24-30 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead


Walks in wild places
Other wild happenings
Go wild on your own!
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!

30 Dec (Sun): Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Free art-and-nature appreciation at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work.

Pui San welcomes artists of all ages or anyone who wants to learn. His objective is to encourage creativity while enjoying nature at the same time. Bring along your favourite drawing or painting supplies and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.

More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Time: 8.30-11.30am, meet at Information Counter, Visitor Centre.
Admission charges:While the art session is free, usual admission charges to Reserve apply. $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.  
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/  
Contact: Tham Pui Sam at thampuisan@hotmail.com or the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at info@sbwr.org.sgor call 6794 1401

30 Dec (Sun): Mandarin guided tour at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Pre-register by calling 67941401, minimum 5 participants to start the tour and maximum 15.  The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

Time: 9.30 am, meet at the Information Counter, Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

29 Dec (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour

HortPark's Butterfly Garden is a 150-sqm landscaped theme garden comprising an enclosure and an outdoor garden. Providing a visual feast of tropical plants and nearly 20 species of native butterflies, the Butterfly Garden enables visitors to learn about the different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Within the enclosure, visitors are greeted with an up close and personal encounter with these flying jewels and can observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight.

The Butterfly Garden also serves as an experimental garden for National Parks Board to work on a Butterfly Species Recovery Programme to research on suitable nectar and host plants for breeding a variety of butterfly species, including locally extinct species such as Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) and Common Sergeant (Athyma perius).

Get up close and personal with the flying jewels, and learn their different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight within HortPark's Butterfly Garden.

This walk is free and is held every last Saturday of the month.

Time: 9-11am, please gather at the Butterfly Garden for the tour
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

29 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come-first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

17-23 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Go wild on your own!
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!



22 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come-first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

22 Dec (Sat): Race Against Time – Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour

Join this free one-hour tour by the Botanic Gardens staff to learn more about the Gardens’ research work.

Come and explore the hub of the Gardens' research facilities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to learn about botanical research. Find out about the urgency of plant exploration, collection and scientific documentation as species and habitats continue to be lost in the region. Visit the Orchid Micro-propagation and hybridisation display and find out how new hybrids are produced. You can also enter the restricted domain of the Herbarium and Library to learn about the valuable historical treasures they hold for science and posterity.

Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Green Pavilion, Botany Centre. Limited to 20 participants.

Time: 10-11am
Meeting point: Green Pavilion, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: NParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg.

22 Dec (Sat): Evolution Garden guided walk

A free guided walk of the Evolution Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 1.5-hectare area dedicated to telling the amazing story of how plants gave us life, and how, long before we humans arrived, they started to evolve into the myriad complex life forms that we see today.

Take a journey through time, from the fiery planet that our world was in ancient times before memory, through the planet of dinosaurs, and into the modern world of 250,000 different flowering plants we enjoy today.

Journey through time with our volunteer guides in this one-hour tour.

Suitable for kids.

This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month. Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre.

Time: 9am
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens before the tour starts.
Website and contact: http://www.sbg.org.sg/ Visitor Services 6471 7361

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

Apart from plants, we often come across many animals in the Gardens, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants, earthworms. Be amazed by the many different types of animals in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Garden 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!!

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg . Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

Time: 10-11am
Venue: The Green Pavilion, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

15 Dec (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh

This one day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities. Children will earn a stamp for every completed activity, and a full collection of stamps will earn them a series of cloth badges.

Limited to 40 children between the age of 6-10 years old. Registration is required.

More information on the programme and online registration form on the Reserve website.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Cost: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from the Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401

15 Dec (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, deserve a place where they can be displayed in their full splendour. The very design of these orchids is, one could say, 'hand-crafted' by the Gardens' horticultural staff, dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross.

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. So that all may admire and enjoy their diversity, richness and beauty, the National Orchid Garden now offers a permanent showcase, the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.

This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every third Saturday of the month.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), register at Visitor Centre 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.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

15 Dec (Sat): Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin

Experience Ubin's wonderful nature through your senses along our Sensory Trail. This is an excellent introduction to the rustic and natural character of the island. You will be able to touch, see or smell fruit trees, spices and herbs for cooking, plants used in traditional medicine and native plants of the mangrove forest.

Booking now online until 8 Dec.

For more details about this walk, see the NParks website More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website and Ubin Volunteers blog

Time: Walks starts 9.30am and lasts for about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Pulau Ubin Main Information Kiosk next to the Ubin Jetty. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

15 Dec (Sat): A walk in an ancient forest, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the largest surviving primary rainforest in Singapore. Come and join us on a fascinating journey of discovery to learn more about the natural wonders of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and why we should protect and conserve its complex ecosystem and diversity.

At this walk, the guide will introduce you to the common native flora and fauna found in the primary rainforest.

This guided walk is suitable for families with children and groups of not more than 5. Along a slightly undulating natural path, the trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

More about the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Central Nature Reserve and is held every third Saturday of the month.

Sign up on this online form.

Time: 9.25am-10.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

15 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come-first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

13 Dec (Thu): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

Open to the public

Join us for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (HSC). We have also started an ongoing HSC Training & Accreditation Programme for anyone keen to be a qualified HSC R&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.

Pre-registration required, by clicking on the 'ATTEND' button on the NSS website.

Time: 3-6pm, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight at the Chinese temple along Kranji Loop, cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts beside Leong Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Dec (Thu): Storytime with Sara at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling session, specially designed for little ones. Children will explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with Sara the Botanicosaurus and her squirrel friends, Fluff-tail and Twitchy. To conclude the programme, children will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with plants that are featured in the story, and even have the chance to rock the Suspension Bridge and play hide-and-seek in the Maze.

Suitable for children in N1 – N2 levels.

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education").

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

3-9 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks and other events

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

9 Dec Sun): Birdwatching at Pulau Semakau

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

The end of the year is a good time to visit Pulau Semakau for its varied birdlife. In addition to resident attractions like the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret and Malaysian Plover, it is possible to see rare migrants such as the Chinese Egret and Ashy Drongo. Return to the mainland by 2.00pm.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am-2pm. Meet at West Coast Pier near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

9 Dec (Sun): Greet our Forest Giants! a workshop for kids

Kids will learn about the animals and plants that live on and around beautiful forest trees planted along the Southern Ridges. These forest trees form the Sembcorp Forest of Giants - and arboretum project undertaken by NParks as part of its efforts to enhance biodiversity within urban areas.

Suitable for kids 5-10.

The event is free but pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week before each programme. All programmes will only commence with a minimum of 15 participants. To register please contact HortPark Visitor Services at 6471-5601 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multi-Purpose Plaza
Cost: $10 per child, made possible by the Garden City Fun and Sembcorp Industries.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Dec (Sat): Talk on "Discover the Natural History of Ang Mo Kio"

Did you know that the Ang Mo Kio Public Library was located in a fresh water swamp forest? What was Ang Mo Kio like before 1900? Join us in this talk on the primeval forest coverage of Singapore and find out about the natural history of Ang Mo Kio prior to 1900. Let our speaker, Mr Tony O'Dempsey, share with you some of the challenges in conserving this interesting habitat type.

About the speaker: Tony is a GIS and Remote Sensing expert working in Singapore for almost 20 years. Tony has a keen interest in both Natural and Cultural history and has applied his professional skills in the study of land use change in Singapore over the past 200 years.

Time: 7-9pm
Venue: Programme Zone in Ang Mo Kio Public Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/Programmes/Other%20Happenings/44534/Discover_the_Natural_History_of_Ang_Mo_Kio.aspx

8 Dec (Sat): HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

This FREE art workshop helps children to delve deep into their hearts to express nature in various themed art activities like drawing, fingerprinting, origami, puppet making. The children will also learn about our natural heritage.
Photo courtesy of Vanessa ChangSuitable for children aged 5 to 8 years (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Register online or email vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-10.30am. The workshop will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park- Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Dec (Sat): Exploring back-mangroves! at Admiralty Park

Have you heard about "Merbau", "Merawan" and "Punna"? These are actually trees found in our back-mangroves. They are tough plants that can survive in very poor aerated soil and occasional flooding. These useful plants are beneficial to humans. Come and learn more about them and their interesting properties!

To register, please contact Mr Tan at raem_tan@nparks.gov.sg or call 62738602.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Amphitheatre, Admiralty Park
Cost: $5 per person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Dec (Sat): Trees of The Fort

Nature-loving guides from The Green Volunteers will walk you through the grounds of Fort Canning park, which has undergone a series of transformations over the centuries. Though much of the original vegetation has been lost over time, active greening efforts have converted the ex-military fort into a tranquil oasis, lush with magnificent trees.

Meet our Towering Kapok tree, Flaky Gelam tree, Gnarled Madras Thorn and many more.

Learn how plants and animals co-exist and depend on one another for survival while you immerse yourself in gentle birdsong and cicadas calls.

The walk in free. For enquiries and registration, please email lim_shen_jean@nparks.gov.sg or contact us at 6636 2393.

Time: 4-5.30 pm
Venue: Meet at Courtyard, opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/ and http://thegreenvolunteers.blogspot.com

8 Dec (Sat): Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail

A free guided nature walk through a rainforest right in the heart of the city! Along a boardwalk, under the shade of giant trees, learn about our rainforests, spot forest creatures and strange plants.

Suitable for young children.

More about the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail on the wildsingapore website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NPark's Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every second Saturday of the month.

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

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm; Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One hour.
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services, 64717361 or NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG

8 Dec (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.
Wild boar crossing! Getting close to nature
Not more than five persons in a group, pre-register at nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

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.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

8 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come-first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

8 Dec (Sat): Talk on Mistletoes by Francis Lim

Come learn about our mistletoes from Francis Lim, author of The Singapore Mistletoe Story.
Not many people are aware that a unique family of plants, the mistletoes, can be found in tropical Singapore. Francis Lim will uncover the mistletoe magic and their colourful lives in his talk, and touch on the myths and legends surrounding these semi-parasitic plants as well as their purported medicinal value. He will also relate his many encounters and adventures in his quest to find some of the elusive mistletoes, and summarize the distribution of the 8 mistletoe species currently existing in Singapore, of which several are critically endangered.

He will also talk about the many small communities of animals that rely on the mistletoes for food and shelter, ranging from mammals, birds to numerous invertebrates. Lastly, Francis will touch on the general status of the mistletoe conservation, and how one can collect, preserve and display mistletoe specimens, which will be valuable for the garden hobbyists and botany classes.

About Francis Lim
Francis Lim is, foremost, a zoologist at heart, having spent almost four decades working in the zoology department at the Singapore Zoo. Though he retired in 2010, his passion for all things of Nature remains undiminished as he pursues his dream of writing and conducting outreach programs for educational institutions in Singapore. Francis has published a number of scientific papers and articles in journals and magazines as well as several books, including Once a Zookeeper.

About The Singapore Mistletoe Story
The Singapore Mistletoe Story is an account of a personal quest to seek out and document the varieties and lives of mistletoes. It is a journey of discovery of the many fascinating features of this enduring species—their semi-parasitic nature, where they are found, how they reproduce and the myriad remarkable communities whose lives have become intertwined with it. The author’s numerous mistletoe-spotting adventures present an infectious read. Lavishly illustrated with nearly a hundred pictures, this volume is like a botanical novel. Gardeners, field botanists, teachers and students will find it a valuable and fruitful addition to their collection. See also this review of the book on the Bird Ecology Study blog.

Time: 3pm
Venue: Select Books, 51 Armenian Street, Singapore 179939, Tel: 6337 9319

26 Nov - 2 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Planning for the school holidays? Exciting nature activities for kids are lined up for the December school holidays! Lots of fun ways to discover and enjoy Singapore's biodiversity! Here's some highlights, and here's all the school holiday events.

Special event: Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only




2 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

Open to the public.

From the meeting point, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. We begin with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to the Kranji Marshes where we will continue our walk along the PUB Bund. The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted by NSS under PUB's ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more.
Photo by Tsang KCRegister by 23 Nov by clicking the 'ATTEND' button on the NSS website.  A registration form will then be emailed to you.  Max: 20 pax.  Open to the public but children below 12 are not allowed for safety reasons.

Time: 7.45am to 11.00am, meet Gerard Francis at Kranji Dam Carpark B near the tidal gates of Kranji Reservoir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

2 Dec (Sun): Birds and Bugs of the Bower for kids

MacRitchie is more than just a reservoir from which we draw life-sustaining water for our daily consumption. It is also one of the last strongholds to some precious patches of primary rain forests left in Singapore today. Giant keruing trees, nutmegs, oak and other native tree species form a shady bower over forest trails, providing homes for a myriad birds and bugs. Catch a glimpse of fish eagles, white-throated kingfishers, common ioras, and scarlet backed flowerpeckers! Look under leaves to find caterpillars and leaf hoppers. Some of the other animals that we may spot are flying dragons, skinks, clouded monitors, long-tailed macaques, squirrels, and colugos.

Bring poncho or raincoat, water in your refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Please wear long pants, tee-shirt, socks and covered shoes.

Pre-registration and more details with Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no

Time: 9-11am
Cost: $13 per person (adult or child. suitable for those aged 5 years and above).

Website and contact: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

2 Dec (Sun): Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk

Sungei Buloh mangrove was declared a nature park in 1993 and a nature reserve in 2001. Since 1997, a group of veteran and young guides have been conducting a free guided annual walk for the public in celebration of this remnant of an extraordinary ecosystem.

N. Sivasothi, friends and veteran guides from Raffles Museum Toddycats will regale you with stories about the animals, plants and the ecology of the mangrove. During the rising tide you will see tree-climbing crabs, mudskippers, drills, neritas, water monitors, archer fish, mullets, halfbeaks and garfish.

Besides the fauna and flora, their ecological adaptations and regional economic uses, we will also point out the nearby Mandai mangroves, remember the WWII invasion of Singapore through this area and contemplate the uncommon scene in of a river draining into the western straits of Johor!

It is also time for the migratory birds that have winged down from the north. And sometimes we are blessed with the crowd pleasers of Smooth-coated otters and the crocodile.

You must register and read the details so visit the Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk webpage. Register by 30 Nov (Fri).

Time: 8am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website and contact: http://sbaw.rafflesmuseum.net/

1 Dec (Sat): Birdwatching at Botanic Gardens

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We will take an early morning stroll through one of the best botanical gardens in the region. Many species of birds make this park their home. We may get the chance of spotting colourful species like the Long-tailed Parakeet, Crimson Sunbird, Banded Woodpecker, Common Iora, Pink-necked Green Pigeon and Stork-billed Kingfisher. We may also get to see some migrants. For members only.

Time: 7.30-11am
Venue: Meet Pah Liang by the Holland Road front gate of the gardens.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: Goh Ter Yang at teryang@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.  

1 Dec (Sat): Waders' Watch Workshop at Sungei Buloh


The migratory bird season has started and the birds are here at Sungei Buloh! Sungei Buloh is an important bird site for these birds. Every year, thousands of these birds visit Sungei Buloh and other parts of Singapore to find food and shelter during winter in the northern parts of the world. Join in this workshop to know how to identify these amazing birds. Also learn how to Birdwatch and how you can help NParks in studying the migratory patterns of these birds in Singapore.

The workshop comprises a lecture and discussion about the birds followed by a field tour to practice identifying migratory shorebirds. It would be good if you have a pair of binoculars but we can loan you a limited number of binoculars. Attire: Cotton, covered comfortable walking shoes

Please email mendis_tan@nparks.gov.sg to reserve your place as there are limited slots. Upon receiving your cheque, we will confirm your registration.

Time: 9.30am-1pm
Cost: $5 (Includes admission fees and materials) (Please pay by cheque payable to National Parks Board)
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

1 Dec (Sat): Workshop for kids - We Love the Night Life!

Who loves the night life? Bats, snakes, frogs, toads, owls and night jars! Join our lesson to find out more - we will start with a talk showcasing native nocturnal wildlife, followed by an art and craft session where kids can make and keep paper souvenirs of our nocturnal animals. The event will end with a night walk at HortPark where we will try and spot nocturnal wildlife.

Suitable for kids 5-10.

The event is free but pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week before each programme. All programmes will only commence with a minimum of 15 participants. To register please contact HortPark Visitor Services at 6471-5601 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Meet at HortPark, Hands-On House
Cost: $25/child
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

1 Dec (Sat): Tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

A free guided tour of the newly launched Healing Garden which 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.

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: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)

1 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come-first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

30 Nov (Fri): Storytime with Sara at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling session, specially designed for little ones. Children will explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with Sara the Botanicosaurus and her squirrel friends, Fluff-tail and Twitchy. To conclude the programme, children will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with plants that are featured in the story, and even have the chance to rock the Suspension Bridge and play hide-and-seek in the Maze.

Suitable for children in N1 – N2 levels.

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education").

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

28 Nov (Wed): A Trail Of Colours - guided tour for kids

Our beautiful garden would not be complete without the colourful blooms! In this tour, children will be able to learn about colours and the different parts and function of a flower.

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Time: 10-11am
Venue: The Green Pavilion, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

26 Nov (Mon): Let’s Discover Plants and Animals - a guided tour for kids

Apart from plants, we often come across many animals in the Gardens, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants, earthworms. Be amazed by the many different types of animals in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Garden 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!!

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg . Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

Time: 10-11am
Venue: The Green Pavilion, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

19-25 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Planning for the school holidays? Exciting nature activities for kids are lined up for the December school holidays! Lots of fun ways to discover and enjoy Singapore's biodiversity! Here's some highlights, and here's all the school holiday events.


Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference!

25 Nov (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

Open to the public.

From the meeting point, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. We begin with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to the Kranji Marshes where we will continue our walk along the PUB Bund. The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted by NSS under PUB's ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more.
Photo by Tsang KCRegister by 16 Nov by clicking the 'ATTEND' button on the NSS website.  A registration form will then be emailed to you.  Max: 20 pax.  Open to the public but children below 12 are not allowed for safety reasons.

Time: 7.45am to 11.00am, meet Ee Ling at Kranji Dam Carpark B near the tidal gates of Kranji Reservoir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 Nov (Sun): Help conserve our forest!

Help play a part in conserving our forests by participating in our invasive species removal programme. You will help improve the quality of the habitat on site, so join us if you are keen to make a change!

Individuals, families and organised groups such as schools and corporate companies are welcome to participate.

The event is free but pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week before each programme. All programmes will only commence with a minimum of 15 participants. To register please contact HortPark Visitor Services at 6471-5601 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9-11am
Meeting point: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multi-purpose plaza
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

24 Nov (Sat): NSS Kids' Fun with Forest Butterflies at Dairy Farm Nature Park

Be inspired by 11-year old Tan Teong Seng as he points out the fabulous forest butterflies at Dairy Farm Nature Park. Forest butterflies are a different set from the parkland variety, each wonderfully adapted to life in their respective niches. This trip is co-guided by Lena Chow.

Please register your children (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria Seow at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, if you need us to loan you a pair of binoculars or not, and let us have your mobile number.

A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge. Details wlll be emailed to those who sign up. Open to the public.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/

24 Nov (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour

HortPark's Butterfly Garden is a 150-sqm landscaped theme garden comprising an enclosure and an outdoor garden. Providing a visual feast of tropical plants and nearly 20 species of native butterflies, the Butterfly Garden enables visitors to learn about the different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Within the enclosure, visitors are greeted with an up close and personal encounter with these flying jewels and can observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight.

The Butterfly Garden also serves as an experimental garden for National Parks Board to work on a Butterfly Species Recovery Programme to research on suitable nectar and host plants for breeding a variety of butterfly species, including locally extinct species such as Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) and Common Sergeant (Athyma perius).

Get up close and personal with the flying jewels, and learn their different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight within HortPark's Butterfly Garden.

This walk is free and is held every last Saturday of the month.

Time: 9-11am, please gather at the Butterfly Garden for the tour
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

24 Nov (Sat): Evolution Garden guided walk

A free guided walk of the Evolution Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 1.5-hectare area dedicated to telling the amazing story of how plants gave us life, and how, long before we humans arrived, they started to evolve into the myriad complex life forms that we see today.

Take a journey through time, from the fiery planet that our world was in ancient times before memory, through the planet of dinosaurs, and into the modern world of 250,000 different flowering plants we enjoy today.

Journey through time with our volunteer guides in this one-hour tour.

Suitable for kids.

This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month. Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre.

Time: 9am
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens before the tour starts.
Website and contact: http://www.sbg.org.sg/ Visitor Services 6471 7361

24 Nov (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come-first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

24 Nov (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.

This free walk is conducted by the Sembcorp volunteer guides. The walk is free and made possible by Garden City Fund and Sembcorp.

This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges. Pre-registration is required, closing date 1 week before the programme. Programme will commence only with a minimum of 15 participants. Contact 6471-5601 or NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Mount Faber Park, entrance of Henderson Waves.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

24 Nov (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh

This one day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities. Children will earn a stamp for every completed activity, and a full collection of stamps will earn them a series of cloth badges.

Limited to 40 children between the age of 6-10 years old. Registration is required.

More information on the programme and online registration form on the Reserve website.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Cost: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from the Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401

20 Nov (Tue): Children's Treasure Hunt - a guided tour

A giant prehistoric dinosaur has left its eggs in the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Children will discover some interesting members of the plant kindgom in this guided tour ending in a treasure hunt.

Suitable for children in K1 - P2 levels

For enquiry and registration, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 6471 9961 or 6465 0196 or email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 "Sara, The Forgetful Dinosaur" Workbook)
Venue: The Green Pavilion, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12-18 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

18 Nov (Sun): Birdwatching at Rifle Range

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This is a good time to see wintering birds like the Forest Wagtail, Arctic Warbler and even the elusive Ferruginous Flycatcher. We will also look out for residents like the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Blue-winged Leafbird and Short-tailed Babbler.

Time: 7.30-11am
Venue: Meet Ju Lin at the junction of Rifle Range and Dunearn Road. From the meeting point, we will carpool to the starting point of the walk.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: Goh Ter Yang at teryang@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.  

18 Nov (Sun): Jacob Ballas Children's Garden Carnival

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden turns 5! We are celebrating the 5th anniversary of Singapore’s most popular children’s garden with a Carnival and raising funds for a new extension to the garden. Come join us for a fun-filled day of games, food and entertainment!

Carnival coupons are on sale, all funds raised will go towards the new Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Extension that would help our kids to connect with nature through play. This would enable greater appreciation and love of our natural environment.

For enquiries, contact the Education Branch at 6465 0196 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-6.30pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Nov (Sun): M.A.D. (Make A Difference) for Wild Pigs

A FREE education programme by Cicada Tree Eco-Place

Where do wild pigs live in Singapore? Are there wild pigs that live in other parts of the world? What do wild pigs look like? What do they eat? What may eat them? How many piglets do they usually have? What dangers do they face? How can we live with them? What can we do to conserve them? If we should meet a with a wild pig, what should we do? If you're a kid between the ages of 5 and 10 years, and would like to learn more about wild pigs, then join us for an evening of fun and learning. Take home with you a better idea about wild pigs that live in our midst.
Note: This workshop will not bring you into close contact with wild pigs.

More about this workshop.

Pre-registration and more details with Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no. please indicate which lesson you are signing up for.

Time: 6-8 pm
Meeting point: Car park at main entrance of Lower Peirce Reservoir park off Old Upper Thomson Road, behind petrol station. Map
Website and contact: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

17 Nov (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, deserve a place where they can be displayed in their full splendour. The very design of these orchids is, one could say, 'hand-crafted' by the Gardens' horticultural staff, dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross.

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. So that all may admire and enjoy their diversity, richness and beauty, the National Orchid Garden now offers a permanent showcase, the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.

This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every third Saturday of the month.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), register at Visitor Centre 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.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

17 Nov (Sat): A walk in an ancient forest, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the largest surviving primary rainforest in Singapore. Come and join us on a fascinating journey of discovery to learn more about the natural wonders of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and why we should protect and conserve its complex ecosystem and diversity.

At this walk, the guide will introduce you to the common native flora and fauna found in the primary rainforest.

This guided walk is suitable for families with children and groups of not more than 5. Along a slightly undulating natural path, the trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

More about the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Central Nature Reserve and is held every third Saturday of the month.

Sign up on this online form.

Time: 9.25am-10.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/