Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

The path away from civilisation begins here

2009-03-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

The little path in the photo appears to be leading to nowhere, unpretentious. What lies beyond is a totally new experience of another world. This is a world of what Jurong was before it became an industrial estate in the late 1960s. Here it is still unspoilt and barely touched by the bulldozers.

It took about half an hour to get away from the concrete maze of a bustling city to get to this wetland reserves. The journey was smooth and pleasant, which was a little disappointing as I was expecting the rough and tumble of driving along an unpaved jungle track and the fun of a 4 wheel landrover . The nearer I got to the reserve, the lesser was the bustle and noise of an over populated city state. The traffic was also much less of an annoyance. Things just quiet down.

And now, a short walk from the car park, I was staring at a little tunnel of dense tropical vegetation, and the promise of a walk with mother nature, far from the maddening crowd. And there was a no smoking sign too. What a thoughtful idea. The birds and animals would not want to be addicted to nicotine too.

Almost there

2009-03-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

It got brighter as the foliage canopy gave way to a new opening in the forest. A wooden structure stood ahead, linked by a little bridge from the road. It was just about eight on a Sunday morning in March.

The Visitor's Centre

2009-03-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Oh, a couple of foreign tourists had arrived ahead of me. The wooden structure was the Visitor's Centre. A beam across its front said 'Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve'. There was a pond on the left and another wooden hut at the far end of the water. I found out later that it was the cafeteria.

It was so quiet and peaceful around here. The rushing around disappeared and the pace of life just scaled down to the rhythm of leg power.

Nature's Treasure Troves

2009-03-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

There was a solitary uniformed staff at the reception counter. He was a bit surprised when I offered to pay the entrance fee of $1. He said, 'Free for early birds.' Me, an old bird!

That was a pleasant surprise though the $1 ticket was not too much to pay for. The reserve only charges visitors on weekends and public holidays. Senior citizens, above 60, need only pay 50c. Free on weekdays for all!

To get myself acquainted with the place I turned right into a Nature Gallery for a little introduction. Eight o'clock in the morning wasn't too early and there were others already inside the Gallery.

The first exhibit on the right of the hall displayed a few bird nests and commentaries on their natural owners and why the nests were constructed in those ways.

More exhibits

2009-03-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

More exhibits on what to expect inside the reserve. The crab was unusually big. Was I visiting Jurassic Park?

Night life at Sungei Buloh

2009-03-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

The map should be useful. The Encounters at Dusk was a bit dark inside and some stuffed night birds on display. Incidentally, the reserve opens at 7.30am and closes at 7pm daily. No visiting at night.

The journey begins here

2009-03-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, this was where I started. This was the short path behind the Visitor's Centre which led directly to a bridge. The main bridge across the river and into the reserve proper, the longest bridge at about 60 metres in length.

River on the left

2009-03-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Looking to the left of the bridge, the early dawn just breaking, was an unusual calm of a river at low tide. Stretch the eyes a little further and one could catch a glimpse of a flock of white birds at the far edge of the river bank. These were the egrets waiting for breakfast. They were earlier than the worms.

For those who were wondering why dawn was just breaking at eight in the morning, there was a little story behind this anomaly. The island shifted its official time ahead to be in line with Hongkong which was much further to the East. The normal time for dawn was seven in the past but now technically at eight.

The birds and the worms were not deceived or affected by this artificiality in time.

This stretch of the river is best when the tide is low or just coming in. The egrets and herons will be wading in the low water for their meals. Kingfishers, stockbills and white collars, make this their fising ground too.

Crocodiles too can be seen here without having to venture deep into the reserve. Do not go into the water. Take the warning signs seriously.

Water gate on left

2009-03-16T14:59:00.001-07:00

Nearer the bridge, in front, was the entrance of a water gate. The gate would be open to release water from the adjacent pond in/out of the river. In front of this gate is the favourite spot for a crocodile. If oftens appeared when the tide is just coming in. Behind this gate resides another crocodile.

Most of the ponds here were cut from the natural surroundings, mostly mangrove swamps, and reconstructed for prawn breeding and rearing ponds.

Bird watchers

2009-03-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

The bird watchers were there ahead of me. They could not be mistaken with the binoculars glued to their eyes, and their intense concentration in the trees or bushes ahead.
The other group was watching for crocodiles. A couple is often seen feeding in the spot below.

First hide

2009-03-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is the first hide facing the bridge and more or less inviting the visitors to walk right in, and be amazed by what were in store for the unwary. When in season, the migratory birds will only be a stone's throw away. The monitor lizards will take their strolls among the birds who will watch them very closely. Have never seen the lizards attacking the birds yet. Heard that they are vegetarian. It opened a window to a wide expanse of nature, deliberately shielded away from the hassling and noise of the approaching visitors. To be quiet, to walk stealthily, was a virtue and would be richly rewarded.

Morning calm

2009-03-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, everything seemed to be sleeping. The tranquility was an experience to behold, and the freshness of cool clean air. The picture in front was real, but almost lifeless, like a still. Look carefully around and enjoy the serenity of nature, and the peacefulness. The birds were there to feast the eyes, like little props to the trees and vegetation.

Tower hide

2009-03-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is the top of a viewing platform, a 50 ft structure in the centre of the reserve. No lift is available, just plain steps to the top. It offers a commanding view of the whole reserve and into the horizon. There were no high hills to block the view. Ponds and vegetations on all sides.

Getting nearer

2009-03-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

A closer view of the birds. And they were motionless. Probably still asleep. And the water was like a polished mirror reflecting every image in perfection.

A flock of egrets, sandpipers and plovers

2009-03-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

A closed up look, and yes, there were egrets, sandpipers and plovers, a few dozens of them. Some still had their heads tucked in sleeping positions. Now I was wondering why they said the birds rose early to catch the worms. These birds were still snoozing. And it was way past 8 am!

What were they waiting for? Worms falling from the sky?

Hornbill and purple heron in the reserves

2009-03-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

An Asian Pied Hornbill flying across the dense vegetation. Below picture is a purple heron, one skimming across the water.

The egrets have landed

2009-03-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

An egret doing a perfect landing on the river.
Two egrets battling it out for male supremacy.

Bird sanctuary

2009-03-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

The bird sanctuary is a temporary home to more than 220 species of migratory and resident birds. Depending on the season and timing of the day, only selected species can be seen. The local residents include the water hen, kingfishers, notably stockbills and white collar, sun birds, magpies, cuckoos, green pigeons, owls, eagles, egrets, grey and purple herons, little herons, etc etc.

The season for migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Mongolia is between late August and January. Sandpipers, wimbrels, plovers are aplenty during this period of the year.

Water gate and what lies beneath

2009-03-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

From the first hike visitors could either take the right or left route to go round the reserve. There were 3 planned trails covering distances of 3 km, 5 km and 7 km. I took the right route towards the direction of the Straits of Johore.

A water gate along the trail. The tide was still out and most of the ponds and rivers looked pretty hungry for water.

Now what was this? A monitor lizard in its natural habitat, camouflaged like a piece of log. There were plenty of such creatures in the reserve. And there were warning signs of crocodiles as well. Don't dip your feet into the water. But monitor lizards are known to be quite harmless. Children could really get quite close to the lizards along the pathways. They are tree climbers and could be spotted on tree branches.

This crocodile is a regular at the wetland.

A drop of life

2009-03-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

A precious drop of water glistening on a water hyacinth leaf. The leaf is obviously waterproof and water will simply slide away.

Flora of Sungei Buloh

2009-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Some colourful flora in the reserve. Notice that the two photos of white flowers are the same but the leaves are different?

Damselfly

2009-03-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Damselflies were found in the small ponds around the reserve. They are different from dragonflies. The brilliance in its body colour was an indication of how healthy this one was.

Red dragonfly

2009-03-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

These dragonflies are crimson red in colour. Have not seen them in other parts of the island. One was totally red while the other had a black thorax.

Actually the few species here were pretty new to me. Well, city folks are not too familiar with such beings. Not very close to mother nature.

Rainbow dragonfly

2009-03-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

These dragonflies are blue from the top but have multi hues on their sides. So I called them rainbow dragonflies. Just my take.

All peace and quiet

2009-03-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Another stretch of serenity. No humans, no cars, no man made noises, no children. It was a very peaceful feeling sitting there admiring the stillness of nature. And no wind this morning. I got this guilty feeling for moving around and disturbing the peace.

This cannot be busy Singapore. It is like some remote corner of a jungle somewhere in Africa or Indonesia.

Wait a moment, where is everyone? There were several groups of people ahead of me, including a big group of about 40 senior citizens trotting along. Where have they gone? I can't even hear their non stop chatting.

Am I feeling lonely, in the midst of a jungle?

The white trees

2009-03-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

I stumbled into this tree inside the secondary forest. Everywhere was green or brown or black. But here in their midst, there were two actually, with white trunks covering almost the entire woody part of the trees. It took a bit of careful observation and luck to spot them.

Arachindas

2009-03-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

What's this? Treking in the reserves, a keen pair of eyes is very important. And don't just look ahead, there are life forms everywhere, high and low, in the air and in the water and in little corners or holes.

These were huge spiders, with legs stretched out could easily fit a lady's palm. And they hanged above the heads along the tracks. The first spider, the Golden Orb Web spider (top two photos of top and bottom views) was found along the tunnel passage on the way in before the main entrance to the reserve. This is the biggest spider specie in the reserve.

The bottom one (yellow legs) was found along the track after I exited from a hide. It was spotted by a child. It was slightly smaller. There are many other small varieties in the bushes and in the hides.

The migratory birds arrived

2009-03-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

By early August, the migratory birds will arrive. The sandpipers, plovers and wimbrels are all over the wetland. They fly in separate distinct flocks in and out of the wetland.

Sunbirds

2009-03-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

There are several varieties of sunbirds in the wetland. Unable to identify this little beauty.

Grey herons

2009-03-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Caught this one perched on the top of a tree about 60 metres away. Herons are quite permanent visitors in the wetland and can be seen in the river near the entrance. Below two pictures show the majesty of the grey herons with wings widespread.

Visitors along the way

2009-03-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

These were some of the visitors that appeared and disappeared along the way. Never met them again throughout the journey later. The mosquitoes must be having a feast on their bare arms and legs. I too was attacked and knocked out a few and smeared a few drops of blood on my arms. Didn't want to take their lives but they kept coming. Could feel the pain when they bite. Tiny fellows but still painful, and itch afterwards.

A screen and a hide

2009-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

These screens were conveniently placed along the tracks for visitors to look through as they passed by. You would not be able to see much as the birds will fly off when they detected the noise of the shoes hitting the ground.

The hides were more effective, with benches for the observers to lay in wait. After a while when things got quiet down, the birds would return, thinking that they were alone. And very useful when it rains.

The longest hide in the reserves

2009-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Entrances to the longest hide in the reserve. The first entrance is ahead, slightly on the right. The other entrance is just before the sign on bottom left.

Interior of a hide

2009-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

There you are, comfortable benches, but without cushions. This hide had several paintings on them. Some will have photos and charts of the birds that are likely to be seen around them. And they were pretty clean and airy. No litters and cigarette butts. The visitors were great for keeping the hides and the reserve clean.

Common Redshanks and Marsh Sandpiper

2009-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

There were many plovers and sandpipers in the river banks. The noticeable difference is the the length of their beaks. The sandpipers normally have longer beaks and also longer legs.
Both their feathers were brownish and blended very well to the muddy river banks. Very good for camouflage. The bird in front is a Marsh Sandpiper. The red legs belonged to the Common Red Shank.

More Marsh Sandpipers

2009-03-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

See how well they blended into the general colour and tone of the surrounding. I have darkened the photos slightly to bring out the contrast and the birds. In the original photos they were lighter in colour, almost the same tone as the background.

A Storkbill and a White Collar Kingfisher.

2009-03-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

There are 8 different species of kingfishers here. The top photo is a Stockbill Kingfisher feeding on a fish. Stockbill is the biggest of all the kingfishers here. Bottom photo is a White Collar Kingfisher emerging from the water after diving in for a catch.

Nature can write

2009-03-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

080, wow. And the artist was Mr Mudskipper on the right photo. Each little poodle of water is likely to have a resident mudskipper. Sometimes there were two. Each adult is about 20cm long and with two protruding eyes like a frog or a toad.

Map and direction signs

2009-03-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

These signs were erected strategically around the reserve. No chance of getting lost. Other than the signs, the tracks around the reserve were designed in loops and circles that wouldl bring the visitors around efficiently. If the inhabitants here cannot lose their ways, the human visitors should have no problem finding their ways around.

Another path under the foliage

2009-03-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

The tracks under the foliage were very similar around the reserve. They reminded one of Tarzan and the tribesmen. And there were long hanging vines as well. Walking through them was quite cooling even when the sun was at noon. A gentle stroll through the reserve, no hurry, and be entertained by the symphony of the cicadas in the trees. They came on and off as the day got brighter.

The deserted river as they were without the birds.

Fishes in the pond

2009-03-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

And there were lives in the water. That's where the birds got their meals from, or at least the kingfishers. The longer fish could be grey mullets. The rounder ones with stripes were likely to be tilapia or some cichlids.

The bridge and tower

2009-03-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

This was the path that led to the sea side and where the eagles were. The observation tower was just a short distance away.

Crossing the stream to eagle land

2009-03-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Two sides of the stream looking from the bridge.

Golden and bumblebee dragonflies

2009-03-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

The golden dragonfly is coated with a very nice golden colour. Looks like a dragon in a way.

The bumblebee dragonfly is quite exceptional. It didn't linger around the water or ponds but among the lallangs and bushes. Its rear set of wings was lower than the front set, like a bi plane. And the pattern was similar to that of a bumble bee.

Fish farming in the Johore Straits

2009-03-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

The nearest visual contact with civilisation was through the sea or Straits of Johore. Two fish farms with floating net cages were captured in the photographs.

Eagles in flight

2009-03-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

A pair of White Belly Sea Eagles were circulating next to the sea and came very low, just above the tree tops. My suspicion was that they had a nest nearby in the trees and were excited when I came too near. I messed it up on the focussing and will make a trip back to shoot them again. The other photo is that of an Osprey.

Nature's art and craft

2009-03-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Green moulds found on the upper surface of a branch and orangie mushroom on the lower surfaces of another branch in a different location. These creations needed time and a pair of keen eyes to spot them. The mushroom in the third photo looked like lampshade.

Hornbill and Grey heron

2009-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

A black and white Hornbill in flight.

This heron was too close to the otters' nest. The otter family was on a day outing and the heron was getting nervy of their presence. It was carefully watching the otters all the time for fear of becoming their meal.

Purple Herons in flight

2009-03-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

The purple herons are beautiful birds in the wetland, especially when they spread their wings.

Smooth Otter

2009-03-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

After a morning of frolicking the otters decided to take a nap in a small island in the middle of the pond. What a carefree life, sleep, eat and play.

Torpedo fish of Sungei Buloh

2009-03-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

This is the most amazing discovery of my trip. I heard the splashes of fishes jumping out and back into the water while watching the otters. And when they kept doing it, I decided to wait for them with my camera in focus. I spend 20 minutes to shoot the fishes, trying to capture what my eyes could not see except a blur. Only at high shutter speed could the fish be frozen to give a clear picture of how they looked like.

And what did I get? Bluish torpedo looking fish shooting straight out of the water to great heights. Were they being chase by predators in the water or it was some kind of mating rituals? The enlarged photo shows a smaller fish biting the tail of the 'torpedo' fish.

Flocks of migratory birds

2009-03-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

The wonderful moments when the birds were flying around in the wetland. These birds were sent into air on the approach of an eagle.

Common Redshanks

2009-03-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

Low tide is the best time for the birds to find their meals. The Redshank had found its worm. Also look at the camouflage colours of the birds and how they fit in to the colour in the background.

Sandpiper and plovers

2009-03-16T06:24:00.001-07:00

Green pigeon and a plover

2009-03-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

This was a green pigeon which I spotted while hiding in a hide. I think the other bird is a plover. But I am not too sure as most plovers are often running on the ground. Its legs are quite short too.

Entrance to mangrove swamp

2009-03-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

This was where I entered the mangrove swamp. But the journey was very pleasant walking on the wooden platform path. Nothing muddy or wet inside a mangrove swamp, how about that? The route was designed in a zigzag manner to take in more of the swamp land. As there were not many people around, most of the time I was moving along all by myself in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately the reserve was quite safe and no mugging was expected, at least none that I have heard off.

Along the way I did met some families with their little children and students hiking alone or in pairs. Some of the students were there on study trips to study the flora and fauna in the swamp.

Crab fortresses

2009-03-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

These were not anthills but the fortresses of little crabs. Every mud hole was home to a crab. And there were plentiful of these little creatures in different shapes, colours and sizes. The mud fortresses were pretty dry at the moment with the tide out.

Crab country

2009-03-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

I will be posting several pages of the crabs here. The crabs came in all colours, black, brown, green, red and a multitude of other shades. Unfortunately their brilliant colours were not on display as most of them were covered in mud. They will look cleaner during high tide. Perhaps I should have wash them before shooting them.

Mangrove swamp, low tide

2009-03-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

See the mud and the darken area of the tree trunk that tells the level of the water during high tide.

Towering hole

2009-03-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

This is a fairly new towering mudhole standing on its own. And what the crab were these two? Look at the devilish grin on their faces! Aren't they looking naughty?

Toad pretender

2009-03-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

A mud skipper in its home ground. And it can blow and puff up its cheeks just like a toad to appear awesome looking. Or was it trying to pretend that it was a toad?

The wild bunch

2009-03-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

This was a bunch of stray dogs roaming in the reserve and probably making it their home and playground. And they have learnt to fish for food. They were looking out for mud skippers in the water.

Their presence was a little concern to me. When they are hungry, there is always a possibility that they may attack, especially when little children stray too far away from the adults. The rangers should pay careful attention to their presence and maybe better to take them away. In a pack, they can behave like a pack of wild dogs.

Colourful crabs

2009-03-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

These were cleaner and revealing more of their fine colours.

More crabs

2009-03-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

Notice the interesting water formation and reflection around the small crab sitting on a leaf? The water is fairly free from oil contamination, in fact none that I could see.

3 more varities of crabs

2009-03-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

There must be numerous species of crabs here. And crabs can climb trees. Wonder how they do it. The small will indicate the relative size of the crabs here.

Mud skipper fully revealed

2009-03-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

I am still wondering why the water appeared to behave like there was a layer of oil on them. There was absolutely no traces of oil here and the circular pattern could be due to the water content or pH value.

And we have a mud skipper in full lenght and a suit of mud. What kind of a life swirling in mud all day long?

At low tide

2009-03-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Away from the mangrove swamp, the beautiful greenery and sandy bottom of the pond. This is a view from a hide.

Verdant vegetation

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A pond that was flourishing with greenery and healthy plants.

The two dragons

2009-03-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

These two adult monitor lizards were fully grown. They were huge and massive, nearly 2 metres long. And they gave me a fright of my life after a long and uneventful stroll through the reserve. I was just emerging from the mangrove swamp and walking along the wooden platform. The gap between the platform and ground narrowed till they eventually met. Just as I was near the end of the wooden platform track, out of no where these two monsters appeared and were only 2 metres from me. Though they were on lower ground, the closeness was too much to strike fear in me.

This was what I meant about not taking safety for granted. They feed on small animals. And I have seen little children running way ahead of their parents in the reserve. What if the lizards were hungry and desperate and found the children small enough? This was just my thought. So far so good. But parents, please be careful.

The two dragons of a lizard were encountered next to the field class room in the heart of the reserve.

Purple tubes for tongue

2009-03-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Look at the two purple tubes that were tongues. They don't flip them out for show often. It was pure luck to capture them on photo. Which is the father and which is mum?

Handsome reptiles

2009-03-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

After the initial shock I settled down to appreciate the beauty of these beasts. They too were not too wary of my presence and stood there to show off their good looks and be photographed. Handsome weren't they? How close could one get to these creatures in the wild? It was a rare privilege to get acquainted with them. Anyone looking at crocodile leather bags?

Weeds conquering pond

2009-03-16T05:22:00.001-07:00

This was the pond next to the class room. It was almost completely swallowed up by the weeds and water hyacinth. The little conical objects attached to the tips of these long grasses were flowers! My first impression was that they were pupa cocoons of some insects.

Still a picture of tranquility

2009-03-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

Another tranquil picture of a pond, now filled with water. I was treking my way back and the tower hide was the same one we first saw in the morning. Without knowing, I had spent more than 3 hours in the reserve, alone and walking.

Aborting attempt to cross track

2009-03-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

Halt, lizard crossing! This one just crawled out from the pond and wanting to cross to the adjacent pond to the right. It stopped in its path on seeing me. We eyeballed each other for a few minutes without moving. I took the opportunity to take a few shots of the creature. It looked like a mother to be.

After a few moments I won the starring contest. It turned around and back off to where it came from. Maybe I felt much more confident as this one was not at big as the earlier two that surprised me.

Looking at the mangrove roots below

2009-03-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

I was back at the first bridge looking at newly arrived visitors. They must be fascinated by the exposed mangrove roots below. And the sun was overhead.

Fish under the bridge

2009-03-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

The shelter at the bridge again. I took a little rest and saw this school of swordfish below the bridge. They were pointing themselves towards the river mouth while the tide was flowing in.

More visitors arriving at the first bridge

2009-03-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

More new arrivals and happily clicking away their cameras. And I could see that the mosquitoes would be having a feast. Actually there were not that many mosquitoes except for a few dark passages along the tracks. The rest of the journey was just fine.

Sending off party

2009-03-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

I had a break and the best fresh brewed coffee in the Cafeteria, the wooden hut in the photo. And this fellow was probably a member of the sending off party. It was swimming from the Cafeteria towards me at the entrance of the visitor centre. A nice gesture.

Colourful leaf spiders

2009-03-16T05:03:00.001-07:00

There are many colourful leaf spiders in the reserves. It takes a little patient and sharp eyes to screen through the vegetations to pick them out.

Goodbye Sungei Buloh

2009-03-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

One more look at the visitor's centre and goodbye. It was a wonderful and pleasant experience in the warm embrace of mother nature.

Tunnel back to civilisation

2009-03-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

Ah, the tunnel to exit back to civilisation.