Kallang Riverside Park
Last Updated on 5 August 2020
Kallang Riverside Park, stretching along both banks of the Kallang River near the mouth of the river, is a scenic place for a weekend picnic or a just relaxing stroll.
For those of us who aren’t very good at Singapore geography (including me, who didn’t know that there is more than one river in Singapore), the Kallang River is the longest river in Singapore, flowing from the Lower Peirce Reservoir up north to the Kallang Basin down south.
The Kallang Basin, which captures water flowing from the Kallang River, Rochor River and Geylang River (yes! Singapore has more than just that one Singapore River!), is part of the Marina Reservoir and is a popular location for water sports, such as dragon boating and kayaking.
On a typical weekend, the park can get quite lively with picnickers, joggers, strollers, dragon boaters, tourists, and so on.
Fishing seems to also be a popular activity along the river bank, being one of the few places in Singapore where one can fish legally.
Heading southward, Kallang Riverside Park eventually connects to Marina Promenade and the city.
Scenic views accompany us along the entire way.
The relaxed atmosphere entices us to kick back and enjoy the breeze under a coconut tree. What better way to do that than in a hammock?
The promenade is popular not only with the humans but also with the birds, especially those of the migrating variety during the September to March migratory season.
Keep an eye out for the Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) skulking around the reeds – his favourite haunt. He is a common resident bird, but migrant visitors are also known to come here during the winter months.
The Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) can also be seen around these parts. This is the most common of the munias in Singapore, and there are two varieties found here – the introduced topela subspecies (with brown underparts and brownish scales on breast and flanks) and the native fretensis subspecies (with paler upperparts and bolder and darker scale patterns below).
Based on the descriptions, this fellow spotted here appears to be our native fretensis subspecies.
Bittern and munia were foraging around the same bush. They eyed each other cautiously for a while, before they each went back to minding their own business.
The Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) is a very common bird seen everywhere, so it does not come as much of a surprise to spot him here too.
Another very common bird is the Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), seen in every park or garden that we go to.
As we sauntered along, the shrieks of the Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) caught our attention. This non-native parrot species was first introduced into Singapore many years ago (likely as pets) and has now established a stronghold in the local population of parrots, rivaling our native Long-tailed Parakeets.
Besides the water birds and the aerial birds, those of duck variety can also be seen beaching the river bank.
In and out of the water they go, having a splashing fun time along the way.
As we approach the river mouth, the prominent landmarks of Marina Bay loom into view, such as Gardens by the Bay – Bay East…
…the Marina Barrage…
…the conservatories of Gardens by the Bay…
…and the Singapore Flyer.
