The Kingfisher Wetlands have recently gone through an upgrade, providing a new sanctuary to citizens and giving them the opportunity to explore a slice of wildlife and enjoy the lush greenery.
This new nature sanctuary was unveiled at Gardens by the Bay on November 12.
Commonly known as Kingfisher Wetlands for housing a variety of kingfisher species, the extensive 15,000sqm space (slightly bigger than the size of two football pitches) adds more greenery to the area.
Kingfisher Wetlands Located At Gardens By The Bay
Image courtesy: Gardens By The Bay
You will find that Kingfisher Wetlands occupies a corner of Gardens by the Bay that is often less visited. It is located in between Satay by the Bay and the Main Entrance.
It also connects up the Lotus Pond beside Satay by the Bay with the Kingfisher Lake.
There are many enhancements that have been made at the Lotus Pond. In fact, before the sanctuary was created, the original site was a popular place for bird watching for all the nature photographers and bird lovers.
Gardens by the Bay mentioned in the press release that it was isolated and “often missed by the general public.” The new Kingfisher Wetlands was therefore, developed with the intention of enhancing and enriching the Gardens, as well as providing new nature areas for people to explore.
In fact, a Japan-based soy sauce manufacturer, Kikkoman Singapore, sponsored S$500,000 towards the development of the wetlands. This money was used for segueing the existing area with the nearby landscape, thus, making it more accessible to visitors.
Map Of Kingfisher Wetlands
Image courtesy: Gardens By The Bay
If you are in the area, having a map will come in handy. You can either take a printout of the Kingfisher Wetlands map or save it on your mobile to help you better navigate the area.
Operating hours: 5 am to 2 am
Admission: Free
Water Cascades To View At Kingfisher Wetlands
Image courtesy: Garden By The Bay
The sanctuary connects two existing water bodies, the Lotus Pond and Kingfisher Lake. On the edge of the pond, you will find vegetation like the long grass. It provides a natural habitat for birds and wildlife.
People visiting the place can now have a full view of the streamlets and the newly-created water cascades.
There is also a small naturalistic trail, referred to as the Cascade Walk. You can take this to reach the water’s edge.
Wildlife to look out for
Image courtesy: Garden By The Bay
This place features educational signage and several large kingfisher sculptures.
It is known for its large diversity of wildlife, which includes the smooth-coated otter, lesser whistling duck, grey heron and Malayan monitor lizard.
It is a favourite place for migratory birds as well, 16 out of 40 migratory species spotted in Singapore are known to visit this area.
Stores carbon
More than 200 native mangrove trees and mangrove associates, some of them are even endangered species, were planted at the Kingfisher Wetlands.
This place ensures that the wetlands actually contribute to the sequestration of carbon, by storing it in the soil beneath the mangroves.
Surveys of the carbon content in the soil from the water bodies at Gardens by the Bay were done. It showed that in spite of the ecosystem being reclaimed, its carbon sequestration abilities still function “very well.”
For all nature lovers, this place will not disappoint you! So, go ahead and plan a trip with your family and kids soon.
Lead/feature images courtesy: Gardens By The Bay
ALSO READ:
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