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EXPLOREEXPRESSACT!
Tips for visitors to the shores

What should I be aware of?

Not all have facilities: Besides Sentosa and Labrador Beach, the more remote islands only have basic facilities (toilets, shelters). Bring along all your needs: food, drinking water and other essentials. Please do not litter. Bring back all your litter and dispose of it on the mainland.

Don't swim outside the safe zone: Currents around the islands can be dangerous. Do heed all warning signs and stay well within the safe areas which are clearly marked.

Watch the weather! Lightning is dangerous on flat shores. It can occur without rain. Immediately go to one of the many shelters on these islands in case of lightning and do not go out again until lightning has stopped for some time. If you hear lightning, return IMMEDIATELY to shore and seek shelter as quickly as you can. You are most vulnerable on the flats but lightning can also strike among the trees.

Dangerous animals: Dangerous fish such as stonefish, scorpionfish and stingrays are still common on our shores. These fishes will only sting in self defence if stepped upon. Some can sting through even booties and hard soled shoes. Thus avoid stepping into the water, especially murky water where you cannot see what you are stepping on.

Do not touch or pick up animals! Many soft-looking animals on the shores protect themselves with toxins which can cause rashes or injury should you touch your eye or mouth after touching them. Some such as conesnails can give a fatal sting. Others may give painful bites or stings in self defence. Most animals have a way to defend themselves in unpleasant ways. Most animals will not endanger you if you do not disturb, touch or step on them. The best way to avoid injuries is to watch your step and where you put your hand.

Also, many marine creatures may be hurt or die if they are handled or removed from the water.

Don't climb the rocks: Rocks are slippery with algae and covered with sharp barnacles that can give nasty cuts that take a long time to heal. A nasty fall may result in broken limbs and concussion.

Don't go barefoot on the shores: Besides sharp litter (tins, glass), there are all kinds of animals that will defend themselves should you accidentally step on them, e.g., sea urchins, scorpionfishes, stingrays. See below for appropriate footwear.

Don't step into areas with soft mud: You may lose your shoes and then step on something unpleasant.

Watch the tide: Don't go far out if you are not familiar with the tides. Your route back to the shore might get cut off by the incoming tide.

Prepare properly for your shore trip
Proper preparation makes for an enjoyable visit to the shores. Poor preparation can make the trip miserable and unpleasant. So take some time to prepare!

What should I wear?

Wear light, breathable clothing. You will be comfortable in shorts and T-shirt.

Appropriate footwear: diving booties or closed, hard-soled sports shoes with shoelaces.

Open sandals allow small creatures to nibble at your toes! Shoes without laces (e.g., with velcro) will part from your foot when you step into mud.



Do NOT wear these on the shores: open sandals, slippers, flip-flops, high-heels and other fancy shoes.

Do NOT go barefoot on the shores! Besides sharp litter, there are all manner of creatures that will defend themselves unpleasantly should you accidentaly step on them.

Do NOT walk with your shoes encased in plastic bags. This reduces the grip of your shoes on the ground. The ground can be slippery with seaweed and mud. You may then fall and not only get mud all over yourself (not just your shoes), but you may also get injured.

Wear light, breathable clothing. You will be comfortable in shorts and T-shirt.

Other useful items to bring

  • Extra pair of footwear to change into for the journey home.
  • Hat to protect from the sun. It can get hot on the flats on a sunny day.
  • Enough drinking water. Ideally, 1-2 litres per person for a day trip.
  • Raingear (raincoat, poncho) and plastic bags for electronic items.
  • Insect repellent: while there are few biting insects out on the intertidal flats, there are plenty in the forest and at the shore.
  • Sunscreen: the sun can be particularly strong on a sunny day.
  • A notebook to take note of what you saw. Why not start a nature journal? It's a fun way to record your visit and learn more about what you saw.

What should I do to prepare myself for the visit?

Before your walk have a good night's rest, drink plenty of water and have your regular meal. If you are not feeling well, do not go for the visit.

Do not leave valuables unattended on the shores.

Special tips for photographers visiting the shores.

Here's more on general preparations for a visit to the wild.

Check the weather forecast at the National Environment Agency's Meteorological Services website's Nowcast and Forecast which has a 3-hour to 3-day outlook for various locations in Singapore.


Join a guided walk!
Instead of going on your own, why not join a guided walk!
The best way to experience and learn about the shores is to visit with an experienced guide.

See more! Guides are familiar with the terrain and seasons of the shores. They can show you more during the short window of low tide. They can also tell you more about what you see so you can learn more.

Be safe: The shores are not dangerous if you know what you are doing, but for the unfamiliar there are potential hazards. With a guide, even young children can interact safely with the shores.

Minimise your impact: Every inch of the shores are alive with small animals and growing plants. A guide will help you see more and yet minimise the impact of your visit.

Have a great time! Guides are eager to ensure you have an enjoyable visit. Whether you are just there to see what's so special about the shores, or if you need more details for a project or have a special area of interest. Do tell your guide, who will gladly try to help you.


Join exciting guided walks at these locations!
Chek Jawa
Kusu island
Pulau Semakau
Sentosa

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