How to get to Buangkok forest (hidden gem of nature)

In Singapore, there is not much wild non-manicured forest paths left for hiking. The buangkok forest trail is excellent as it is straightforward (follow the river) and the wide path is routinely cleared by construction vehicles using this route. Hiking, mountainbiking and also birding are highly recommended on this trail. (Scroll till the end for tips)

Buangkok is at Hougang, not in Thailand. It has the last kampong in Singapore and is also Workers Party territory. During my short 2hour (8km) hike from Buangkok to Pungong along the Serangoon River, an impressive variety of fauna was sighted.

The trail extends from the longkang entry near Hougang Opp Defu Ave 2 Bus stop and to Lorong Halus Park. It hugs the east side of the Serangoon river and has 1 short detour at Pasir ris industrial drive

Even though the detour was only a short 10min+ walk, every turn of a corner revealed a new kind of bird. I sighted a few white-bellied sea eagles and also a hornbill. The chirrups of the bee-eaters also surrounded this detour. Many unperturned bulbuls and pigeons feasting on tree fruits.

There were many blue throated bee-eaters throughout the trail ^ Likely due to the presence of so many butterflies and dragonflies along the trail.

To get on the trail, you can start from either of the spots (circled in red) I started from the green point and walk towards the longkang (canal)

We walked from Serangoon River Lane ^ as there was a construction blocking the other entry at Tampines Road Heavy Vehicle Park

^ this was the trail head we used (near serangoon river bridge)

Many brightly colored flying bugs were feasting on the flowering bushes and creeper plants that lined the route:
Dragonflies sighted:  yellow-barred flutterer, scarlet skimmer, spine tufed-skimmer, common parasol, blue sprite.
Butterflies sighted: common mime, tawny coster and more. (i am bad at identifying butterflies)

^ cotton stainer bug party

^ sighted a pair of white-bellied sea eagles
Reptiles: we only saw some juvenile asian water monitors.

This place is a bulbul paradise. Some bird sounds I couldnt identify and some birds i couldn't spot as the rush to complete the trail before dusk falls prevented me from seeing which birds were spying on us.

^ i think, common sandpiper

^ brown asian flycatcher

^ Tons of flittering sunbirds

You would have to cross this bridge during the detour mentioned above.

When you reach Punggol, there is this staircase exit ^ just before a fence that may or may not be locked. It was not locked when we were there. Just a short walk through this gate is the last gate before reaching Lorong Halus Wetlands, which might be locked, so this staircase exit might be the end of your trail.

The muddiest section ^ as a stream is flowing across the trail.

Tips:

• Avoid going the day after rain and check the weather forecast. The trails will be muddy. Even on a sunny day, there can be muddy spots, so will reccommend hiking boots if you don't want water getting into your shoes.
• Due to possible mud, i cannot reccommend this trail for young children or elderly as the mud could be slippery or hidden under tufts of long grass.
• Along the trail there are some exit points, you do not have to walk the whole trail.
• Some places might be fenced off or gated now due to new consutruction, be prepared to detour. The trail was clear when we went.
• For best weather or bird viewing, go in the evening or very early mornings (6.30-7am) when birds are more active and easy to spot.
• There will be mosquitoes, so either wear long sleeves and pants or just don't stop walking.