Kranji Marshes is Singapore’s largest freshwater marshland. This nature reserve is home to many different species of birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
Kranji Marshes Singapore Overview
Kranji Marshes, a 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland with a distinctive ecology, will enchant you with its rustic appeal. One of Singapore’s largest freshwater marshes, it is situated along the northwest side of Kranji Reservoir.
One of Singapore’s longest waterways, the Kranji River (also known as Sungei Kranji), once had a thick mangrove forest lining it. Mangroves were flooded and a freshwater marsh was created when the Kranji Reservoir was dammed in the 1970s to build the Kranji Reservoir. The creation of a freshwater marshland as a result of damming the Kranji River to create the Kranji Reservoir was recognized as a significant habitat.
In 1990, the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) presented a proposal emphasising its importance for conservation. This was acknowledged and incorporated into the 1993 Singapore Green Plan. There are ponds and woodlands on the 54-hectare site. In collaboration with PUB and NParks, NSS adopted the section of wetlands in 2008 and started a restoration program with sponsorship support. The region was reclassified as a park in 2005, and given the name “Kranji Marshes Park.” Under the PUB’s Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Programme, which aims to recognize, inspire, and encourage community stewardship of Singapore’s water resources, the Nature Society (Singapore) acquired this wetland park in November 2008. On February 1, 2016, Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development, declared Kranji Marshes accessible to the public.
Kranji Marshes is not a large trail like other environmental reserves in Singapore. The region is split into two parts: the public area and the core conservation area, which is only accessible on guided tours.
Visitors will walk somewhat more than 1 kilometer before reaching the Marsh Station, which is the major place where you can see the wildlife in action. Even the most urban of city dwellers will find the visit stimulating and will value the opportunity to spend a few hours away from glass and concrete.
Before beginning the 1-kilometer trek to the Marsh Station and Observation Raptor Tower, use the restroom at the visitor center. Also note that you will need to walk around within Kranji Marshes, as there is no cycling allowed.
Also, there is no lighting within Kranji Marshes, so make sure to visit when the sunlight is still out.
How long it takes to walk along Kranji Marshes (publicly accessible areas)
The publicly accessible areas of Kranji Marshes is not that big, and does not take that long to walk at Kranji Marshes. It is approximately 1 km long and takes an average adult around 20 minutes to complete at a relatively leisurely walking pace. To walk both ways (to and fro), it takes between 40 to 50 minutes.
Kranji Marshes map
Bookmark our page for this map of Kranji Marshes:
Activities to do at Kranji Marshes
Even though the name gives off a marshlands and nothing else vibe, there are several activities you can do at Kranji Marshes actually.
Check out nature
More than 170 different bird species, 54 different butterfly species, and 33 different dragonfly species may be found at Kranji Marshes, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It offers a crucial habitat in Singapore’s Kranji area for the preservation of wildlife, notably marsh birds, along with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Kranji Marshes is an excellent location for tourists to watch and appreciate nature since it has a variety of natural habitats, including freshwater marsh, woodland, and grass ecosystems.
Take a free guided walk of Kranji Marshes
On the last Saturday of the month, free guided walks are offered into the core conservation area of Kranji Marshes of Singapore. The skilled and experienced guides will show you around the main conservation area, which is not often exposed to the public because it is an environmentally important area, so you may explore and learn more about the natural area.
Kranji Marshes is an excellent location for tourists to watch and appreciate nature in Singapore since it has a variety of natural habitats, including freshwater marsh, woodland, and grass ecosystems. Kranji Marshes is a good choice for those who like nature parks.
Enjoy the view from top of the Kranji Marshes Raptor Tower
This picturesque landmark within Kranji Marshes offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning surroundings and is conveniently positioned in the centre of Marsh station. In fact, you probably won’t even need an Instagram filter to enjoy the view from the top of this Kranji Marshes tower because it is that impressive. Looking out from the Raptor Tower may also seem curiously relaxing to you. Staring serenely at the water’s swirls and the beautiful green waterfalls that contrast sharply with the light sky has a reassuring quality all their own.
How to go to Kranji Marshes
Are you wondering how to get to Kranji Marshes? There is no nearest MRT. Either you drive there, or you can get to Kranji Marshes via a shuttle bus.
Kranji Marshes car park
The car park to Kranji Marshes is only accessible via one road only: Neo Tiew Lane 2. While the car park is free, there are only 20 carpark lots.
Kranji Marshes shuttle bus
Used to be free, the now $5 shuttle bus service that brings people to Kranji Marshes is run by private operator WTS Travel on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The shuttle bus will pick visitors from Singapore’s Kranji MRT to multiple different locations, including Kranji Marshes. Bus intervals are approximately 1 hour long.