Jurong Bird Park

Singapore Jurong Bird Park – The best aviaries park in the world? I know this statement can be debatable, to some it can even be questionable…but the sight of these wonderful birds flying around me so freely is undeniably as good as it get – simply breathtaking! This reminds me of the scene in Jurassic Park “The Lost World” where all the Dino birds were flying around freely in the air of a conserved island. To those who have watched the show, you will understand what I mean. Enthralling to the least!

The Lory Loft was an impressive attraction that was added recently to the bird park. It is the world’s largest walk-in Lory, with almost 1000 beautiful lories flying over you. “The Lory Loft” is like a small little forest which we could walk on along the connected towers, suspension bridges (9 storey high, about 27m) and catwalks. The Lori speed past in small flocks, flying past just centimeter away from me. What an experience! I actually bought a special nectar food and let the birds flock to me.

You can enter, traverse and exit Lory Loft at treetop level. This provides a bird eye’s view of such magical panorama of the environment.

Few zoo birds in the world can lay claim to provide such environment of natural beauty. I can’t think of many except the Germany’s Vogelpark Walsrode. The recreated habitat of these flying species is awfully amazing and inspiringly reproduced.

One of the highlight of the attraction is the Amazon jungle aviary. The forest is a little dim and that add to the mystical of the jungle. Inside, you will witness the largest man-made waterfall… “Did I just say the largest man make waterfall?” Phew, majestic! The water fall aviary at 30m high allows the birds to fly around, enjoying the cool breeze… The artificial mists are made to replicate the nature work of a tropical rainforest. Here, you get to see about 1500 birds from Africa and South America. This includes the colourful bee eaters.

After having been treated to a night of high in the animal’s kingdom of the night safari, I admit I am not expecting another animal spectacle. It will be hard to emulate another night safari environment, it would be a tall order to follow suit…and certainly it is almost near impossible to replicate for these animals, where this time round – the sky is the limit.

But how wrong am I!

Visiting to places when animals are kept in captivity hardly don well in me. But the night safari changed my perception. The Jurong Bird Park again strengthens my new found belief and optimism. It has rarely been as entertaining, as thrilling and as invigorating. What’s more the birds were happy, confident and settled.

Jurong Bird Park houses over 9000 birds of different species, with 29 of them considered to be endangered. These vase collections of birds are a delightful oasis to the bird watcher. It offered a one of a kind experience for the whole family that is both educational and entertaining.

If you are feeling tired after a long and eventful walk, you can seat back and relax in the panorail ride. The 15 min air-conditioned ride provide you a sweeping vista of the Jurong Bird Park most amazing view from a high point (a suspended light railway that goes around the park, stopping at three location).

Need a rest and feeling hungry after a eyeful treats to the world of birds? For those who pack their own food, you can seat and relax at the picnic ground and playground near the African Grassland area. But if you think you need to get away with the heat and humidity of the weather, pop in to the Bongo restaurant is a wonderful choice. They served huge portion of burgers that will delight many tourist. Price is reasonable at least.

Singapore Jurong Bird Park is giving some dignity back to the aviaries. The words ‘Bird Flu” is almost epidemic to some. However, if you are a little concern about bird flu,
it is pleasing to know that all birds that are seen or exposed to the public are vaccinated against bird flu. Staffs are also given flu injection and are trained to monitor any birds that display symptoms of illness and unusual death. Seem like the Jurong Bird Park is confidently turning bird flu into a long forgotten history… Tourist will only indulged themselves into a world of aviaries splendid beauty.

In my final stop in Jurong Bird Park, I saw owls! The “World of darkness” is a nocturnal birds enclosure that was really dark and exciting. It features about 60 nights birds like the snowy owls, fish owls and night herons using a system of reverse lighting, converting day to night. The snowy owls immediately strike a resemblance and reminded me of Harry Porter’s pet. Perhaps I should keep one.

However the best exhibit to me is still the penguin parade. I am fascinated to the least. The 17000 square feet of mini Antarctica showcase different species of penguin which includes the Humboldt, King Penguins and the Macaroni. We are able to see them in underwater, as well as on land.

Visiting this place really open up my horizon to what birds are really is. I can never forget those mighty eagle flying just inches above me. I could feel the wind turbulence powered by this huge bird flying pass me. And of course my heart beat rocketed! What a feeling!

Before I keep immersing myself to the many birds attractions, the bird show provide another intriguing experience. You will never believe the birds were able to sing in three different languages (English, Japanese and Chinese) with clear tone. How on earth did the people manage to train the birds? And the All-Star Bird Show is to me as one of the world best animal show on earth.

Well, I mustn’t forget about the toilet in the Jurong Bird Park. The toilet was clean and it was built in an open air ventilated space. It blends naturally into the wood and simulated a jungle loo for the human. No details are spared…not even the toilet!