Nature and wildlife in Singapore

Question 1

Which nature trail is best for a first-time walker in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Prunus Trail at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, which NParks rates easy at 3km and about an hour. The Chemperai Trail is shorter, at 1.5km and 30 minutes, and Sungei Buloh's self-guided walks are rated easy too. We'd save the TreeTop Walk for later, since NParks rates it moderate to difficult. MacRitchie Reservoir Park is the way in, and Sungei Buloh is the flatter alternative.

Question 2

Which days is the TreeTop Walk open?

Accepted Answer

The TreeTop Walk is closed on Mondays except public holidays. It opens 9am to 5pm from Tuesday to Friday and 8.30am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays, with last entry at 4.45pm. NParks puts the walk from Windsor Nature Park at about 7km and 3 to 4 hours, rates it moderate to difficult and says it isn't suitable for young children or anyone with a fear of heights. MacRitchie Treetop Walk has the rest.

Question 3

Is Sungei Buloh worth visiting, and when are the migratory birds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you like birds: NParks says more than 200 species have been spotted, and migratory waders arrive between August and April. The walks are free, and the reserve is open from 7am to 7pm with last entry at 6.30pm. From Kranji MRT, take bus 925 from Monday to Saturday or 925M on Sundays and public holidays. We'd walk the easy 1.95km Migratory Bird Trail. Sungei Buloh Wetland Walk has more.

Question 4

What time do Singapore's nature reserves open and close?

Accepted Answer

Singapore's nature reserves and nature parks are open from 7am to 7pm, and Sungei Buloh's last entry is 6.30pm. NParks closes them at night so nocturnal animals can feed and breed undisturbed. The TreeTop Walk keeps its own hours, and parks outside the reserves can differ: Telok Blangah Hill Park, part of the Southern Ridges, is open 24 hours except the Earth Trail after 7pm. Henderson Waves sits inside it.

Question 5

Can I walk across Henderson Waves at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Telok Blangah Hill Park is open 24 hours, and Henderson Waves is lit with LEDs from 7pm to 2am daily. The Earth Trail is off limits after 7pm, and some Forest Walk stretches may be unlit for maintenance, so check NParks's park notice before you go. For the 274m bridge itself, NParks suggests the morning, when it's cooler, or the evening to see it lit. Henderson Waves has the way in.

Question 6

Can I feed the monkeys in Singapore's parks and nature reserves?

Accepted Answer

No, feeding any wildlife in Singapore, including monkeys, is illegal under the Wildlife Act, with a fine of up to S$10,000. A second conviction can bring a fine of up to S$20,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. NParks says fed macaques forage less in the forest and drift into built-up areas, which is dangerous for them. NParks lists them among the animals to look for on MacRitchie's Prunus Trail.

Question 7

What should I do if a monkey comes close on a trail?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm and quiet, avoid eye contact and back away slowly, without turning around or running. Macaques have learnt that plastic bags mean food, so keep food and bags inside your backpack before you set off on a forest trail such as MacRitchie's. Don't touch, chase or corner a monkey, since it may attack in self-defence.

Question 8

Are there snakes on Singapore's hiking trails?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Singapore has 64 native species of snakes, and they live in nature reserves, parks and even built-up areas. NParks says snakes are generally shy and usually slither away, and don't attack unless disturbed or provoked. If you meet one, stay calm, back away slowly and give it space, and never touch, chase or corner it. If you're bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Question 9

Are there crocodiles in Singapore, and where can I see one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, estuarine crocodiles live in Singapore's wetlands and coastal waters, and NParks says you may see one at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It may be basking on land or floating in the water, so stay on the marked routes, keep away from the water's edge and stay out of the water. If you meet one, stay calm, back away and don't approach, provoke or feed it, then report the sighting on 1800-476-1600. Sungei Buloh Wetland Walk has the trails.

Question 10

Are wild boars dangerous on Singapore's trails?

Accepted Answer

Wild boars are shy but unpredictable, and NParks says they typically attack only when cornered or threatened. Females are protective of their piglets and easily provoked, and adult males have tusks that can cause serious injuries. Keep your distance, speak quietly, skip the flash and never feed one. Boars turn up beside forest, in grassland and in mangroves, and NParks lists them on its Coney Island Park page.

Question 11

Can I bring my dog to Singapore's nature reserves?

Accepted Answer

No, dogs aren't allowed in the Bukit Timah, Central Catchment, Labrador or Sungei Buloh nature reserves, and that includes the MacRitchie trails. NParks permits them in most of its other parks and park connectors, and its dog runs let them off the lead. In the reserves, dogs can harass wildlife, and ticks and wild boars are hazards for them. MacRitchie Reservoir Park is one where they stay home.