We started at 8.30am at the Tanglin entrance of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and were enchanted by a Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus.
After having some 'bao' brought by one of the Franciscan sisters, we made our way to the Rainforest Trail which was somewhere in the middle of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Along the way, we stopped by to admire anything which I could at least say
something about! ;p
Spotted a juvenile pigeon (I think!), resting on the branch of a Tembusu tree Fagrae fragans.
Learning more about Bird's Nest Ferns Asplenium nidus.
Initially I thought it was a flowering tree... but it was the Kapok tree Ceiba pentandra fruiting! We picked up little fluffs of white fibre with the seed attached within.
The Rainforest Trail! A little briefing beforehand and some pictures along the way...
The beautiful strangling fig tree.. We could hardly see the host tree from where we were standing. I spent a good 15 min sitting here absorbing in the quietness of the forests after the walk.
Could these be their figs?
A dipterocarp tree of the genus Shorea or meranti. Dipterocarp trees are characteristic of Southeast Asian forests and can grow up to 50 m in height! These majestic trees have very angular branching and a very straight trunk. Gorgeous!
After our time in the forest, we had a short time of prayer and reflection along Liana Road. I felt rather odd singing the 'Canticle of the Sun' in the forests, but after a while, I did enjoy the time of praise with my fellow sisters, giving thanks and praise to God for all that we have experienced through nature.
It was a good learning experience for me as well, on how to communicate to the public, how to conduct a tour outdoors (I guide in the museum so it's much easier when your animals don't move anymore...), how to talk to others and try my best in answering questions.
Thank you Lord for this lovely walk in your garden. :)
