome reefs and you can dive them. Join the volunteers of the Hantu Bloggers for a guided dive to see them for yourself. More photos on the Hantu Bloggers.
The Hantu Blog Dives are integral to their work on the island. More than just an educational field trip, their dives are also their primary source of funding to develop and maintain public education work in schools and at national events. By joining their dives, you’ll not only be signing up for an insightful and eye-opening weekend, you’ll also be contributing to our efforts to safe guard Pulau Hantu and its marine life.

More details on the Hantu Bloggers.

28 Aug (Sun): Hike at The Southern Ridges

Bring the entire family and join in this free nature hike that is always a big hit with kids and adults alike! Organised by the Vegetarian Society Singapore.

Limited to 40 persons. More details and registration on the Vegetarian Society Singapore website.

Time: 3.45 – 5.30pm
Venue: The Southern Ridges

27 Aug (Sat): Nature Keeper Camp for kids

Designed to stimulate the interest of the young and inculcate in them an appreciation of our forests. The free half-day Nature Keeper Camp aims to nurture young minds in active protection and conservation of our natural heritage.

This session's topic: Butterflies - our flying friends.

Suitable for children 7 - 11 years old (Primary 1 to 5)
Minimum of 10 children, Maximum of 20 children.
Parents are to drop off their children and pick them back up after the programme is over.

Registration online.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Environmental Learning Lab
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Aug (Sat): Race Against Time - Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour

This session introduces the research facilities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens such as the Library of Botany & Horticulture, Orchid & Micro-propagation laboratory and the Herbarium.
Highlights of this 45-minute tour includes a visit to the Herbarium which stores physical records of reference plant materials, some dating as far back as 1790. In addition, learn about our hybridization programme for orchids, a process introduced back in 1930’s by the then Director, R.E Holttum.

Limited to 25 people, for ages 9 and above.

This tour repeats every fourth Saturday. More details on the NParks website.

Time: 10am, registration is required at the Service Desk 15-minutes before the scheduled start time.
Venue: Botany Centre, Tanglin Gate (nearest MRT is Orchard station)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Aug (Sat): What's in my sky?

Birdwatchers, join us in this free guided walk and learn to identify many amazing birds of different species that passes through or make Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve their home.

Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

Time: 9.30am - 11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland CentrePlease meet at Information Counter, Neo Tiew entrance
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Aug (Sat): Forest Clean-Up at Pulau Ubin

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Pulau Ubin is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) with various healthy habitats rich in animals and plants. Make a difference by helping to clean up its forest. Learn about the negative effects of litter and how you can become a better steward of nature.

Registration and more details on the NSS website.

Time: 9am - 12.30pm
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

27 Aug (Sat): Art in Nature at Dairy Farm Nature Park

Get ready to busy yourself with sketchpads and paint brushes at Dairy Farm Nature Park. Volunteer leader, Jerome Pang will be sharing and guiding volunteers and participants to develop their art skills while raising awareness on conservation and native biodiversity.
Suitable for adults with art background. Each session a maximum of 15 people.

Register online.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Learning Lab (WELL)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

15-21 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places


Make a wild difference


MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

21 Aug (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Horseshoe crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to the loss of habitat, poaching and overfishing. They also get trapped in abandoned fishing nets and need our help to set them free. With such concerns, NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for many generations to come. Things to bring: cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for horseshoe crab rescue and camera. Washing facilities available after the event.

Please register http://tinyurl.com/nsshscreg. Details will be emailed upon registration. For enquiries please contact Vanitha (thanetha@hotmail.com). More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8.30am - 12noon
Venue: Kranji Loop. Details will be emailed upon successful registration.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Aug (Sun): Herp Walk @ Treetop Walk

Herps are reptiles like lizards and snakes, and amphibians like frogs. Let the HSS volunteers introduce you to some delightful and interesting herps on this walk.
We want to raise awareness, in particular, about Herps! These misunderstood creatures are often thought of as scary or unnecessary. But we want to show Singaporeans that Herps are important and integral to the Singaporean ecosystem!

So, do come down for a leisurely stroll along the Trail. Let the guides regale you with tales about the transformation of the entire area over the years. Learn about this green space that plays home to amazing biodiversity! If you’re lucky, you might get to see some of our scaly friends! Best of all, it’s absolutely free! So don’t wait and register at this link!

Time: 8am - 12noon
Venue: Tree Top Walk. More details on their blog.
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

20 Aug (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Over 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids are now found in the Gardens' collection, with about 600 species and hybrids on display. Every year, more vibrant and enduring hybrids are added on
Full map at http://www.sbg.org.sg/map_nog.htm

This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), register at Visitor Centre, Nassim Gate, 15 minutes before the tour starts. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tour duration: One hour.
Cost: While the tour is free, admission charges to the Orchid Garden applies: $5/adult, $1/student, $1/senior citizens (above 60 years) , Child below 12 years - Free
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/`

20 Aug (Sat): Kampong Tour at Pulau Ubin

Take a walk with us to experience Ubin's wonderful natural and cultural heritage. The 2.2km trail takes about 2 hours to complete. The tour will start at the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub and take you through the spice trees around Jelutong campsite, Butterfly Hill, Pekan Quarry, Sensory Trail Ponds, Kampong House, Old Bin Kiang School site, Toa Pek Kong Temple and end at the Wayang Stage. You will hear about the use of spices in cooking and the interesting history of the different sites.
Do you know what the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub was in the 1970s? When was the Toa Pek Kong Temple built? If you would like to know, then this is an excellent introduction to the heritage of the island.

For all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance.

Limited to 4 groups, each group a maximum of 15 people. Register online.

Time: 9.30 - 11.30am
Venue: Meet at Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub, a 10-min walk from Ubin Jetty. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: Guided tours charges: SGD$60.00 / Group (for a maximum of 15 people) Only payment via cheque are allowed until further notice. 4 groups per day allowed, each group can accommodate a maximum of 15 people
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Aug (Sat): What's in my mangrove?

Mangrove forests are living borders of the freshwater and salt water. Out of 73 true mangroves species worldwide, 22 can be found in Sungei Buloh.
Join us for a lovely morning walk and get to know the mangrove trees and plants of Sungei Buloh.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre. Please meet at the Information Counter, Kranji Way entranceWebsite: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

8-14 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family


Walks in wild places


For Nature Society (Singapore) members only


Go wild on your own!

This long weekend, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. Lots of info for visitors on wildsingapore with tips on how to prepare for a trip, how to get there and what to see and do.

A tip for a long-weekend trip

Our wild places and parks can get VERY crowded on long weekends. The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early in the morning and leave early. Our wildlife is generally more active in the morning too!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

14 Aug (Sun): Birdwatching for Beginners at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a pleasant green space of open lawns, trees and shrubs, with a river (ie. de-concretised former canal) meandering through it. This urban park in central Singapore is home to interesting and easily-seen bird species including the White-breasted Waterhen, Collared and White-throated Kingfishers, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Pink-necked Green Pigeon. It provides a great introduction to birdwatching for newcomers.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am - 11.30am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Aug (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of MacRitchie

The long-tailed macaques are the most conspicuous animals at Macritchie Reservoir Park. Although commonly seen, they are very misunderstood. Few seeing them realise anything about the social world these monkeys live in. They have kin networks, power struggles, friends, foes, and an otherwise complex social network. In many ways, they provide a mirror of our own sociality.
If you would like to learn more about your community and the interesting world of your neighbouring macaques at Macritchie, please join our free walk, led by experts from the Jane Goodall Institute Singapore.

Suitable for adults and children above 8 years.

Register at sg.monkey.walk@gmail.com, at least 3 days in advance. Do provide us with your preferred date, name, contact number (in case of cancellation, we will contact you), number of adult and children participants (at most, 5 participants per registration). Upon receiving your registration, we will reply with a confirmation email. The walk will be cancelled if there is bad weather 45 minutes before the walk.

Time: 5 - 6.30pm
Venue: Meet at Mushroom Cafe at Macritchie Reservoir Park. The walk will be at Macritchie Reservoir Park, Lawn @ Paddle Lodge
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Aug (Sat): Rainforest Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

A free guided nature walk through a 6-hectare rainforest right in the heart of the city! Along a boardwalk, under the shade of giant trees, learn about our rainforests, spot forest creatures and strange plants.

This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NPark's Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every second Saturday of the month.

Tours in Mandarin are available at 10am and 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm; Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre, Nassim Gate.
Tour duration: One hour.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Aug (Sat): What's in my water?

What's that swimming in the water? A fish, a worm, an insect or a crocodile!? Join us for an interesting morning walk getting to know the creatures and plants that lives in and around the water edges of Sungei Buloh.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Please meet at Information Counter, Visitor Centre (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Aug (Sat): I heART Nature Workshop for kids

This interactive free parent-child bonding session includes interesting art and craft activities and a short nature appreciation walk.
For children ages 5 to 7. Child must be accompanied by 1 parent. Maximum 10 children. Register online.

Time: 9 - 10.30am
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Centre (Exact meeting location will be indicated in confirmation email).
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Aug (Sat): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

The Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Even though we are not going on to the shore, there is still much to see and enjoy. There are monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, spiders, rare plants, wild boar, mudskippers and lots of fruit trees. If we are lucky, we might even spot the Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle and the giant Atlas Moth.
Not more than five persons in a group, pre-register with this online form.

More details on the event and how to get to Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Time: 9.30am meet at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk, Pulau Ubin. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

1-7 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places



For Nature Society (Singapore) members only



Go wild on your own!

This long weekend, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. Lots of info for visitors on wildsingapore with tips on how to prepare for a trip, how to get there and what to see and do.

A tip for a long-weekend trip

Our wild places and parks can get VERY crowded on long weekends. The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early in the morning and leave early. Our wildlife is generally more active in the morning too!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

6 Aug (Sat): Nature and Landscape Sketching at Bukit Batok Nature Park

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join artist Alpana Ahuja and Van Wangye for a fun and casual site drawing session at Bukit Batok Nature Park. Meet fellow nature art lovers to observe and sketch the park's beautiful landscape and biodiversity. No drawing experience is necessary.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8.30 - 10.30am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

6 Aug (Sat): Telok Blangah-Labrador-Sentosa Ramble

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This 10-km ramble led by Pandian and Sutari will see us exploring the rediscovered Keppel Hill Reservoir off Telok Blangah Road. We will then troop over to Labrador Park, enjoying the morning air, birds, insects, plant life and little known trails, with scenic views of Dragon's Tooth and Keppel Creek. The ramble will continue to Sentosa’s Mt Imbiah forest before returning to Harbour Front MRT.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8.30am - 1pm
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

6 Aug (Sat): Butterfly Walk from Rifle Range to Jelutong

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

The secondary forest stretch from Rifle Range to Jelutong Tower promises tantalising sightings of many forest butterflies on a good day. We have seen less common butterflies such as the Black Tipped Archduke, Lesser Harlequin, Dark Posy, Chocolate Royal, Banded Yeoman, Five Bar Swordtail, Studded Sergeant and Silver Royal. More frequent encounters have been with equally fascinating butterflies including the Cruiser, Commander, Common Bluebottle, Blue Jay, Spotted Black Crow, Elbowed Pierrot, Rustic, Purple Duke, Fluffy Tit, Branded Imperial, and Yellow Veined Lancer. Bring along a hat, water and wear good walking shoes.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: Meet at 9.30 am in the carpark at the end of Rifle Range Road
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

6 Aug (Sat): What's in my mud?

The mud at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a key habitat for the plants and animals. This unique habitat is full of surprises!
Get close and personal to the mud and observe the rich biodiversity; critical to the ecosystem at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Join us for an interesting free guided walk featuring our lesser known creatures of the mudflats in Sungei Buloh.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9.30 - 11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre, meet at the Information Counter.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

6 Aug (Sat): Free tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

Launched in October 2011, the Healing Garden showcases over 400 varieties of plants used medicinally. It is laid out thematically relating to component parts of the body such as head, respiratory and reproductive systems. Spread over 2.5 hectares, this garden is designed as a tranquil retreat with medical plants traditionally used in Southeast Asia as the main focus.
Please note that the Healing Garden is closed every Tuesday, and opened 5am - 7.30pm daily. Admission is free.

Registration is required 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre. Mandarin tours are only available at 10am. English tours are available for all slots. This tour repeats every First Saturday of the Month.

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am and 10am, please register 15 minutes before the tour
Venue: Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/