Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Singapore and Rio de Janeiro are the world’s only two cities to contain primary rainforest within their boundaries. This small patch of primary rainforest was formally connected to the larger tract of secondary rainforest that encompasses all three freshwater reservoirs in Singapore (Central Catchment Area). But the construction of the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) in the 1980s had effectively terminated the connection. As a result, the small mammals that lived here no longer had access to the secondary rainforest unless they embark on the dangerous trek across the BKE. Bukit Timah is located seven miles (12km) from Singapore’s centre. It is a 164-hectare (405-acre) reserve preserving a variety of tree and animal species including flying lemurs, long-tailed macaque monkeys and anteaters. Designated walking and cycle trails undulate through the dense jungle and its highest point is marked by Bukit Timah at 538ft (164m).
Related Travel Information
Singapore
Singapore is an island off the southern tip of Malaysia, linked to it by a causeway. It evolved from a sleepy fishing village in the early 1900s to become one of Asia's economic leaders. Singapore is a fascinating fusion of eastern and western sophistication. Being at the crossroads of ancient and present day trading routes, Singapore has, over the centuries, drawn a broad mix of humanity to its shores. It is well-known for being one of the richest, most well organized, efficient countries in the world with a very high standard of living and an excellent skyline by the water.
Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve
The Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve is a quiet corner of Singapore where mangroves and wetland wildlife thrive. The 87 hectare reserve is an important stopover and refuelling point for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia and China. It is also home to resident herons, kingfishers, doves, bee-eaters, tailorbirds, woodpeckers and munias. In the reserve there are boardwalks, an outdoor classroom and bird observation hides and screens which have been developed for the use of visitors.
How to get there
Hop onto TIBS Bus 925 from the bus-stop opposite Marsiling MRT station.
This bus
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The first "Botanical and Experimental Garden" in Singapore was established in 1922 on Government Hill at Fort Canning by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore and a keen naturalist. The Garden's main task was to evaluate for cultivation, crops which were of potential economic importance, including yielding fruits, vegetable, spices and other raw materials.
This Garden closed in 1829 and it was not until 30 years later that the present Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded by an agri-horticultural society. It was subsequently handed over to the government for mainteinance and today is looked after by the
Kalimantan Travel Guide
Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. It occupies the central and southern regions of the island. Kalimantan is one of the least visited parts of Indonesia. The main reason for this is that it takes a long time and a fair amount of money and effort to explore. The good thing about the lack of tourists is that Kalimantan has remained unspoilt. The indigenous Dayaks, or the Orang Gunung (Mountain People), traditionally live in longhouses called Lamin or Umaq Daru that can house as many as 50 people. Once known as headhunters, the tribe
Republic of Singapore Navy Museum
Military enthusiasts and visitors can trace the development of naval forces in Singapore from Straits Settlements Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve of 19th century to today's Republic of Singapore Navy.
Other items of interest include antique marine equipment, historic photographs and even details of the sophisticated, high technology missile corvette vessels of the current navy.
