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 Containing
one of the world’s largest bird collections, the Jurong Bird Park
is laid out on twenty hectares of land which comprise the Jurong on
Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim in the Jurong Lake area. It has more than eight
thousand birds from over six hundred species, ranging from Antarctic
penguins to New Zealand kiwis.
Known for its aviaries, the Park boasts of the world’s largest walk-in
aviary with the tallest man-made waterfall where visitors can enjoy a
close-up view and walk freely among 1500 free-flying birds in a
specially created patch of simulated rain forests modeled after Africa
and South America.
Another walk-in aviary, the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary,
showcases the region’s exotic and endangered species of birds and where
tropical thunderstorms are simulated everyday at noon. Bird shows,
staged at the amphitheater and the Falconry Arena, are entertaining and
educational and have thrilled and entertained visitors from all over the
world.
Designed to closely resemble a natural arctic habitat, the Penguin
Parade, with a temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, has a large pool
set against a landscape of rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows.
A special lighting system recreates the four seasons of the year effect
to enable them to maintain their bio-rhythm. Visitors at the exhibit
will be treated to a vast panoramic view of these fascinating birds
‘flying’ underwater through a specially constructed viewing gallery,
which has a 30-metre wide window. Catch these birds in action at their
feeding times and they will certainly enthrall you.
Measuring 2,500 square meters, Pelican Cove is envisioned to
house the most comprehensive collection of pelicans in the world, with
over 40 birds and all seven species of the pelican family. Visitors may
also observe the pelican’s underwater feeding behavior at the Cove’s
underwater view of pelican feeding, the first one of its kind in the
world.
 Asia’s
first nocturnal bird exhibit, The World of Darkness showcases
nocturnal birds through a system of reversed lighting which enables day
to be converted to night and vice-versa.
Visitors will have the impression that they are walking along a quiet
star-lit jungle path at night, watching the birds in their natural
habitats as their haunting calls beckon. The Night Herons and Fish Owls
in their mangrove swamps, Snowy Owls on ice-capped mountains, and many
other nocturnal birds provide a veritable feast for the eyes in the
quiet stillness of the ‘night’!
Colorful hummingbirds, honeycreepers, finches, tanagers and cotingas are
the stars of the Jungle Jewels exhibit. This walk-in aviary is
just about the closest visitors can get to a South American rainforest.
In addition to the walk-in aviary is an air-conditioned area displaying
hummingbirds in individual aviaries. Male and female hummingbirds are
housed in specially designed breeding enclosures which allows the female
access to the male while still ensuring privacy to raise her family.
 With
the Park’s many aviaries and attractions, it could be easy to feel
overwhelmed or tired with the great deal of walking. A good tip is to
take the Panorail which traverses most of the park’s attractions
and provides a good, running commentary of each attraction you pass.
The Bird Park’s exhibits and aviaries are specially designed to closely
resemble the natural habitats of the feathered species. Lakes and
paddocks are built for display of water birds and other large flightless
birds such as ostriches, rheas, emus and cassowaries. Besides the bird
exhibits, there are also open spaces landscaped with exotic flowering
plants such as heliconias and anthuriums to enhance the beauty of the
Bird Park.
Getting There:
The Park is open from 9:00 am- 6:00 pm daily. Check for their schedule
of shows and demonstrations at the Park entrance.
To get there, Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station and transfer to SBS
number 194 or 251 at the Boon Lay Bus Interchange.
If you are driving,
1. From AYE, use Exit 17.
2. From PIE, use Exit 36. Turn left into Jalan Bahar towards the
direction of Jalan Boon Lay. Turn right at Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim to reach
the Bird Park.
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