A Thrilling Morning at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve After the Rain!

The overnight downpour had left the reserve fresh and buzzing with life—perfect conditions for another adventure! If there’s one thing I’ve learned from past visits, it’s that rain brings snakes out into the open. My main target today is to spot the legendary King Cobra again.

As I arrived, the early morning fishermen were already hard at work, casting their nets just beyond the reserve. But the real magic began the moment I stepped inside.

Just meters away, a majestic Great-Billed Heron—a bird typically found only on Singapore’s offshore islands—stood tall in the shallows. My heart raced as I heard its deep, resonant call for the first time. And then… another answered! 

Following the echoes, I spotted two more of these elusive giants. Three in one trip?! Unbelievable!

The third heron puffed up its neck, showing off the bulge that produces those hauntingly low calls. What an incredible start to the morning!

Moving deeper into the reserve, a stunning Grey Heron stood like a statue in the water.

Just a stone’s throw away, an elegant Intermediate Egret gracefully stalked its prey.

Across the mangroves, a pair of Painted Storks added a splash of color to the scenery. 

But the real surprise? Open-Billed Storks! These visitors from the north have stayed in Singapore for over a year, likely due to drought conditions back home. With plenty of food here, they seem in no rush to leave—lucky for us!

A sudden, loud call drew my attention to a tiny Ashy Tailorbird, proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to volume!

Nearby, a cluster of Dog-faced Fruit Bats hung in their usual spot.

Buffy Fish Owl—a rare daytime sighting—watched silently from the trees. Spotting nocturnal birds in broad daylight always feels like a special treat!

Though my hoped-for King Cobra remained hidden, the reserve had another serpentine surprise in store: a stunning, emerald-green Oriental Whip Snake, sleek and perfectly camouflaged among the leaves.

No King Cobra this time, but with rare herons, storks, bats, owls, and a dazzling whip snake, this trip was nothing short of spectacular. Sungei Buloh never fails to amaze—every visit is a new adventure!

Who knows what the next exploration will reveal? 

Meet the Smooth-Coated Otters at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve!

Who can resist the adorable antics of smooth-coated otters?

These sleek and sociable little creatures are a delight to spot at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve!

You’ll often find them hanging out in groups, sliding, splashing, and chatting away. They love to groom one another and playfully tussle—it's just too cute to handle!

These otters are fantastic hunters, feasting mainly on fish. Watching them dive and chase their dinner is like witnessing a perfectly synchronized swim team in action!

After a refreshing swim, otters enjoy rolling in dry sand to clean their fur and get rid of pesky parasites.

It's like their own little spa day—scrubbing, wriggling, and looking thoroughly happy!

Unfortunately, habitat loss and pollution make life challenging for these playful otters.

Luckily, Sungei Buloh provides them with a safe haven where they can thrive.

So, next time you're visiting, be sure to keep an eye out for their playful antics—especially those adorable sandy roll sessions! These otters truly embody the joy of the wild!

Visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: A Birdwatcher's Perspective

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of migratory birds at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, this might not be the ideal time for your visit. Most of those lovely feathered friends are already heading back to their breeding grounds up north.

But don’t worry—there’s still so much to see and enjoy!

Just before I stepped into the reserve, I spotted a charming group of three Milky Storks soaring above.

And right behind them was a graceful Grey Heron!

While I was on the Main Bridge, I was lucky enough to see another Grey Heron gliding along the river.

It was high tide during my visit, which meant lots of crabs were climbing up the mangroves, making for quite a sight!

As I strolled along the trails, I noticed several Oriental Blue Dashers buzzing around—these dragonflies are quite common in the reserve.

I also came across two Malayan Monitor Lizards engaged in a serious territorial showdown. Nature can be so intense!

Listening closely to a familiar high-pitched call, I then spotted four playful otters swimming in the river. They were such a delight to watch!

Due to the high tide, a Grey Heron was casually strolling on the grass, probably waiting for the waters to recede.

Venturing further into the mangrove area, I was thrilled to encounter a stunning Blue-Eared Kingfisher. What a beauty!

To my surprise, I also found a Chestnut-Winged Cuckoo, which is a migratory bird and likely one of the last few still hanging around Singapore.

Saw two female Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat nursing their baby at the usual spot.

Before I left the reserve, I witnessed a big school of Mullet Fish swimming in a mesmerizing circular pattern. I can only imagine how spectacular it would look underwater!

So even without the migratory birds, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is still full of amazing wildlife and experiences waiting to be discovered!

My First Birding Adventure at Wachirabenchathat Park

I’m excited to share that I visited Chatuchak for the first time and skipped the bustling wet market to explore the nearby Wachirabenchathat Park, also known as Rot Fai Park.

As soon as I entered the park, I was thrilled to spot a Variable Squirrel!

Next up, I saw plenty of the familiar Common Myna birds hanging around.

There were quite a few Black-collared Starlings pecking at the ground, too.

I also caught a glimpse of a Pied Fantail flitting about near the lake.

You can often hear the Asian Koel, but it’s tricky to spot them out in the open.

Following the sound of the Koel led me to another cuckoo, the Plaintive Cuckoo, which reminded me a lot of the Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo I saw during my trip to Manado.

I also spotted an Indochinese Roller

and an Ashy Drongo along my walk.

After about 30 minutes of wandering, I came across an adorable Spotted Owlet!

It seems like there’s a little family of them in the park,

as I found two more at different spots.

On my way back to the lake, I was lucky enough to witness a Striated Heron catching a fish right in front of me!

Perched high on a tree branch, a White-throated Kingfisher was ready to dive in for a meal,

while an Oriental Magpie Robin was hiding beneath the leaves, seeking some shade from the sun.

Just as I was wrapping up my day, a Black-capped Kingfisher made an appearance. What a wonderful way to end my adventure!

First Visit to Wachirabenchathat Park

If you're heading to Bangkok, there's a good chance you'll find yourself wandering around the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market. This vibrant market has it all—whether you're looking for fresh groceries, beautiful plants for your garden, adorable pets, or even unique pieces of furniture!

But if the hustle and bustle of the market isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! Right nearby, you’ll find not one, but three lovely parks where you can relax while your friends enjoy their shopping spree.

One of these parks is Wachirabenchathat Park, affectionately known as Rot Fai Park. 

It’s a favorite spot for bird watchers, thanks to its incredible variety of wildlife. The park is a peaceful oasis that showcases the rich biodiversity of the area, making it a fantastic escape from the city's buzz. With sprawling greenery and serene walking paths, it's the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll also find Queen Sirikit Park. This beautiful park is known for its stunning flower gardens and tranquil lakes. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can take advantage of the walking and cycling paths that wind through the park.

Then there’s Chatuchak Park, which is another fantastic green space right next to the market. This park is great for families and offers a variety of recreational facilities, including playgrounds and picnic areas.

Whether you want to go for a jog, have a picnic with friends, or just relax under a shady tree, Chatuchak Park has something for everyone.

Since I have about two hours before my next appointment, I decided to pay a visit to Wachirabenchathat Park. It’s a great way to recharge, enjoy some fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of Bangkok’s green spaces. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite spot away from the market's lively atmosphere!