wild happenings in singapore: May 2019

20-26 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Pesta Ubin 2019 continues this weekend! Pesta Ubin is a kampung-style Open House at Singapore’s last rustic island, Pulau Ubin! Once a year, people who love Ubin step up to share with the public their special slice of Pulau Ubin. Pesta Ubin activities are heartfelt, organic and led by the community.

Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest! Many are specially for kids and for the family. Like the Pesta Ubin facebook page for the latest updates.

Pesta Ubin highlights

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Birdwatching at Gardens by the Bay

School holidays begins this weekend! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy. Why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. Download NParks' DIY guides to explore some parks and nature places on your own.

Our wild places and parks can get crowded during school holiday 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.

25 and 26 May (Sat, Sun): Festival of Biodiversity

This event celebrates Singapore's natural heritage and in doing so, we hope to bring about greater awareness of the biodiversity that Singapore has.

Visitors can look forward to a range of fun workshops and activities for all ages and interactive exhibits at this year's Festival.

More details on the NParks website.

Dates: 25 and 26 May (Sat, Sun)
Time: 10.30 am to 10.30 pm
Venue: HDB Hub at Toa Payoh (near Toa Payoh MRT Station)
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 May (Sun): FREE nature walk from Ah Ma Drink Stall to Pekan Quarry, Pulau Ubin

Specially for Pesta Ubin 2019! Join the volunteers of Strix Wildlife Consultancy and friends for a special morning nature walk at Pulau Ubin.

Expect amazing encounters and delightful discoveries during this special walk. As well as fascinating stories about the history and heritage of Pulau Ubin.

Start at the now iconic Ah Mah Drinkstall, nestled among mangroves near the bridge across Sungei Jelutong.

With a stop at scenic Pekan Quarry, home to a wide variety of fascinating birds

Meeting point: 8am at Ah Ma Drink Stall
Birdwatching session
Nature walk to Pekan Quarry
End at Ubin Town near Ubin Jetty

No charge, the activity is free!
Register online here.
Have queries? Contact the organiser: Strix Wildlife Consultancy

For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

25 May (Sat): Birdwatching at Gardens by the Bay

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

The plentiful water features and rich plant life at Gardens by the Bay have proven attractive to our local birds. Interesting sightings include the Lesser Whistling Duck, Red-legged Crake, Stork-billed Kingfisher and various sunbirds.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am - 11am
Venue: Meet at Satay by the Bay food court.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 May (Sat): Butterfly Walk at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Open to the Public - On Site Registration Needed

With a record of close to a hundred butterfly species, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) boasts sightings of some of the rarest gems including the Influent Royal, Brown Awl, Green Baron and Great Mormon. Threatened species like the Common Birdwing and Common Rose (Singapore’s National Butterfly) breed here. Even the once thought extinct Clipper was found here in October 2017.

This walk will be a three-hour exploration of the butterfly life within the lush hospital grounds and at nearby Yishun pond.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Meet at the main lobby of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH)
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 May (Sat): Mangrove cum Coastal Clean-Up at Ubin

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Pulau Ubin is designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. To celebrate Pesta Ubin, and in line with the Restore Ubin Mangroves (RUM) initiative, join us as we remove abandoned drift nets and marine debris that choke up Ubin’s coastline. This prepares the selected sites for scientific surveys and RUM works. It ensures that our wildlife have the proper environment to thrive.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 8am - 11am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 May (Sat): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

Specially for kids and families, explore Pasir Ris mangroves with volunteer nature guides from the Naked Hermit Crabs on this FREE guided tour of the boardwalk!

Families at Pasir Ris mangrove boardwalk

During our evening stroll through this interesting but often overlooked mangrove, we are sure to see lots of crazy tree climbing crabs, delightful giant mudskippers and cool monitor lizards. Pasir Ris is also one of the few places where nesting herons are easily observed. And as the sun sets, we might spot some nocturnal animals like watersnakes. If we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Mangrove pitta or the family of otters that have been seen here!

More details and registration online.

Time: 5pm. We should end at around 6.30pm, just before sunset.
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station. Map
Website and contact: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/

25 May (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Windsor Nature Park

Ideally situated at the perimeter of Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the 75-hectare Windsor Nature Park is the gateway to the rich biodiversity of the largest nature reserve in Singapore. The nature park was developed as a green buffer to help reduce visitorship pressures and man-made disturbances currently experienced by the nature reserve

Through this guided walk, you will gain a greater appreciation of Singapore’s rich natural heritage and the need to protect it for future generations. Come join us and discover the importance of Windsor Nature Park as a buffer to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 9.30am - 10.30am
Venue: Meet at Windsor Nature Park Pavilion
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 May (Sun): Sketches of Nature

Explore the artist in you while you take a scenic walk in Telok Blangah Hill Park together with NParks' volunteer artist, Mr Tham Pui San. Take home with you sketches of the interesting flora and fauna or the beautiful surroundings in the area. Bring along your sketchbook, pen, pencil, coloured pencil or watercolours and join us in this relaxing activity.

Details and registration online.

Time: 9am - 11am
Venue: Alexandra Arch (nearer to HortPark)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 May (Sat): Ecolife Tour at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

This FREE family tour introduces Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and its biodiversity through the use of interactive exploration themes and activities. Have fun working together to answer worksheets, conduct surveys and photo hunts, among other activities.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 9am -11am
Meeting point: Bishan- Ang Mo Kio Park Promenade
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 May (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 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 May (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of Bukit Timah

The long-tailed macaques are the most conspicuous animals at Bukit Timah. 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.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

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/

25 May (Sat): Learning Forest Tour

Join this FREE tour of The Learning Forest every Saturday which features a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways that allow visitors to explore habitats ranging from a freshwater forest wetland to a lowland rainforest.

isitors can learn about freshwater forest wetland ecosystems at the Keppel Discovery Wetlands and walk amongst a collection of some of the tallest tree species in Southeast Asia at the SPH Walk of Giants.

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 9am - 10am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Visitor Services at Tyersall Gate. Register 15 minute before session starts.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 May (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!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Mud Experience

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.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

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

23 May (Thu): Intertidal walk at Sentosa's Siloso headland

Embark on an adventure along Sentosa's coastline with tour guides! One of Singapore’s last remaining coastal cliff and rocky shores, the Siloso Headland (also known as Tanjung Rimau) is a natural treasure trove on Sentosa. Home to corals, seagrass, and a wide variety of marine wildlife, Siloso Headland also boasts beautiful landscape with the original and aged old rock outcrop.

Living shores of Sentosa Tanjung Rimau, Dec 2018

Embark on this intertidal adventure along Sentosa’s coastline with our guides, as they share fun facts of the marine life on our shores, and unravel the geological events that occurred since the Age of the Dinosaurs to form the Sentosa we know today.

Important note: Siloso Headland is only accessible at low tides and may be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the area. It is best to visit with an experienced guide on one of our guided tours.
Event Details

Dates and time:
9th May (Thurs): 7.00am – 9.30am
10th May (Fri): 7.30am – 10.00am
23rd May (Thurs): 7.00am – 9.30am
Venue Siloso Headland (meeting point at Siloso Cableway Station drop off point)
The walk is free but island admission and car park charges apply
To register please email nature@sentosa.com.sg for registration and enquiries.

For registration, please provide the following details:
Name
Contact number
Number of pax
Age of participants (age limit is 13 years and above)

Limited places available, and registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

From the Sentosa website

13-19 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Pesta Ubin 2019 begins this weekend! Pesta Ubin is a kampung-style Open House at Singapore’s last rustic island, Pulau Ubin! Once a year, people who love Ubin step up to share with the public their special slice of Pulau Ubin. Pesta Ubin activities are heartfelt, organic and led by the community.

Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest! Many are specially for kids and for the family. Like the Pesta Ubin facebook page for the latest updates.

Pesta Ubin highlights

Walks in wild places

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

19 May (Sun): Mandarin guided tour at Sungei Buloh

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

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Eagle Point

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

More details and registration on the NParks website.

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

18 May (Sat): Pulau Ubin Ramble – Route 1

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Specially for Pesta Ubin, join this ramble at Pulau Ubin, an island located on the north-eastern coast of Singapore. Its name is derived from its original Malay name, Pulau Batu Jubin, which means “Island of Granite Stones”. Granite quarries provided the initial draw for early local settlement, and much of the island’s granite was used for Singapore’s early developments such as Horsburgh Lighthouse and the Singapore-Johore Causeway. Pulau Ubin’s five disused quarries still exist. The rock cliffs on Pulau Ubin are ideal for abseiling. Today, Pulau Ubin is a nature and leisure island with amenities for rustic and outdoor recreational activities.

The trek is not suitable for children below 14 years old.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 8am - 1.30pm
Meet at Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

18 May (Sat): Biodiversity appreciation @ Kent Ridge Park

A free guided tour to visit the various highlights within Kent Ridge Park, coupled with a hands-on floating island construction project for the Kent Ridge Pond as part of NParks' habitat enhancement initiative.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 9am - 11am
Location: Kent Ridge park Car park B
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 May (Sat): FREE Nature Walk at Mamam Beach, Pulau Ubin

Specially for Pesta Ubin 2019! Join the volunteers of Strix Wildlife Consultancy and friends for a special morning nature walk at Pulau Ubin.

Photo by MJ Mohammad.

Expect amazing encounters and delightful discoveries during this special walk. As well as fascinating stories about the history and heritage of Pulau Ubin.

Includes a rest stop at the Malay village!

Ubin Homecoming at Pak Ahmad's house by Syazwan Majid

Date: 18 May (Sat)
Meeting point: 8am at Mamam Beach
Rest stop: Malay village
End at Ubin Town near Ubin Jetty

No charge, the activity is free!
Register online here.
Have queries? Contact the organiser: Strix Wildlife Consultancy

For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

18 May (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

Spend an hour with our volunteer guides as they introduce how orchids are the largest flowering group of plants in the world. Visit the collection of hybrids and species that in collection of the National Orchid Garden.

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 15 minutes before the tour starts. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Visitor Services Desk at Nassim Gate
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 May (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 on the NParks website.

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 May (Sat): Ubin Rustic Reflections Tour

This tour takes approximately 2 hours. It starts at the Assembly Area before proceeding to the former Bin Kiang School site. You will then head over to the Sensory Trail pond to learn about the habitat restoration efforts before making stops at Pulau Ubin’s former headman’s house and Kampung Melayu.

Tour participants will also visit a rubber plantation that once supplied Singapore, and possibly the region, with latex, and learn more about the different plants that played a major role in shaping this country’s culinary delights at the Ubin Fruit Orchard before ending the tour at Teck Seng’s Place – a restored Chinese kampung house.

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

Limited to 2 groups, each group a maximum of 15 people. More details and registration on the NParks website.

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 May (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 and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 9am - 11am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

18 May (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Join this free Guided Nature Appreciation Walk to find out more about the flora and fauna that can be found in the reserve!

Experience nature in its pristine form at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is a mere 12 km from the bustling city centre. By virtue of Singapore’s location on the equatorial belt, the reserve has one of the richest and most diverse ecological systems.

More information and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 9.30am - 10.30am.
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (Visitor Centre)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

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

18 May (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.

Estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

More details and registration on the NParks website.

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/

6-12 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places

Wild shore walks

Make a wild difference

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

12 May (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Horseshoe Crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to habitat loss, poaching and overfishing. Nature Society (Singapore) aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for generations to come. If you want to be a part of this important mission to rescue and study the HSC at Kranji Mudflats, please register at the link below.

More details and registration on the Nature Society (Singapore) website.

Time: 9.30am - 12pm
Venue: Kranji mudflats.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

11 May (Sat): Coastal Clean-up at Kranji Mudflats

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join us to clean up Kranji Mudflats to benefit the wildlife that thrives there. Designated as a Key Biodiversity Area, this coastline is a key habitat for horseshoe crabs and an important feeding site for wading birds.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

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

11 May (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - The monkeys 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 society.

If you would like to learn more about your community and the interesting world of your neighbouring macaques at Lower Peirce, please join our FREE walk which is led by experts from the Jane Goodall Institute Singapore.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 5pm - 6.30pm
Venue: Macritchie Reservoir Park, Mushroom Cafe
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 May (Sat): Evening Chorus at Kranji Marshes

Join this free walk for an introduction to the unique nature area and the species which are living in its marsh, woodland and grass habitats.

The walk will also guide participants through the core conservation area, which is not usually opened to the public, as it is ecologically sensitive. Led by NParks volunteers The approximately 3 km guided walk will take visitors on a two-hour journey.

More details and registration on the NParks website.

Time: 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Meeting point: Kranji Gate, 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 May (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 on the NParks website.

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 May (Sat): Learning Forest Tour

11 May (Sat): Chek Jawa intertidal walk

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 on the NParks website'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 8am - 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/

11 May (Sat): Croc Talk at Sungei Buloh

Learn all about the Estuarine Crocodiles that bask in the Reserve with Bernard, an SBWR volunteer with a keen interest in our reptilian friend!

Do drop by to have a chat with Bernard and learn fascinating information about the crocodiles – such as their characteristics and behaviour, and observe them as they go about their daily business.

Registration not required.

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 10am - 12noon
Place: Main Bridge at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre (Neo Tiew Entrance)

11 May (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!

10 May (Fri): Intertidal walk at Sentosa's Siloso headland

10 May (Fri): Chek Jawa intertidal walk

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.

9 May (Thu): Intertidal walk at Sentosa's Siloso headland

29 Apr - 5 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in wild places

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. Download NParks' DIY guides to explore some parks and nature places on your own.

Our wild places and parks can get crowded during school holiday 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.

4 May (Sat): What's in my mangroves?

Join us for a FREE guided walk of this unique mangrove wetlands located at the border of freshwater (river) and salt water (sea). Singapore used to have large areas of mangroves, but lost most of them to coastal development. Few mangroves are left in Singapore, one of which is at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Mangrove boardwalk

Join this free morning walk and get to know the mangrove trees and plants of Sungei Buloh.

More details and registration on the NParks website

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/

4 May (Sat): Healing Garden Tour

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.

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month. More details on the NParks website.

Time: Two sessions are available (9am and 10am). Mandarin tours are only available at 10am, where English tours are available for all slots.
Venue: Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Nassim Gate
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

1 May (Wed): 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.
Cost: $2.00 each child aged 4 years & above.
$4 Singaporeans/PRs aged 13 and above.
$10.00 foreigners (aged 13 & above).
Family package, $12.00 for Singaporeans / PRs (family of 4) and $30.00 for foreigners (family of 4).
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

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