Once in a while, you or someone you love may have an idea that might seem silly, overwhelming, exciting and also a little daunting all at the same time.
This idea, which we promise is all a part of the human experience and not you suddenly experiencing an emotional breakdown, will seize you when you least expect it, and the decision to embark on it is something that is unexpected but also exhilarating.
The great part of this decision? You don’t even need to leave the country!
Your new, crazy idea that we are sure you will want to luxuriate in is to explore the newly revamped Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.
Wait, wha-?
Relax, we’ll explain.
Imagine beautiful, scenic, coastal forest trails, rich views, an environment rich and teeming in biodiversity, and all socially-conscious and eco-friendly.
In SIngapore? Yeah.
Sisters’ Islands, comprising of two Southern islands off the straits of Singapore separated by a narrow channel, is the site of Singapore’s newest marine park. The 40-hectare park seeks to be the centre of conservation, research, outreach, and education of the country’s abundant biodiversity.
While one of the islands (Little Sister) is closed off to the public, there is still so much for visitors to do!
Go on the floating boardwalk!
Start off with the floating boardwalk, where visitors to Big Sister’s Island will be able to see and step on just as they disembark from the ferry. The 220m trail is designed for visitors to observe marine diversity up close. The floating boardwalk will be lined with 63 panels on both sides of the walkway, which double up as a coral nursery to boost the growth of corals and create a habitat for marine life.
Also along the boardwalk? Moon pools. These square-like openings allow for scientists to carry out experiments in calmer, gentler waters.
Lagoon Tidal Pool
Other areas that explorers would be excited by would include the lagoon tidal pools, which, thanks to a donation of S$1 million from telco company Singtel through the Garden City Fund, is the perfect environment for a multi-habitat ecosystem.
Using enhanced pre-existing tidal pools, the body of water will allow for seawater to be retained during low tides, with a constructed seawall across the entrance that will serve as a shaltered water body. This will be the foundation of mangrove propagation, seagrass growth and coral development that can support a wide-range of marine life.
Visitors can also check out the underwater flora and fauna via walks and through underwater cameras.
Over seas from coast to coast
Think challenging trails for those looking to be surrounded by nature, with coastal plant species that are critically endangered such as the Putat Laut.
Get to the top of the coastal trail and be rewarded with scenic hilltop views with help from the two-storey Hilltop View Deck. It’s a great vantage point for birdwatchers who will be able to see local species uch as the spotted wood owl, the white-bellied sea eagle, and even the great-billed heron, which recently made its movie debut in the animation film The Boy and the Heron.
Sustainability efforts
The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is the country’s first marine park and it is touted to be the site for marine conservation, research, education and outreach efforts.
However the islands are meant to be an exercise in eco-friendly sustainable efforts, which is prevalent all over the island.
Rest stops across the public park, for example, are made out of recycled wood. Nesting spots and shelters for the numerous bees, kingfishers and bat boxes are available for roosting, designed to mimic their natural habitats.
Trails across the island also use recycled hoses donated by the Singapore Civil Defence Force to be used as barriers to guide people.
And, to help supply energy to the island, a solar farm comprising of 88 emission-free solar panels was installed to meet the park’s electricity needs, estimated at 19,000kWh annually.
The energy will also be used to power a desalination plant that will be the source of clean water without the need to import it from the main island, which will then be stored in a high elevation that will then be supplied to toilets and shower facilities without a power source, relying on gravity instead.
What else do visitors need to know?
Visitors to Sisters’ Islands Marine Park can catch the ferry from Marina South Pier. Singapore Island Cruise and Ferry Services will start ferrying visitors to the marine park from Tuesday. But please bring your own water and snacks, as there aren’t any shops or water coolers around.
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