The sanctuary has more than 200 mangrove trees and mangrove associates, and over 130 species of wildlife. Great for photographers and bird-watchers!

A new nature sanctuary at Gardens by the Bay called Kingfisher Wetlands has opened, making it a must-go for bird-watchers and nature photographers, and those who want to take a walk. The 15,000sqm sanctuary features more than 200 native true mangrove trees and mangrove associates planted amidst newly-created water cascades and streamlets.

Located along the waterfront promenade, next to the popular Satay by the Bay and near the upcoming Gardens by the Bay MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast line, there is also educational signage so visitors can gain a greater understanding of frequently-spotted wildlife in the area.

While the original site was a popular bird-watching spot for many in the Singapore birding community and also frequented by nature photographers, it was isolated and often missed by the general public. With the S$0.5 million-donation from soy sauce manufacturer Kikkoman Corp, the development works for Kingfisher Wetlands segued the existing area with the surrounding landscape, making it more accessible to visitors.

Over the years, the site has come to host a diversity of wildlife, including the Smooth-Coated Otter, Lesser Whistling Duck and Malayan Monitor Lizard. The bird monitoring programme of Gardens by the Bay has also recorded over 130 species of birds – almost one-third of the bird species found in Singapore – and 16 out of 40 migratory species spotted in Singapore are known to visit this area.

To enhance the habitats to create Kingfisher Wetlands, work was done to connect the site’s two existing waterbodies, Lotus Pond and Kingfisher Lake. New water cascades and streamlets were established to improve water circulation and aeration, and to create new microhabitats for biodiversity to flourish.

With the planting native and endangered species of true mangroves and mangrove associates – including native, critically endangered species such as the Firefly Mangrove (Sonneratia caseolaris) and Upriver Orange Mangrove (Bruguiera sexangula) – Kingfisher Wetlands is also making a contribution to the environment in terms of carbon sequestration and storage.