That’s Not A Fish! 4 Places In Singapore Where Crocs Roam Free

Nature photographers who are expecting birds, otters, or monitor lizards are now also able to spot crocodiles in Singapore. Well, you don’t have to visit the zoo or a safari to see these crocodiles. In recent years, there is a growing number of crocodile sightings in Singapore. Wander around the wetland reserve or nature park and you will

Wander around the wetland reserve or nature park and you might just find yourself up close and personal with these reptiles. For some of you, you may know that crocodile sightings in Singapore are common at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. However, do you know that they are spotted in the Northern and Eastern part of Singapore too?

Whether you are a reptile fanatic or an adventure seeker, the park, reserves and reservoirs are where crocodile sightings in Singapore are common. You may want to keep a close eye on family and friends if you’ll be around the area, as these are the spots where crocs roam free.

1. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

[caption id="attachment_10257" align="alignnone" width="780"]Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Image credit: The Straits Times[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10263" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Estuarine Crocodile @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Park-Singapore Image credit: Youtube[/caption]

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a great place to walk around. You get to escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore city. Walk along its boardwalk and if you are lucky, you may be able to spot a Saltwater crocodile. Also known as the Estuarine crocodile, these crocs are also usually found lying across the main footpath, soaking up the sun or lying under the waters.

Free guided walks at the reserve are available on selected Saturdays. Check out the details on the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

2. Kranji Reservoir

[caption id="attachment_10258" align="alignnone" width="780"]Kranji Reservior Image credit: The Straits Times[/caption]

Enjoy the panoramic view of Johor Straits at Kranji Reservoir Park. There are as many as ten saltwater crocodiles living in the north-west coast of Singapore, as reported in the Straits Times in June 2013.

In recent years, a 400kg, 3.6m-long saltwater crocodile – one of the largest to have roamed wild here – was found dead on the Kranji Reservoir grounds.

3. Tampines/Pasir Ris River Canal

[caption id="attachment_10259" align="alignnone" width="780"]Tampines River canal in Pasir Ris Park Image credit: The Straits Times[/caption]

Several years ago, an angler fishing at Pasir Ris Park snared an unexpected catch of a one-metre-long crocodile. Some of these reptiles have been seen in a mangrove swamp near Tampines/Pasir Ris River Canal. They are likely visitors from Malaysia! The reptiles are known to swim freely in the Straits of Johor.

4. Woodlands Waterfront Park

[caption id="attachment_10260" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Woodlandswaterfront Image credit: Asiaone[/caption]

Recently, an angler fishing at the jetty snared a crocodile which had bitten on his fish hook.

“The fishing rod was suddenly yanked by a huge force. On closer look, I realised it was a crocodile about 3m long that was caught,” Suhairi told the newspaper reporter.

These reptiles feed and rest in mangroves and freshwater bodies along Singapore’s North coast. Crocodiles and sharks have also been sighted lurking in the sea off Woodlands Waterfront Park.

The “no swimming” notices along these stretches do not warn about sharks or crocodiles. However, the park’s jetty and promenade are fenced off from the waters of Strait of Johor with railings. Despite this, children are often seen sourcing for crabs on the marshland bordering the sea.

[caption id="attachment_10486" align="alignnone" width="500"]Crocodile Image credit: giphy[/caption]

Whatever it is, when visiting nature reserves, always keep within designated land trails and footpaths. Don’t venture too near the water’s edge, you never know what could be lurking. Also, keep a close eye on family and friends!

(Header image by The Straits Times)

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

Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

Picture this: you’re on a bicycle gliding down the beautifully paved roads of Singapore under the bright moonlight, only stopping for pedestrians and some of the best supper dishes in town. A breeze comes and goes, and the sights keep changing.

Not only is night cycling fun, it is also healthy. According to an Al Ameen Eating Corner
Address: #01-11, 35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3 (Along Woodlands Ave 5), Singapore 739065
Tel: +65 6891 0893
Opening Hours: 24 hours

East Side, Beast Side

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Let’s admit it: The East has one of the best cycling paths, especially after hours. If you haven’t checked out East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park or Changi Village in the dark, now is the time. Plus, if you hang around, you may even catch a sunrise or get to admire the underbelly of a plane as it flies by.

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Food options nearby include Bedok Food Centre and Changi Village Hawker Centre which are both home to many local delights from hokkien mee to oyster omelettes.

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Route (2 hours): PCN Pitstop Pasir Ris Town Park, Bedok Reservoir Park, East Coast Park, Bedok Jetty, Coastal Park Connector, Changi Beach Park

Bedok Food Centre (also known as Bedok Corner)
Address: 1 Bedok Rd, Singapore 469572

Changi Village Hawker Centre
Address: 2 Changi Village Rd, Singapore 500002
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 6 AM – 2 AM

A Myriad of Parks

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Singapore is indeed a green city with indoor and outdoor gardens, trees planted by the sidewalks, and parks — lots of them! If you ever have trouble trying to find your way around this island nation, just keep a lookout for parks and the PCN — Park Connector Network — that links them all into one single cycling or running route.

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Food options nearby include pigging out at chicken rice restaurant Boon Tong Kee at Balestier, having a prata or two at Upper Thomson’s The Roti Prata House, or a burger at Fatboy’s The Burger Bar available at Balestier and Upper Thomson. Probably the best eat-and-cycle route ever.

Route (2 hours): Toa Payoh Town Park, Whampoa Park Connector, Kallang Park Connector, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West, Punggol Waterway Park, Punggol Park, Pelton Canal Park Connector

Boon Tong Kee
Address: 399/401/403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801
Tel: +65 
6254 3937
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 AM – 4.45 PM, 5.30 PM – 4.30 AM, and Sunday 11 AM – 4.45 PM and 5.30 PM – 3 AM

The Roti Prata House
Address: 246M Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Tel: +65 6459 5260
Opening Hours: Friday to Saturday 24 hours, Sunday to Thursday 7 AM – 2 AM

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar
Address: 187 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574335 / 1 Jalan Rajah #01-01 Singapore 329133
Tel: +65 6252 8780 / +65 6268 8690
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 PM – 12 midnight, Friday to Sunday 12 PM – 12 midnight

The Bay Watch

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This has got to be one of the most underrated cycling paths in Singapore, especially if you don’t happen to live in the neighbourhoods mentioned in the route. Not only will you get an insight into what each estate is like, from the changing architecture to late night food options, you might even get to see various animals, from otters to roosters, going about their day in the concrete jungle.

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Food options nearby include Alexandra Village Food Centre and Zion Riverside Food Centre. If you’re hitting up the Zion Riverside Food Centre, make sure to reach by 1030 PM to dine like royalty. Famous stalls there include Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle and Zion Road Fried Kwayteow.

Route (45 minutes): Holland Village, Commonwealth Crescent, Margaret Drive, Alexandra Canal Linear Park, Alexandra Park Connector, Zion Road, Gardens by the Bay

Alexandra Village Food Centre
Address: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150120

Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (Stall 17)
Address: 70 Zion Road, Singapore 247792
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 6.30 PM – 11 PM (Closed every other Monday)

Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle (Stall 4)
Address: 70 Zion Road, Singapore 247792
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11.30 PM, Saturday to Sunday (as well as PH) 12 PM – 1 AM

So, which route will you go for? Whichever path you choose, just don’t forget to follow Singapore’s PCN etiquette guide. If you’re cycling at night, ensure that your bicycle lights are turned on, and keep a safe distance from others on the road, even when there’s no traffic! It’s time to work out… and enjoy some good food while you’re at it.

Did we miss out your favourite night cycling route? Drop us a tip!

Also read: Hipster Hawkers: 5 Stalls That Are Redefining Hawker Culture

20 Wildly Fun Outing Activities In Singapore Under S$19 – Most Are Free!

Singapore is a small country, and it’s certainly not boring. It just means that you have to look harder. More often than not, it’s about entertaining yourself in the place you live in. If you prefer not to spend too much money to travel across another continent, Discover SG’s got you covered.

1. Go hiking at The Southern Ridges

[caption id="attachment_2936" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image credit: Pitt Urban Studies in Singapore[/caption]

Free admission

Ditch your pumps and Birkenstock, and opt for a pair of sensible footwear to have a stab at hiking down The Southern Ridges. At 10km long, it’s the hot new favourite place for history aficionados, nature lovers and selfie buffs.

2. Volunteer at SPCA

[caption id="attachment_2937" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: SPCA Singapore[/caption]

Free admission

SPCA is always on the lookout for helpers and dog walkers to advocate their animal welfare cause. If you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering at the shelter to make a pup’s day. You’re going to go home with a sense of accomplishment.

3. Marvel at the flowers in Singapore Botanic Gardens

[caption id="attachment_2938" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Your Singapore[/caption]

Free admission

Here’s something you probably haven’t heard of: picnics are back in fashion. They’re so popular that there are companies here selling packed baskets! If your money is a wee tight, treat it as a DIY project. Set a time, pick a shady spot and I guarantee you’ll have butt-loads of fun.

4. Window-shop at Haji Lane

[caption id="attachment_2940" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Expat Living[/caption]

Free admission

There’s something about Haji Lane. The quirky knick-knacks, the timeless fashion apparels, the aesthetically pleasing little shops. It’s a must-visit for every Singaporean (and tourist). Get a sneak peek at the charming town and its must-visit stores here.

5. Make googly eyes at the fishes at Qian Hu Fish Farm

[caption id="attachment_2941" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Qian Hu Fish[/caption]

Free admission

If you don’t know who Kenny Yap is, I, well, let’s leave it at that. Qian Hu, famous for its Dragon fishes, has been around the block since the late nineties. The fish farm may not be as glitzy as Orchard Road, but it still has its own rustic charm.

6. Watch a free movie outdoors

[caption id="attachment_2942" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Movie Mob By Ape[/caption]

Free admission

A free outdoors drive-in movie screening? It certainly beats shivering uncontrollably in the cinema. Movie Mob was launched in 2009 and seven years later, it’s still going strong. Join their mailing list to get the first deets.

also read: Image credit: Mind Blowing Trip[/caption]

We’ve oohed and ahhed while we were in the Singapore Flyer capsule, but how many of us have actually experienced the Tiger Sky Tower? Not many of us, I’d presume. It’s not too late to have a go. Tickets cost S$18 for adults and S$10 for children.

8. Forget hipster cafes, dine at hawker centres instead

[caption id="attachment_2944" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Northern Sights[/caption]

Estimated cost: >S$4.50

Ice-cream waffles? Nah, I’ll take unconventional local cuisine any day. Here are some recommendations to get you started on your foodie trip:

  • Seletar Nam Hoe’s Bak Kut Teh at the Hainanese Village Food Centre
  • Guang Liang Cooked Food’s Kway Chap at Bedok Reservoir Road Market & Food Centre
  • Soup Kambing Haji M. Abdul Razak’s Mutton Soup at Upper Boon Keng Road Market and Food Centre

9. Test your endurance at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Angie and James Do Stuff[/caption]

Free admission

Get away from the hustle and bustle, and escape to Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park to rewind. The rich biodiversity is something to behold. I wouldn’t be surprised if you stop to smell the flowers. Oh yeah, that Komodo dragon that’s staring at you like food? Don’t worry, it won’t kill you. It’s a water monitor lizard.

also read: Image credit: Today Online[/caption]

Free admission (duh)

Say whatever you want about Stephenie Meyer (Twilight series), but you’ve got to admit it, she’s made reading cool again. If you’re looking for quality me-time, get on the bus and head to the library. Design fanatics can’t go wrong with Library@Orchard or Jurong Regional Library, and YA (young adult fiction) buffs should not miss Queenstown Public Library for its impressive collection.

11. Admire the greenery at Gardens by the Bay

[caption id="attachment_2947" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Wikipedia[/caption]

Depends

You don’t have to spend a bomb at Gardens by the Bay. You can enjoy free admission for most of the sights. Take The World of Plants, Dragonfly and Kingfishers Lakes, Heritage Gardens and Sun Pavilion for instance. They’re enough to keep you entertained.

12. Rub shoulders with animals at Farmart Centre

[caption id="attachment_2948" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Farmart Centre[/caption]

Free admission

If you appreciate casual dining and low-maintenance relaxation, look no further than Farmart Centre. You can have a prawning contest with your mates or feed the farm animals. Price: free, unless you end up going home with a puppy.

13. Attempt the humongous climbing structure at Woodlands Waterfront Park

[caption id="attachment_2949" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: White as Milk[/caption]

Free admission

Any children — or adult — will want to try this out. If playgrounds aren’t your cup of tea, grab your bikes, skateboards or fishing rods. What’s interesting about Woodlands Waterfront Park is that there’s a restaurant located at the jetty. Who knew?

14. Turn back the hands of time at Creative Art Corner (or Timezone)

[caption id="attachment_2950" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: 许恩熙[/caption]

Cost: >S$8

Create art with a cotton swab and toothpick! An activity like this will hit you with the nostalgia bomb. If you can’t stand art, grab your pals and head down to the arcade (price varies). It’s much more satisfying than being cooped up alone in home playing Call Of Duty on your Xbox 360.

15. Dance with coconuts at Bollywood Veggies

[caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Bollywood Veggies[/caption]

Well, I don’t know if there are coconuts at the farm, but the name ‘Bollywood’ certainly brings the fruit to mind. The lush greenery is a marvel and reminds us to take a step back from our fast-paced, urban lifestyle. Entrance fee costs S$2. Admission is free for kids under 12 and seniors over 60.

also read:  Image credit: National Parks[/caption]

Free admission

Alexandra Canal Linear Park is like a pearl oyster. At first glance, there’s not much to look at. Look further and you’d feel like you’ve been had. If you spend ample time at the park, you’d see that there’s a rope playground and a scaled-down skate park for skateboarding enthusiasts.

17. Feed the animals at The Animal Resort

[caption id="attachment_2953" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Tuan-min.com[/caption]

Free admission

The Animal Resort is another lesser-known place in Singapore. Think of it as a mini zoo. You get to feed the animals, see what it’s like for a pet to get a haircut, and witness a dog training ground.

18. Sneak into The Library & have a drink

[caption id="attachment_2954" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Popspoken[/caption]

Not much is known about The Library, except that it’s as secretive as hosting an underground supper club. What makes the bar so intriguing is that it’s by appointment only and guarded by a secret pass code. One writer at Popspoken recommends the Wonky Donkey ($17).

19. Get over your fear of heights at the Treetop Walk

[caption id="attachment_2961" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: National Parks[/caption]

Free admission

To any acrophobic, attempting the Treetop Walk is as frightening as walking down the Yuntaishan glass walkway. Think carefully before you embark on this exhilarating mission. Get a friend you trust to come along with you and whatever you do, don’t look down!

20. Or better yet, go Sparta! with Running Man

[caption id="attachment_2962" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Soompi[/caption]

Cost: varies, depends on your resourcefulness

Here are some ideas to get you started. You could play dodgeball at the basketball field. You could create your own name tag from scratch. Notice the acupuncture stones you often see at your HDB block? Use it. Skip on it. Run on it. Just make sure it’s not occupied by some elderly.

Please, only proceed if you don’t mind getting weird looks.

With these 20 wildly fun activities to do in Singapore for the cheap, we hope you’ll never complain of being bored! Adventure belongs to those to seek it. So go forth and have an adventure!

Note: Price does not include parking fees and transport fares.
Featured image credit: Gardens by the Bay YouTube screen grab

4 Famous Food Stalls & 1 Humongous Playground That You Should Not Miss At ‘Ulu’ Marsiling

About a year ago, the only remotely interesting thing about Marsiling was SV Guitars, a music store that sells, yes, guitars and other instruments to budding and seasoned musicians. Unfortunately, much to the dismay of audiophiles, it quietly closed down and focused on its main branch at Peninsula Shopping Centre.

Granted, the unsophisticated town hasn’t taken its next step towards being cool, but the food, coastal park and eclectic stores still have something to bring to the table: its rustic charm. As if to say, “Yes, I’m an oldie. But I’m a goldie too.”

Yan Ji Seafood Soup

[caption id="attachment_3174" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image credit: Yan Ji Seafood Soup[/caption]

Picture it. Full-flavoured, tender fish slices that are as white as a sunlit snowdrift. A rich, hearty bowl of soup, that upon the first sip, makes you feel like you just had a religious experience. Yan Ji is one of the few stalls in Singapore that has won many praises from both regular and new customers.

Even local variety show Where the Queue Starts is a fan. If you manage to sweet talk the owner into giving you more soup, you’re my new hero.

Address: Block 4A Woodlands Centre Road #02-11, Singapore 730004
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Woodlands Waterfront Park

[caption id="attachment_2949" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image credit: White as Milk[/caption]

Woodlands Waterfront Park is right around the corner if you’d like to do a little bit of walking to burn those extra calories. Forget about going there during the afternoon. You might end up sweating bullets. Opt to go on windy or cloudy days.

The park tends to get quiet during the evenings (perfect opportunity to attempt the playground!), but if you walk down the jetty, you’d see that there’s quite a number of people. The reason? There’s a restaurant. Yeah, I can’t get over that, either.

Address: Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759956

Ahsia Food Stall

[caption id="attachment_3176" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image credit: Small Potatoes Make The Steak Look Bigger[/caption]

This roti prata is scrumptious even when it’s cold. Pair that with sardine sauce and you have got yourself an unforgettable dining experience. Ahsia’s roti prata is a perfect example of a common dish done uncommonly well.

The only downside about the stall is that there’s always, always a long queue. One time, my dad went there around 8 a.m. and found out that there’s no more prata left!

Address: Block 4A Woodlands Centre Road #02-76, Singapore 731004
Opening hours: Closes at 10 a.m.

Ah Keat Pig’s Organ Soup and Kway Chap

[caption id="attachment_3175" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image credit: twtan14 on Hardware Zone[/caption]

Ah Keat’s bowl of kway (rice sheets) may not hold a candle to Guang Liang Cooked Food’s at Bedok Reservoir, but its pig offal is a worthy contender. Order this dish with your friends, and I’ll guarantee (or not) you lot will wrestle for it.

If pork dishes aren’t your cup of tea, then you might want to turn your attention to the western food stall. Its chicken chop is fresh and generous. Note that the western food stall usually starts its operations during the early evenings.

Address: Block 211 Marsiling Crescent Singapore 730211
Opening hours: unpredictable opening and closing times

Old Woodlands Town Centre is slated for redevelopment works in 2016. If you want to try the dishes (Yan Ji Seafood Soup and Ahsia Food Stall), get your skates on.

Also read: 

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