31 May (Tue): Numbers and Shapes -- a guided tour for kids

Follow a trail of numbers and shapes at the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Children will have the opportunity to discover some interesting characteristics about selected plants with special emphasis on leaves, their numbers and shapes.

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

Register online.

For enquiry, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 64719961 & 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Botany Centre, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying parent
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

30 May (Mon): Sara the Forgetful Dinosaur - Children's guided treasure hunt

A giant forgetful 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 - P6 levels

More details and registration online.

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

23-29 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Pesta Ubin is Pulau Ubin Open House (14 May - 12 Jun). Once a year only! People passionate about Ubin share special activities with the public.
Pesta Ubin 2016 - Fun for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family!
More than 50 activities over five weeks, many free of charge. Simply come to Pulau Ubin and join the fun! Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest!

Ubin happenings this week



Ubin happenings early next week



For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



Make a wild difference


The June school holidays are here! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy.

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

29 May (Sun): Birdwatching with Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group

Specially for Pesta Ubin, experienced guides from the Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group will lead this special Pesta Ubin birdwatching walk at Pulau Ubin, an island that never fails to surprise.
Oriental pied-hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
The majestic Oriental Pied Hornbill is among the Ubin specials
you are likely to spot during this walk.
There are always new things waiting to be discovered. As we take a 3-hour walk through coastal/mangrove and countryside habitats, we will look out for island specialties including the Red Junglefowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill and the globally-endangered Straw-headed Bulbul.

Time: 7.30am – 10.30am
Venue: Meet at Changi Point Ferry Terminal. More on how to get to Ubin
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/

Cost: The activity is free but participants are to pay their bumboat cost to Pulau Ubin ($3 per person one-way).
No registration required. Simply meet the Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group at Changi Point Ferry Terminal at 7.30am

29 May (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research Programme

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Horseshoe crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to the loss of habitat, poaching and overfishing. They also get trapped in abandoned fishing nets and need our help to set them free. With such concerns, NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for many generations to come. Things to bring: cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for horseshoe crab rescue and camera. Washing facilities available after the event.

Please register http://tinyurl.com/nsshscreg. Details will be emailed upon registration. For enquiries please contact Vanitha (thanetha@hotmail.com). More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8.30am - 12noon
Venue: Kranji Loop. Details will be emailed upon successful registration.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

29 May (Sun): 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: 9-11am
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/

29 May (Sun): Paint Along Session at Kranji Marshes

Conducted by Mr Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Pui San is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work. Bring along your art materials and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Kranji Marshes.
More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

Time: 8.30 - 11.30am
Venue: Meet at Kranji Gate, 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2.
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/ and http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

28 May (Sat): Ubin Night Walk with Strix Wildlife Consultancy

Part of Pesta Ubin, join this very special Ubin night walk under the umbrella of Strix Wildlife Consultancy led by Subaraj Rajathurai, the foremost nature guide in Singapore. This is a Vertebrate Study Group of the Nature Society (Singapore) walk supported by the Herpetological Society of Singapore.
Lesser dog-faced fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotis)
Bats are often unseen and ignored.
Learn more about them on this walk!
Your guides are experienced and knowledgeable field naturalists, so expect amazing encounters and delightful discoveries during this night walk at Pulau Ubin. As well as fascinating stories about the history and heritage of Pulau Ubin.

Please bring along insect repellent, torch, poncho, bottle of water. Optional items if you have them, do bring along your binoculars and a camera.

Maximum 40 persons, first-come-first-served.

Date: 28 May (Sat) and 4 Jun (Sat)
Time: 7pm - 9.30pm, meet at 6.30pm.
Meeting point: Assembly Area opposite the HSBC Volunteer Hub (map).
Cost: $15 per participant, payment on the spot. Proceeds will be donated to the Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society (Singapore).
Website: http://www.subaraj.com/

No registration required! Just turn up at the meeting point by 6.30pm, payment on the spot. Maximum 40 persons, first-come-first-served.

Arrangements have been made for a bumboat (or two) to be available for your travel back to the mainland. They will charge about $50 per boat instead of $36 per boat. With only one or two bumboats, it may take a while to transport a large group back to the mainland. Thank you for your patience!

28 May (Sat): Night Macro Photography Workshop at Pulau Ubin with Nicky Bay

Specially for Pesta Ubin, join Nicky Bay as he introduces the fascinating art of night macro photography at Pulau Ubin.

Night Macro Photography Workshop @ Pulau Ubin
Nicky Bay does almost 50 night macro photography sessions per year!
He says it is definitely incomparable to any day trip.

Night macro photography is undoubtedly much more productive and exciting than in the day. After the sun sets, nocturnal creatures emerge from their hideouts to hunt. At the same time, diurnal critters are significantly less skittish due to the lower temperatures. To top it off, it is definitely more comfortable than hiking under the sun! Many beginners to macro photography are unaware of the advantages of night macro photography and have absolutely no idea how to start.

This workshop is ideal for those starting out on macro photography, and for those who have field experience but have never tried macro photography at night. This is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded photographers and learn from highly experienced photographers in night macro photography.  More details here.

About the Instructor
Nicky Bay is a prolific macro photographer from Singapore whose works have traveled across the globe through magazines, books, newspapers, television segments and numerous online publications. He has conducted extensive photography workshops in jungles around the world with participants from five different continents. Nicky's photography style is diverse, approached with continual innovation on his techniques and equipment setup. With weekly field trips, he has a massive collection of arthropod photos and is currently co-authoring a book on spiders of Southeast Asia. Nicky blogs about his field trip discoveries at sgmacro.blogspot.com.

Date: 28 May (Sat)
Time: 7pm to 12midnight+, arranged bumboat will depart from Ubin Jetty at 1am

Cost: S$120 which includes a 1-hour presentation, DIY flash diffuser construction (materials for flash diffuser provided), a 3-4 hour night walk on Pulau Ubin to photograph critters, and chartered night boat to return from Pulau Ubin to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (Changi Village).

Registration required. Registration and other details here. More details will be provided to those who register.

28 May (Sat): Story telling and launch of new children’s storybooks

With egrets flying south, civet cats roaming the neighbourhood and hermit crabs exploring our waters, join the Raffles Ecological Literacy students as they share their unfolding adventures.
The children's storybooks aim to showcase Singapore's natural heritage through the literary and visual arts.

Admission is free, no registration is required. All are welcome!

Time: 2pm to 4pm
Launch at 2pm. Story telling sessions begin at 3pm till 4pm.
Venue: My Tree House, Basement 1, Central Public Library, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

28 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 & Horticulture, Orchid & 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/

28 May (Sat): 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: 8-10am
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/

28 May (Sat): Art in Nature at Dairy Farm Nature Park

Get ready to busy yourself with sketchpads and paint brushes at Dairy Farm Nature Park. Volunteer leader, Jerome Pang will be sharing and guiding volunteers and participants to develop their art skills while raising awareness on conservation and native biodiversity.
Suitable for adults with art background. Each session a maximum of 15 people.

Register online.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Learning Lab (WELL)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 May (Fri): MAD for Musang! for kids with Cicada Tree Eco-Place

This event is part of Pesta Ubin! Common Palm Civets or 'musang' live in urban Singapore. And yes, on Pulau Ubin too!
Common Palm Civets in Siglap Estate
Musang family!
If you are curious about what these small native carnivores look like, what they feed on, who may feed on them, and why they are important to humans, join us to learn more! MAD = Make A Difference!

We will start with a slide-talk on the Common Palm Civet, and then take a leisurely guided nature walk to see if we can find a musang looking for its dinner! Along the way, we may see other precious nocturnal wildlife such as the Greater Mousedeer, and Oriental Whip Snake.

Specially for kids and their families. We will only be going on level trails, so this walk is suitable for wheelchairs. All participants to wear full-length long pants, socks and fully covered shoes. Bring torchlight and batteries, umbrella, your refillable water bottle and a snack.

Maximum 30 persons.

Date: 27 May (Fri)
Time: 7.30pm - 10pm
Meeting point: Uncle Lim's shop, No. 42 Pulau Ubin, opposite the Wayang Stage, 3 min walk from Ubin Jetty (map).
Cost: $10 for participants 5 years and above, to be paid upon meet-up.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

Registration required. Register at http://tinyurl.com/madformusangs-ctep2016. For enquiries, email Vilma vilma.drozario@gmail.com

Arrangements have been made for a bumboat (or two) to be available for your travel back to the mainland. They will charge about $50 per boat instead of $36 per boat. With only one or two bumboats, it may take a while to transport a large group back to the mainland. Thank you for your patience!

27 May (Fri): 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: 8-10am
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/

16-22 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Pesta Ubin is Pulau Ubin Open House (14 May - 12 Jun). Once a year only! People passionate about Ubin share special activities with the public.
Pesta Ubin 2016 - Fun for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family!
More than 50 activities over five weeks, many free of charge. Simply come to Pulau Ubin and join the fun! Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest!

Ubin happenings this week



Walks in wild places



MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

22 May (Sun): Celebrating Ubin’s shores

In conjunction with the International Day of Biological Diversity, members of the public will be able to appreciate Singapore’s biodiversity on the rich shores of Pulau Ubin in two fun-filled sessions.

Session 1: Introduction to mangrove and mangrove arboretum planting
Participants can get their hands dirty while contributing to mangrove reforestation efforts by planting mangrove saplings. Participants can also discover how these plants are suited to the mangrove habitat.

Session 2: Crafty crabs!
Participants can learn about the species of crabs living on the shores and mudflats of Chek Jawa. They will also engage in craft activities by folding their own kampong crabs using an assortment of leaves.

To register, interested participants can email their name, contact number and email address to nparks_pulau_ubin@nparks.gov.sg.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and will close when all available slots are taken up, or on 11 May 2016, whichever comes first. Successful applicants will be notified by 18 May 2016. Free boat rides for successful applicants are available from 8.00am to 8.20am.

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

More details on the NParks website.

Time; 8am - 12noon
Venue: meet at Changi Point Ferry Terminal

22 May (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

This walk is offered in collaboration with NParks and we will explore the new broadwalk which will give us excellent views across the Kranji Marshes. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Yellow Bittern, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more. The walk will start from Turut Track and will last about 3 hours.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30 - 11am
Venue: Meet at at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre coach bay at Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT station. From here, a hired bus will ferry us to the starting point of our walk at Turut Track.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 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.
Please bring along your own sketching materials. Recommended sketching materials to bring:
• Drawing or sketching block , A3 or A4 size, with a strong rigid back page for support
• Pencils of 2B and 4B softness grade
• Sharpener
• Small piece of sand paper (medium grade)
• Cotton buds
• Normal eraser
• Kneadable eraser or blue tack

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 May (Sat): Coastal Clean Up at Pulau Ubin mangroves

During Pesta Ubin, make a difference for Pulau Ubin, globally classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Join us as we carry out coastal clean-ups to remove abandoned drift nets and marine debris that choke up the Ubin coastline. It also ensures that our wildlife have the proper environment to thrive.

Date: 21 May (Sat)
Time: 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Meeting point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal (Changi Village). More on how to get to Ubin.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/ for enquiries please contact Kerry at kerry@nss.org.sg

Cost: The activity is free but volunteers will have to make their own way to Pulau Ubin ($6 for a two-way bumboat ride) and pay for van travel ($4 for two-way van ride).

Maximum 24 persons.

Registration required. Please register at http://tinyurl.com/z9jkum7 Details will be emailed upon registration.

21 May (Sat): Coastal Cleanup with Sea Shepherd at Jelutong Beach, Pulau Ubin

Get hands-on experience and help keep our shores clean during Pesta Ubin. You will learn how trash is affecting marine life, as well as how Singapore manages its trash. You will also have fun as we will be on the look out for interesting and weird finds amongst the trash!


Some of the kinds of trash that needs to be removed!

There is no age restriction but parents are to supervise their own children, especially younger ones. Anyone unwell or have medical conditions should consult their doctors first as clean-up can be physically strenuous. You are advised to drink up and hydrate as weather can be scorching. For safety, all participants have to wear covered shoes (diving booties are the best). No sandals, slippers or crocs.

Time: 2.30pm - 5pm
Meeting point: Assembly Area opposite the HSBC Volunteer Hub (map).
Website: http://www.facebook.com/SeaShepherdSG

No charge, the activity is free!
No registration required, simply meet at the Assembly Area.

21 May (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 May (Sat): Trees of the Fort

Did you know that a Kapok tree can grow up to 40 metres high? Let our nature-loving guides bring you on a journey to find out more about our heritage trees and other beautiful trees like the towering Kapok, flaky Gelam and magnificent Madras Thorn!
This is part of the ‘Connecting with Nature’ programmes featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

Maximum group size 30 persons. Register online.

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Meeting Point, Roundabout, between Fort Canning Art Center and Hotel Fort Canning.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9-15 May: Highlights of the week ahead!

This weekend start! Pesta Ubin is Pulau Ubin Open House (14 May - 12 Jun). Once a year only! People passionate about Ubin share special activities with the public.
Pesta Ubin 2016 - Fun for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family!
More than 50 activities over five weeks, many free of charge. Simply come to Pulau Ubin and join the fun! Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest!

Ubin happenings this week



For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

15 May (Sun): Herp Walk @ Dairy Farm Nature Park

Join this special edition of Herp Walk @ Treetop Walk Herps are reptiles like lizards and snakes, and amphibians like frogs. Let the HSS volunteers introduce you to some delightful and interesting herps on this 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!

So, do come down for a leisurely stroll along the Nature Park. Let the guides regale you with tales about the transformation of the entire area over the years. Learn about this green space that plays home to amazing biodiversity! If you’re lucky, you might get to see some of our scaly friends! Best of all, it’s absolutely free! So don’t wait and register at this link!

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park. More details on their blog.
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

14 May (Sat): Civic District Tree Trail

The free Civic District Tree Trail takes you through Singapore's historic Civic District, where you will not only marvel at Singapore's beautifully conserved buildings, but also take in sights of the majestic and interesting trees, some of which have stood tall for many generations and witnessed the transformation and progress of Singapore through the years. On this journey, you will also be amazed that some tress on Connaught Drive are more than 130 years old! In fact, 22 Rain Trees along this avenue have been endorsed with Heritage Tree status, making this the largest number of trees in a single avenue to be endorsed under NParks' Heritage Tree scheme.

Things to bring: Drinking water, umbrella/cap/hat and mosquito repellent. Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Register online.

Time: 4pm - 6pm
Venue: Entrance of Istana Gate (along Orchard Road)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 May (Sat): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

Part of Pesta Ubin, Pulau Ubin Open House!

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.
Not more than five persons in a group, pre-register with this online form.

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. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

14 May (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.

Register at sg.monkey.walk@gmail.com, at least 3 days in advance. Do provide us with your preferred date, name, contact number (in case of cancellation, we will contact you), number of adult and children participants (at most, 5 participants per registration). Upon receiving your registration, we will reply with a confirmation email. The walk will be cancelled if there is bad weather 45 minutes before the walk.

Time: 5-6.30pm
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 May (Sat): Rainforest Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

A free guided nature walk through a 6-hectare 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.

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, Nassim Gate.
Tour duration: One hour.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 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 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/

14 May (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 us for a lovely 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 entranceWebsite: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

14 May (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: 9-10.30am
Venue: Springleaf Nature Park (Exact meeting location will be indicated in confirmation email).
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 May (Fri): 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: 8-10am
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/

12 May (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: 8-10am
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 (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: 8-10am
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/

2 - 8 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Akan Datang! Fun for the whole family!

Pesta Ubin is Pulau Ubin Open House (14 May - 12 Jun). Once a year, people passionate about Ubin share special activities with the public.
Pesta Ubin 2016 - Fun for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family!
More than 50 activities over five weeks, many free of charge. Simply come to Pulau Ubin and join the fun! Find a Pesta Ubin activity that suits your schedule and interest!


Walks in wild places

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

7 May (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 CentrePlease meet at Information Counter, Neo Tiew entrance
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

7 May (Sat): 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.

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: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

25 Apr - 1 May: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference

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. 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!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

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

Join us for a morning guided walk around the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
This guided walk is suitable for everyone, including families with children.

The walk will be cancelled in the event of rain. Number of participants is limited to 20 people. Minimum number of participants is 5. Register online.

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

1 May (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 and on Channel NewsAsia.

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/