The
Sungei Buloh Wetland extension just opened a month ago (in Dec 2014) and we decided to check it out today. Blessed with good weather, we enjoyed an easy stroll along the coastal route. The route was mostly flat with paved or wooden plank paths. It is stroller friendly except for a section of gravel path, which might make for a slightly bumpy ride. Still, I'd recommend bringing a stroller along if you're bringing a baby / toddler who isn't capable of walking an almost 1.5km route independently.
We started at the Kranji Way entrance, which is a good starting point especially if you are taking the young ones along. The Junior Adventure Trial is right next to the Visitor Centre, and it is a good place to get the kids excited about the nature walk. The Visitor Centre houses the Mangrove Gallery which provides lots of information on what you might expect to see in a Wetland Reserve. It is a must visit before you embark on the trial, unless you plan on doubling back later.
Do visit the toilets located at the Visitor Centre before you embark on the trial, as you won't have access to one until the end of the trial.
We followed the Coastal Route (marked in red on the map below) all the way to the Wetland Reserve. It took us about 1h 15min to cover the 1.5km route at a leisurely pace. Thereafter, Dean walked thru Neo Tiew Carpark and down Neo Tiew Cresecent back to our car that was parked at the Kranji Way entrance, while we checked out the information boards at the Wetland Reserve while waiting for him to come and pick us up. It turned out to be a good arrangement as it took him just 10 minutes to get to our car, and I really doubt our boys would enjoy doubling back on the same coastal route nor walking along the road back to the car. It is recommended to visit during low tide, so do check tide timings when planning your visit.
1) Junior Adventure Trial
At the Junior Adventure Trial, kids can pretend to be mudskippers (or any mangrove creature they fancy) in a mangrove swamp. Adult supervision is recommended as some parts aren't exactly toddler friendly. The boys enjoyed riding on the pulley boat the most, and said that the Junior Adventure Trial was one of their favourite parts of the nature walk.
2) Observation Pods
There are four observation pods along the entire trial. The elevation allows visitors a bird's eye view of the Wetland Reserve.
3) Mid Canopy Walk
A 120m long bridge takes you thru a mid canopy forest. We could hear birds, crickets and frogs as we made our way across the bridge.
4) Eagle Point
My personal favourite. Enjoy the breeze as you stroll along the board walk that takes you to the eagle point.
5) Mud Flats
The boys liked the interactive display that tells us about the different creatures living at varying depths of the mud bed.
The mud experience involves walking across a rope bridge. Note that this is only possible during low tide. We spotted mudskippers and crabs on the mudflats. This was the other highlight for the boys.
The Sungei Buloh Wetland extension is worth a visit. Pick a day with fine weather, slap on the mosquito repellant and spend some time getting acquainted with nature. We'll be back!
Do check out the
HSBC Tree Top walk as well. The Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve is more suitable for pre-schoolers though.
