3 Ways To Get UP CLOSE To Wildlife | Singapore Hour

Wild Apex & Penguin Encounters: A Day Immersed in Singapore’s Nature

Key Concepts:

• Wild Apex Adventure: An immersive wildlife park in Singapore featuring guided climbs on Karst Cliffs with close encounters with Francoise Langurs.
• Connect 2.0: A three-part safety connector system used in the climbing activity.
• Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove: A penguin habitat offering educational tours and close encounters with various penguin species (Gentoo, King, Northern Rockhopper).
• Kayak Fishing: A fishing technique utilizing kayaks for access to deeper waters and a unique fishing experience.
• Francoise Langurs: A rare and critically endangered species of monkey found in Singapore, observed during the climb.

I. Wild Apex Adventure: Climbing the Karst Cliffs

The day began with a visit to Rainforest Wild Asia and the Wild Apex Adventure, a guided climbing experience up the Karst Cliffs. The activity was made challenging by drizzling rain, creating slippery rock surfaces. Participants are secured with a harness and utilize the “Connect 2.0” system – a three-part connector that must remain above the waistline for safety. The guide, Nash, emphasized safety protocols, jokingly stating that signing the waiver absolves him of responsibility.

The climb itself is a two-hour ascent across three Karsts, offering close proximity to troops of Francoise Langurs, a critically endangered species in Singapore. The terrain is described as rugged, involving shaky rope bridges and shimmying along cliff sides. Louisa experienced significant fear and physical discomfort (“biggest wedgie of my life”) during the climb, but Nash’s guidance proved reassuring.

The final section of the Karst involves a controlled ledge drop, which Louisa initially struggled with but ultimately completed with Nash’s encouragement. A 68-year-old participant’s success was cited as motivation.

II. Penguin Encounters at Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove

Following the climb, Louisa visited the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove for a one-hour “Penguin Encounters” tour. Kyler, the resident “penguin guru,” provided detailed information about the different penguin species housed there:

• Gentoo Penguins: Recognizable by their white “headband” and the fastest swimming species, reaching speeds up to 60 km/h underwater – potentially faster than Michael Phelps.
• King Penguins: Identified by a yellow teardrop on their heads and are the second largest penguin species.
• Emperor Penguins: The largest penguin species.

Kyler also shared a rather startling biological fact: birds lack anal sphincters, resulting in uncontrolled defecation and projectile pooping. Penguin colonies are so prolific in their waste production that they are visible from space.

The encounter included a backstage visit where Louisa observed the penguins being fed as a reward for voluntary participation. She met Percy, an eight-year-old King penguin, and Pascal and Pierre, two Northern Rockhopper penguins currently in a “dating phase” with the hope of breeding. Louisa emphasized the penguins’ cautious nature despite their comfort around humans.

III. Kayak Fishing at Marina East

The day concluded with a kayak fishing trip at Marina East with Jacob. Kayak fishing allows access to deeper waters and the potential for rarer and larger catches, such as groupers, snappers, and even 1.5m long barracuda.

Louisa, a novice fisher, received instruction on kayak steering and casting techniques. Despite initial inexperience and losing her bait, she experienced “beginner’s luck” and successfully hooked a sizable grouper – her first catch ever. She described the experience as relaxing and enjoyable, highlighting the beautiful skyline view of Marina Bay Sands.

IV. Safety & Technical Details

• Connect 2.0 System: This system consists of a cable, stopper, and the Connect 2.0 connector itself. Proper usage involves ensuring the connector remains above the waistline and sliding it through the metal plate.
• Climbing Hazards: The climb is inherently risky due to slippery rocks, height, and rugged terrain. The harness and Connect 2.0 system are crucial safety measures.
• Penguin Biology: The discussion of penguin anatomy highlighted the lack of an anal sphincter and the resulting implications for their waste management.
• Kayak Fishing Technique: The technique involves alternating paddling strokes and proper casting, including opening the clip to release the line.

V. Notable Quotes

• “I feel like Bear Grylls!” – Louisa, expressing her adventurous spirit during the climb.
• “You’ve already signed the waiver form? Yeah, so if anything happens… It's not my responsibility.” – Nash, the climbing guide, jokingly referencing the safety waiver.
• “They actually can swim up to 60 kmh underwater. We need to test that theory.” – Kyler, the penguin guru, regarding the speed of Gentoo penguins.
• “Beginner’s luck is really a thing.” – Louisa, after successfully catching a grouper on her first fishing attempt.

VI. Data & Statistics

• Penguin Swimming Speed: Gentoo penguins can swim up to 60 km/h underwater.
• Penguin Colony Visibility: Penguin colonies produce so much waste that they are visible from space.
• Grouper Catch: Louisa caught a sizable grouper, described as one of the most prized catches in the area.

Conclusion:

Louisa’s day showcased the diverse natural experiences available in Singapore, from challenging climbs amidst endangered wildlife to intimate encounters with adorable penguins and a relaxing fishing trip. The experience highlighted the importance of safety precautions, the fascinating biology of penguins, and the potential for unexpected success even for beginners. The day served as a departure from her usual journalistic work, demonstrating the value of immersive experiences and a willingness to embrace adventure. The overall takeaway is a celebration of nature and a reminder that even seemingly daunting challenges can be overcome with guidance and a positive attitude.