19 - 25 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places



YES! You can dive in Singapore




MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

25 Sep (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.

24 Sep (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/

24 Sep (Sat): MacRitchie Nature Walk with BES Drongos

Join the volunteers of BES Drongos on a remarkable adventure through the stunning forests in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve along the well-trodden Petai Trail!
The BES Drongos are a group of nature lovers from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS) who have come together to manage guided walks open to everyone and anyone. We want to bring people to appreciate and understand local biodiversity and our ecological systems in Singapore through our guided walks on the Petai Trail at Macritchie Reservoir Park.

More information and registration online.

Time: 8.45am - 12noon
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

24 Sep (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/

12 - 18 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

18 Sep (Sun): NSS Kids’ Fun with Caterpillars & Butterflies at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join nine-year old butterfly guide Soh Zhi Bing to learn more about caterpillars: how they look, move and the kind of leaves they eat. Kids will get to see live caterpillars in action. Zhi Bing will then lead us around the park's compact and charming Butterfly Garden, lush with well-tended flowering shrubs and butterfly host plants. On a sunny day, expect to see beautiful butterflies such as the Plain Tiger, Blue Glassy Tiger, Lemon Emigrant, Common Grass Yellow and Tawny Coster. If we are lucky, Singapore's National Butterfly by popular vote, the Common Rose, might make an appearance as its host plant is found in the garden.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
Cost: NSS Member: $5 per child, Non-Member: $10 per child. Fees will be collected on the spot. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

18 Sep (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! This time, we’re teaming up with Little Green Men, a group dedicated to making the world a more eco-friendly place!

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/

18 Sep (Sun): Love MacRitchie Walk by Toddycats - Venus Drive

Join the NUS Toddycats of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in discovering the forest! Learn about amazing plants and animals living in our backyard as part of the Love Our MacRitchie Forest movement.
The MacRitchie Forest Trail at Venus Drive meanders along the banks of a crystal-clear forest stream that is full of freshwater life. Here live dragons and damsels, freshwater crabs and prawns, the Puff-faced Watersnake, Pygmy Halfbeak and Saddle Barb. Look out, too, for the Green Crested Lizard, Red-bellied Squirrel, Long-tailed Macaque, Blue-rumped Parrot and Colugo. Walk in the cool shade of old trees. Feel a kind of natural peace that only a rainforest can give.

The trail here is a dirt path which is relatively level and suitable for children and the elderly. Be prepared for some mud.

Come with us, and learn more about this rainforest. Feel our natural heritage at risk.

Register online.

Time: 8.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Venus Drive
Website: http://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/

17 Sep (Sat): Trees of the Fort

Did you know that a Kapok tree can grow up to 40 metres high? Let our nature-loving guides bring you on a journey to find out more about our heritage trees and other beautiful trees like the towering Kapok, flaky Gelam and magnificent Madras Thorn!
This is part of the ‘Connecting with Nature’ programmes featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

Maximum group size 30 persons. Register online.

Time: 10am - 11.30am
Venue: Meeting Point, Roundabout, between Fort Canning Art Center and Hotel Fort Canning.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Sep (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: 9am - 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/

17 Sep (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/`

17 Sep (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/

17 Sep (Sat): Nature Sketching in the Gardens with Pui San

NParks announcement: We apologise that this session has been cancelled. Please join our next available session on 19 Nov 2016.

Enjoy nature creatively through this engaging, fun and therapeutic activity. Join our volunteer artist, Mr Tham Pui San, as he teaches and guides you in acquiring drawing and observation skills to equip you for an interesting journey of nature appreciation.
Please bring along your own sketching materials. Recommended sketching materials to bring:
• Drawing or sketching block , A3 or A4 size, with a strong rigid back page for support
• Pencils of 2B and 4B softness grade
• Sharpener
• Small piece of sand paper (medium grade)
• Cotton buds
• Normal eraser
• Kneadable eraser or blue tack

This event is held every third Saturday of every alternate month

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 9am - 11am
Venue: Meet at the Service Desk, Botany Centre (Tanglin Entrance). Registration is required 15mins before the activity on a first-come-first-served basis at the desk. Limited to maximum 20 adults per session.
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: 6471 7361 and NParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg

17 Sep (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 Centre
Please meet at Information Counter, Neo Tiew entrance
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Sep (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

17 Sep (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Lower Peirce

Re-discover the wonders of Lower Peirce through this free nature appreciation guided walk. Along the shady, cool boardwalk, discover and learn about the amazing plants and animals that can be found along the trails.
Keep an eye out for pitcher plants, Macaranga (Ant-plant) and Nibong palms as well as macaques and on lucky days we might even get spot the Flying lemur (Colugo) in action. Gain a greater appreciation of Singapore’s rich natural heritage and the need to protect it for our future generations.

More details and registration online.

Time: 9.30 - 11am
Venue: Lower Peirce Board Walk. Meet at entrance of Hevea Trail Entrance.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 - 11 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

The September 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.

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!

Concerned about Zika and going outdoors?

Here's advice from the Ministry of Health:
"Travellers to countries with local transmission of the Zika virus should protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long, covered clothing, applying insect-repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets or in rooms with wire-mesh screens to keep out mosquitoes. They should seek medical attention promptly if they become unwell."
For more information on Zika, please refer to the Zika microsite at www.gov.sg/microsites/zika.


MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

11 Sep (Sun): Waders Watch at Sungei Buloh

For visitors keen on learning more about identification and habits of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves wading birds, do sign up for Waders Watch.
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
The 90 minute workshop will begin with a short introduction to bird watching by experienced birders, before taking participants into the reserve to practice their newly-learnt skills.

Limited to 20 participants. Registration online.

Time: 1pm - 3pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 Sep (Sun): FREE evening walk at Ubin

Join the R.U.M. volunteers on a leisurely walk from Ubin Town to learn about nearby mangroves, and Ubin people and kampung culture.
MAD for musang at Pesta Ubin 2016

To celebrate Lantern Festival and the long weekend (12 Sep Mon is a public holiday), we are planning a special evening edition of this walk!

Bring your own lantern to light up during the walk, and a mooncake to share at the end of the walk!

It's a long weekend, so why not come earlier to Pulau Ubin for a slow day on this last unspoilt island! Have an Ubin home-style lunch, go cycling or just enjoy the kampung life before our evening walk.

Programme for the evening

5.30pm meet up at Uncle Lim's shop, 3min walk from the Ubin Jetty. Support him by getting your supplies at his shop (drinks, repellent, sunblock, etc). More details of Uncle Lim's shop and how to get there.

7pm sunset and arrival at Sungei Ubin beach. Learn more about the Lantern Festival from Phillip Lim. We light up our lanterns for a special walk back through kampung gardens at twilight.

7.30-8pm end at Ubin Town to share mooncakes and tea at the restaurant.

You can stay on for dinner at Ubin and go back much later.

Bumboats for your travel back to Changi will be arranged for 8.30pm and after dinner.

Cost: The walk is free! But you have to pay for your own bumboat to and from Pulau Ubin ($3 per person one way, may be a little more after 10pm).

All are welcomed! Children to be accompanied by parent/guardian.

Route includes earthen trails (not suitable for prams or wheelchairs). Route is about 3km.

In case of heavy rain, walk may be delayed but not cancelled. Walk continues in light rain if there is no lightning.

To help us prepare for the evening, please register here. The registration document also has more information about the event, how to get to Ubin, preparations to make, worries about Zika, etc.

10 Sep (Sat): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

This walk is offered in collaboration with NParks. Dr Ho Hua Chew will lead the exploration of Kranji Marshes’ new boardwalks, paths and hides, with excellent views across the freshwater marshes. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Yellow Bittern, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Grey-headed Fish Eagle.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am - 10.30am
Venue: Kranji Marshes
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

10 Sep (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: 5pm - 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/

10 Sep (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/

10 Sep (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: 9am - 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/

10 Sep (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.

The ‘Connecting with Nature’ programme features a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.
Time: 7.30am - 9.30am
Meeting Point: Mount Faber Park, Entrance of Henderson Waves
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Sep (Fri): Nite Critter Watch for kids at Singapore Botanic Garden

Join Cicada Tree Eco Place for this special kids' event. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lovely old garden created almost 200 years ago. It still retains its original primary rainforest patch. Although now totally surrounded by housing, busy roads and more development, this lush garden is home to our smaller species of wildlife.
The well-vegetated ponds here are nurseries for several species of frogs; both insect and fruit eating bats roost in the palm trees; and many fruit-eating birds arrive when the fig trees are figging. The rainforest patch is home to one of our large owls, the Spotted Wood-owl. On this night walk, we will walk the easy pathways to visit the ponds and other corners of the garden to search for its nocturnal wild inhabitants.
  • Remember to bring torchlight with batteries, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent (eg: Moz-Away “Natural” from Guardian Pharmacy).
  • Do have an early dinner before coming.
  • Please wear full-length long pants, long-sleeved cotton shirt, socks and fully covered shoes.
  • Your nocturnal nature guide is Andrew Tay

Registration: pls email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages and your mobile no.

Time: 6.15pm to 8.30pm.
Venue: Tanglin Gate Entrance of Singapore Botanic Garden (SBG). We meet at 6.15pm in the hall space outside the gift shop in the Botany Centre building of SBG entered via the garden’s Tanglin Gate entrance opposite Gleneagles Hospital at Napier Road. GENTLE REMINDER: DO NOT go to the nassim gate entrance visitor centre.
Cost: $13 per adult or kid. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below.

9 Sep (Fri): Rainforest Life Workshop for kids

An incredible diversity of wild plants and animals are still found in Singapore’s precious rainforests. Here live colugo, mousedeer, pangolin, flying lizard, musang and many other unique critters. Giant trees grow here, with trunks that soar up through the forest canopy into the sky. Down below on the cool forest floor, critters camouflage among the leaf litter and glowing mushrooms.
In this workshop led by Cicada Tree Eco Place, participants will learn about our native rainforest ecosystem, its biodiversity and the crucial services it provides for the health of our planet. Participants then go on a guided walk in the park to look for rainforest plants that have a special symbiotic relationship with forest critters.

This is part of the  'Connecting with Nature' programme featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

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 30 Aug 2016.

Time: 10am -12noon
Venue: HortPark, Visitor Services Centre
Cost: $25 per person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Sep (Fri): Let’s Discover Plants and Animals - a guided tour for kids

Do you know that the garden is not only a home to plants, but also many fascinating animals, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants and earthworms? Be amazed by the many different types of animals you can find in the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Gardens and pick up tips on respecting them in nature and our environment. You may even have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with an oriental whip snake and a monitor lizard too!

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels. Register online.

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

Time: 10am - 11am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Visitor Services Desk at Jacob Ballas Childrens Garden
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

8 Sep (Thu): Nature Keeper Camp for kids

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

Suitable for children 7 - 11 years old (Primary 1 to 5)
Minimum of 12 children, maximum of 40 children.
Parents are to drop off their children and pick them back up after the programme is over.

To register, please email Lim_Siew_Hong@nparks.gov.sg or Jeanne_Tan@nparks.gov.sg for an invite letter and registration forms. Email registration opens on 01 August 2016 and closes on 25 August 2016, or if the camp has reach full capacity first.

Time: 9am - 5pm
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Centre
Cost: $25 per child (includes all materials, tea breaks and lunch)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Sep (Thu): Alien Invaders -- Freshwater Edition, talk and guided tour for kids

Invaders alert! Did you know that not all species found in the Gardens are native? Some of these invaders cause harm to the local plants and animals who call the Gardens their home.
Learn how to identify these aliens during the guided tour and help the native species protect their home.

Suitable for children in P3 – P6 Levels. Register online.

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

Time: 10am - 11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

7 Sep (Wed): Rural Nature & Kampong Culture Walk on Pulau Ubin

Join this walk for kids by Cicada Tree Eco Place! The island of Pulau Ubin has the last of Singapore’s bygone village ‘kampong’ culture. Here you will experience a quaint kampong vibe and the laid-back lifestyle of the people living and working on their tropical island home, and see retro architecture. Much has remained unchanged and it still seems like a walk into the past, back to 1960s Singapore.
We start our walk into the rural countryside on Ubin’s Sensory Trail, passing by bountiful kitchen gardens and fruit orchards. We peek over fences to look at wooden kampong houses and their outdoor kitchens and toilets. Our route will go through a herb, spice and vegetable plot, and also coffee and jasmine plantations. Here also grow now-uncommon kampong plants such as Midnight Horror and Noni.

We then walk on bunds through mangrove forests to spot mudskippers, kingfishers and tree-climbing crabs. Ubin is most likely the best place in the world to hear the incredible song of the globally endangered Straw-headed Bulbul. Our walk continues through lalang grassland where we can pause for a lalang arrow contest, and into a coconut plantation.

If time permits, we will visit the 2-storey kampong house of the late Mr Lim Chye Joo who was the lovely, wise village headman for the Chinese community on Ubin to have a look at his photo gallery. We return to the village centre on the main road, walking under ancient durian trees.

Please note:
  • Please bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully filled refillable water bottle, cap, herbal mosquito repellent, snacks. Optional items: camera, sunglasses.
  • Please wear full length long pants, tee-shirt, socks and fully covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.
  • There are provision shops, restaurants, cafes and bike rentals on Ubin.
To register please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages and your mobile no.

Time: 9am to 12noon
Cost: $13 per participant. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below. Cost excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin at $3 per person one way.
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Meeting Point: We meet at 9am at street level main entrance of Changi Jetty (also known as Changi Point Ferry Terminal) at Lorong Bekukong, 5 mins walk away from Changi Village hawker centre. Walk ends around 12noon back at Ubin’s main village and jetty.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

7 Sep (Wed): The Invisible King of the Jungle - a drama workshop for kids

Through nature, we can learn and grow in character. The rich biodiversity in nature makes it a good teaching tool to develop children’s character through dramatisation. Children will be encouraged to care for nature and be aware of its biodiversity. In this workshop, learn the importance of honesty and reliability.
Suitable for children in K1 – P6 Levels. Register online.

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

Time: 10am - 11am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Visitor Services Desk at Jacob Ballas Childrens Garden
Cost: $10 per child
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 Aug - 4 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

Make a wild difference



For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



The September school holidays are coming! 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.

3 & 4 Sep: Festival of Biodiversity

Join us at the festival to explore and learn more about Singapore's rich biodiversity!
The Festival of Biodiversity is an annual event organized by the National Parks Board in collaboration with the Biodiversity Roundtable. Initiated in 2012 with the aim of creating awareness and fostering a sense of appreciation for our native biodiversity, this year the Festival is back bigger and better with the theme “Celebrating SG50: Our Natural Heritage", the Festival hopes to achieve greater outreach by showcasing Singapore’s impressive and unique array of flora and fauna. There will be many interactive stations and workshops for all ages!

Cicada Tree Eco-Place will be conducting night wildlife watch walks in the garden on both days, from 6pm to 8pm.

Date: 3 and 4 Sep (Sat and Sun)
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Eco Lake Lawn
Website: http://festivalofbiodsg.wixsite.com/festivalofbiodsg

3 Sep (Sat): Southern Ridges Heritage and Nature Trail

Join us on a free guided walk to discover the rich history of the Southern Ridges. The 2 hour walk will begin from Telok Blangah Hill Park, passing through Henderson Waves and ending at Faber Peak (Cable Car Station).
Enjoy the spectacular views from the vantage points and encounter the variety of flora and fauna along the way.

Things to bring: Water, umbrella and mosquito repellent. Do wear comfortable clothes, preferably long pants and covered shoes.

Register online.

Time: 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue: Multipurpose Plaza, Telok Blangah Hill Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/


3 Sep (Sat): Prawn and Fish Harvesting Demo at Sungei Buloh

Once again we bring you on a journey back to the past, where the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms is one not to be ignored. The importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life played an important role in shaping Sungei Buloh today. The traditional method of prawn harvesting will be demonstrated and how the tidal influence play a part in this activity will be brought to life.
Please be at the Wetland Centre (Neo Tiew entrance), Information Counter by 9.30 am. You will be led by a guide to the demonstration site.

Limited to 30 persons. Registration required online.

Time: 9.30am - 11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Neo Tiew Crescent)

3 Sep (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 this free 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 entrance
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

3 Sep (Sat): Storytime with Sara @ Heritage Core: Sara Goes Back in Time -- a guided tour for kids

Sara, the Botanicosaurus, discovers a treasure chest of precious photos and items left behind by her grandmother, Nana. Each of these artefacts tells a story of the wonderful plants and people that have contributed to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Join her as she explores the Gardens and uncover its rich heritage! Participants will go on a guided tour of the Heritage Museum and Heritage Core of the Gardens.

Suitable for children in K1 – P3 levels. Register online.

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

Time: 10am - 11am
Venue: Botany Centre, Classroom 1 & 2 (Level 3), Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult. Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

3 Sep (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/

3 Sep (Sat): Island-A-Hand with Outward Bound Singapore

OBS hosts Project Island-A-Hand once again. Do your part to help save Mother Earth, make new friends, explore the OBS campus/other parts of Ubin/Coney Island, and take lots of beauty nature pictures. We promise you an experience that's both rewarding and fun! Join us now to make a difference! ‪#‎PIAHwithOBS

What can you expect?

  • Get down and dirty with your trusty hands to restore Mother Earth
  • A short trek to off-the hidden paths of Pulau Ubin
  • Environmental initiative such as Reforestation of Tanjong Tajam @ the Western Tip of Pulau Ubin, Coastal Clean-up @ the Southern Coast of Pulau Ubin
  • Networking session with fellow youthful nature enthusiasts!
  • Light breakfast and Lunch will be provided


Register online http://bit.ly/PIAH-Sep2016
More details and registration on the OBS website or OBS facebook page

Time: 8am - 4pm
Reporting location: OB Reception Centre at Punggol Point, 22 Punggol Road, Track 19, Singapore 828871
Website: https://www.obs.nyc.gov.sg/

3 Sep (Sat): Love MacRitchie Walk by Toddycats - Venus Loop

Join the NUS Toddycats of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in discovering the forest! Learn about amazing plants and animals living in our backyard as part of the Love Our MacRitchie Forest movement.
The MacRitchie Forest Trail at Venus Drive meanders along the banks of a crystal-clear forest stream that is full of freshwater life. Here live dragons and damsels, freshwater crabs and prawns, the Puff-faced Watersnake, Pygmy Halfbeak and Saddle Barb. Look out, too, for the Green Crested Lizard, Red-bellied Squirrel, Long-tailed Macaque, Blue-rumped Parrot and Colugo. Walk in the cool shade of old trees. Feel a kind of natural peace that only a rainforest can give.

The trail here is a dirt path which is relatively level and suitable for children and the elderly. Be prepared for some mud.

Come with us, and learn more about this rainforest. Feel our natural heritage at risk.

Register online.

Time: 8.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Venus Drive
Website: http://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/