It is great to be a volunteer – almost any kind of voluntary work brings that satisfaction of helping others. For those who are interested in the natural world around us, there is the double pleasure of being a volunteer at Sungei Buloh. Firstly in serving the community and secondly in diffusing light and knowledge of the wonders of nature.

To quote Debra Yeo, one of our first guides:- “A chance for me to do my small bit to conserve whatever remaining natural habitat left in an increasingly crowded Singapore. It matters little that there is no monetary reward. So long as one visitor has learnt a new nature fact, I am satisfied; it is after all, a small step towards nature appreciation by the whole”

It is relatively easy to get a such passion for such a place – it is different and interesting! Where else in Singapore would you see a crocodile in the wild, just basking on the mud banks? Or a two metre long monitor lizard trying to digest a three metre long pit-viper?

Look at the trees in the mangroves; again different from all others. Mangroves exist in that transient world between land and sea and have to endure the relentless march of the tides, in and out every day. Life here is harsh, yet these trees have triumphed over the adverse environment with each developing its own survival tactics and contributing to a dynamic ecosystem.

Apart from nature guiding, there are several other activities available to volunteers, including education activities, scientific programmes and photography.

These are also tangible rewards such as training, special programmes, social gatherings and a recognition ceremony.

So come and help us spread the magic of our wetlands to visitors. If you are interested to volunteer your time and expertise, do sign up with us. Just go to our website www.sbwr.org.sg and click on “Friends of Wetlands”, then “Volunteers” and “Sign up as Volunteer”.

Hear from you soon!

Reflections

Guiding at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve gave us opportunities to enjoy nature, meet new people and challenge ourselves physically and mentally as we guide visitors through the reserve. We have enjoyed learning from other guides about plants, birds and animals as much as the ‘fellowshipping’ that comes from regular outings together. Guiding at SBWR has also enriched us spiritually as we discover the mysteries of nature by opening our eyes, ears and hearts when we walk quietly through the reserve.

AC Ho, Director of Rights Management Consultants and SBWR Volunteer and trainer for Volunteer Programme, and Helen Ho, retired teacher, SBWR volunteer


Yesterday, I would not know what a horseshoe crab is, but today, I can easily spot them. My experiences with Sungei Buloh has a long way to go. I am sure my learning journey with this Reserve will explain a great deal about what I am going to tell others about her.

Channe Lim, Sales Planning Executive, SBWR volunteer


Sungei Buloh’s volunteer programme is one of most efficient and supportive that I know. The staff and experienced volunteers have been incredible in sharing their enthusiasm for nature with us, and their passion is infectious! With them, we saw a crocodile at close range, an Atlas Moth cocoon, a feeding kingfisher and much, much more. Being part of this community has been wonderful, and I look forward to sharing the joy with the public.

Edna Koh, Bank Executive, SBWR Volunteer


The training was helpful and interesting as they taught us how to identify the various species of mangroves trees, the type of birds and creatures found in Sungei Buloh. With a field trip after each lecture, it enabled me to better appreciate nature in Singapore. I feel that the role of a nature guide to spread the message of conservation is really meaningful.

Roy Tan, Teacher, SBWR Volunteer


There is nothing like having first-hand experience of seeing, hearing and touching the wonders of nature at SBWR, and that, I would say, is one of the nicest memories I have of the volunteer programme. I look forward to more wonderful moments of time spent at SBWR.

Low Yi Juan, Social Worker, SBWR Volunteer


Volunteering at Sungei Buloh is an excellent opportunity to help educate the public about the importance of the wetlands. Singapore’s mangrove cover is a ghost of what it was in the past and it is our responsibility to care for what is left and to bring home the message of conservation.

Trond Lovdal, Conservationist, SBWR volunteer


As a trainer I feel extremely happy when I see volunteers who had attended my training doing a tour. It does not matter if they are fully making use of what had been communicated to them by me or another trainer. My conclusion is that I have contributed and done what is expected of me and the “graduate” is now a full-fledged volunteer contributing towards SBWR’s Volunteer Program. In a way, appreciating the kind effort of SBWR by repaying the effort which SBWR had unselfishly disseminated and provided free-of-charge through her volunteer trainers. So to all you active volunteers out there who came to my training sessions, thank you very much for rewarding my efforts!

Edie Lim, Self employed, SBWR volunteer and trainer for volunteer programme