Walking through the diversity of Singapore’s nature reserves and areas with Fujifilm (part 3) – Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve

This is Part 3 of 4 of this series. Part 1 here , Part 2 here.

hi !

In this third instalment of the series sharing on the abundance of wildlife one can indulge in photographing in Singapore’s 24 nature reserves and ‘nature areas’ and as such, we will be looking at a glimpse of what one may find at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and its surrounding nature areas.

You can see the full list of nature reserves and areas here.

Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park with a rich biodiversity and was first opened as a Nature Park in 1993. In 2002, 130 hectares were officially gazetted as a Nature Reserve and renamed Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to better reflect its status, of which the wetlands gives shelter to a rich variety from the larger to the very tiniest.

Malayan Water Monitor Lizard
Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F7.1 at ISO1600

For one, there’s quite a number of these large lizards, and I mean huge going up to 1.5m in length so be careful of stepping on them!

In the same year, it was recognised as a site of international importance for migratory birds and awarded a certificate by Wetlands International, marking the reserve’s formal entry into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network, which includes Australia’s Kakadu National Park, China’s Mai Po – Inner Deep Bay and Japan’s Yatsu Tidal Flats. And in 2003, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve became Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park.

The Dark Glassy Tiger (Parantica agleoides agleoides)
Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F5.6, ISO320

Since then Sungei Buloh has expanded to include 202ha of mangroves, mudflats, ponds and forests, providing an even larger sanctuary for the flora and fauna that call it home. (source for info: NParks website)

Upon reaching the outskirts of the nature area, one will be greeted by the largest member of the family here. No one should ever miss trying to grab a shot of this mudskipper lol.

Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F8, ISO400

Before going in further, its good to have an ample supply of water and good sun block ready and of course, the motivation for a long walk. I covered 13km in this morning alone.

One can take half of the trip to wander through the dry forested areas before moving across the coast into the wetlands portion, according to one’s wishes but always be careful to be moving into the wetlands portion during high tide.

From this point onwards, its important to have an idea of enjoying the scenery , and not be in a rush to photograph. After all, one cannot photograph what one cannot even observe in the first place.

Singapore Tree-climbing Crab Episesarma singaporense
Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F5.6, ISO4000

For this crab here, I did not even notice that it was STANDING over another one of its friend, probably dead. I’ve no idea why so and I don’t really want to know.

Malayan Water Monitor Lizard
Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F7.1, ISO500

here’s one of the large lizards lazily basking under the morning sun where we found it. I took this shot off the ground and yeap, finally confirmed they do not have eyelashes. And remember, don’t agitate them. They have a nasty bite and can be very fast.

Common Scarlet Dragon fly (Rocothemis Servilia)
Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F5.6 , ISO400 and 500 respectively. 

There are many separated unique areas, and this near the designated dragonfly pond (yes) , there’s even another seemingly abandoned odd still body of water with a |Danger, Deep water| warning sign way inside my companion showed me.

Flock of Whimbrels.
Fujifilm X-T2, XF100-400mm at F5.6, ISO200.

The area is also one where migratory birds travel to and from in certain months of the year, which I will cover more in the last part of the series with a discussion on capturing birds with the Fujifilm system.

remember, here’s only a glimpse of what’s available. I heard there’s even a tail-less crocodile plying this grounds but I did not have the luck to encounter it.

See you around, and here’s to an even better 2018!