Tag: nature

Hello Penda – These Flowers Are In Full Bloom And Painting S’pore Bright Yellow

Just 3 weeks ago, Trumpet Tree flowers decked our pavements and road dividers turning our island into a sea of pink.

As we approach a new month, Singapore is now taking on a bright shade of yellow as Golden Penda Trees have been spotted flowering around various parts of Singapore.

Bright Yellow Blooms

Also known by their scientific name, Xanthostemon chrysanthus, the bright yellow Golden Penda flowers frequently attract nectar-feeding birds and butterflies.

Great news for West siders as photos uploaded by NParks showed the flowers in full bloom mostly in areas such as Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Batok West and Jurong Lake Gardens.

https://www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz/posts/2009761209063345?__xts__[0]=68.ARDGANIcO43Vg8grzvIsKIrqkkBvm15Xo8avlP1Jn3TO-1cssFWWEBo2Duee8FFfsAuEzuMu94FjQtOEapUmuSW1yse-2JEbEpmbFX8VxXrZxifzqVnbgML-ZweCcmBJLH_I2tk8U2i9vj2joWDfE_76ouPb5aVokxHDYrBS00wgg6LvoD_D-Q&__tn__=-R

The trees are native to Australia and introduced to Singapore in 1982.

The Golden Penda flowers can be identified by their distinctive colours as they are bright yellow with five petals attached to the rim of a calyx.

[caption id="attachment_37578" align="aligncenter" width="1757"] Image Credit: NParks/ Tee Swee Ping[/caption]According to the NParks website, the flowering of these trees are believed to be induced by a sudden drop in temperature and can begin 2 – 3 years after they have been grown from seeds.

The next time you’re walking home, look out for these bright yellow flowers!

[caption id="attachment_37579" align="aligncenter" width="1064"] Image Credit: NParks/ Bryan Yeo[/caption]Also, if you didn’t already know, our trees in Singapore have their very own map! If you’re looking for a specific Golden Penda tree, you can find it here at www.trees.sg where you can learn more about Singapore’s trees!

Where have you seen the Golden Penda flowers? Share your pictures with us!

Also Read It’s ‘Sakura Season’ In Singapore – Pink Trumpet Trees Are In Full Bloom Now

(Header Image Source: NParks / Wai Jie Bin)

The ArtScience Museum Is Bringing Fossils Of Extinct Animals To S’pore And Our Inner Nerds Are Screaming

Come 25 November 2017, the ArtScience Museum will host the ‘Treasures Of The Natural World‘ exhibition, which showcases the most significant treasures of the natural world.

Carefully selected from over 80 million specimens, over 200 treasures from London’s prestigious Natural History Museum will travel to Southeast Asia for the first time.

A Glimpse At Our Natural History

Chosen for their historical and scientific importance, each prized treasure reveals a story of adventure and exploration.

Featured in this exhibition are scientific specimens and animals, works of art, minerals and gems, and even the manuscript and collection belonging to some of the world’s greatest scientists such as Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace!

There are 5 sections in the exhibition, spanning 5 galleries in total, each showcasing a different aspect of natural history.

Section 1: Building Nature’s Treasure House

The first section of the exhibition tells the story of the formation of the National History Museum in London. Visitors can expect to see a 2000-year-old mummified cat, a cursed amethyst, and fossilised giant trilobites!

Section 2: Treasures Of The Mind

The second section of the exhibition showcases the works of scientific visionaries who pushed boundaries and asked questions, changing the way scientists defined and understood our planet.

Visitors get to see the a page of the actual manuscript of Charles Darwin’s book, On the Origin of Species, and also a collection of beetles by Alfred Russel Wallace.

Section 3: Treasures Of Exploration

This next section of the exhibition showcases the treasures recovered from various historical expeditions to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pole, and even the deep oceans.

Section 4: Treasures Of Life Are Everywhere

The fourth gallery showcases the various skeletons and specimens of the creatures that used to roam our planet. From the Dodo bird to the Sabre-toothed cat, this section of the exhibition is guaranteed to intrigue and awe.

Section 5: A Museum For A Modern World

The final section of the exhibition showcases the unique specimens that are cared for by the National History Museum and actively studied by researchers around the world.

These specimens help researchers to tackle and formulate solutions to the current issues that Earth faces today.

There will also be a treasure hunt, specially designed for children, families and schools, for the younger visitors to embark on a series of adventures, learning about nature and searching for wildlife.

Opening on 25 November 2017 through till 29 April 2018, do not miss out on this wondrous exhibition!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Treasures Of The Natural World
Venue: ArtScience Museum
Date: 25 Nov 2017 – 29 Apr 2018
If You See Strange Things Popping Up In Jurong This November, Don’t Freak Out – It’s Just Art

(Header Image Source: Marina Bay Sands)

These Light Art Installations Popping Up At Marina Bay Will Make You See Nature In A Whole New Light

i Light Marina Bay is back for its fifth edition, featuring 20 light-art installations from 9 different countries.

Although this year, there are 5 less installations from i Light 2016’s 25, this year’s festival will feature three festival hubs and a collaboration with international light festivals.

Urchin

Themed ‘Light & Nature’, i Light Marina Bay 2017 explores the intriguing tension between Singapore the concrete jungle and the ever present light and nature in our garden city.

Three New Festival Hubs

This year, the annual event caters more to families with its three festival hubs that feature sustainability workshops, activities for kids, and several F&B outlets. 

Located at The Promontory @ Marina Bay, The Float @ Marina Bay and the Bayfront Event Space, parents can bring their children to each of these three areas for some family-friendly fun!

The Colourful Garden of Light

For the tiny tots, parents of toddlers can head to The Float @ Marina Bay for the Art Zoo, where the children can go crazy on the inflatable playground, set majestically in a colourful zoological garden. With giant inflatable animal sculptures, this is a hands-on experience not to be missed by both Mummy and Baby.

Want to teach your older kids about recycling, urban farming and kinetic energy? The Promontory @ Marina Bay is the place for you! It features the Fantastical World of eco.me, a learning experience made fun by The Rice Company, an arts and cultural non-profit organisation in Singapore.

To satisfy your tummies after a long day of learning and interacting with the installations, the Bayfront Event Space will provide you with a spread of yummy treats. To round up the day, you and your tired kids can also enjoy the live music performances!

Ocean Pavilion

The introduction of the three family-friendly festival hubs is meant to help “reinforce the position of Marina Bay as a sustainable precinct”, says festival Director and Director (Place Management) of URA, Mr Jason Chen.

With the main focus of the i Light Marina Bay festival being environmental stability, Mr Chen adds that the URA is “glad to be able to involve our local community and younger generation to contribute to this meaningful festival.”

Ultra (Light)

International light-art installations

Along with the new festival hubs are light-art installations from 9 countries, including France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

i Light Marina Bay 2017 will also be collaborating with international light festivals, namely the Bella Skyway Festival in Poland, the Scottsdale Canal Convergence in the United States and the Amsterdam Light Festival in The Netherlands.

In return for three wonderful installations, we will be sending an installation by local artist Lee Yun Qin.

Moonflower

Her installation, ‘Moonflower’, featuring over 800 luminescent flowers made of wire mesh, will be showcased at the Scottsdale Canal Convergence 2017 in the United States.

For a minimum price of $5, these 800 over stalks of flowers will be up for grabs to the public, with all proceeds going to the Garden City Fund, a charity supporting urban biodiversity and landscaping efforts in Singapore.

Northern Lights

In exchange, we in Singapore will be the happy recipients of Northern Lights by Swedish artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic,  HYBYCOZO by American artist Yelena Filipchuk and Canadian artist Serge Beaulieu, and Home by Anna Galas from Poland.

Home

When asked for the inspiration behind the international collaborations this year, Festival Curator and Principal Architect of Zarch Collaboratives, Mr Randy Chan, said that through collaboration, they hope to “bring our local artists to an international level”, as well as to “give a larger footprint to what i Light Marina Bay can do, not just in Singapore itself”.

HYBYCOZO

Noting that the theme of Light & Nature was a perfect fit with “the backdrop of the garden city we live in,” Mr Chan added that “[it] is encouraging to see continued interest and participation from local and international artists and [he] hope[s] the art work will inspire visitors to kick-start their personal sustainable journey.”

Lending a strange beauty to the Marina Bay waterfront promenade this year, the i Light festival is an event you won’t want to miss! Come on down from March 3-26 to check out these incredible, educational and environmentally-conscious art-light installations! You definitely won’t regret bringing your friends and family to check out i Light Marina Bay 2017.

i Light Marina Bay
3-26th March 2017
Marina Bay Waterfront: Free Admission*
Main event 7:30PM to 11:00PM (extended to 12:00mn on Fri & Sat nights)

*Charges apply for some attractions. See i Light Marina Bay website for more details.

Also read, Because Skydiving Is Expensive AF, iFly Singapore Lets You Enjoy The Flight Without Feeling The Burn

8 Enchanting & Secret Photography Spots You Never Knew Existed

As a dense and developed country full of skyscrapers and shopping malls lining the city, it can be difficult to find the perfect spot for your pre-wedding shoots. Choosing a pre-wedding shoot can be just as hard as deciding where the wedding ceremony will be held. Of course, you can fly elsewhere to popular romantic destinations with gorgeous backdrops and views but why break the bank when Singapore actually has secret photography spots that are not only enchanting, but also romantic.

If your type of pre-wedding photography includes the sea, sand, landscape and the sun in a serene, private spot, here’s our ultimate guide for secret photography spots you never knew existed! These secret photography spots are definitely great for lovers of lush greenery and sandy beaches.

1. Coney Island

Known as one of Singapore’s last unspoilt beaches, Lazarus Island has grown in popularity with young Singaporeans eager for a quiet hideaway far from the crowd. Easy to reach with a 15 minutes boat ride from Marina South Pier, this is the place to get your beach photoshoots. Do note that this place may be a little troublesome as there are no toilets or shelters available on the island.

Location
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3. Upper Seletar Reservoir

Missed Punggol’s ‘Instagram tree’? Fret not, you can find another version nestled at Upper Seletar Reservoir. The vast open spaces, often silhouetted against the backdrop of a pastel-hued sunset and gorgeous body of water make this lesser-known location great for nature-inspired photos.

Another pretty spot to take around Upper Seletar Reservoir is the jetty to the left of the tree along the reservoir.

Location
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4. Upper Pierce Reservoir Park

If you’re a fan of rivers, lakes and oceans, Upper Pierce Reservoir Park makes a wonderful pre-wedding shoot location. With its vast body of water, beautiful forest and serene environment, you’ll feel like you’re in another country. This reservoir is a great location for sunset wedding shoots or a morning sunrise shoot. With its large open spaces allowing room for creativity, get your props ready for a fun shoot.

Location
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5. Tuas Lalang Fields

Unknown to many, this hidden gem in the deserted South-West of Singapore offers a vast vacant field where lalang grows aplenty. The setting is gorgeous for warm, summery photos where you need not worry about pesky onlookers. With such a quiet, private and peaceful location, this is a great spot for a magical and romantic shoot.

Location
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6. Punggol Lalang Field

The best time to visit the lalang fields is definitely during the evening as the setting sun provides a soft touch to images with warmth and nostalgia. Although the lalang fields in Punggol are longer, and the lalangs taller, than the ones in Tuas, they are similar looking, with the exact same type of grass.

Location
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7. Sunset Way Railway Tracks

The abandoned railway track is a popular photo-taking spot for many couples. There is a rugged, nostalgic, vintage feel to the iconic cast iron bridge. Apart from the track, the train station and rusted overarching structures provide a photogenic backdrop. Besides the railway tracks at Sunset Way, there are also alternatives at Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah (along Rifle Range Road). Do take extra care when venturing onto any abandoned tracks as you’ll have to climb hilly terrains and walk between the planks on the track. This may be a tedious location to get to, but you’ll get to capture lovely photos.

Location
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8. Changi Boardwalk

Not just the perfect place for plane spotting, Changi Boardwalk is also a lovely spot surrounded by natural beauty. This spot has heaps of natural landscapes for photographers to work with and is also popular for its vast sunset sky. The combination of water, wood, stones and trees evoke a poetic and serene feel.

Location
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With such secret photography spots in Singapore, why settle for indoor studio shoots? Venture out and capture your pre-wedding shots with nature as your backdrop. Tip: do plan your day in advance, scout the area first, schedule your photographer and make-up artist, and prepare your props!

(Header image credit: 5 Spots in SG To Catch The Sunrise Of Your Lifetime!

While You Were Busy Sleeping, 300 Youths Did Their Part For OBS Project IsLand-A-Hand!

Debunking the myth that young Singaporeans lack idealism, more than 300 young volunteers lent their hands in various environmental conservation initiatives organized by Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) at Pulau Ubin and Coney Island earlier last weekend while all of us were still sleeping.

This is to commemorate the first death anniversary of Singapore’s founding father Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and honor his legacy of a clean and green Singapore.

These youths, aged between 15 and 35 years old proactively did their part for nature through reforestation, coastal and swamp cleanup, invasive weed clearing, flotsam fence maintenance, species survey and bird box construction. This is the second time OBS has organized this large-scale outdoor conservation classroom, with overwhelming participation.

To further encourage youths to appreciate the environment, OBS will also be opening its campus to the public for the first time for a series of March school holiday Nature Appreciation Programme.

A total of 11 workshops will be organized featuring activities such as nature treasure hunts, mangrove appreciation and nature photography to promote family bonding and a greater understanding of Pulau Ubin’s history, geography and ecology.

Members of public could register for the free workshops at which can be found on the OBS website.

Kranji Marshes Opens With Free Guided Walks To Restricted Areas, Perfect For Nature Lovers!

Bird watchers and nature lovers rejoice! The largest freshwater marshland, Kranji Marshes, has finally opened its doors to the public. For those unfamiliar with Kranji Marches, the 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland is home to unique biodiversity.

Here’s what you need to know for a trip to Kranji Marshes.

1. Public Area vs Core Conservation Area

Kranji Marshes is actually split into two main areas – the public area that is open to all members of the public, and the restricted core conservation area that is deemed to be ecologically sensitive. You can enter the core conservation area if you sign up for a guided tour.

2. Free Guided Walks

If you’d like to access the conservation areas, do sign up for a guided walk. NParks offers a 3km walk (2 hours) of the marshes once every month, bringing visitors through the different habitats of marsh, grass, and woodland.

Nature Society (Singapore) also organises guided walks that take visitors on a boardwalk exploration of the marsh.The walk takes about 3 hours and include opportunities for birdwatching.

While both tours are free, members of the public must register online beforehand. Visitors who turn up without registering will not be able to join the tours. Find out more here.

3. Home To Rich Biodiversity

According to NParks, Kranji Marshes is home to more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies, and 33 species of dragonflies! Alongside Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Kranji Marshes plays an important role in providing a habitat for the conservation of wildlife in the Kranji area.

4. Plenty of Shelter

A visit to Kranji Marshes will give you that breather you need! Have a moment at Moorhen Blind or Swamphen Hide and enjoy the therapeutic sounds of birdsong. Both stations have wooden seats that overlook marsh landscapes, are great places for birdwatching and taking in the sights of nature.

5. An Instaworthy Location

Are you always on keen lookout for instaworthy locations? Well, here’s one more to add to your list! Apart from making a good picture, the 10.65m Raptor Tower offers you a panoramic view of the surrounding marshes in the conservation area. There are also boards that help you identify the different species of birds you may catch glimpses of.

6. Look Up & Down!

While at Kranji Gate, look up and down! The glass roof has decals of birds in flight and when sun rays hit the roof, their shadows get projected on the ground.

7. Bird Watching Stations & Information Boards

If you’re worried about not being able to differentiate one bird from the next, fret not! Information boards are set up at every bird watching station to help you with the identification process. There are even fact files about some birds, and other little nuggets of information. Talk about bringing learning out of the classroom!

8. Other Park Information

The park is open from 7am-7pm daily. Do note that there is no lighting in the evenings! The park is also wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with the exception of the Raptor Tower. You may also refer to NParks’ website on Kranji Marshes for more information.

9. Getting there

Planning a visit to Kranji Marshes soon? Here’s how to get there.

From Kranji MRT Station, hop onto the Kranji Express Bus which operates daily from 8.30am-5.45pm. It will take you to Kranji Gate. Fares cost $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children under 12 years old, and $1.00 for senior citizens 60 years old and above.

If you’re driving there, the address is 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, and there is a car park with 20 parking lots, 10 motorcycle lots, and 30 bicycle lots at Kranji Gate.