wild happenings in singapore: June 2016

20-26 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference

Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research Programme

The June school holidays are here! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy.

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

9 Jul (Sat): FREE Guided Herp Walk at Pasir Ris Mangrove

Herps are reptiles like lizards and snakes, and amphibians like frogs. Let the HSS volunteers introduce you to some delightful and interesting herps in their inaugural walk.

In an effort to promote an awareness of Singapore’s natural and historical heritage, and to promote conversations amongst Singaporeans, the Herpetological Society of Singapore has begun the Herp Walk @ Lower Peirce. 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!

The walk is free but registration is required online.

Time: 6 - 9pm
Venue: Pasir Ris Park. More details on their blog.
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

31 Jul (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 /

27 Jun (Mon): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

Open to all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance. More details and registration online, 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 8-10am
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre). More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Jun (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and 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: 8am - 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.

26 Jun (Sun): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

26 Jun (Sun): Paint Along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

25 Jun (Sat): Young Naturalist Camp at Sungei Buloh

This one-day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities.

Suitable for children from 7 to 12 years. Limited to 40 children. More details and registration online.

Time: 8.30am- 3.30pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Neo Tiew Crescent entrance)
Cost: Registration fee of $5 for the camp will go into SBWR education fund. Please make your cheque payable to Garden City Fund. The form and cheque to be posted to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925. Acknowledgment e-mail will be sent upon receiving the form and cheque. Each participant needs to purchase a 50 cents young naturalist passport at the registration table.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 Jun (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/

25 Jun (Sat): Coney Island Park Guided Tour

Did you know that Coney Island Park has a very interesting history?

Come follow our volunteer guides to find out more and learn more about the interesting flora and fauna found on the island.

Limited to 30 participants. Register online.

Time: 9 - 11am
Venue: Coney Island Park, West Entrance
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 Jun (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 Nature Keeper Camp will be carried out Dairy Farm Nature Park. The half-day nature camp also 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.

Registration online.

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

25 Jun (Sat): Mandarin guided tour at Sungei Buloh

Join us for a morning guided walk around the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

This guided walk is suitable for everyone, including families with children.

The walk will be cancelled in the event of rain. Number of participants is limited to 20 people. Minimum number of participants is 5. Register online.

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

23 Jun (Thu): The Birthday Party: Sara at The Children's Garden

Sara is celebrating her baby brother's birthday party. At the last minute, she realizes she forgot the birthday present!

Help Sara search for the perfect gift at the Children's Garden. Along the way, have a fun and memorable experience in this Garden dedicated to children.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels.

Register online.

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “The Birthday Party. Sara at the Children’s Garden” workbook); $6 per accompanying parent.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

20 Jun (Mon): Sara goes Carbon Footprinting - a guided tour for kids

Join Sara, the Botanicosaurus, and her new friend, Rana the Frog in this tour and learn about carbon footprints and the many little but important things that all of us can do to make a difference for our home, Planet Earth!

Participants will also be introduced to some useful and multi-purpose trees and learn how to reuse and recycle objects from home and nature, and transform them into useful items for decorative or practical purposes!!

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 and 6465 0196 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Register online.

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “Sara Goes Carbon Footprinting" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13-19 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids the family

Walks in wild places

The June school holidays are here! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy.

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

19 Jun (Sun): Kayak the Hidden Waterways of Sungei Khatib Bongsu

Open to the Public - Members Priority - Registration Needed

Everything at Sungei Khatib Bongsu seems to grow bigger, from clams to trees. Its waterways are confusing, making navigation a challenge. Once inside, it is hard to know where things are relative to each other. Kayaking beneath the hanging roots of an immense fig, one wonders if Sungei Khatib Bongsu could be conserved as one of Singapore’s last great rivers. Join us to explore this natural playground.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.45am-1pm
Venue: Sungei Khatib Bongsu.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

18 Jun (Sat): Evening Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

This walk is offered in collaboration with NParks and we will explore the new broadwalk which will give us excellent views across the Kranji Marshes. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Yellow Bittern, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more. The walk will start from Turut Track and will last about 3 hours.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 4 - 6.30pm
Venue: Meet at at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre coach bay at Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT station. From here, a hired bus will ferry us to the starting point of our walk at Turut Track.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

18 Jun (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/`

18 Jun (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/

18 Jun (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/

18 Jun (Sat): Coney Island Park Guided Tour

Did you know that Coney Island Park has a very interesting history?

18 Jun (Sat): Fun walk along the Southern Ridges

Take your family on a leisurely stroll through the Southern Ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is steeped in history and home to some of nature's greatest gifts of flora and fauna.

Highlights of the free tour include the Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Forest Walk and Singing Forest.

More details and registration online.

Time: 9 - 11am
Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multipurpose Plaza
Meeting Point: Entrance of Henderson Waves at the Mount Faber Park side
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Jun (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Bukit Batok Nature Park

Bukit Batok Nature Park was developed around the abandoned quarry site in 1988. The serene ambience of the park provides and ideal backdrop for a peaceful nature walks.

Join us for a free Guided Nature Appreciation Walk to find out more about the flora and fauna that can be found in the Nature Park!

What to bring: Water, rain gear, umbrella, hat
What to wear: Comfortable T-shirt, long pants, and covered hiking shoes
Group Size: Max 15 participants per group

Registration required online. All participants must be registered.

Time: 9.30-11am
Venue: Bukit Batok Nature Park, Open Space in front of Information Kiosk.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Jun (Fri): Incredible Freshwater Wildlife Workshop with Cicada Tree Eco-Place

It’s an amazing world inside a freshwater habitat. Here live fantastic critters with fantastic capabilities. Above a freshwater pond, colourful dragonflies chase mosquitoes while underwater their fierce aquatic babies ambush tadpoles and small fish. Many other insects have adapted to a life underwater, such as the diving beetle and water scorpion. Some like the water skater stay high and dry by living on the water’s surface. Aquatic critters need unpolluted freshwater to complete their life cycles.

In this workshop, participants will learn about local freshwater habitats, who lives in them and what are their special adaptations, followed by a guided visit to the freshwater ponds in the park.

To register, email NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg. Please provide your name, contact number and number of participants. After which, payment has to be made by cheque by 10 June 2016.

Join us for the 'Connecting with Nature' programmes featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature. More details on the NParks website.

Time: 10am – 12nn
Meeting point: HortPark, Visitor Services Centre
Cost: $25/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Jun (Tue): Storytime with Sara at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling session, specially designed for little ones. Children will explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with Sara the Botanicosaurus and her squirrel friends, Fluff-tail and Twitchy. To conclude the programme, children will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with plants that are featured in the story, and even have the chance to rock the Suspension Bridge and play hide-and-seek in the Maze.

Suitable for children in N1 – K2 Levels

Register online.

For enquiry, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 64719961 and 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child, $6 per accompanying adult

Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

6-12 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

Pesta Ubin is Pulau Ubin Open House (14 May - 12 Jun). Once a year only! People passionate about Ubin share special activities with the public.

Fun for the whole family!

More than 60 activities over five weeks, many free of charge. Simply come to Pulau Ubin and join the fun! Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest!

Ubin happenings this week

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

The June school holidays are here! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy.

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

12 Jun (Sun): Ubin's Animal Puppet workshop for children and families by Jacquelyn Soo

Kids and families! Learn from Jacquelyn about the Animals that live on Ubin Island!

Jacquelyn Soo with an awesome map of Pulau Ubin
created by kids at her art workshop during Ubin Day 2014.

During this Pesta Ubin workshop, children will learn to make their own Ubin Animal puppet which they can carry it around the island and pretend to be the animal of the day. With luck, the children may encounter their animal friends in the wild!

Kids can choose to learn to make these Ubin Animals: Otter, Hornbill Bird, Macaque Monkey, Wild Boar and Mousedeer!

For children 3 to 12 years old. Minimum 10 children, maximum 15 children per workshop.

Dates: 5 Jun (Sun), 12 Jun (Sun)
Time: 1-1.45pm, 2-2.45pm, 3-3.45pm, 4-4.45pm
Venue: Uncle Lim's shop opposite the Wayang Stage, No. 42 Pulau Ubin. 3min walk from Ubin Jetty (map).
Cost: $6 per puppet. Payable to Jacquelyn on the day of the workshop. All materials will be provided by the Artist, Jacquelyn Soo.

To reserve a spot, please email: jpadifields@gmail.com. Walk-in participants are also welcomed. Just come to Uncle Lim's shop!

About Jacquelyn Soo
Jacquelyn Soo is a a multi-disciplinary artist who practices in performance art, installation art and community art. She teaches children, families and youths workshops that are community-based. In the last 10 years, Soo has presented her works in Southeast Asia, America and Europe through exhibitions and artist in residency programmes. Soo represented Singapore for the 1st Jakarta Triennale in November 2013 at Nasional Gallerie, Jakarta.

11 Jun (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun with Creatures of the Night @ Pulau Ubin

Join the Education Committee and Vertebrate Study Group (VSG) of the Nature Society (Singapore) as we seek out Ubin’s nocturnal wildlife as part of Pesta Ubin.

Common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)

The shy civet is among the creatures
you may spot during this special walk.

As darkness descends, we will make our way along Ubin’s kampong roads flanked by secondary forest in parts. Move quietly and we might chance upon snakes, civets, and perhaps even glimpse an owl or the Greater Mousedeer.

Open to anyone 7 years old and above who must be able to walk quietly and slowly for two hours. Maximum 40 persons. You will need to bring your own torch and water. Binoculars will be loaned out for free to all who need them.

Date: 11 Jun (Sat)
Time: 7.45pm - 10 pm.
Venue: Meet 7.30pm at the Assembly Area opposite the HSBC Volunteer Hub (map).
Cost: Per child (7 to 12 years old) at $5 for Nature Society (Singapore) members and $10 for non-members. Fees will be collected on the spot. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge. Adults with no kids are welcome too at no charge.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/

Registration is required. Please register all participants (kids and adults) at http://tinyurl.com/nsskidsubinnightcreatures. Contact Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com for any enquiries. Closing date: 29 May. Confirmation details will be emailed to registrants after the closing date.

Arrangements have been made for a bumboat (or two) to be available for your travel back to the mainland. They will charge about $50 per boat instead of $36 per boat. With only one or two bumboats, it may take a while to transport a large group back to the mainland. Thank you for your patience!

11 Jun (Sat): Forest Clean Up with Jalan Hijau Group, Nature Society (Singapore)

For Pesta Ubin, make a difference for Pulau Ubin, classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) with a variety of healthy habitats rich in animals and plants.

Ubin's forests are home for amazing wildlife.
Help keep the forests clean!

Join us as we make a difference in this charming and rustic island by helping to clean up its forest. Learn about the negative effects of litter on our environment and understand how you can do your part to be better stewards of nature through the principles of Leave No Trace.

Maximum 25 participants. Details will be emailed to registered participants closer to the activity date.

Date: 11 Jun (Sat)
Time: 9am - 12noon
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/ for enquiries please contact Kerry at kerry@nss.org.sg

No charge, the activity is free!
Registration required. Please register at http://tinyurl.com/forestcleanupubin

11 Jun (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 Singapor e.

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/

11 Jun (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/

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

11 Jun (Sat): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

Open to all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance. More details and registration online, 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre). More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 Jun (Sat): Coney Island Park Guided Tour

Did you know that Coney Island Park has a very interesting history?

11 Jun (Sat): Bird Watching along the Southern Ridges

Join us for this free birdwatching tour at the Southern Ridges, where up to 43 species of birds have been spotted so far. Volunteer guides from STMicroelectronics will take you through the Forest Walk and the Singing Forest in search of these beautiful birds. Do bring along a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom function for a better experience.

Maximum group size 40 persons.

More details and registration online.

Time: 7.30 - 9.30am
Meeting Point: Mount Faber Park, Entrance of Henderson Waves
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

10 Jun (Fri): Night Critters Walk by Cicada Tree Eco-Place

Specially for kids and their families for Pesta Ubin. As dusk falls on Pulau Ubin, shy and secretive nocturnal wildlife start to wake up. Expect to see surprising sightings of native wildlife such as the Musang (Palm Civet Cat), Wild Pigs, and if we are really, really lucky, the Pangolin (Scaly Ant-eater) on our slow easy walk.

Our exciting walks as dusk falls!

Several species of owl live on Ubin, so we may also get to see, or at least hear, the Spotted Wood-owl, Collared Scops-owl and the Brown Hawk-owl. Our nature guides will use their torchlights to try and spot them, and the Large-tailed Nightjar, another native nocturnal bird. We might even encounter some snakes!

We will only be going on level trails, so this walk is suitable for wheelchairs and baby strollers.

All participants to wear full-length long pants, socks and fully covered shoes. Bring torchlight and batteries, umbrella, your refillable water bottle and a snack.

Maximum 30 persons.

Date: 10 Jun (Fri)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Meeting point: At the Assembly Area opposite the HSBC Volunteer Hub (map).
Cost: $10 for participants 5 years and above, to be paid upon meet-up.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

Registration required. Register at http://tinyurl.com/nightcritterswalk-ctep2016. For enquiries, email Vilma vilma.drozario@gmail.com

Arrangements have been made for a bumboat (or two) to be available for your travel back to the mainland. They will charge about $50 per boat instead of $36 per boat. With only one or two bumboats, it may take a while to transport a large group back to the mainland. Thank you for your patience!

10 Jun (Fri): I want to be a Wildlife Surveyor! with Cicada Tree Eco-Place

Our natural rainforests and seashores are homes to an amazing diversity of wildlife. What about our urban parks and gardens? Are some wild critters able to adapt and make their homes near ours? Can our man-made gardens become more attractive to wildlife to encourage them to stay and to provide suitable food sources for them to survive?

Join us for the 'Connecting with Nature' programmes featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

Participants will learn basic techniques to conduct a wildlife survey in the park and to present their findings.

To register, email NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg. Please provide your name, contact number and number of participants. After which, payment has to be made by cheque by 31 May 2016.

Time: 10am – 12nn
Meeting point: HortPark, Visitor Services Centre
Cost: $25/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

10 Jun (Fri): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

Open to all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance. More details and registration online, 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre). More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Jun (Thu): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

Open to all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance. More details and registration online, 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre). More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Jun (Wed): Discover Ubin with Strix Wildlife Consultancy

Join this very special Pesta Ubin walk by Strix Wildlife Consultancy led by Subaraj Rajathurai, the foremost nature guide in Singapore.

Together with other experienced and knowledgeable field naturalists, expect amazing encounters and delightful discoveries during this night walk at Pulau Ubin. As well as fascinating stories about the history and heritage of Pulau Ubin.

Please bring along insect repellent, sun-screen, sun-hat, poncho, bottle of water. Optional items if you have them, do bring along your binoculars and a camera.

Maximum 40 persons, first-come-first-served.

Date: 1 Jun (Wed) and 8 Jun (Wed)
Time: 8am - 11am, meet at 7.40am.
Meeting point: Assembly Area opposite the HSBC Volunteer Hub (map).
Cost: $15 per participant, payment on the spot. Proceeds will be donated to the Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society (Singapore).
Website: http://www.subaraj.com/

No registration required! Just turn up at the meeting point by 7.40am, payment on the spot. Maximum 40 persons, first-come-first-served.

30 May - 5 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

Pesta Ubin is Pulau Ubin Open House (14 May - 12 Jun). Once a year only! People passionate about Ubin share special activities with the public.

Fun for the whole family!

Ubin happenings early next week

8 Jun (Wed): Discover Ubin with Strix Wildlife Consultancy

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

The June school holidays are here! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy.

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

5 Jun (Sun): Ubin's Animal Puppet workshop for children and families by Jacquelyn Soo

Kids and families! Learn from Jacquelyn about the Animals that live on Ubin Island!

Jacquelyn Soo with an awesome map of Pulau Ubin
created by kids at her art workshop during Ubin Day 2014.

For children 3 to 12 years old. Minimum 10 children, maximum 15 children per workshop.

Dates: 5 Jun (Sun), 12 Jun (Sun)
Time: 1-1.45pm, 2-2.45pm, 3-3.45pm, 4-4.45pm
Venue: Uncle Lim's shop opposite the Wayang Stage, No. 42 Pulau Ubin. 3min walk from Ubin Jetty. (map)
Cost: $6 per puppet. Payable to Jacquelyn on the day of the workshop. All materials will be provided by the Artist, Jacquelyn Soo.

To reserve a spot, please email: jpadifields@gmail.com. Walk-in participants are also welcomed. Just come to Uncle Lim's shop!

About Jacquelyn Soo
Jacquelyn Soo is a a multi-disciplinary artist who practices in performance art, installation art and community art. She teaches children, families and youths workshops that are community-based. In the last 10 years, Soo has presented her works in Southeast Asia, America and Europe through exhibitions and artist in residency programmes. Soo represented Singapore for the 1st Jakarta Triennale in November 2013 at Nasional Gallerie, Jakarta.

5 Jun (Sun): Mangrove Kayaking Expedition with Adventures by Asian Detours

Get ready for an adventure with Adventures by Asian Detours as we bring you through an extraordinary journey basking in the sights and sounds of Pulau Ubin's lush mangroves!

Get close to the mangroves!

Part of Pesta Ubin, this is a great adventure that doesn't require high levels of fitness or skills, making it perfect for beginners and families.

Led by our experienced kayak guides, your journey begins with a short length of open sea kayaking and leads you into the serene mangroves, where you will find thriving wildlife.

Enjoy the serenity of the mangroves!

With access to the heart of the mangroves, you can be in close proximity of mangrove inhabitants like the blue-spotted mudskipper, collared kingfisher, scaly-breasted munia and more.

Date: 5 June (Sunday)
Start time: 9.30am
End time: Before 2pm
Meeting point: Next to Ubin jetty, at the beach behind the bicycle shops
Cost: $35 per adult / $30 per child (Prices listed are before GST).

Children have to be above 7 years old to join this activity.
Children aged 7 - 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Quality equipment and safety gear will be provided.

Note: there are limited spaces for this adventure and is subject to first-come-first-serve registration.

Registration required. Sign up now to avoid disappointment! Register online.

For more information about our adventures, please go to http://adventures.asiandetours.com

5 Jun (Sun): Ubin's Commonest Bird Quest with Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group

Join the Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group on this exciting quest to find out more about Pulau Ubin’s common, but fascinating, birds during Pesta Ubin.

Oriental pied-hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)

Some of Ubin's common birds are large,
yet requires skill to spot!

Teams of 2-4 persons will go about Pulau Ubin within a fixed time period to list common bird species seen or heard.

Don’t worry if you are new to birdwatching. Complete novices will be partnered with more experienced birders. This is a great opportunity to learn from the experts!

Time: 7.30am – 11am
Venue: Meet at the Big Map of Ubin at the entrance of Ubin Jetty (map).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/

Cost: The activity is free but participants are to pay their bumboat cost to Pulau Ubin ($3 per person one-way).
Registration required. Registration on the Nature Society website (click on the 'attend' button on the page).

5 Jun (Sun): Kayaking Sungei Jelutong with Nature Society (Singapore) and Kayakasia

For families and kids! Explore Sungei Jelutong. A gem in the heart of rustic Pulau Ubin, it is one of the most interesting mangrove rivers in Singapore.

A rare opportunity to get close to mangroves!

Come, join us for a leisurely 1-hour guided paddle where our volunteer guides will share interesting facts on the flora and fauna along the river, the importance of our coastal forests, and what we can do to conserve them. This trip is suitable for both adults and children.

More details and registration on the Pesta Ubin blog.

Date: 5 Jun (Sun)
Time: At intervals from 9m to 3pm.
Cost: $20 per person.

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