Unseen Singapore: A day at Pulau Semakau
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The coral rubble area at one of Singapore’s southern islands -Pulau Semakau- is an ecosystem which is teeming with marine life. This is in contrast to the landfill operations that take place a few kilometers away. As Singapore’s only remaining and only offshore landfill, the Semakau landfill covers sea space of 3.5 square kilometers and takes in all the incinerated garbage from mainland Singapore.
The beautiful sunrise which we were treated to at the Pulau Semakau pier
This mangrove area separates the coral rubble area from the inland part, which is mostly made up of secondary rainforest
The stretch of mangrove which separates the coral rubble area from the inland
The expense of the coral rubble area of Pulau Semakau at low tide
A giant clam just below the water's surface
A cluster of sea grapes was found nestled at the coral rubble area. They can be consumed and are usually found in Filipino cuisine
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A species of coral found there
In an unusual house-sharing arrangement, the crab and the gobi (a species of fish) live together in a hole of the coral rubble. One barrows deep in the sand, while the other watches out for prey. Who says animals from different species don't lend a helping hand?
A type of coral found on Semakau
This vibrantly colourful coral is just one of the many types found on Semakau
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A brown sponge exposed
Brown sponge partially submerged
An oyster bed
Aerial roots at the mangrove area