Forgotten & left to the chance birds?It was by chance that I received an sms on Wed announcing a ST article which claimed that Khatib Bongsu was going to be taken over by the military.
I remember the days when we fought to keep 'them' from wallowing up the precious bird nesting grounds - we went and got 25,000 signatures to save Senoko, and that was just 10 years ago - all credit perhaps to Dr Ho Hua Chew (& his band of Nature lovers) who fortituously stuck by the importance of preserving the area as an essential migratory birds spot. Later, research revealed more birds used Khatib Bongsu as a rest point than the (by then) declared Bird Sanctuary of Sungei Buloh Nature Park. Such perserverance lies in the powers that be... History and rundown on Khatib Bongsu background can be found at http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20051112/051111-3.htm
Anyway, so I made an impromptu decision to head out to Khatib Bongsu on Thur morning, right after Subuh, armed with two slices of bread, my cap, small water bottle and the reliable digi cam :) It was with another friend who works from home so we were both gainfully unemployed that morning ;) But ahh, what delights awaited our curious eyes, minds and hearts.
Just off Yishun Ave 6, right opposite from North View Pri School, is a obvious path leading into the forest/woods. There is a small roadside offering 'shelter-hut', unmanned the last I saw at the start of the path. It also has an obvious red & white road barrier (twisted at points - looks damn old) raised at the entrance to the path.
These signs will tell you you're on the right track.
This is the view of Yishun Ave 6 and the blocks next to the pri school once you enter the path. (see right pic)
Be prepared for a nice long trek in - it's not exactly your 20 min morning walk. Firstly to get there, from the nearest bus stop is a walk of abt half an hour. Then another 45 min in to the actual mangrove (but rest assured, you're in when you can't hear any urban sounds) ;) The sounds and scents of the forest truly do make the spirit smile. Uplifting indeed in mad-urban Singapore. So go, go!
If you drive, you could drive in thru the raised barrier to at least halfway point. This is by the two storey house that looked well kept and used. Dog was friendly :) I smiled at him and got a 'Hey, cool dudette!' wag back ;)
Along the way we saw these wonderful creations:
Pagoda Flower
'Epiphany' :)
It's interesting to equip ourselves with a bit of local nature before venturing on these beautiful green lungs we and the birds are blessed with. A good section on mangroves in Singapore is in the Chek Jawa Guide (avail from Nature's Niche)
Some of the mangrove trees at Khatib Bongsu look like ballerinas balancing on the water :) Bakau is the local name for these and otherwise they are officially known as Rhizophora ronata.
These act as natural buffers and protectors in times of floods and tsunamis.
You'd pass this two storey house on your left about 30 min into your walk.
Left:This pathway actually leads to a wooden bridge over the mangrove and within 10 min you're back on Yishun Ave 6 in between 2 major construction sites.
Right: The mangrove surrounds the front of the house. What a view to wake up to :)
(Left): A disused keong style dead end at the mangrove.
There were shaded kelong stops to sit, quietly and read or reflect.
(Right): Other Singaporeans had the same idea as us
By means of trees, wildlife could be conserved,
pollution decreased and the beauty of our landscapes enhanced.
This is the way, or at least one of the ways, to spiritual,
moral, and cultural regeneration. ~ E.F. Schumacher
pollution decreased and the beauty of our landscapes enhanced.
This is the way, or at least one of the ways, to spiritual,
moral, and cultural regeneration. ~ E.F. Schumacher
here's wishing the military treat our dearest khatib bongsu with respect as all humankind should ;)
