Jurong Bird Park

I have spent most of the day looking at birds at the above park, i decided to give the Botanic gardens a miss, as once you have seen one flower, you have seen them all ;)

As with everything in this country, the bird park was impressive. I am not a big fan of seeing animals caged up, but it seems the Singaporeans aren't either, and so they have set up massive aviaries for them to fly around in and you enter the aviaries and snap away. One aviary is so large that it even has a 30m waterfall in it - basically it is the Eden project, but for birds!

This waterfall is not a natural feature, it has been completely man made for this aviary!

For a change though, the place did not have an escalator, instead they have a huge monorail that ferries people around the park. Being a good lad, i refused the monorail, and walked around, which is a fair old trek!!

The only downside was the park was a little light on the birds of prey, but that is me being very picky indeed, as there is a massive wealth of other species. Also, i think that we are quite lucky with Raptor centres in our own country.

Overall, my favourite part of the Bird park was the penguins exhibition - i just really enjoy the way they waddle around, and then flop into the water. Fortunately for them, and unlike the polar bears at the zoo, their pool is chilled to near freezing temperatures. To be honest, that must be a welcome relief, as today is the hottest day I have had yet.

Having said that, i did also enjoy the chance encounter with a couple of iguanas. They were so well camouflaged, that i almost trod on them!! This was quite exciting although i am not sure whether they have escaped from the other park, as across the road is the Jurong Crocodile and Reptile paradise.
I resolved to go and find out and so, when i left the Bird park, i popped across the car park to see if i could get in. The whole place looked incredibly dilapidated and right next door to the "Reptile paradise" was a Restaurant specialising in Crocodile meats, which really made me think that this place is not so much a haven for reptiles.

There seems to be a conflict of interest here, not really what i would call a paradise at all! Still if you wanted to try crocodile burgers, this is the place for you. Off to Raffles in a while, so will let you know how i get on.