We went to Pond Gardens at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to check out its unique Adventure Playground sometime ago. While that was fun, it was the experience of nature and being near a real river that made more impact for the city boys.
I was surprised to find that the boys were so fascinated by the little details of nature they observed and experienced. We were once again reminded that sometimes, the best things in life are free as we took a relaxing stroll from the playground to the lotus garden, followed by walking along the river.

A river in Singapore!
The river on the Pond garden side leads us all the way to Marymount Road.

A river in Singapore!
The lotus garden
The lotus garden is showing a variation of bloom and withering of its flower population when we were there. Even then there is quite a bit to look and observe. Our boys scampered along the pavement beside the pond and stopped to enjoy sights as we walk along.

The Lotus pond was mostly withered but we could still spot some flowers and fruits.

Lotus fruit and flower
This is the first time I saw snail eggs. Apparently the Primary 3 kid in our group had learned about it in school and enlightened us about it.

Snail eggs on a withered lotus leaf

A red dragonfly on the lotus leaf.
The boys were kept occupied watching the water slider slide along on the water for a good 10 minutes.

A water slider or pond skater
An ant nest! We were kind of worried and have to keep the boys from getting too close.

An ant nest
A walk along River
The river is quite an unexpected attraction.

A river in Singapore!
Like a real river unlike most of the man made canals in Singapore, this one have shallow and deeper parts, stones, plant, organism and the varying water level. Warning signs, red markers and life buoys have also been put up along the river so that we will know to stay away when heavy rain or rising water levels are expected.

Safety features along the river.
I am intrigue at how the boys, growing up in the city can be so absorb watching the water currents flow in the river.

We did not expect water currents to be intriguing.
It is also interesting observing how the currents change directions and speed where there is an obstacle like a rock or a slope in the river.

Water circle around the rock, making a swirling pattern
Intrigue by how the leaves flow in the river, the boys entertaining themselves by making “boats” out of leafs and seeing how far it can go in the river.

Making a sail boat out of leaf and observing how far it go.
We spotted a heron enjoying the river too.

Heron testing the waters

Pretty and white
The snails seems to be laying quite a bit of their eggs on the rocks in the river.

Snail eggs on the stone

Fungus on a log and pretty peacock flowers along the river

Wild shrubs along the river

Birds taking a bath
Where: Along Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Lighted Hours: 7.00pm to 12.00am
For more information, check out Nparks website on Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
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