Sungei Buloh
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Fauna of the mudflats
The reserve functions as a "refueling point" for the waders to feed and roost. These habitat-specific birds feed on the polychaetes (worms) found in the mudflats of the Reserve.
Waders or shorebirds are so-called because they wade in the shallow water in search of food. Plovers and sandpipers are common waders found in the reserve. With their different bill length and feeding habits, they are able to tap on different food sources found in the mudflats. This enables them to co-exist in the same habitat. -
Fauna of the mudflats
Egrets at the reserve are white and more slender than herons in appearance. They are frequent visitors during the migratory season. The Little Egret is often seen dashing about, chasing after its prey in the shallows. -
Fauna of the mudflats
The Grey and Purple Heron can be seen at the reserve throughout the year. During the nesting season, they breed in colonies on top of mangrove trees. Typically, the male will search for sticks to present to the female for the construction of their nest.
The Grey and Purple Heron are among the largest birds in Singapore, commonly found feeding at the ponds in the reserve. They adopt a stalk and stab technique to hunt for fish and crustaceans. -
Fauna of the mudflats
A family of 4 Smooth Otters can be spotted frolicking and fishing in Sungei Buloh Besar. -
Fauna of the mudflats
A variety of shells can be found embedded in the mud and on the mangrove trees and other structures. A filter-feeder, the Green Mussel attaches itself to substrates such as mangrove roots and man-made structures by means of whitish adhesive threads. The Brown Mussel burrows itself in the mangrove mud. -
Fauna of the freshwater
The damselfly's body resembles a damsel, not necessarily in distress though. The damselfly and dragonfly spend the greater part of their live as nymphs in the freshwater ponds. -
Fauna of the freshwater
The dragonfly is generally larger than the damselfly. At rest, the dragonfly holds its wings perpendicular to its body while the damselfly holds its wings upright. -
Fauna of the freshwater
The Yellow Bittern is commonly found at the freshwater pond. This solitary bird is difficult to spot as it is well-camouflaged against the vegetation; but can be seen fluttering off suddenly when disturbed. -
Flora of the back mangroves
The Atlas Moth is the largest species of moth found in Southeast Asia. During the breeding season, the Atlas Moth lays its eggs on the leaves of the Sea Poison Tree. The fat, lime-green caterpillar can be seen munching on these leaves before turning into cocoons. -
Flora of the back mangroves
The Baya Weaver's craft of nest-making is one of the many wonders of nature. Blades from leaves are removed and threaded into symmetrical homes hanging from trees. -
Flora of the back mangroves
The Olive-backed Sunbird is often observed flying from branch to branch or feeding on the nectar of flowers. -
Flora of the back mangroves
The Changeable Lizard blends well into the surrounding flora. It is the favourite diet of birds and snakes. -
Flora of the back mangroves
The Cotton Stainer is brightly coloured insect in red and black to warn potential predators that it is not very palatable. Feeds on plant sap. It is considered a pest to the cotton farmers. -
What is atap-chee? Is there a spelling mistake here?
Atap-chee is the flesh from the young seeds of the mangrove plant Nypa fruticans. It is usually soaked in sugar syrup and serves in local dessert such as ice-kacang. -
What is an aerie? Is it a special kind of air?
Aerie or eyrie means a nest of a bird of prey built high up above ground.
The 18-m tall tower hide is so called as it offers panoramic view of the wetland reserve. -
A Cross Spider? Does that mean the spider is very angry?
Like all spiders, the Cross Spiders have 8 legs. They however hold their legs in pairs, which appear to form the letter “X”. Hence their name. -
What did people use to wrap food before the invention of Styrofoam?
In the 1970s, the leaves of the Simpoh Ayer were used to wrap local food such as mee goreng (fried noodles) and rojak (fruit and vegetables salad mixed with peanut sauce). -
A Drill in the mangroves? WhatÂ’s that?
Just like the drill you use to make holes on the walls, the Drill, Chicoreus capucinus makes holes on other shellfish to extract its meat as a meal! It uses a boring organ that produces carbonic acid under its foot. The whole, tedious process takes several hours! -
Water Banana? You mean to say thereÂ’s banana growing in water?
Water banana, Ludwigia adscendens, is a plant that grows in freshwater pond. It has two types of roots, one that look like floating tiny bananas and the other that anchor the plant to the soil. -
Hide? Hiding from whom?
Observation hides in the reserve are for the reserveÂ’s human visitors to rest and observe the surrounding flora and fauna away from the sight of the reserveÂ’s resident and migratory animals and birds. -
WhatÂ’s that shrill noise you hear in the mangroves?
A brown insect called Cicada makes the shrill sound. It calls by vibrating a membrane located on its abdomen. -
Never been there for ages
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aka wen zi park
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let's organise an outing to sungei buloh!
uncle pct organiser
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I've been there recently - a nice place for a walk, fresh air and photo-taking. A leisurely walk with rests will take about 3 to 4 hrs (if you want to complete the whole loop). Would be nicer to visit during the bird migratory period.
Things to note:
- Bring finger snacks, water & insect repellant
- If going by public transport, the bus (SMRT 925? from Kranji MRT stt) arrives at intervals of every half hour on public holidays. The bus arrival timing are listed at the bus-stop.
- Try to avoid groups of noisy ppl if you wanna catch interesting creatures