Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Singapore became an independent nation on August 9th, 1965. getty Renowned worldwide for its towering skyscrapers, bustling nightlife and world-class hotels ranging from the Raffles to Marina Bay Sands , Singapore has earned a reputation as one of the planet’s top destinations for urban tourism—but this tiny island nation is far more than just a concrete jungle. Over the past few decades, Singapore has mastered the delicate blend of urban expansion and environmental conservation, with pockets of perfectly-preserved wilderness including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve found dotting its borders.
Located on the northern edge of Singapore just south of Malaysia, this verdant attraction was first established as a nature park in 1993, eventually earning nature reserve status in 2002. Since then, the park has become a crucial haven for both resident and migratory species, with no shortage of fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles and insects to discover during a visit. And while animals abound across Sungei Buloh, the park is perhaps best known for its tangled mangrove forests, with each individual tree acting as a safe haven for tiny crabs and mollusks.
There are more than 20 extant species of mudskipper on the planet today. getty Upon arrival, guests are welcome to choose between open-air pathways ranging from the elevated Mangrove Boardwalk to the 300-meter Forest Trail, while features like Eagle Point and Aerie Tower are in place across the park to aid in spotting wildlife—but no matter which direction you go, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a curious creature that calls the region home. Known as the mudskipper, this fascinating fish prefers to spend its time out of the water, using its specially-evolved front fins to crawl and hop through the sediment in search of small invertebrates.
In addition to these animals, visitors can also find local residents like the white tamban and snakehead gudgeon huddled around the roots of the mangroves—but of course, there’s a lot more to see across Sungei Buloh than just fish. Over the years, the park has developed a reputation as one of Singapore’s top spots for birdwatching, with visitors arriving in droves all throughout the year in search of native Southeast Asian species. Waders abound along the water thanks to its high concentration of fish, drawing animals like the purple heron, little egret and striated heron as they search for prey, while winter visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of the Siberian sand plover or Asian dowitcher, two species that pass through Singapore during their annual migration.
When it comes to mammals, smooth-coated otters and wild boar can both be spotted by lucky visitors, but just be sure not to stray off of the pedestrian paths, as Sungei Buloh also serves as the perfect habitat for Singapore’s native estuarine crocodiles. MORE FOR YOU Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Tuesday, August 27th WWE Raw Results: Winners And Grades On August 26, 2024 Google Chrome Warning—21 Days To Update Or Delete Your Browser function loadConnatixScript(document) { if (!window.cnxel) { window.
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Though Singapore has undergone major changes in the past half-century, this verdant preserve stands out as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the nation, acting as a refuge for flora and fauna for years to come..
