Fun, Vibrant Off-Shore Trip to Pulau Semakau

With special thanks to Mervin Khor-Khor, Daddy Tiong and Princess Chelsea had a chance to visit the Pulau Semakau Landfill – an unique offshore landfill with scenic landscaping and vibrant diversity.

The tour included a NEA briefing on landfill operation, a tour of the visitor centre, a landfill tour and a intertidal walk. It’s an eye-opening experience for Princess Chelsea; she got to hold starfishes using her bare hands, and see all kinds of creatures up close.

Princess Chelsea is like a city girl, unused to time under the sun, and thus Mummy Eliz was initially worried that this might be an outing too tiring and boring for her. But she came back all excited and satisfied.

Daddy Tiong came back with heaps of praises for the dedication and professionalism for the guide, Uncle Joseph, who showered Princess Chelsea with attention as she was the only child in the group.

Imagine Mummy Eliz’s surprise when she found out that it’s the same Uncle Joseph Lai from the Singapore Home-schooling group, a Daddy who shown the same dedication towards his kids’ education.

~ Understanding more about the intertidal walk ~

~ Following closely behind Uncle Joseph ~

~ Handling the starfish using bare hands ~

~ Group photo; tired but satisfying day ~

Here’s some quick facts and photos to share about Pulau Semakau:

- Located 8km south of Singapore with an area of 350 hectares, Semakau’s landfill is the world’s first offshore landfill created entirely from the sea space.

- Construction began in 1995 and landfill operation started on 1 April 1999.

- A 7km perimeter bund lined with impermeable membrane contains waste within the landfill area to keep surrounding areas free from waste.

- Currently, about 1,400 tons of incineration ash and 600 tons of non-incinerable waste are disposed off at Semakau landfill daily.

- Through planting and landscaping, western coast of Semakau is now a scenic and idyllic recreational destination with pristine water, fresh air and a green natural environment thriving with vibrant and rich biodiversity.

- Opened up in Jul 05 for sport fishing, intertidal walk, bird watching, stargazing and recreational outing comprising bait fishing, cycling, barbecuing and camping.