Pulau Semakau Travel Guide

 
by y_lyn
 
  •   Pulau Semakau
    by y_lyn
  • Semakau Island Map
      Semakau Island Map
    by bladedragon
  •   Things to Do
    by y_lyn
  •   "Dead-man Fingers"
    by y_lyn
  • Intertidal Walk
      Intertidal Walk
    by bladedragon
 

Explore Pulau Semakau

Things to Do  

Intertidal walk

Intertidal walk, Pulau Semakau

 bladedragon Says:  When the tide is low at Semakau, you can catch many interesting marine animals, to name some we encountered there were: octopus, stingray, flatworm, nudibranch, jellyfish, etc.Check Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) website for details, walk schedules and... 

Birding at Pulau Semakau

Birding at Pulau Semakau, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Birding is another activity that you can do in Pulau Semakau. The remoteness of this place somehow attracts a rich diversity of rare birds that can't be seen on the mainland. So if you're hear on a birding trip, bring a pair of binoculars with you. The one that is given free... 

Checking out the Marine Life

Checking out the Marine Life, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  This little sotong (squid) is so cute that I've decided to put it here. It was spotted off the sea-grass lagoon in Pulau Semakau that day and oohed and ahhed by everyone in the group. Of course, it was released into the water after the trauma. 

Checking out the Mangrove Trees

Checking out the Mangrove Trees, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Other birding your brains out, angling and wading the waters in Pulau Semakau, you can also check out the unusual mangrove trees by the shore. Many of these trees have stilt roots that poke eerily out the water for air. Many of these trees attract birds and mudskippers so it... 

Going for an inter-tidal walk

Going for an inter-tidal walk, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Honestly, the best thing about going to Pulau Semakau is to check out what nature has to offer. Going for an inter-tidal walk ( walking along the shore when the tide is low) with a guide would be good idea as you'll appreciate what you see with understanding. And please... 

Fishing at Pulau Semakau

Fishing at Pulau Semakau, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Besides the walks and birding activities, sport fishing is another activity you can do in Pulau Semakau. It's quite a worth while activity since I was told that black-tipped sharks were seen swimming in the lagoon and LARGE groupers were actually caught in these waters. Ah,... 

Transportation  

Boat ride to Semakau Island

Boat ride to Semakau Island, Pulau Semakau

 bladedragon Says:  To get to Semakau Island you have to take a boat ride from Marina South Pier.The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.You have to book the trip from either one of these clubs:1. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research - Intertidal Walk2. The Nature Society -... 

From Singapore to Pulau Semakau

From Singapore to Pulau Semakau, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Currently, entry to Pulau Semakau is restricted and there's only 3 groups with direct access there so you'll need to contact them before making a trip there. They are: 1)Nature Society organises birdwatching trips for members only at $25.2)Sport Fishing Association organises... 

What to Pack  

Pack your essential

Pack your essential, Pulau Semakau

 bladedragon Says:  Travel light, bring a small bag with all your essential stuff inside, including foods & drinks as there's no convenience store in the island. For intertidal walk you are required to wear covered footwear, bring extra pair for after the walk. Always bring your medical... 

What to wear for an Inter-Tidal Walk

What to wear for an Inter-Tidal Walk, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Your idenity card or passport is crucial as the immigration police will only allow you to go thru the check point with it. As you can see, wearing high heels and a mini skirt is not a good idea if you're going to Pulau Semakau. Leave them at home and come dressed in cargo... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Great Billed Heron

Great Billed Heron, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  One good thing about going to a nature reserve with experts is that you're gauranteed an ID of whatever creature you're looking at minus the head-scratching. I saw this unusual looking heron along the the mangrove reefs and was told instantly that it was a great-billed... 

Large Billed Crow

Large Billed Crow, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  When you're in Pulau Semakau, you don't have to go all out to look for birds, they'll simply fly past you! A large-billed crow flew overhead as I was standing on the shore, cawing as it flew past. Intially I didn't give it a second look, but the folks from the National... 

Brahminy Kite

Brahminy Kite, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  There was a little Japanese girl in our group and what sharp eyes she had! She spotted at least 2 large birds In Pulau Semakau that day and got everyone excited by shouting out - "Eagle! Eagle!". How right she was.The NUS* folks scooped out the bird with the bino and... 

Little Terns

Little Terns, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  Hubby and I were wading along the sea grass beds off the shore of Pulau Semakau when we heard cries of birds. Where were the birds? Hubby asked after he scooped the shore using the Nikon Monarch bino we had. Up above you! I said and that they were, 3 or 4 of them flying... 

Pacific Reef Egrets

Pacific Reef Egrets, Pulau Semakau

 bpacker Says:  I spotted these rare beauties on an intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau. At first sight, I thought these elegant birds were Chinese egrets, what with their pure white feathers and long slender neck but the kind guide from the biodiversity department ( National University of... 

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Map of Pulau Semakau