Khatib Bongsu is located in the Northern shore of Singapore Island, adjoining Yishun public housing estate. The area is about 65 ha and comprises of an inland river estuary (Sungei Khatib Bongsu) with mangroves and mudflats. This area used to be mixed Chinese and Malay kampongs encroached with fruit orchards, rubber plantations, fish and prawn farms, and coconut groves to the site periphery.
It is accessible by two old disused roads known as Lorong Mayang and Lorong Akar linked to Yishun Ave 6. The abandoned fruit orchards and grasslands habitats provide refuge to many garden and countyside birds and its flora consists of mixed mangroves and secondary forests. More than 90 species of birds have been recorded here.
This is perhaps the last abode of “old Singapore” in existence. A Chinese temple and former heronry used to be the focal point for devotees as well as birders and nature lovers during the weekends. The rough and dwindling terrains attract mountain bikers to frequent this area. On the north-eastern shore is the Lower Seletar Reservoir and Seletar River which is dammed and is a scenic point to look at the Straits of Johor in the evening for joggers and sunset lovers.
Morning walk along the Khatib Countryside is the best time to look at birds and experience the freshness of the morning air. This is suitable for family groups and those who are missing the nostalgic kampong days. Our nature guides will definitely make the excursion more informative and interesting.
The area now has been earmarked for development and public housing program. Savour the last remaining untouched nature spot in Singapore before it is gone.