Admission Matters

FAQ:	How much does it cost to enter the reserve?
Answer:	Free Entry except on Saturdays,Sundays, Public Holidays and School Holidays Admission charges: S$1.00 : S$0.50 : Adults Children/Senior Citizens/Students As long as the person is a student, either local or foreign, or a child above 3 years old, they will be eligible to pay S$0.50 for entry. Application for waiver of admission charges is on a case by case basis.

FAQ:	What forms of payment?
Answer:	Visitors can either pay in cash or cheque. It's optional. Cheque should be made payable to the NATIONAL PARKS BOARD. We do not issue advance tickets to individuals or groups. Payment must be made on the day of the visit.

Natural Attractions

FAQ:	When is the best time to visit the reserve?
Answer:	Time of the year What can you see Throughout the year Mangroves, mangrove wildlife such as mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, water snakes, birds, spiders, moths and monitor lizards. Resident birds such as herons, kingfishers, bitterns, sunbirds, coucals. Freshwater plants. Seasonal: September to March Migratory shorebirds/waders such as plovers and sandpipers

FAQ:

What to see, where and how far?

Answer:

Boardwalk @ visitor centre Approx. 500m Walk on wooden stilt structures weaving through the mangroves. Listen to the calls of the cicadas. At high tide, observe crabs and shellfish on tree trunks. At low tide, look out for the unusual roots of the mangroves. Look out for water snakes and horseshoe crabs in shallow streams. Watch mudskippers manoeuvre across the mudflats. Look out for 4 beautifully painted mural tiled shelters done by students from Commonwealth Secondary School. Route 1 Approx. 3km Circles two main ponds where resident herons and migratory waders feed. Look out for sluice gates that control the flow of water in and out of the ponds. Observation hides with murals depict various habitats of the reserve. Passes the aquatic plant pond with a good collection of aquatic plants. Spot the Common Monitor Lizard, Golden web Spider, Common Tailorbird and White-bellied Fish Eagle. Route 2 Approx. 5km From outdoor classroom, the longest boardwalk brings you into the mangrove arboretum. Leads to the tower hide and traditional prawn pond. Route 3 Approx. 7km Leads to the freshwater ponds at the western end of the reserve. Look out for the nesting Baya Weaver. Spot common water birds like the Bittern & the White-Breasted Waterhen.

Activities in the reserve

FAQ:

Do you run guided tours?

Answer:

Pre-booked guided tour For better guide and visitor interaction, pre-booked guided tours in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is limited to maximum of 15 people per group at S$60.00. You can book the guided tour from Mondays to Fridays at either 9.00am or 3.00pm with one month's notice. This guided tour is about one hour and covers approximately 1/4 of route one or the mangrove boardwalk. Alternatively, you could engage STB Certified Nature Guides as stated here. Admission fee applies on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays and School Holidays. Free guided tour Free guided tours on Saturdays at the 9.30am and 3.30pm time slots (except on Public Holidays and eve of Public Holidays). Each tour is also limited to a maximum of 15 people per guide and is on the first come first served basis. The free guided tours will merge with any activities that might be running consecutively and are weather permitting. Admission fee applies.

FAQ:

What educational activities are there?

Answer:

A host of educational activities awaits the diverse group of visitors who call on the wetland reserve. Ranging from self-guided walks to specialized thematic trail like PrawnWatch,there is a programme to cater to everyone. For the walk-in visitors, volunteer guides are at hand every Saturday at specific time to share the wonders of the mangroves. For organized groups, they can explore and learn more about the reserve with our 'Nature Hunt' series. As for the younger ones, the journey of discovery into the wonders of nature comes in a form of a 'passport'. The introduction of the Young Naturalist Programme in collaboration with HSBC, is where students learn about the wetlands through fun and adventurous activities and earn 'passport' stamps as well as badges. With the introduction of the wireless learning trail, students are able to assess information on the wetland reserve by scanning the 2-D barcodes that are located strategically along the wireless learning trail.

Reserve Facilities

FAQ:

Show runs and seating at Theatrette

Answer:

The theatrette has seating for 48. Groups should watch the 13min audio-visual show first before proceeding into the reserve. On Sundays and public holidays, the shows run on an hourly basis starting from 9am to 5pm. From Monday to Saturdays, screenings are at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. (No food and drinks are to be consumed in the nature gallery area and theatrette.) If you missed the audio-visual show, we would be pleased to run the show for you at the next scheduled screenings.

Special Requests

FAQ:

Do you require special permission to visit the reserve?

Answer:

No special permission is required for group or individuals visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, unless you have special activities or needs such as the use of the reserve's facilities. E.g/ Video/Photography shoots/Filming/Research Work Prior approval will have to be given for any research activity in the reserve. The researchers will have to write in for approval. Researchers must produce the letter of authorization issued by the reserve before the activity is allowed. The research activity will be carried out in accordance to the conditions stated in the authorization letter. There will be complimentary admission for the researcher(s) and assistant(s). In the event of unscheduled visitation, the researcher(s) may be admitted, solely for the purpose of scouting. The researcher(s) will pay the entry fee and be bound by the rules applicable to normal visitors. Researcher(s), during an unscheduled visit, will not be admitted if the intention is to collect any matter, venture beyond visitor boundaries or carry out any activity that normal visitors would not.

Rules and Regulations

FAQ:

What are some of the do's & don'ts in the reserve?

Answer:

The rules for the general visitors are as follows: No poaching No fishing (no fishing lines & nets allowed into the reserve) No vandalism No setting of fire No pets No radio/loud hailer/musical instruments No bicycle/tricycle (except baby pram) No releasing of animals No smoking No littering No plucking of leaves & flowers Be as quiet as possible Keep to walking trails Visitors can leave the items that are not allowed into the reserve at the lockers provided before entry is allowed. However, we will not be responsible for any items missing or not in proper condition. Entry will be denied for visitors who refuse to abide by the rules.

FAQ:	Why are bicycles not allowed in the reserve?
Answer:	The terrain in the reserve is rough and winding. Visitors who are unfamiliar with the narrow terrain will be a hazard to both themselves and other visitors.

Advice on Bird Flu

Visitors can continue to enjoy the sights at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as there has been no reported case of bird flu in Singapore.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the National Parks Board (NParks ) have an on-going surveillance programme for bird flu in wild birds at Sungei Buloh. As a precautionary measure, disinfectant footmats have been placed at the Visitor Centre for visitors to disinfect the soles of their footwear after a visit to the Reserve. Hand wash facilities are also provided at the public restrooms.

Visitors will not come into close contact with wild birds at the Reserve. However, should you chance upon any injuredor dead birds along the trails, do not touch the bird. Report the location of the bird to Sungei Buloh staff, who will collect the bird for testing by AVA.

Wild birds are a natural part of our living environment and play numerous roles that are important to humans. Living with wild birds means we must observe sensible hygiene practices, such as not touching the birds, their droppings or the water near them. If you do touch them, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after.

For more information on bird flu, please visit the Singapore Government Flu Website.

Minimising the Bird Flu risk

• Do not touch birds, their droppings or the water near them.
  If you do, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• If you chance upon any weakened or dead birds along the trails, do not touch the bird. Report the location of the bird to Sungei Buloh staff.
• Disinfect the soles of your footwear at disinfectant footmats placed at the Visitor Centre.

Bird Flu

Advice on stray dogs

From time to time, stray dogs enter the nature reserves such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR). These stray dogs originate from the vicinity around the nature reserves.

Dogs that enter the nature reserves are targeted for trapping through an on-going programme using baited cages. The trapped dogs are collected by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA). When dogs are sighted outside of the nature reserves, the dog control unit of the AVA is informed.

Dogs sometimes harass the wildlife found in nature reserves. Some may be bold enough not to walk away from the people they encounter. SBWR staff actively patrols and ensures the perimeters of the nature reserve minimize the entry of dogs. Staff is also present to help visitors should they encounter stray dogs.

Visitors who encounter these dogs are advised to leave the dogs alone. Try your best to avoid showing signs of fear. It is best to proceed calmly, stand still if necessary and never run when approached by a dog.

Visitors with feedback and suggestions can write to info@sbwr.org.sg or call our information counter at telephone number (65) 6794 1401. They can report dog sightings taking note of the location, date, time and number of dogs seen. The information given will enable the reserve’s dog control measures to be implemented more effectively.

Advice on crocodiles

Estuarine crocodiles are known to inhabit the waters of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. These are wild animals and they have a reputation for being aggressive.

Visitors are strongly advised to stay on visitor routes and not venture off the paths. On occasion, the crocodiles have been spotted basking on the visitor routes. Should visitors encounter a crocodile on the path, they should stay calm and back away slowly. Do not provoke the animal. Staff are present to help visitors should they need any assistance – please call the information counter at Tel: 6794 1401. Under no circumstances should visitors approach a crocodile. As with all wild animals, crocodiles should be treated with caution.

Crocodile warning signs have been posted at various parts of the Reserve
where they are most often spotted. Visitors are advised to heed these signs
for their own safety.

Visitors with feedback and suggestions can write to info@sbwr.org.sg or call our Information Counter at 6794 1401. They can report crocodile sightings taking note of the location, date, time and number of crocodiles seen. The information will help the Reserve further monitor and track the crocodiles’ movements.

Advice on Hornets, Wasps or Bees

What you should do when you encounter hornets, wasps, or bees?

1. If you encounter hornets, wasps or bees, do not swat at them. Retreat at least about 20m. If not possible, hide in vehicle or any enclosure or lie face down & cover head with arms.
2. If you spot their nests, DO NOT disturb or approach the nests; call us at 67941401 (8:30 am – 6:00 pm) or 64880252 (outside office hours), or inform the rangers at our parks.
3. Wear long-sleeved light coloured clothing if possible when outdoors. Try not to wear dark clothing as bees tend to target dark objects;
4. Try not to wear bright jewelry, flowery clothing and go barefoot & use strong scented lotions, perfumes, soaps, shampoos when walk in forested areas;
5. Do not panic if the odd wasp settles on you. Remain calm and the insects usually fly away;
6. Consult a doctor immediately if stung by hornet or bees.

Background on sting wounds

Wasps and bees have stingers that deliver venom and cause pain when injected into the skin. Most people who are stung by an insect will have redness, itching, swelling, and some pain around the sting site.

Some people are allergic to insect stings. They may experience rashes, itch, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, puffiness of the eyes, lips, tongue and throat, and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms can begin immediately after the sting or up to 30 minutes later and might last for hours. The patient can die of shock if this response is not reversed within a short time. Non-allergic victims who receive multiple stings can also develop serious complications.

What you should do if you are stung?

1. Do not try to pull the stinger and venom sac out as this may release more venom;
2. Scrape out the stinger with a blunt-edged stiff object like a credit card or dull knife.
3. Remove any rings and watches before any swelling occurs.
4. Wash affected area with soap and water several times a day until the skin is healed.
5. Apply a cold or ice pack, wrapped in cloth on the area for 10-15 minutes to stop the pain and swelling. To prevent frostbite, do not apply ice directly on the sting area.
6. Apply a paste of baking soda and water. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes;
7. Take pain killer, if necessary. Dabbing on a tiny amount of household ammonia or antihistamine, e.g. over-the-counter products suitable for insect stings, if approved by physician.

Emergency Care

Seek emergency care if the following symptoms are present as these could indicate an allergic reaction:

• Large areas of swelling
• Abnormal breathing
• Tightness in throat or chest
• Dizziness
• Hives e.g. red patches/itching
• Fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Persistent pain or swelling

Important Contact Numbers to Take Note: