Walking Trail – Hidden Hazards

Beautiful Sunday at Lorong Halus Wetland

Beautiful morning we have in Singapore today. Blue sky, bright sunshine. Storm clouds in the distance. Afternoon showers to be expected later.

I was walking along the trail to the Sengkang East Dam today when I came across a hidden hazard. A tight nylon line laid across the walking path, like a trap. Anyone jogging and cycling fast could be cut. Found my penknife and cut it down.

Be careful out there. There are always hazards. Anyways, make the best of the fine weather today. Have a great weekend!

Secret Garden

Secret Garden

Welcome to the Secret Garden. I only wish it was mine.

Alas this was taken on a trip to Pulau Ubin. Do spend some time exploring the right side of the island. There is also a spice garden and a section with tropical plants. All labelled for easy identification. I know there is a mini plantation at Sengkang Riverside Park but over here it is more rustic and closer to nature. I grow up with some of these plants in my backyard so it is like a trip down memory lane. This is a place to get away from all the chaos of city living.

Wherever you are in the world, in rustic or urban landscape, I hope you find some corner to make it your own secret garden. Have a great weekend!

Surreal Dawn at Punggol Waterway

It rained last night and early this morning. I was hoping for a glorious sunrise and came prepared with my graduated ND filter set. Alas it was not meant to be. I was at Punggol Road, at the bridge overlooking the directions of Lorong Halus when the dark clouds blew in from the left horizon. Saw flashes of lightning, hey, it was time to get out from there. Captured this picture of dawn breaking on the opposite horizon, looking west.

Punggol Waterway landscape at Dawn

This was done by using a red graduated ND filter. Camera settings : F8, 1 seconds, ISO 360, +0.3EV at 18mm focal length.

Sometimes when the sky is grey, it is always fun to experiment and be creative. Have fun over the weekend!

Waterplay at Punggol Waterway

Punggol Waterway in the early morning

As seen from the bridge, this is a view of Punggol Waterway. The Waterplay area with the water cannons and water fountains are on top the hill, next to the “Rustic Bridge” or suspension bridge. While I was there, the water started sprouting around 8.45am. Not sure if that is the usual timing or if they were turned on because a group of kids and their teachers, I assumed, arrived there exactly at that time. The look of joy and excitement on the kids faces were delightful to see.

This picture is more of a wide angle frame of the surroundings. At that hour, the sun shined at a low angle and I wanted to capture the green glow of the grassland with the trees casting shadows and there was a slight mist on the background.

Next time if you are there around this hour, do check if the water fountains at the Waterplay area are switched on at 8.45am.

The “Gazebo” at Punggol Waterway, Punggol Reservoir

Gazebo at Punggol Waterway

A different kind of view of a familiar sight at Punggol Waterway, Punggol Reservoir. I affectionately call this the gazebo but I later discover some people calling this the Jewel Box. Also this stretch of Punggol Waterway is called the Sunset Strip.

I will do a little focus on the Sunset Strip either tomorrow or Friday.  This is my favourite section of Punggol Waterway.

Insects among the Bushes

I don’t have a macro lens yet. It is one of those “wish” list of mine. Meanwhile making do with what I have now.

This picture was actually taken with a wide angle lens. At that time, I was in a hurry to get that shot before that green insect on the white flower scatter away. Did not notice at that time there was another green insect nearby on top of the mimosa flowers. Are they the same insect species? Grasshoppers? I am not sure.

The estuary at the Lorong Halus Wetland had gotten a bit drier but the sound of chirping birds still make their presence known. Even on overcast days, from 9.30am onwards, the light is bright enough to eliminate some noise artifacts that can be present especially during low light conditions. Below waist level, squat down or for more challenge – lie down on the ground :0

It just shows a different perspective of the world from the ground level up. Happy shooting!

Two Green Insects among the bushes

Updated Photos on Punggol Waterway at Punggol Road

My Waterway @ Punggol, or rather the shorten version – Punggol Waterway – is slowly shaping up. The photos are taken on the section along Punggol Road left side (if you are heading to Punggol Beach) or right side (if coming from Punggol Beach).

At the opposite end, the photos are posted here : Punggol Waterway at Punggol Road
Other photos at Serangoon Reservoir : Early Pictures of Punggol Waterway Trail at Serangoon Reservoir
Other photos at Punggol Reservoir : Punggol Waterway – near Punggol Reservoir

Looking forward to exciting nature parks in our surroundings!

Exploring Coney Island, Singapore

I had been going to Lorong Halus Wetland regularly but never quite make it to Coney Island. First of all, it is quite isolated and not a place for a woman to explore alone. This morning my brother wanted to explore the fishing spots around the area.

These are the pictures from our trip.

Serangoon Reservoir Dam

To reach Coney Island, you need to climb over the green railing opposite the dam and follow this railing on the right frame. The dam actually connects the Lorong Halus area to Coney Island. Lots of people fish along the shore’s edge here. We saw a guy caught a small stingray as we walked past them.

At the end of the railing, follow the trail into the forest and soon there is an opening to the beach.

Forest Entrance to Coney Island Beach

There are lots of rubbish around the area. Hey, anglers and visitors. Please be mindful of the environment and don’t throw your rubbish anywhere on the island and elsewhere.

Coney Island Beach

An interesting observation. There are a few signboards before reaching the beach informing people not to hurt the resident 3-legged wild boar.

Wildboar Signboard

While exploring the beach, guess what we saw. Hoof prints…Hmmmm…interesting..

Wildboar hoove prints?

There is pro and con in putting up such a sign. On one hand it informs people to be mindful and on the other hand gives information for the less emphatic people to catch the wild boar. If it only has three legs now, something bad must have happened in the past. So I appeal to those who see the wild boar, please leave it alone.

While at the beach, I spotted this gigantic tree root. If I am not mistaken, it is the sea almond tree. By the way, you can eat the nuts.

Giant Tree Root

As you can see, debris clung to the roots.

This is the view from an opening in the forest trail. You can see the rocks below and in the distance – Pulau Ubin.

Pulau Ubin as viewed from Coney Island Forest Trail

So, take the time to enjoy this semi-wild habitat before there is more development on Coney Island.

Punggol Promenade – 3 Different Views

In photography terms “Let There Be Light” is a popular catchphrase to illustrate the importance of light. As an example, below are three different photos taken at the same place – Punggol Promenade. The amount of light at different times of the day can really transform the same location.

Sunrise
This was about 7.30am. Mist shrouded the landscape and the sunrise left a golden glow on the grassland.

Sunrise at Punggol Promenade

Early Morning
About two hours later, the change in landscape. Grey clouds appeared and not long after, it started to rain.

Early Morning at Punggol Promenade

Late Evening
After the rain, late in the evening about 6pm, a beautiful sky with amazing clouds formation gave a contrasting landscape as compared to the morning scenery.

Late Evening at Punggol Promenade

The advantage to visit a place regularly at different times of the day, you get to see the various scenery and changing lights due to the weather. Try it at your home place and observe the various changing landscape.

Have a great weekend!

Green Reflection

Urban and rural elements can be combined together to create a juxtapose. I like the serenity of water reflection. The woodlands lend a mystery and in the morning, mist clings to the landscape creating a fairy-like atmosphere. I will try to do that this weekend. That is the TPE expressway in the background.

Green Reflection