Kranji Marshes

Kranji Marshes is the largest freshwater marsh in Singapore, some fifty-four hectares of reedbed, grassland and woodland beside the Kranji reservoir, and it sits in what is left of the island's rural northwest among farms and nurseries. Over a hundred and seventy bird species have been recorded, including purple herons, bitterns and the rare grey-headed fish eagle. The core conservation area is entered only on guided walks; the rest has hides and a raised tower.

History

The marsh formed when the Kranji River was dammed to make the reservoir; the Nature Society proposed protecting it in 1990, the proposal went into the Singapore Green Plan of 1993, and the society adopted the 54-hectare wetland in 2008 (Wikipedia, Kranji Marshes).

Highlights

• The raptor tower - a raised platform over the marsh and reservoir.
• The bird hides - screens over the reedbed and open water.
• The reedbeds - the largest freshwater marsh habitat on the island.
• The rural setting - farms and nurseries in Singapore's last countryside.

When to go

September to March brings migrants and the best birding. Early morning is when activity is highest. Midday heat on the open marsh is severe.

Before you go

The core area is closed except on guided walks that must be booked. Public transport out here is poor and infrequent. There is very little shade and the heat is punishing.

Nearby

Sungei Buloh is north, and Bollywood Veggies is nearby.

Key facts