Step into the ‘wild’ side of Singapore, between some of the world’s rarest mangroves, where ever so often sightings of crocodiles have been documented. I witness here, a sight I never thought I would come across in cosmopolitan Singapore,  I spotted not only migrating birds but got glimpses of those crocodiles in the wild.
Now that I got your attention, and I will get back to the crocodiles, let me first introduce a park on the island’s outskirts that will transport you into a tranquil wildlife haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Are you ready?
Before I go even further, do heed to the warning signs regarding the crocodiles. Be responsible and vigilant. Recently a few more sightings even right next to the path has been seen, see this article. Nparks website advise: to stay calm and back away when spotting a crocodile. Do not approach, provoke or feed the animals.
Sungei Buloh Wetland
To the far northwest of Singapore lies probably one of the ‘wildest’ places you will find in Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland, one of only four Nature Reserves in Singapore.
Sungei Buloh Wetland, at 202ha, is one of the best places to see the annual bird migration. But not only that, here the notorious saltwater or estuarine crocodile can be seen, lazing about on the shores of the mangroves.Â
AboutÂ
Due to its rich ecosystem and the mangroves’ organic nutrients, the areas were once utilized as prawn farms. It is pretty interesting to note that there are 30 species of mangroves in Singapore, and 27 of them can be found here. ( in total 70 species of mangroves found across the world)Â
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was first designated as a nature park in 1989 (officially opened in 1993) and is now Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. The area was recognized for the migratory birds as internationally important, receiving a certificate by Wetlands international and was entered into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network.Â
Interesting fact: the four nature reserves  in Singapore are Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Also see: Walk among ruins of a Hainan Village – Thomson Nature Park – Singapore
Wildlife
Bird watching
With a large area dedicated to bird watching, it is any nature enthusiast’s dream. Find a spot, wait a while and whala! So many birds to see, and if you visit during September to March, you will spot the migrating birds, escaping the cold winter from as far as Siberia, on route to warmer Australia.
Patience is vital when it comes to birdwatching.
Resident birds: Herons, kingfishers, and sunbirds, to name a few.
Migrating birds: a few to look out for whimbrels, common greenshank, and Pacific Golden plovers.
The Estuarine crocodileÂ
The Estuarine Crocodile, otherwise known as the saltwater crocodile, is one of the largest species in the world. Did you know they can grow to 5m and up even? Did you know that they are endangered not only due to the destruction of their habitats but for leather and their meat?
Here at Sungei Buloh Wetland, your chances of spotting the cousins of the dinosaurs roaming around are good but not guaranteed.
 On my last visit, I came hoping to spot the Estuarine Crocodile, and I was in luck. I spotted three crocs and one smaller one on a sequential visit, but I have to confess that I saw none in my first few visits in previous years.Â
I know of many who went and never saw; it is all about the ‘luck’ of nature I guess.
Reminder: Do heed to the warning signs regarding the crocodiles and do not approach them, or provoke them, back away calmly as stated by Nparks and contact them. They are wild animals! Be responsible. Remember the recent article about one being right next to the path, you need to be vigilant!
Exploring Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
There is quite a bit to do here; you can choose from the multiple trails to explore the fauna and flora. Secondly, find a spot in one of the many bird watching pods, especially during September to March, as geographically, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is situated amid the annual bird migratory route. Thirdly, stroll along the meandering boardwalks. These boardwalks give you glimpses into the mangrove estuary—lookout for various fish between the roots of the mangroves. And at lower tide, spot the colourful crabs, mudskippers and even otters. Pursuing the trails inland, keep your eyes open for monitor lizards, birds, snakes and giant ass spiders, eeek. Lastly, explore the visitor centre, and learn more about the area.
Click here to find the Nparks map!
The routes
The reserve has four main trails ranging from 1950m to a short 150m trail.
- The Migratory Bird trail is probably my favourite; it winds around in a loop just shy of 2km. There are multiple bird observation hideouts along the route with views inwards to the Buloh Tidal pool. About halfway around, you can climb the tall Aerie Tower, with views spanning as far as Malaysia. It is here I spotted my third crocodile, lazing in the tidal pool.Â
- At 1.3 km, the Coastal trail meanders along, well, the coast; from here, you can take short detours to the Eagle point along the boardwalk, as well as the Mudskipper pod and Kingfisher pod. It is here that I spotted my first croc; well, it was pointed out to me. What looked like a log at first, turned out to be the croc’s head, bathing in the sun, facing towards the sea. I spotted two crocodiles here around the King Fisher Pod. I was glad they were far away and I was high up on the the boardwalk, and thank goodness I had my zoom lens.Â
- The Forest trail is only a short 300m trail leading you through some stunning greenery; it also doubles as a shortcut to the Eagle pod if you want to skip the harsh sun a bit.Â
- Lastly, the shortest of all, but not the least, is the 150m Mid-canopy walk, where those who dare or those who are a bit more adventurous can cross over the forest floor on a netted bridge. It was closed when I went.
Top sites to look for in
- Spot a croc
- Eagle Pod- see if you can spot the eagles soaring high
- Kingfisher & Mudskipper Pods
- Â Look out for little mudskipper
- Aerie Tower- can you see Malaysia?
Logistics
Where is Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve & how to get there
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is located to the far northwest of Singapore, close to Kranji reservoir. It is not near an MRT, and the best is to reach by bus or car.Â
- There are two parking lots; the first is along Kranji way at Sungei Buloh Carpark, close to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre (60 Kranji Way, #01-00 Visitor Centre, Singapore 739453). The second is up in Neo Tiew Crescent and is closest to the Migratory Bird trail (301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925).Â
- To reach by bus, take bus 925 from Kranji MRT, alight at Kranji Reservoir Pk B.
Also see: Step into the belly of a dragon – Best pottery workshop in Singapore
Opening hours
Like most other nature parks in Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is open from 7 am – 7 pm daily. Take note that you can’t enter after 6.39 pm, nor stay in the park after 7 pm.
What do you need
Make sure to bring water, as it is hot and humid. Remember to leave nothing behind, so I suggest using a reusable water bottle. As always, sunscreen, hat, and mosquito repellent; note there are no shops for snacks, only a vending machine close to the toilets, so pack your own. Comfortable walking shoes. Camera, a zoom lens, a pair of binoculars, and even a raincoat.
There are toilets at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre and Sungei Buloh Wetlands reserve Centre.
Do’s and don’ts
Follow the rules. As easy as that. Adhere to the signs, practise caution, follow park etiquette, and be alert. They have many warning signs, especially to stay on the designated paths. Maintain distance from wildlife. Follow the rules!
Stay on the visitors routes / paths.
Do not approach, or provoke the crocodiles and other animals, do not feed them either. As Nparks states on their sign: “Do stay calm and back away slowly if you spot one on the path”.
Inform the park of crocodile sightings (see sign below).
Stay alert! Why? For obvious reasons of course, but to give a personal example, I was walking along the path when literally 5m in front of me, a massive monitor lizard started to climb and make its way onto the trail. Imagine you are looking down on your phone at a time like that. Don’t do that, but be alert. (And here are crocs around too remember!)
Take nothing and leave nothing you brought with behind.
Where to eat
There are no cafes or restaurants at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, but a short drive away is the more rustic Poison Ivy Bistro at Bollywood farms serving wholesome farm-to-fork food at a low price. Bollywood farm is known as a sanctuary away from the bustling city. Enjoy a farm tour before or after your meal. Another option for farm-to-fork dining is Bistro by Gardenasia, where you can create either your own salad or select one of the various hearty meals. Did you know they have villas where you can do a staycation?
I really enjoy escaping the city and visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It is so peaceful, every time I spend at least 4 hour wandering around. So go and enjoy, but remember be alert and respect nature!
xxx
Did you know that Nparks have live cams around Sungei Buloh Wetland, have a look at them here.Â
*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own.
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