Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Singapore is often hailed as ‘The Garden City’ for good reason. Amidst the towering skyscrapers, HDB blocks and shopping malls lie an abundance of lush greenery, making nature reserves and parks popular spots for outdoor activities among Singaporeans. If you’re game for a day of wandering around marshlands with monitor lizards, crocodiles, and mudskippers galore, visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for a fun countryside getaway.
Note: As crocodiles have been spotted around the area, do heed the warning signs and do not approach, provoke, or feed them.
Table of Contents
- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
- What to prep before visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
- What walking trails can be found on the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve map?
- Which walking trails are wheelchair and stroller-friendly?
- Are there guided walks at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve?
- When is the best time to visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve?
- What etiquette should I be aware of when birdwatching?
- Are there any tips for bird-watching?
- How to get to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
What to prep before visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
The majority of the park is not sheltered, so it’s best to check the weather before heading down. To fully enjoy your visit, pack insect repellent and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and pants. Remember to apply sunblock and top off your outfit with some sunnies and a cap to protect yourself from the UV rays. Those joining the intertidal walks will need to wear covered shoes too.
You can picnic in the grassy areas or at the observation pods. However, do note that dogs are not allowed at the park. This is because they can be seen as predatory animals and might scare the wildlife.
What walking trails can be found on the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve map?
Image credit: National Parks Board
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this nature reserve is situated in Kranji and spans a whopping 202 hectares. With an area this large, it’s no wonder that there are 4 different beginner-friendly walking trails at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for you to choose from.
Which walking trails are wheelchair and stroller-friendly?
Several walking trails at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve feature smooth and even paths that are wheelchair and stroller-friendly. These include the Migratory Bird Trail, Coastal Trail, and Mangrove Boardwalk, so visitors of all ages and mobility levels can comfortably explore the reserve’s rich biodiversity.
1. Migratory Bird Trail
Image credit: @bellydancetheworld via Instagram
Measuring a distance of 1.95km, the Migratory Bird Trail is the longest in the reserve. As its name suggests, it’s a goldmine for avid birdwatchers. Head down from August to April and you’ll be able to spot migratory birds like the Whimbrel and Pacific Golden Plover at the Buloh Tidal Ponds.
The Aerie Tower along the Migratory Bird Trail.
Image credit: @nrhtdytz via Instagram
The trail also leads directly to the Aerie tower, which offers panoramic views of Johor Bahru. Apart from the view from the tower, you can also look up at the ceiling for a nice surprise of bats hanging out there.
2. Forest Trail
The Forest Trail requires less stamina at only 300m long, so you can have an easy stroll amid the tall trees.
Image credit: @ivanxwang via Instagram
It leads directly to the Mid-Canopy Walk, where thrill-seekers can cross a netted bridge that’s suspended above the forest floor. This bridge makes for that perfect “adventurous” Instagram shot, but just be sure not to drop your phones.
3. Junior Adventure Trail
The Junior Adventure Trail, while not actually a walking trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is the perfect area to explore if you have kiddos in tow. With obstacle courses and pulley boats, little ones can pretend to be mudskippers and crabs navigating their way through the mangrove-inspired playground.
Image credit: @sundayswithsons via Instagram
For curious eyes and hands, the Junior Wetland trail is a stone path that crosses a pond. Children and adults alike can hop across the stones and inspect the waters for fish lurking beneath the surface.
Image credit: @bigsmall_b via Instagram
Right next to the visitor centre, there are even cute sculptures of mudskippers to take fun photos with, and commemorate your day here.
Note: Children under the age of 13 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
4. Coastal Trail
A scroll through the #sungeibuloh hashtag on Instagram would show hundreds, if not thousands, of photos from the Coastal Trail – and for good reason.
The Eagle Point Boardwalk on the Coastal Trail.
Image credit: @aly.pl via Instagram
With Eagle Point Boardwalk stretching out onto the Straits of Johor, you can get an impressive view of JB. If you’re lucky, you can even spot White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring above you.
The trail itself is 1.3km long, making it the 2nd longest trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Visitors commonly use this trail to hike, birdwatch, and of course, take their Insta-worthy shots with the modern pavilion.
The Kingfisher Pod along the Coastal Trail.
Image credit: @yukahonda_sg via Instagram
Along the trail, you can also head up to the Kingfisher Pod – the highest point on the Coastal Trail – for some elevated views of the mangroves surrounding it.
5. Mangrove Boardwalk
Image credit: National Parks
Roughly around 500m long, the Mangrove Boardwalk is an easy path to take if you’re looking for a more beginner-friendly walking trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
The wooden walkway offers a comfortable stroll, allowing you to take a closer look at the mangrove trees and wildlife without worrying about your shoes getting dirty. Those lucky enough might even catch a glimpse of critters like mudskippers and monitor lizards hiding beneath the murky waters of the ponds.
Image credit: Jamie Fieldes via Google Maps
Plus, there are also covered platforms for you to stop at to shield yourself from the scorching sun when it gets too hot outside.
Are there guided walks at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve?
Whether you love to bird-watch or are searching for new ways to achieve those #fitspo goals, Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve will give you a breath of fresh air – literally.
Image credit: @majacel1207 via Instagram
While you’re here, keep an eye out for the different wildlife you can spot all year round, including snakes, crabs, and otters. Don’t just keep your eyes on the ground and water, though; remember to look up at the sky to see resident birds like herons and sunbirds flying overhead.
Not to worry if you’re clueless about nature, because there are free guided walks available at weekends. Registration for Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve tours is required and is limited to 15 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
When is the best time to visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve?
While the place is open all year round, the best time to go bird-watching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is from August to April when migratory birds arrive at the park. According to the National Parks website, there are over 200 bird species at this nature reserve. Here’s a full checklist of all the birds found in the park. If you want to beat the blazing afternoon heat, we recommend visiting in the mornings or evenings for a more comfortable experience.
What etiquette should I be aware of when birdwatching?
To give everyone the chance to enjoy birdwatching, try to keep noise to a minimum. Avoid speaking too loudly, making bird calls, or causing any other disruptive sounds that might startle the birds. And while it’s tempting to get close, it’s important to respect their space and leave the birds and their nests undisturbed.
Are there any tips for bird-watching?
Wear dark, earthy colours like green and brown to blend in with your surroundings so you don’t scare off the birds. Though you can’t get physically close, binoculars and a camera will allow you to observe them clearly from a distance.
How to get to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Take Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station and alight at Kranji Reservoir Pk B bus stop. Those planning to drive over can park at the free car and motorcycle lots at the Visitor Centre and Wetland Centre. There are also bicycle racks here if you intend to cycle over.
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For more things to do in Singapore, check out:
- Go-Karting Circuits in Singapore
- Sentosa Nature Discovery
- Bird Paradise Mandai
- Things to do along the Sengkang Punggol LRT lines
Image credit: @ivanxwang, @bellydancetheworld, @majacel1207 via Instagram
Article originally published on 14th February 2021 by Megan Kwek. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam on 13th August 2025.