wetlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Vol 10 No 1
Feb 2004

A journey
through 2003

Experience of
a lifetime

International Shorebirds Experts meet

Bird RInging in the Reserve 2002

Birds in the Wetland Reserves

An Uncensored Census at Sungei Buloh

Kranji Nature Trail
A green corridor

Protected Area Wetland Management Course 6-15 Nov

Sungei Buloh
10th Anniversary Celebration

Nature and me
  
Kranji Nature Trail...
A Green Corridor
Tay Soon Lian
Conservation Officer

Set in a wilderness environ, Kranji Nature Trail is the green corridor that links two wetlands, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Reservoir Park. As part of SBWR 10th anniversary celebration, this new trail was launched in September 2003 to the delight of many visitors.

When I heard of plans to create a green corridor linking SBWR to the Kranji Reservoir Park, it was almost a dream come true. Kranji Nature Trail’s (KNT) creation was indeed the sweetest dream come true for many regular visitors who come to SBWR by public transport. The pleasant walk through the trail is a respite from the nightmarish walk along Neo Tiew Crescent to SBWR.

If you ever get tired of walking in your regular park, come to KNT. It is designed for people of all ages with its relatively flat terrain. The wilderness setting of this nature trail is unique in its own way. The feeling you get when you walk through the nature trail is like a roller coaster ride, every twist and turn gives you different excitement and surprises.

You may be walking through the wide open space of the grassland, being soothed by the lingering smell of eucalyptus in the air, getting enchanted by the massive blooming of the Brown-heart’s flowers and the handsome clumps of Indian Rubber Tree in the distant.







The vegetation closes in creating a tunnel that leads you to a belukar patch. The bowing Leea indica with its red berries greet you as the ever presence of Simpoh Air with it’s bright yellow flowers surround you.

The chirping and chattering of the Tailorbird and Yellow-vented Bulbul filter down as you enter the cool and still air of the secondary forest. Emerging from the forest, sunshine stream through willowy swaying branches of the majestic Rhu (Casuarina). Even though it is not a true pine, its needle-like modified twigs and pine-shape fruits carpet this stretch of the trail. Looking ahead, one cannot help but notice the presence of the tall Khaya and Sea Apple Trees swaying in the gentle sea breeze.

Unmistakably the salty smell of the sea brings us to the coastline that hugs the most part of the trail. From here you can experience one of the most intriguing nature walk with the mudflat on one side and mangroves on the other. Most of the commonly found mangrove flora can be seen here together with interesting flora like the Dolichandrone spathacea and Pandan.

On a clear day, look across the Johor Straits to view the state’s CBD with the picturesque kelong in the foreground and if you are lucky, catch an unforgettable sight of the king of the sky soaring high up in the sky, swooping down to catch a fish.

When you get to the “therapy bridge” which span the straits, stand on it and have all your worries washed away with the ebbing tide. On many occasions, you can witness the Cormorants doing a fly pass while the Bee-eaters glide in the sky catching their prey and a dollarbird high up in the tree.

Beyond the bridge, walk among the giants of the mangrove without getting your feet wet. Huge Api Api, Bakau and Nireh with their special growth form reach out at you with a special 3D effect. An abandoned prawn pond which had seen many passing tides, holds stories of yesteryears. The winding trail finally leads you to SBWR.

The official opening of KNT on 20 September 2003 opened up an opportunity for many nature lovers to experience and learn about the many diverse ecosystem that abound outside. KNT is no SSS, Sun, Sand and Sea, it is MMM, Mud, Mangrove and Madness, Madness? Wait till you see what the tide brings in!!!
   
© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve