Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Why it is on the list

Sungei Buloh was Singapore's first gazetted wetland reserve, in 2002, and in 2003 its first ASEAN Heritage Park.¹² Wetlands International recognised it in 2002 as a site of international importance for migratory birds, putting it in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway network with Kakadu, Mai Po and the Yatsu Tidal Flats.¹ From August to April whimbrels, greenshanks, redshanks and Pacific golden plovers feed on the mudflats; estuarine crocodiles, smooth-coated otters and monitor lizards are here all year.³ More than 30 of the world's 70 true mangrove species grow in the reserve.⁴ Eagle Point looks out over the strait for raptors, and the Aerie Tower gives an 18 m view over the whole reserve.³

It is the wrong choice in rain or at the highest tides: guided walks are cancelled in bad weather, and flooded areas are closed on set dates.⁵³ For rainforest and a climb, take Bukit Timah Nature Reserve; for the reef, Sisters' Islands Marine Park.

How to get it

The reserve is open from 7am to 7pm, last entry 6.30pm, and entry is free; the Visitor Centre is at 60 Kranji Way.³ From Kranji MRT take bus 925, or 925M on Sundays and public holidays; parking is free at the Visitor Centre and the Wetland Centre.³ The trails run from the 500 m mangrove boardwalk to the 1.95 km Migratory Bird Trail, with hides along the way; come between August and April for the migrants.⁵³

NParks guides a free walk every Saturday from 9.30am, except on public holidays and their eves, for at most 15 people.⁵ For the mangrove walk, register at the Information Counter in the Visitor Centre at least 15 minutes before it starts; places go first come, first served, and it is recommended from age 5.⁴ Platform 1 is closed for upgrading until 23 October 2026.³

Discretion

Drones, music through speakers, jogging and cycling are not allowed, and neither are pets.³ Commercial photography or filming needs a permit from nparks_sbwr@nparks.gov.sg, and a group of more than 30 needs one too.³ The Saturday mangrove walk takes members of the public only, not schools or organisations.⁴