By Dr Norman Lim
Singapore is known to be an urban jungle but there are still many hidden spots where one could get close to nature and wildlife. Here, I have listed five places where anyone can take an easy stroll and explore the inner topical beauty of the island.
Bukit Batok Nature Park
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve immediately pops to mind for many Singaporeans when they are asked about nature walks and primary rainforests. However, it can be difficult to hike the hilly terrain of BTNR, which can become crowded at times. A good alternative is the nearby Bukit Batok Nature Park (or neighbouring Dairy Farm Nature Park) where you can see similar wildlife but on a flatter and easier terrain. See if you can spot the Malayan colugo, a medium-sized mammal that camouflages very well against the tree trunk and glides to escape from danger.
Photo credit: www.nparks.gov.sg
Windsor Nature Park
This is a newly established nature park at the northeastern fringe of MacRitchie forest, which is part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserves. Here, you can join free guided walks conducted by “Love Our MacRitchie Forests”, a volunteer group formed to raise public awareness about the Cross-Island MRT Line, to get to know the flora and fauna of the area. For those who are more adventurous, go for a longer hike to the TreeTop Walk and earn yourself a spectacular view of the rainforest canopy.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR)
With its new extension, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) allows easy access to the mangrove ecosystems with its wide boardwalk, trails, and convenient facilities, such as toilets and drinking fountains. See if you are lucky enough to spot the elusive estuarine crocodile or smoothcoated otter in the waters.
Northern fringe of Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
With its new extension, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) allows easy access to the mangrove ecosystems with its wide boardwalk, trails, and convenient facilities, such as toilets and drinking fountains. See if you are lucky enough to spot the elusive estuarine crocodile or smoothcoated otter in the waters.
Chek Jawa
Chek Jawa, on the eastern end of Pulau Ubin, is home to many species of intertidal and subtidal species. Ample boardwalks bring visitors closer to the coastal habitats without getting their shoes muddy and wet. There are guided tours conducted by National Parks Board (NParks) for those who wish to learn more about the Chek Jawa ecosystems. You can also rent a bicycle at the jetty to explore the rest of Pulau Ubin.
Final tips: If you want to see more wildlife, remember to keep your volume down to avoid scaring them away. Before your visit, read up about the place from online resources, such as NParks website, to find out more about safety and logistic preparations. You can also find out more about local animals at this link.
