Free guided walk to discover the most historic part of Singapore. Malay & Chinese historical records point to this hill as the centre of a kingdom that arose around 1300AD. Previously a "Forbidden Hill", Fort Canning Park once housed some ancient Malay rulers as well as Sir Stamford Raffles who had his house built in 1823 during his 3rd and last visit to Singapore.
This walk is conducted by volunteer guides every last Saturday of the month.
Time: 4-5.30pm
Venue: Meet at Cox Terrace, in front of Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Lili at 63321302 or Goh_lili@nparks.gov.sg
31 Jan (Sat): Guided Tour @ Hort Park
This free tour of HortPark features HortGardens, a collection of 20 theme gardens and the GardenPatch, a patchwork of display plots showcasing garden designs, concepts and products by local gardening-related companies. See nurserymen at work, propagating plants for our garden city.This tour is conducted every last Saturday of the month.
Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first served basis.
Time: 10-11.30 am
Venue: Register at Visitor Information Counter @ HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 64715601 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg
31 Jan (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.
Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
31 Jan (Sat): Stories about Nature - Drama workshop for kids
Through story, dramatisation and props provided to further ignite and enhance the imagination, children will learn about nature, its effects on our earth and how to show respect towards it.For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg . Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")
Suitable for children in P1 - P3 levels.
Time: 11am-noon
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $10 per child
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg
31 Jan (Sat): "Nature & Me" - Drama workshop for kids
Through story, dramatisation and props provided to further ignite and enhance the imagination, children will learn about nature, its effects on our earth and how to show respect towards it.For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg . Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")
Suitable for children in K1 - K2 levels
Time: 10-11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $10.00 per child
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg
31 Jan (Sat): Tour of Kranji Marsh by Nature Society (Singapore)
The Nature Society of Singapore (NSS) has adopted the Kranji Reservoir and the surrounding marshes in November, under the PUB’s waterways adoption programme.
The wetlands are the island’s last remaining chunk of freshwater marshes, and are home to threatened bird species. Measuring 90 hectares, the Kranji marshes have fallen victim to neglect, urbanisation and poachers over the years.
Now, the NSS hopes to get Singaporeans to treasure the area’s rich biodiversity, and is launching its first tour for the public on Jan 31. The three-hour tour will be held every last Saturday of the month, and will involve a 4-kilometre trek.
To sign up for the Kranji Bund Marshes tour, email contact@nss.org.sg.
Full media article on this effort on the wildsingapore news blog.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
The wetlands are the island’s last remaining chunk of freshwater marshes, and are home to threatened bird species. Measuring 90 hectares, the Kranji marshes have fallen victim to neglect, urbanisation and poachers over the years.
Now, the NSS hopes to get Singaporeans to treasure the area’s rich biodiversity, and is launching its first tour for the public on Jan 31. The three-hour tour will be held every last Saturday of the month, and will involve a 4-kilometre trek.
To sign up for the Kranji Bund Marshes tour, email contact@nss.org.sg.
Full media article on this effort on the wildsingapore news blog.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
29 Jan (Thu): Green Drinks with Ground-Up Initiative
Because you want to engage in a greater conversation about the environment, and steer it towards a positive outcome for the world.
This month, meet Tay Lai Hock from Ground-Up Initiative (GUI), who will give a talk on how he connects people with the earth, engaging volunteers in farming activities to better understand where their food comes from.
Time: 8-10pm
Venue: Food #03, 109 Rowell Road (Off Serangoon Rd in Little India) map
Website: Green Drinks Facebook Group
Contact: olivia@greendrinks.org
This month, meet Tay Lai Hock from Ground-Up Initiative (GUI), who will give a talk on how he connects people with the earth, engaging volunteers in farming activities to better understand where their food comes from.
Time: 8-10pm
Venue: Food #03, 109 Rowell Road (Off Serangoon Rd in Little India) map
Website: Green Drinks Facebook Group
Contact: olivia@greendrinks.org
27 Jan (Tue): Istana Open House
The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Chinese New Year. View the Istana gardens, and for an entrance fee of $2, view the Staterooms in the Istana Building. A variety of performances on the grounds also provide entertainment. You may also have the chance to have your photos taken with the President and First Lady when they come by to greet visitors.Time: 8.30am - 6pm
Venue: Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.
Charges: Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Others, including foreign visitors, are required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person.
Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg/
19-25 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead
For kids and the family
Talks this week
Some tips on visiting our wild places during the long holidays
The Lunar New Year long holidays usually draws unusually large crowds to our wild places including our parks and reserves, Pulau Ubin and other open places. To avoid the crowds, visit very early or later in the day. These are also the times when our wildlife is more active anyway.
Photo of the Week: Marcus found this strange sea anemone on Pulau Semakau which turned out to be a very rare one indeed!
It is the beautiful Heteractis crispa! See Marcus' The Annotated Budak blog for all the details.
- Mad Lessons on Carnivorous Plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place.
- Guided walks of the mangroves at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
- Guided walk at Evolution Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Talks this week
Some tips on visiting our wild places during the long holidays
The Lunar New Year long holidays usually draws unusually large crowds to our wild places including our parks and reserves, Pulau Ubin and other open places. To avoid the crowds, visit very early or later in the day. These are also the times when our wildlife is more active anyway.
- Be well prepared for an enjoyable trip.
- More info for visitors to our wild places on the wildsingapore website.
- 22 Feb (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
- 8 Feb (Sun): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau
- 7 Feb (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira
- 31 Jan (Sat): Tour of Kranji Marsh with the Nature Society (Singapore)
Photo of the Week: Marcus found this strange sea anemone on Pulau Semakau which turned out to be a very rare one indeed!
It is the beautiful Heteractis crispa! See Marcus' The Annotated Budak blog for all the details.
25 Jan (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.
Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
24-25 Jan (Sat-Sun): Asian Waterfowl Census
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
The annual Asian Waterfowl Census helps to obtain information on waterbird populations at various sites in Singapore. The data collected would be used as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of bird populations, as well as monitoring the status and conditions of wetlands in Singapore. This census also aims to encourage a greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands, and thereby promote their conservation in the region. We need your help in carrying out surveys at various sites. Join us from 3-6pm on Saturday and/or Sunday. If you can help, pleas email Lim Kim Keang at kklimsg@singnet.com.sg
Time: 3-6pm.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
The annual Asian Waterfowl Census helps to obtain information on waterbird populations at various sites in Singapore. The data collected would be used as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of bird populations, as well as monitoring the status and conditions of wetlands in Singapore. This census also aims to encourage a greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands, and thereby promote their conservation in the region. We need your help in carrying out surveys at various sites. Join us from 3-6pm on Saturday and/or Sunday. If you can help, pleas email Lim Kim Keang at kklimsg@singnet.com.sg
Time: 3-6pm.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
24 Jan (Sat): Guided walk at Evolution Garden
A free guided walk of this unique garden in the Botanic Gardens, that tells the story of how our plants came to be. An easy stroll on paved paths among strange plants.
Suitable for kids.
The 4pm tour is conducted in mandarin.
This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month.
Time: 9am (English tour) 4pm (Mandarin tour)
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361
Suitable for kids.
The 4pm tour is conducted in mandarin.
This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month.
Time: 9am (English tour) 4pm (Mandarin tour)
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361
24 Jan (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.
Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
21 Jan (Wed): MAD Lesson on Carnivorous Plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Can plants gobble insects up? Do we have such plants in Singapore? We will learn some fascinating facts about carnivorous plants and the special ways they grow, where to find them and how to grow them. This MAD lesson will also include information about how you can be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.For children between the ages of 5 and 10.
To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
Dates:
7 Jan (Wed), 2.30 to 4.30pm
11 Jan (Sun), 2.30 to 4.30pm
21 Jan (Wed), 9.30 to 11.30am
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge and poster.
Venue: All classes held at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
20 Jan (Tue): Talk on "International Wildlife Trade and the Pacific Rim: Law and Reality"
This talk is by Mr Bryan Christy, a lawyer, author, and Fulbright Scholar. He is the author of a new book, The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers, which tells the true story of America's biggest reptile smuggler, Mike Van Nostrand, and the federal agent who risks his career to stop him.
Illegal trade in critically endangered and protected species threatens their viability around the world. In the United States and East Asia this trade has been treated largely as an environmental issue, and not a criminal issue. As a result, penalties are insufficient to deter wildlife traffickers, and national budgets to finance and manage anti-trafficking efforts are inadequate. What is needed is a new legal framework for addressing wildlife crime, one that places less emphasis on 'environment' and more emphasis on 'crime.'
This Seminar examines some major wildlife smuggling cases, drawing from the history of one of the world's most unusual laws, the American Lacey Act, and adding in modern concepts of organized crime and how to combat it. It suggests a new paradigm, in which the word "wildlife" is removed from the issue of wildlife trade, and the word "criminal" is added.
The talk is hosted by the Faculty of Law, Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law, the National University of Singapore.
All are welcome.
To register, email lawmaksy@nus.edu.sg. There is no registration fee for this seminar but seats are limited.
More details on the eco-tax mailing list.
Time: 2pm
Venue: Lee Sheridan Conference Room, Eu Tong Sen Building
Directions to the NUS Law School
Contact: Ms Shirley Mak 6516 6246 or lawmaksy@nus.edu.sg.
Illegal trade in critically endangered and protected species threatens their viability around the world. In the United States and East Asia this trade has been treated largely as an environmental issue, and not a criminal issue. As a result, penalties are insufficient to deter wildlife traffickers, and national budgets to finance and manage anti-trafficking efforts are inadequate. What is needed is a new legal framework for addressing wildlife crime, one that places less emphasis on 'environment' and more emphasis on 'crime.'
This Seminar examines some major wildlife smuggling cases, drawing from the history of one of the world's most unusual laws, the American Lacey Act, and adding in modern concepts of organized crime and how to combat it. It suggests a new paradigm, in which the word "wildlife" is removed from the issue of wildlife trade, and the word "criminal" is added.
The talk is hosted by the Faculty of Law, Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law, the National University of Singapore.
All are welcome.
To register, email lawmaksy@nus.edu.sg. There is no registration fee for this seminar but seats are limited.
More details on the eco-tax mailing list.
Time: 2pm
Venue: Lee Sheridan Conference Room, Eu Tong Sen Building
Directions to the NUS Law School
Contact: Ms Shirley Mak 6516 6246 or lawmaksy@nus.edu.sg.
12-18 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead
Special events
Talks this week
Registration now open
A very greedy nudibranch seen at Pulau Hantu is the Photo of the Week. The little orange-spotted nudibranch eats other nudibranchs. But this time, has it bitten off more than it can chew? Read more about it on Chay Hoon's colourful clouds blog.
- Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin.
- Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park.
- Mangrove walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
- Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
- Guided walk at the National Orchid Garden.
Talks this week
- "Those Bamboozling Giant Grasses": about bamboos at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Registration now open
- 8 Feb (Sun): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau
- 7 Feb (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira
- 21 Jan (Wed): MAD lessons on carnivorous plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
A very greedy nudibranch seen at Pulau Hantu is the Photo of the Week. The little orange-spotted nudibranch eats other nudibranchs. But this time, has it bitten off more than it can chew? Read more about it on Chay Hoon's colourful clouds blog.
18 Jan (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove Boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.
Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact:info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
18 Jan (Sun): Birdwatching at Semakau
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Willie Foo leads this walk. This is a good time to visit Semakau for migrant surprises like the Chinese Egret and Ashy Drongo, as well as resident attractions like the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret and Malaysian Plover.
Booking required. IC or Passport is mandatory for boat boarding. Strictly for members only on a first come first serve basis. Children under 12 years old are not allowed (NEA regulation).
Time: 7.30am, meet at the West Coast Pier near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Return to mainland by 2.00pm.
Registration fee: Non-refundable fee of $28 for boat ride and administration. Send your cheques to NSS office by 10 Jan with the All-Purpose Form (back page). Number of persons per trip: 11, 22 or 33.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
Willie Foo leads this walk. This is a good time to visit Semakau for migrant surprises like the Chinese Egret and Ashy Drongo, as well as resident attractions like the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret and Malaysian Plover.
Booking required. IC or Passport is mandatory for boat boarding. Strictly for members only on a first come first serve basis. Children under 12 years old are not allowed (NEA regulation).
Time: 7.30am, meet at the West Coast Pier near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Return to mainland by 2.00pm.
Registration fee: Non-refundable fee of $28 for boat ride and administration. Send your cheques to NSS office by 10 Jan with the All-Purpose Form (back page). Number of persons per trip: 11, 22 or 33.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
18 Jan (Sun): Venus Drive to MacRitchie Ramble with the Nature Ramblers
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Led by Rehan Yusoff, this 4hr/8km ramble will take us through old orchards and shady forests along a trail to the Tree Top Walk. From there, we will make our way to a nook at Upper Peirce Reservoir for a picnic, so pack some snacks and drinks. The homeward route will lead us to Jelutong Tower for a view of MacRitchie Reservoir. We then return to Venus Drive through a new track. Booking not required.
Time: 7.30am. Meet at the Venus Drive public car park.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
Led by Rehan Yusoff, this 4hr/8km ramble will take us through old orchards and shady forests along a trail to the Tree Top Walk. From there, we will make our way to a nook at Upper Peirce Reservoir for a picnic, so pack some snacks and drinks. The homeward route will lead us to Jelutong Tower for a view of MacRitchie Reservoir. We then return to Venus Drive through a new track. Booking not required.
Time: 7.30am. Meet at the Venus Drive public car park.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
17 Jan (Sat): Rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
A Walk in an Ancient Forest: This free guided nature walk brings you along natural winding hillside trails under tall rainforest trees. Learn about our only substantial patch of primary rainforest, spot forest creatures and strange forest plants.Along a slightly undulating nature path, the walk is suitable for children aged 9 and above. The trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.
More about the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Central Nature Reserve and is held every third Saturday of the month.
Time: 9.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter at 9.25am.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Woon_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg or Tel:6554 5127
17 Jan (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.
Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
17 Jan (Sat): Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park
Eppy Walk What exactly is a mudskipper? And who is Fiddler crab or Sesamine crab? Does a dog-faced water snake look more like a dog or a snake? Join the team and discover answers to the questions above and more. And if we’re lucky, we may be able to see some of the seashore animals at the river mouth (depending on the tide conditions).Suitable for kids.
Registration closes one day before the walk date.
This walk is held every third Saturday. More details on the Pasir Ris Park website.
Time: 9-10am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Cost: $4/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg
17 Jan (Sat): Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin
Experience Ubin's wonderful nature through your senses along our Sensory Trail, the trail will brought you to the patch of herbs and spices and a "Secret Garden" to feel the original garden used to be on the island. Much more along the trail for you to explore.
This walk is held every third Saturday of the month.
For more details about this walk, see the NParks website
More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website and Ubin Volunteers blog
Time: Walks starts 9.30am and lasts for about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Pulau Ubin Main Information Kiosk next to the Ubin Jetty.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Jacky Soh jacky_soh@nparks.gov.sg or 65434734
This walk is held every third Saturday of the month.
For more details about this walk, see the NParks website
More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website and Ubin Volunteers blog
Time: Walks starts 9.30am and lasts for about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Pulau Ubin Main Information Kiosk next to the Ubin Jetty.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Jacky Soh jacky_soh@nparks.gov.sg or 65434734
17 Jan (Sat): Guided walk at the National Orchid Garden
A leisurely stroll through a garden of orchids and other special plants.
This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every third Saturday of the month.
A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.
Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm, register at Visitor Centre 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.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361
This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every third Saturday of the month.
A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.
Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm, register at Visitor Centre 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.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361
13 Jan (Tue): Talk on "Those Bamboozling Giant Grasses"
The Gardens' Talk Series is presenting a special guest!Prof Wong KM is an acknowledged expert on bamboos of the SE Asian flora and has worked in Brunei, Sabah as well as Singapore (then Parks & Recreation Department).
All are welcomed.
Click on the poster for a larger view of it.
Time: 4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Janice YAU Janice_YAU@nparks.gov.sg
5-11 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead
For kids and the whole family
Other events
Photo of the week is this mysterious shot of a ... crocodile! Taken by Brandon Chia, a young photographer who has been shooting since he was 10! He says "At first, i thought it's a log floating along the river..." Visit his flickr collection for more fantastic photos!
- MAD Lesson on Carnivorous Plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place on Wednesday and Sunday.
- Fun adventure with fruits and veggies.
- Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
- Getting to know MacRitchie walk.
- Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail.
- Mangrove clean up with Grant Pereira.
Other events
- Workshop for Nature Guides on Hard Corals by the Leafmonkey Workshop.
- Free screening of 11th Hour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
- 8 Feb (Sun): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau
- 7 Feb (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira
- 21 Jan (Wed): MAD lessons on carnivorous plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Photo of the week is this mysterious shot of a ... crocodile! Taken by Brandon Chia, a young photographer who has been shooting since he was 10! He says "At first, i thought it's a log floating along the river..." Visit his flickr collection for more fantastic photos!
11 Jan (Sun): MAD Lesson on Carnivorous Plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Can plants gobble insects up? Do we have such plants in Singapore? We will learn some fascinating facts about carnivorous plants and the special ways they grow, where to find them and how to grow them. This MAD lesson will also include information about how you can be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.For children between the ages of 5 and 10.
To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
Dates:
7 Jan (Wed), 2.30 to 4.30pm
11 Jan (Sun), 2.30 to 4.30pm
21 Jan (Wed), 9.30 to 11.30am
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge and poster.
Venue: All classes held at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
11 Jan (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.
Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
11 Jan (Sun): "Getting to know MacRitchie" walk
Want to about the history and importance of MacRitchie? "Getting to Know MacRitchie" is the walk for you. Starting at the roundabout within the park, the first portion of the walk will cover the history of MacRitchie and its relationship with water. The second portion of the walk will cover how the forests around the reservoir play a very important role in maintaining the water quality�in MacRitchie�and how the various flora and fauna, within the forests, are vital to life. The walk will weave through the forest trail and end at the bandstand. This walk is also available in Mandarin, upon request.
These free walks are held every second Sunday of the month. Kindly dress in comfortable clothing and shoes for this walk. Do bring along water and an umbrella. In the event of bad weather, the walk will be cancelled.
For more information and registration, please call 6554-5127.
Time: 9am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Call 65545127 for enquiry and/or free registration.
These free walks are held every second Sunday of the month. Kindly dress in comfortable clothing and shoes for this walk. Do bring along water and an umbrella. In the event of bad weather, the walk will be cancelled.
For more information and registration, please call 6554-5127.
Time: 9am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Call 65545127 for enquiry and/or free registration.
10 Jan (Sat): Nature walk at the MacRitchie Prunus Trail
Botanical wonders of MacRitchie. Free guided nature walk along boardwalks hugging the MacRitchie Reservoir. Learn about this mature secondary, spot forest and aquatic wildlife, enjoy panaromic views of waters surrounded by luxuriant forest.Suitable for young children.
More about the MacRitchie Prunus Trail on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks Central Nature Reserve and is held every second Saturday of the month.
Time: 9.30am. Meet at entrance of the trail, about 50m after the canoe kiosk on the eastern side of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Woon_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.
10 Jan (Sat): Free screening of "The 11th Hour"
Humankind's 11th hour is here: the last moment when we can change course and stop our rush toward global ecological collapse. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio produces and narrates this urgent and transformational look at where we've been, where we're going and - most important - how we can change.
Thinkers from Mikhail Gorbachev to Stephen Hawking to sustainable-design expert William McDonough and dozens more reveal the current, critical state of life on planet earth. Astonishing images of floods, fires, hurricanes, collapsing ice cliffs and growing mountains of waste juxtaposed with images of a sustainable future urge us to take action. Will we employ exciting new technologies and change our behavior to save our planets? The crisis is now; but we do have the solutions to save this unique blue planet for future generations.
It's our generation that gets to change the world... forever!
Admission is free, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Time: 10.30am and 4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Thinkers from Mikhail Gorbachev to Stephen Hawking to sustainable-design expert William McDonough and dozens more reveal the current, critical state of life on planet earth. Astonishing images of floods, fires, hurricanes, collapsing ice cliffs and growing mountains of waste juxtaposed with images of a sustainable future urge us to take action. Will we employ exciting new technologies and change our behavior to save our planets? The crisis is now; but we do have the solutions to save this unique blue planet for future generations.It's our generation that gets to change the world... forever!
Admission is free, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Time: 10.30am and 4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
10 Jan (Sat): Plant diversity in the heart of a housing estate
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Shawn Lum leads this walk. We've been to this park numerous times before, and on this visit we'll repeat many of the activities we've done in the past: Learn about some plants, identify and survey some trees, and think about forests, but we'll do so in the context of the Plant Group's plans for 2009. We hope to give member the opportunity to survey, study and propagate plants for specific habitats and/or species recovery projects in the new year, and we feel that Ang Mo Kio Town Garden is as good a place as any to start.
Time: 9.30am. Meet in front of the Ang Mo Kio Library and we'll stroll over to Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
Shawn Lum leads this walk. We've been to this park numerous times before, and on this visit we'll repeat many of the activities we've done in the past: Learn about some plants, identify and survey some trees, and think about forests, but we'll do so in the context of the Plant Group's plans for 2009. We hope to give member the opportunity to survey, study and propagate plants for specific habitats and/or species recovery projects in the new year, and we feel that Ang Mo Kio Town Garden is as good a place as any to start.
Time: 9.30am. Meet in front of the Ang Mo Kio Library and we'll stroll over to Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
10 Jan (Sat): Horseshoe crab rescue and research
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Pre-registeration required: email Dr Hsu at hsu_chia_chi@hotmail.com, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school / company), experience (if any) and contact details for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (HSC). We have also started an on-going HSC Training & Accreditation Programme for anyone keen to be a qualified HSC R&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, insect repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.
Time: 3.30pm, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight at the Chinese temple along Kranji Loop, cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts beside Leong Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
Pre-registeration required: email Dr Hsu at hsu_chia_chi@hotmail.com, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school / company), experience (if any) and contact details for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (HSC). We have also started an on-going HSC Training & Accreditation Programme for anyone keen to be a qualified HSC R&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, insect repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.
Time: 3.30pm, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight at the Chinese temple along Kranji Loop, cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts beside Leong Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.
10 Jan (Sat): Fun Adventure with Fruits & Veggies
Learn where healthy, yummy fruits and vegetables really come from in nature. Be amazed by the many different types of fruits and vegetables that we have in our Children’s Garden! Feast your eyes on a visual treat in this guided tour. Join us to learn about amazing fruit and vegetable facts.For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg . Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")
Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels.
Time: 10-11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $6 per child, $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg
10 Jan (Sat): Forest walk at Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail
A free guided nature walk through a rainforest right in the heart of the city! Along paved trails, under the shade of giant trees, learn about our rainforests, spot forest creatures and strange plants.Suitable for young children.
More about the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail on the wildsingapore website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NPark's Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every second Saturday of the month.
A special Mandarin version of this tour is at 4pm.
Time: 9am, 10am, 11am, 4pm; Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One hour.
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services, 64717361 or NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG
10 Jan (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.
Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
10 Jan (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Clean up with Grant Pereira
Make a difference for our mangroves! Be prepared to end up sweaty, dirty but have fun and a great sense of satisfaction.
To register to help, contact Grant Pereira at grant@singapore.com giving your name and mobile number.
Other dates for this event: 7 Feb (Sat) and 7 Mar (Sat)
Time: 3.30pm
Contact: Grant Pereira at grant@singapore.com
To register to help, contact Grant Pereira at grant@singapore.com giving your name and mobile number.
Other dates for this event: 7 Feb (Sat) and 7 Mar (Sat)
Time: 3.30pm
Contact: Grant Pereira at grant@singapore.com
9 Jan (Fri): Workshop for Nature Guides - Hard Corals
The Hard Cnidarians Workshopby the Leafmonkey Workshop
What are "hard cnidarians"? These aren't difficult cnidarians, but corals with hard skeletons!
The focus of this workshop is on connecting ordinary people with nature. If you are a nature guide and have been struggling, trying to digest and convert biological facts to fun stories for your visitors, this workshop is for you!
This workshop aims to bring experienced and new nature guides together to brainstorm ideas. Let's learn from one another, and come up with new ways to share our passion.
Be prepared to work hard, have fun, make new friends and definitely learn new ways of looking at guiding and our wild places.
SPEAKER
Jeffrey Low, Blue Water Volunteers and NParks
Jeff is a marine biologist by training and profession. He is the scientific officer of Blue Water Volunteers and Hard Coral Master (see his flickr coral guide). Jeff also conducts a series of ReefFriends training sessions for volunteer divers surveying our shores.
Jeff giving a talk about corals in Singapore at the International Year of the Reef 2008 launch, Reef Celebrations, with a video clip of his talk on the Singapore Celebrates our Reefs blog.
More details of the event on the Leafmonkey Workshop
Time: 7 - 9.30pm
Venue: Civil Service College, 31 North Buona Vista Road Singapore 275983 [Map]
Website: http://leafmonkeyworkshop.blogspot.com/
Contact: leafmonkey@gmail.com
7 Jan (Wed): MAD Lesson on Carnivorous Plants with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Can plants gobble insects up? Do we have such plants in Singapore? We will learn some fascinating facts about carnivorous plants and the special ways they grow, where to find them and how to grow them. This MAD lesson will also include information about how you can be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.For children between the ages of 5 and 10.
To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
Dates:
7 Jan (Wed), 2.30 to 4.30pm
11 Jan (Sun), 2.30 to 4.30pm
21 Jan (Wed), 9.30 to 11.30am
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge and poster.
Venue: All classes held at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
29 Dec - 4 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead
For kids and the family
This beautiful snake is our photo of the week! Most snakes will not harm you if you leave them alone. An encounter with a wild snake can be magical!
- Kitchen Garden tour at Pasir Ris Park.
- Nature walk at the Lower Peirce Boardwalk.
- Mangrove walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
- Green Vibes at Bishan Park: an educational tour of a vegetable garden.
- Edible and medicinal plants tour at the Botanic Gardens.
- 10 Jan (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira
- 9 Jan (Fri): Workshop for Nature Guides - Hard Corals with Jeffrey Low conducted by the Leafmonkey Workshop.
- 7 Jan (Wed) and 11 Jan (Sun) and 21 Jan (Wed): MAD lessons on carnivorous plants for kids with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
This beautiful snake is our photo of the week! Most snakes will not harm you if you leave them alone. An encounter with a wild snake can be magical!
4 Jan (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.
Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
3 Jan (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.Suitable for young children.
Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.
Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401
3 Jan (Sat): Green Vibes at Bishan Park
Don't Just Eat Your Vegetable! Learn More About Them @ Green Vibes - An Educational Tour in a Vegetable Garden.An oasis of greenery with more than 100 species of vegetables and herbs awaits you. Located right in the heartlands, Green Vibes offer visitors a chance to experience its bounty and wealth of agricultural crops up close. There is truly something for everyone in the family.
More details on the NParks website.
This event is held every first Saturday of the month.
Time: 9-10am
Venue: Bishan Park (next to Bishan Road)
Contact: Register with Gin Chua at 64597744 or chua_tiong_ghim@nparks.gov.sg
3 Jan (Sat): Nature walk at Lower Peirce Boardwalk
Up Close and Personal at Lower Peirce. Free guided nature walk along boardwalks through cool, shady forests and by the Lower Peirce Reservoir. Learn about our forests, spot forest and aquatic wildlife, enjoy panaromic views of waters surrounded by luxuriant forest.Suitable for young children.
More about the Lower Peirce Trail on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks Central Nature Reserve and is held every first Saturday of the month.
Time: 9.30am. Meet at Casuarina Entrance of the trail along Old Upper Thomson Road, which is a 2-minute walk from Casuarina Road.
Tour duration: One-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.
3 Jan (Sat): Kitchen Garden tour at Pasir Ris Park
Excite your senses with our Kitchen Garden Tour. Find out how vegetables are grown before it gets onto your plate! You will also learn about some natural remedies that our grandmothers might have planted in their own backyard.Suitable for children from K1-P6 levels.
To register, please contact Wei Teng at 64653305 or email chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg
This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month
Time: 9am - 10am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Cost: $4 per person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg
3 Jan (Sat): Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens
Join this free tour by our volunteer guides and spice up your knowledge of Edible and Medicinal Plants.
This tour is conducted every first Saturday. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the tour starts.
More information on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.
Time: 9am and 10am, register 15 minutes before the tour at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)
This tour is conducted every first Saturday. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the tour starts.
More information on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.
Time: 9am and 10am, register 15 minutes before the tour at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)
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