Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Lonely Planet review

A 87-hectare nature reserve in far northwest Singapore overlooking the Strait of Johor, and home to 140 species of birds. It's been declared a nature reserve and recognised as a sanctuary of international importance as part of the East Asia Flyway.

The best time for viewing birds is before 10:00 and if you go on a weekday the reserve is blissfully serene. Be prepared for encounters with several monitor lizards, some of them unnervingly large, and sightings of playful otter families hunting fish.

There are also apparently saltwater crocodiles in the area, though sightings (thankfully) seem to be rare.

From the visitors centre trails lead around ponds and mangroves to small hides decked out with signboards that'll help you identify the different species. There's also a three-storey-high aerie. Allow three hours to do the reserve justice.

Free guided tours begin at 09:30 and 15:30 on Saturdays. On other days, tours have to be prebooked and cost around S$50 per group. Audiovisual shows on the park's flora and fauna are held at 09:00 , 11:00 , 13:00 , 15:00 and 17:00 (hourly between 09:00 and 17:00 on Sunday).

On weekdays, the bus stops at the end of Neo Tiew Crescent, a 10-minute walk from the park. On Sundays, the bus goes right to the park entrance.