23-29 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places

• Istana Nature Guided Walk
• Race Against Time - Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour

Go wild on your own!

Not much organised activities this week? 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 long weekends

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

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

29 Jan (Sun): Istana Nature Guided Walk

Sign up for the Nature Guided Walk during the Istana Open House. This guided walk is a collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board (NParks), which will showcase the Istana’s flora, fauna and biodiversity.

The guided walk starts from 10am to 4pm, and is conducted hourly. Please look out for signs on the Istana grounds to find out where you can register for the guided walk.

More details about the Istana Open House on the NParks website and the Istana website.

Time: 10am to 4pm every hour.
Costs:
$2 for each child aged 3 years & above.
$4 for Singaporeans / PRs aged 13 and above.
$10 for foreigners (aged 13 and above).
Family package, $12 for Singaporeans / PRs (family of 4) and $30 for foreigners (family of 4).
Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Each guided walk group can take up to 12 people

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

28 Jan (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 and Horticulture, Orchid and 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 online.

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/

16-22 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Bug Life for kids - The Fantastic Bugs Around Us!

Walks in wild places

• MacRitchie Nature Walk with BES Drongos
• A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of Bukit TImah
• Nature Sketching in the Gardens with Pui San
• Landscape and Nature Sketching at Pulau Ubin
• Kampong Tour at Pulau Ubin
• Birdwatching 101 at Sungei Buloh
• What's in my mangrove?
• Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes
• Civic District Tree Trail
• National Orchid Garden guided tour

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Rifle Range

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

22 Jan (Sun): 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 to 12noon
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

22 Jan (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

This walk is offered in collaboration with NParks. Ee Ling 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. During current migratory season, we may expect to see visitors like the Common Kingfisher.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am - 11am
Venue: Kranji Marshes
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22 Jan (Sun): Civic District Tree Trail

The Civic District Tree Trail takes you through Singapore’s historic Civic District where you will be marveled by many majestic and interesting trees, some of which have stood tall for many generations and witnessed the transformation and progress of Singapore through the years. Join us as we take you through part of the trail starting from the entrance of Istana to CHIJMES.

More details and register online.

Time: 9.30am - 11am
Venue: Entrance of Istana
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Jan (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/`

21 Jan (Sat): Nature Sketching in the Gardens with Pui San

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.

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

21 Jan (Sat): Birdwatching at Rifle Range

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This is a good time to look for wintering birds like the Forest Wagtail, Arctic Warbler and the elusive Ferruginous Flycatcher. We will also search for resident birds such as the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Blue-winged Leafbird and Short-tailed Babbler. Bring raingear, drinking water, and wear comfortable walking shoes (preferably waterproof) as the trail is uneven in parts.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am
Venue: Meet Tan Ju Lin at the junction of Rifle Range and Dunearn roads. We will car pool to the starting point. Punctuality is crucial.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Jan (Sat): Landscape and Nature Sketching at Pulau Ubin

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join artist Alpana Ahuja for a fun and casual site drawing session at Pulau Ubin. Meet fellow nature art lovers to observe and sketch Ubin's landscape and diverse biodiversity. No drawing experience is necessary.

More details on the NSS website.
Details will be emailed to participants one week before the activity.

Time: 8am - 10am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Jan (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of Bukit TImah

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.

More details and registration online.

Time: 5pm - 6.30pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, BTNR Visitor Centre's Front Courtyard, Visitor Centre Front Courtyard
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Jan (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/

21 Jan (Sat): Bug Life for kids - The Fantastic Bugs Around Us!

Join Mr Andrew Tay of Cicada Tree Eco-Place for this workshop and discover some of the incredible bugs that live in our rainforests – caterpillars that pretend to be poop to escape detection; insects that look like leaves and sticks; giant millipedes; and glowing scorpions.

You will get to do a hands-on study of specimens and go on a guided walk to search for the wild bugs living among us.

More details and register online.

Time: 10 am – 11 am
Venue: Lifestyle Corner
Cost: $25 per persom
Website:

21 Jan (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/

21 Jan (Sat): Birdwatching 101 at Sungei Buloh

Migratory bird season is here again. Every year, thousands of birds escape the cold north to spend the winter months in the warmer southern parts of the earth. Singapore, especially Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is a favourite stop-over for these birds.

Want to know these birds but don't know how to get started? We are conducting a workshop for the novice. We will spend some time learning bird watching basics like
(1) Learning how to identify birds
(2) Learning how to use a pair of binoculars and the spotting scope to better see the details of birds
(3) Putting these skills into practice

No prior skill/knowledge is required. Come prepared in long sleeved tops and long pants (muted colours preferred). Bring along drinking water, pen and paper.

Limited to 15 participants (suitable for 16 years and above). Registration online.

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

9-15 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• I heART Nature Workshop for kids
• “Grow With Nature” Drama for kids -- The Grumpy Tree
• 11 Jan (Wed): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour
• 12 Jan (Thu): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Walks in wild places

• Love MacRitchie Walk by Toddycats - Venus Drive
• A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of MacRitchie
• Rain Forest Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Sketches of Nature
• What's in my sky?

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Dairy Farm to Mandai Ramble

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

15 Jan (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 Cross Island MRT Line (CRL) site investigation works are slated to begin this month. How will the works affect the forest and wildlife? Come join us learn about the conservation issues surrounding the proposed CRL through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

The forest trail at Venus Loop is a dirt path, which is relatively level and suitable for children and the elderly. Be prepared for some mud.

This guided walk is conducted by volunteers and is free-of-charge. Limited spaces available.

More details and registration online.

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

14 Jan (Sat): Rain Forest Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Discover the enchantment of our tropical rain forest with our volunteer guides in this one-hour tour.

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

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

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/

14 Jan (Sat): Dairy Farm to Mandai Ramble

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Led by Pandian and Sutari, let us explore this 10-km route from Dairy Farm to Mandai Lake Road. We will ramble through Chestnut Road, Bukit Panjang, Mandai forest and little known nature trails. There is a good chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife. Bring raingear, torchlight, tidbits, and plenty of water.

Note: Not suitable for children below 12 years old.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 4pm
Venue: Meet at Dairy Farm Carpark B.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

14 Jan (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.

More details and register online.

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/

14 Jan (Sat): Sketches of Nature

Explore the artist in you while you travel through time from the 14th century to the 19th century and beyond in Fort Canning Park with Artist, Mr Choo Meng Foo. Take home with you sketches of the interesting heritage attractions or the beautiful surroundings in Fort Canning Park. Bring your sketchbook, pen, pencil or colour pencil and join us in this relaxing activity.

Details and registration online.

Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Meeting Point, at the Roundabout, between Fort Canning Arts Center and Hotel Fort Canning
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Jan (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/

14 Jan (Sat): “Grow With Nature” Drama for kids -- The Grumpy Tree

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 dramatization. Children will be encouraged to care for nature and to be aware of its biodiversity. Learn why you should think before you act in this workshop.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 Levels.

More details and register online.

Time: 10am - 11am
Cost: $10 per child
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Ridley Hall, Botany Centre, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Jan (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: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, BTNR Visitor Centre's Front Courtyard
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Jan (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: 4pm - 6pm
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 Jan (Wed): 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: 3pm - 5pm
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/

2-8 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places

• FREE Guided Walk @ Pulau Ubin
• What's in my water?
• Free tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

7 Jan (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. More details online.

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am - 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, Nassim Gate
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

7 Jan (Sat): FREE Guided Walk @ Pulau Ubin

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 HSS has begun the Herp 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!

The walk is free but registration is required. More details on their blog.

Time: 9am - 1pm
Venue: Successful registrants will be informed of the Meeting Point via email
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

7 Jan (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/

26 Dec - 1 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places

• What's in my mangrove?

Go wild on your own!

Not much organised activities this week? 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 long weekends

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

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.