Welcome on board fellow readers! This week, it’s going to be really interesting as we take you on a journey to Singapore’s very well-known and historical park………………………….The Singapore Botanic Gardens! The Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded in 1859 and till now, the site is still as new and appealing as ever.
As we step into the garden, the quaint charms of the trees overwhelmed us. The sudden enlightenment of why Singapore is called the “garden city” descends upon us. The botanical garden is the perfect reason for our city’s reputation. As we stepped in to the garden, we couldn’t help but to feel as if we have stepped into another era; a small part of paradise in Singapore. The atmosphere in the botanical gardens is so relaxing and everything seems so slow paced there, the total opposite of a typical Singaporean day. (George even claims that once he stepped into the garden grounds, all his troubles seemed like yesterday. Haha, and he started to sing the song “yesterday”.) The garden is filled with many species of heritage trees, ranging from the Adenanthera pavonina (Saga tree) to Ceiba pentandra (Kapok tree).There are about 10 species of heritage trees in the garden! Their height ranges from 24meters to 46meters which would definitely make you wonder how great it would be to climb all the way on top of one of those trees! Imagine the view...
At Singapore Botanic Garden, you will definitely get to see many different kinds of flowers/Plant collection. As promised, you can check out our national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. It’s a very very beautiful orchid species that is known for their resilience and its beauty. So, be sure to visit the National Orchid Garden! Other plants include Bonsai plants and drought-tolerant species of plants! If you are interested in how plants come about, the Evolution Garden is a definite must visit...it tells of an amazing story on how plants evolve through their years of existence!
Walking on, we arrived at the Swan Lake. Have you ever imagined and fantasized of a nice fairytale scene and wished that it came to life? Well look no further. Right here in the Singapore Botanical Gardens, the swan lake is so scenic that it looks like it popped out from a fairytale! Coupled with the magnificent swans in the lake and the perfect weather conditions, it’s a sight to behold.
Just look at that fabulous scene captured. Words just can’t do justice to the scene. One must be present in order to understand the true beauty of the scenery there. Oh! And you guys haven’t seen it when it’s during sunset. Its paradise!
On a side note; there are 3 lakes in the garden, the Swan Lake, Symphony Lake and Eco-lake, all which are very scenic. If you are lucky enough, you will get to see the magnificent white or sometimes even the black swans up-close enjoying their day in the lake. You will also spot migrant ducks and many fishes there too! Besides, they make a very very ideal pinic spot with your family and friends too. Back to the trip! Afraid of being tired or getting caught in the rain? Fear not! The Botanic Garden have many shelters located along paths. You can check out the Visitor Centre that is located in the heart of the garden. It possesses a Southeast Asian architecture from the older eras and this is where you can get all the information you need. Also, the Botanic Garden Shop is also located here. What’s a tourist attraction without souvenir shops? Be sure to get your souvenirs here!
If you are looking for a more educational experience rather than just plain sight seeing, the Garden itself provides workshop and tours for adults and educators too! With more than 10 workshops and tours to choose from, you will definitely find something of your interest! Amazing enough, The Garden is also used as a research base. There is a library of Botany and Horticulture where the public can visit but items there could only be use for reference and not for loan. The Hybridisation Programme is also something you can take a look at .This is where many different species of orchids being bred! Be sure to check out the different events/tours that the Garden is organising!
The Singapore Botanic Garden is a must see attraction in Singapore! Be sure to take a trip down and we can guarantee you that it will be a trip of a lifetime! My friends and I have gone...have you?!
How to get there? Address: Singapore Botanic Gardens 1 Cluny Road Singapore 259569 Tel: (65) 6471 7361 / (65) 6471 7138 Fax: (65) 6473 7983
Note to all readers: We all know that Singapore is located near the equator, besides; global warming is starting to be a very important issue. Our point is….. PLEASE, don’t wear too many layers of clothes! Gosh, you’re going to get a heat stroke out there if you are going to wear many layers of clothes. Our group’s take is to wear the typical Singaporean style, T-shirt and shorts/ bermudas. Trust us, you will feel much cooler in them. If the mosquitoes are a n issue, bring the normal protection against them!!! Mosquito repellent and such ☺. Lastly and most importantly, have lots of fun there!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Hey readers! Are you all ready to continue our adventure to find nature treasures within our Garden City? If you are, our next stop is……
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve!
This is our very first trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, which is also known as the Kranji Nature Trail. None of us had ever frequented it and we are pretty sure that not many of you have been there as well. Hence, let us together unveil the wonders that make up this nature reserve.
Before we start, here are several quick facts on the history of Sungei Buloh.
The 87ha wetland reserve was founded by a group of birdwatchers from the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch) and they wrote a proposal to the government for its conservation.
It was designated as a nature park in 1989
It was officially opened on the 6 December 1993 by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Upon entering the nature park, we were greeted by friendly and helpful staffs seated at the information counter. It was also there that we managed to get our hands on a map of the trail which led us to numerous feasts for both our eyes andminds.
This was our first stop! Take a look at these roots, they are not the usual kinds you see in a typical garden. In actual fact however, these roots are very common, and are normal sight in a wetland reserve.
Continuing our trail, look at what we saw! Oh gosh! Such pretty flowers, shivering with sheer vibrance, just look at those colours. We apologise for the substandard picture quality, the pictures below really do not do those flowers any justice. (Thanks for the constant complaining of the picture quality George :P)
There are a lot more of similarly beautiful flowers inhabiting the area. However, our team mate George insisted that it would be a monstrous injustice towards them if we continued posting such photos. So please, do go there and marvel at their elegance for yourselves!
Next up, birds! Check out those flurry feathered creatures, they can most certainly create delightful symphonies with their constant chirping. Their singing can be heard all day long, at every inch and corner of the nature reserve. Despite the hot and humid weather, the atmosphere there was relatively calming and relaxing thanks to their sweet melodies. Addtionally, the colour and shape variance that they come in make them wonderful creatures to admire.
Oh, did you know that the Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve is recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds? That means that all these little birds are in fact, one of the main attraction of this wetland reserve.
Birds and flowers aside, we spotted a spectrum of insects too. (Warning: the following pictures might freaking out some insect haters out there.) Just take a look! These definitely are not your typical run in the mill kind of insects that one will find in neighborhood gardens and parks.
You have just got to love those butterflies. The vibrant colours, the endless fluttering and flirting with beautiful flowers, a wonderful scene indeed.
We came across a monitor lizard along the trail too! (Zoomed in really close on that) It was certainly an eye-catcher. No doubts about that.
If you are a nature lover and are looking for wonderful experiences, you have just stepped into the RIGHT page!
Here, you will find the recommended places to visit during your stay in Singapore! We hope that there is sufficient information provided. Enjoy! :D
