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!