Instalife in the Forest
Sharing photos taken by our Instagram community on a tour of MacRitchie
Along with a former senior botanist from the Botanic Gardens, a biologist from the National University of Singapore, a volunteer tour guide from the Love Our MacRitchie Forest campaign, five members of our Instagram community and our team braved the rain and took a walk in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
For five hours, the experts pointed out flora and fauna on a route that took us along Venus Drive and Rifle Range Road.
When asked about the experience after the trek, the readers said they had a newfound appreciation for our largest nature reserve.
Lawyer William Ong, 55, says: "It is amazing to have so much greenery and nature in a country that is so built up. It is so accessible as well."
We invited them to share their best Instagram shots with our resident photojournalist's work on this page.
Follow @thenewpaper on Instagram and tag your photos with #tnpsun to be part of our community.
Your picture may be selected for publication and there may be an invitation to go on more assignments with us.
William Ong, 55
Lawyer
@ongwill
The long-tailed macaques are a common sight in the MacRitchie forests, often staring at visitors from a distance. Experts are quick to point out that the monkeys should not be fed and food should not be eaten in the forest because these primates might try to help themselves.
Yeshita Widjaja, 20
Student
@yeshita_w
Small insects like these wasps do not mean visitors harm unless provoked. Visitors should not disrupt any insect nests as it could place unwanted attention on them, causing the insects to become aggressive.
Chee Seng Choong, 43
Freelance photographer
@stanley_chee
There are many streams like this along the trails at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The streams are not only a source of water, they are also home to many animals and insects.
Ariffin Jamar
TNP photojournalist
The Love Our MacRitchie Forest guides leading a tour through the trails of the CCNR. These tours are conducted by volunteers and nature experts about once every fortnight. Updates about tours can be found on their website.
Ariffin Jamar
TNP photojournalist
Rain can come suddenly in the MacRitchie forest. Be sure to bring an umbrella or a poncho, and wear shoes you will not mind getting wet.
Ernest Yap, 26
Freelance visual producer
@412.am
A rhino beetle we came across near Venus Drive. The tour operators temporarily place small creatures like this in a hand lens so people can observe them closely. Of course, they are set free afterwards.
Victor Lim, 42
Software engineer
@victorl0
The damselfly is one of the many species that can be found. Nature photography enthusiasts should come with the proper equipment, lots of patience and, as Love Our MacRitchie Forest guides add, respect for nature.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
