Spectacular coral reef of Kusu

Yes, we have spectacular coral reefs just 15 minutes away from our city centre!


Kusu Island is home to a dense fringing reef outside its seawall made up of anemones, hard corals and soft corals. The cityline is just not very far away.

My first trip to Pulau Tekukor

It's my first time visiting the island of spectacular natural coastline which I was previously exclaiming about! I'm able to set foot on Tekukor with the permit for Mei Lin's giant clam project. Otherwise, this island is actually closed to the public.


One of the interesting things of the day's trip will be the numerous number of fishes in the tide pools. Probably my first time seeing so many of them!

Virgin trip to Terumbu Semakau

The last trip of the low spring tide season is a first time visit to Terumbu Semakau!


In the midst of the light rain, we arrived a bit too early with only one miserable rock sticking out of the sea. So the gang decided to wait on the spot until the tide recedes further. This will help prevent any stonefish accidents since visibility is poor with rain. As usual, we have Mei Lin with her cute gu-niang umbrella with frills.

Tomato clownfish at Terumbu Semakau

Today was our virgin trip to Terumbu Semakau, a submerged reef off Semakau landfill. The highlight of the trip for me was the ultra cute Tomato anemonefish.


Here is the

NIE fieldtrip to Labrador rocky shore

It has been a rainy week and I was worried if the rain will persist. Thankfully, the drizzle ended when we reached Labrador Park.


Yes, today some of the future Biology teachers were at Labrador Park for a field trip to a rocky shore. This will help us get an idea on how we can bring our students there in the future. We were fortunate to have Dr Beverly Goh, who is a marine biologist to share with us about the last mainland natural rocky reef of Singapore.

New star find at Pulau Jong

A new star was found at Pulau Jong today! Chay Hoon found it among the seaweeds!


This tiny sea star has 7 legs! And it was a mottled coloration consisting of speckles of purple and red on its upper surface. The edge of the star is orange-fringed.

The froggy Sekudu 2010

Why date the post 2010? As explained in last year's post on Sekudu, I seemed to only get to visit this island annually. My first trip was in 2007 followed by the one in 2008.


The legend of the Frog Island, also known as Pulau Sekudu, goes where a pig, elephant and frog wanted to swim to Johor. They did not made it eventually and all turned into Ketam, Ubin and Sekudu respectively. The rock formation at the island is spectacular and one of which looks like the fossilized frog of the legend.

Brittle star hitching a ride on a jellyfish

While waiting for the boat to arrive at the jetty of St John's Island after our trip this morning, I had a pleasant surprise!

Half-snorkelling at a new stretch of St John's reef

After spending the bulk of the good low tide period at the usual reefy Tanjong Hakim of St John's Island, I wanted to take a bit more time to look at the sandy lagoon. Just as James and Geraldine were looking at a scorpionfish beyond the lagoon closer to the sea, I was surprised that there is a "hidden" stretch of reef beyond the lagoon that extends outwards.


The waters were relatively clear for an incoming tide so I was excited in having a quick look at this new stretch. But that means I will be doing half-snorkelling: wading with water up to waist height! Who cares when the reef is more interesting than whether I'm wet or not. Haha.

Colourful St John's reef

It's been some time I've been to St John's reef to properly look at the corals at the edge.


Taking today's tide that is quite low, I had the opportunity to check out this colourful and rich coral reef edge that is jam-packed with corals and other lifeforms.

Hot and scorching at Semakau

Today's a school holiday so I'm free to go for yet another shore trip. This time guiding a group of enthusiastic people who worked in the CPG Corporation.


As we arrived at Semakau, the sun was already quite way up the sky with Pulau Jong at the background. Judging from the weather, it was going and indeed was a hot and sunny day!

The Great Reef lives up to its name

After more than a year's wait, I was excited to be able to revisit The Great Reef.


Think I've gone diving from this photo? Nah! I was doing "half snorkelling". Haha. It is actually an intertidal trip where I was at the reef edge for most of the time because it is just so stunning. The waters are relatively clear and there are lots of corals.

Tiger Cowrie at Terumbu Raya!

We all saw our very first intertidal Tiger cowrie (Cypraea tigris) at Terumbu Raya this morning!


Probably not that we would expect to find it in the intertidal, Mei Lin and Chay Hoon both scream in delight when they saw this special cowrie!

My first Hantu guided walk

It's May Day! Happy labour day to everyone. Today's also my first time guiding at Pulau Hantu!


After an hour ferry ride from Marina South Pier, the participants of the walk were all excited when they set foot on this island that has an interesting legend that gives Hantu its name.