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A Nature Lover’s Guide to the Kingfisher Wetlands in Singapore
My family usually sticks to the conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, but I finally convinced them to venture outdoors with me. One trip to the Kingfisher Wetlands and their view of the garden complex was forever transformed!
The wetlands are a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers, showcasing a stunning array of diverse flora and fauna. It opens as early as 5:00 am and is free to enter, so now my parents regularly stroll there.
If you’re planning a visit, I’ve put together a handy guide to the wetlands for you!
Things to Know
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay
Contact Details: +65 6420 6848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Price: Free
Website
How to Get to Kingfisher Wetlands
By Train: To get to the Kingfisher Wetlands by train, take the Downtown Line or Circle Line and alight at Bayfront MRT Station. From there, take Exit B and walk towards Gardens by the Bay and follow the signs inside that lead you towards Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes. The wetlands are just a short walk from there.
By Bus: Take Bus Nos. 97, 106, and 400 and alight at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It’s a 10-minute walk from the hotel to the entrance of Gardens by the Bay. Then follow the signs that lead you to the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes.
By Car: There are car parks available in Gardens by the Bay near the entrance or at Satay by the Bay.
What to Do at Kingfisher Wetlands
Go on a Nature and Sustainability Tour around the wetlands
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Tour dates: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Admission Fees: Free
Website
Gardens by the Bay’s Nature and Sustainability Tour offers an ideal way to explore attractions beyond the conservatories. A top choice is the Urban Wetlands Tour, where visitors can explore Kingfisher Wetlands.
The tour is guided and completely free of charge every Saturday and Sunday morning. You’ll encounter native flora and fauna, learn about sustainable design, and learn how the wetlands play a vital role in combating climate change.
Tips:
- The main meeting point of the tour is at Satay by the Bay. Just look for the Western food section and wait for the tour group by the toilet area.
- At every start of the tour, the tour guide will take a group photo for attendance and may use these photos for marketing purposes. Please inform the guide if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of your photo being taken.
Go bird-watching
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There are about 16 different species of migratory birds that have stopped by the wetlands, and most of them are kingfishers native to Singapore. This includes the common kingfisher, the white-throated kingfisher, and the oriental dwarf kingfisher.
Other birds also drop by the wetlands such as the black-naped oriole, white-breasted waterhen, and the grey heron (a crowd-favourite). Safe to say, the wetlands are a natural sanctuary for birds and bird lovers should definitely pay this place a visit!
Tips:
- Aside from birds, you’ll also find other wildlife like otters, butterflies, water monitors, and ducks. Some of them are rarely spotted in the area, but keep your eyes peeled for them!
- Take the time to read the information board by the entrance of the wetlands. You’ll learn more about the birds found here and what time they usually show up (usually as early as 5:00 am!).
Take the Wetlands Nature Trail
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If you prefer to explore the wetlands on your own, you can do so with the help of the Kingfisher Wetlands Nature Trail. This self-guided trail takes you around the wetlands, starting at the Wildlife Lookout.
A few spots you’ll encounter along the trail are the Lotus Pond, the Waterlily Pond, Satay by the Bay, and Kingfisher Lake. You’ll find the cascading waterfalls, diverse flora, and many wildlife that call the wetlands home.
Tip: Take a look at this map from this page if you need a guide when doing the trail. There’s no strict starting point, either!
Marvel at the mangroves
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If you haven’t already noticed in your travels around the island’s wetlands, there are many mangrove forests lining the coasts. These mangroves are essential to Singapore’s marine life because they serve as critical shelters.
Not only do they keep the ecosystem going, but they also prevent coasts from eroding. There are three local mangrove species found in the wetlands, and that’s the Nipah Palm, the Firefly Mangrove, and the Upriver Orange Mangrove.
Tips: If you take a keen look around, you’ll find signages with QR codes around the area. Scan the codes and the link will take you to a platform wherein you can listen to different bird sounds while you explore!
