Date: 5 May 2012 (Sat) (Vesak Day! You should not be working cos its a public holiday …)
Time: 9am to 11am
Location: Meet the volunteer guides, Peter and Keng Kiat at the Bukit Brown Cemetery Roundabout, under the big and beautiful raintree, where there are table and chairs sitting around … (details below!)

Registration:
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This tour is open to public. Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).

Please click ‘Going’ on the FB event page or call Keng Kiat (Mobile: 9790 3886) to let us know you are coming, how many paxes, or meet us at the meeting point at 9am. Feel free to say ‘hi’ if you are exploring the grounds!

The tour:
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The Bukit Brown area is about 233 hectares in extent, bordered by Lornie Road, Lower Thomson Road and the Pan-Island Expressway. It lies just to the south of the Central Catchment Forest, being separated from it by Lornie Road and includes one of Singapore’s oldest Chinese cemetery. With >100,000 graves, Bukit Brown is also one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China.

Come join the jovial and engaging duo, Peter and Keng Kiat, as they bring you to some recent “discoveries” of pioneers’ tombs in Bukit Brown, ie, not found in the Bukit Brown DIY Walking Trail Map (SO FAR …) such as:

- Tan Tang Hoaj
- Koh Hoon Teck
- Lo Kim Huk
- Ong Soon Tee
- Leong Seng Ngian, Tan Peck Jim

We will also “drag” you to that hill less travelled, Hill 4, to visit some pioneers that are simply “craving” for your attention:

- Lim Chong Pang, Mrs Lim Nee Soon
- Mdm Yeow Siew Keng, Wong Chin Yoke, Soon Si Tung and Tai Thean Kew Circus
- Khoo Seok Wan
- Lim Zhe Yang
- Cheang Hong Lim, Tan Kim Ching

Peter, whose interest in Bukit Brown started with bird watching, will randomly point out plants and animals to you. This is not to show off his wonderful knowledge of the flora and fauna (chance encounters might include horses, monkeys, squirrels, spiders, and the resident cockerels) of the place, but simply to let us know what rich and beautiful biodiversity Bukit Brown has to offer. To fully enjoy what this space has to offer, bring a pair of binoculars!

Kingfisher (photo: Lawrence Ang)

So do join us for a morning walk in this special corner of Singapore, and find out for yourself why these two mad men had been visiting this place every other weekend … but more importantly, why it is worth conserving this historical and natural treasure trove!

Please take note:
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1. We will be walking mainly on paved roads. Rain or Shine.

2. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or sunburn. Bring sunblock and natural insect repellent.

3. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as safety is important.

4. Do read up on Bukit Brown before going so you have a better understanding of the place (e.g. BukitBrown.com)

5. Do bring water, light snacks, poncho/umbrella, sunhat and waterproof your electronics and delicates.

6. Please go to the toilet before coming. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby.

Here are tips for enjoying your visit.  Here are maps.

From North: Go to Marymount MRT and walk to bus-stop #53019 along Upper Thomson Road. Take Buses 52, 74, 165, 852, 855
Alight 6 stops later at bus-stop, #41149, opposite Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Walk towards Sime Road in the direction of Kheam Hock Road until you see Lorong Halwa.

From South: Go to Botanic Gardens MRT and walk to bus-stop #41121 at Adam Road, in front of Singapore Bible College. Take Buses 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855. Alight 2 stops later at bus-stop, #41141, just before Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Cross the bridge, walk towards Sime Road, follow the road until you see Lorong Halwa.

By car:
Turn in from Lornie Road, to Sime Road. Then, turn left into Lorong Halwa.
Parking space available at the largish paved area near the cemetery gates.