Wetland in a city!

For people who think Singapore is just about multi structured buildings and entertainment...no,despite this country being a small island that has undergone lots of development, lots of wildlife still survives or even thrives!

To further prove it,there is a wetland reserve called Sungie Buloh Wetland Reserve https://www.sbwr.org.sg/ in the city and is home to over 160 species of birds. This reserves includes mangroves and fresh water wetlands.About 60% of these species are resident birds living and breeding here, and the rest are migrants. Most migrant birds arrive at the Park from September through November, and they leave for their homes back north from March to late May the following year. The Park provides its feathered guests with feeding grounds and roosting sites. Half of the migrant species are waders (shorebirds), the other half comprise perching birds and others. 

Other details of the reserves: 

Opening hours:  7.30am-7pm on weekdays,
7am-7pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. 
Admission is free except on Sat, Sun, Public Holidays and school holidays: $1 per adult

One can explore the place by going on nature trails and see wondrous creatures up close!! 

I had an opportunity with the National parks here to volunteer in this place on identifying resident and migratory birds. It is just not about the wildlife but the small details in nature that leave you mesmerized in this beautiful place. Rest through the pictures! 

Entry point to the reserve..

The view from cafeteria...can you spot the monitor lizard there?!

Early morning rays...

We set out to looking for birds..my fellow volunteer in the picture..

The wooden walkways are just so good to walk on...

 Some of the beautiful flowers that we spotted along with many birds...

Notice the pattern of the stem criss crossed?! :) 

Migratory shore birds were many from Australia said the Nature park staff...my cameras limitations,couldn't get them from close..

The path in the green that we went in lookout for birds...

Also not to forget the typical mangroves..

Spotted many monitor lizards on the trail...

Also a heron perching far away! 

Some patterns in nature which i love to take notice of ...

Algal blooms..

 Last but not the least..wild otter swimming happily!!

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.”

— Edward Abbey

If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.  ~Vincent Van Gogh

Touched by a butterfly!

Looking for a place to take your children on the holidays or you want to spend some quiet time in nature?There is a quaint little shelter for the flying jewels..the butterflies... just right in our neighborhood:) The place is Oh Farms which is on Bah Soon road off Sembawang Road.They have a butterfly lodge,facility for hydroponics and a small herb garden as well.Entry is charged at 5$ per person.You also get DIY butterfly rearing kit for 5$.

Using this space to have a few of my favorite quotes about butterfly :)

Like a butterfly evolving, we must love each stage we pass through. Be not judgmental of yourself. You are becoming a wondrous butterfly....

A touch of nature ...made her so happy!! 

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun.

And find your shoulder to light on.

To bring you luck, happiness and riches.

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

Life is like a butterfly – You go through changes before you become something beautiful.

Few of the nectaring host plants...they were beautiful...

No one can do it for you, choose to use your wings.

       Just when the caterpillar thought its life was over, it became a butterfly

            “It’s the ends of the world,” said the caterpillar. “It’s the beginning of the world,” said the butterfly.

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty..

A child is……..

A butterfly in the wind,
Some can fly higher than others;
but each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the other?

Each one is different!
Each one is special!
Each one is beautiful!

Notice the HEART here?:) 

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your

grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

There are beautiful nurseries adjoining to this place where  you can buy plants,its worth a visit:) some images from the nurseries we visited.

These colorful cacti were just so cute and beautiful!! :)

Often in life what appears to be an ending is really a glorious new beginning....:)

(Images by Sudha and Smitha)

One and only HOT SPRING in Singapore Island!! Did you know that it exists since 1909?!!

Want to have a healing touch of the hot springs?! You dont have to go anywhere ..Yes, there is a  hot spring in Singapore! Bet that this is a little fact that you didn’t know about Singapore!It is located at Gambas Avenue between Woodlands Avenue 12 and Sembawang Road, is the only natural hot spring on the main island of Singapore. 

Entry point along the gambas avenue..

Want to know about the history behind it ...Read this on the image :)or read on wiki Sembawang Hot Springs

 For those who of you who are expecting to see a pool of hot spring nestled a midst lush greenery and floral . I’m sorry to disappoint you but the reality is that you will be greeted by a concrete base with metal pipes channeling hot spring water.

 Testing the waters ...it's really hot!! Also in case if you were wondering, there are plenty of chairs and pails available within the area which you can use.

Water was pipping hot, said to be about 50-80 Degrees Celsius. To immerse our feet into the pail we had to constantly mix the water with cooler water! 

Enjoying the therapeutic foot bath! Some were filling up bottles of these water most probably for the “detoxifying/healing” properties that the natural spring is said to have.We had an amazing view of the moon when we started to leave,since the army camp is at the backdrop one can see the fencing all around!

Summing it up,we actually enjoyed soaking up those tired feet!! Therapeutic and refreshing for those who enjoy little things in life :) or you want to relax this way?! :) you are free to do that! 

More details of the Sembawang Hot Springs

Operating Hours: 7am to 7pm

Admission: Free

Address: Along Gambas Ave, in between the fenced-up military camps

Make a visit !