Dedication
I dedicate this book to my father, my role model and my inspiration, the late Mr. P. U. Shukla.

Bhavesh Shukla
GOD’S
OWN
DESIGN
Photographic Journey
through Nature

Copyright © Bhavesh Shukla (2016)
The right of Bhavesh Shukla to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78
of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.
Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil
claims for damages.
A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.
ISBN 9781785548918 (paperback)
ISBN 9781786122001 (hardback)
www.austinmacauley.com
First Published (2016)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LQ
Printed and bound in Great Britain

Acknowledgments
This book has been a long and challenging but a beautiful journey during which I often faced a lot of unknowns
and self-doubts. I would not have been able to compete this journey without the whole-hearted contributions,
encouragement and best wishes of my family, friends and relatives.
I would like to especially thank my friends Atul Mathur, Rick Swanson, Jagdish Shukla, Hardik Dave, Biman, Niraj,
Hiren and Nikita.
I am deeply grateful to my sons, Aryan and Eklavya, and my wife, Jayati, who all endured so many days of my absence
at home while I was busy clicking nature’s wonders in Singapore’s beautiful national parks. Their support and
encouragement at every step kept me going.
Finally, I must thank God for making it all possible.

Contents
Life 7
Beauty 45
Love 79
Happiness 101
Wisdom 123
Wonder 163

46
PChinese garden DF8; 1/250 sec; 105 mm ISO-140
Colors are the smiles of nature.
Leigh Hunt

47

Index of National Parks
National Park Information
Admiralty Park:
31 Riverside Road, Singapore 730000
Located in Woodlands, Admiralty Park is situated on hilly terrain with Sungei Cina river running through it, and houses the largest nature area within an
urban park. Encompassing a diverse mix of secondary forest, mangrove, riverine and open grassland habitats, and home to more than 100 species of flora
and fauna, the park is a favourite of nature lovers.
Bedok Reservoir Park Bedok Reservoir Road With more than 14,000 wetland plants added along the reservoir as part of the Active, Beautiful, and Clean (ABC) Waters Programme, Bedok Reservoir
Park features a diverse mix of flora and fauna. A great sanctuary for bird watching, nature lovers can spot swallows playing by the water, little herons
wading along the banks of the reservoir and kingfishers diving for their lunch.
Botanic Garden:
1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
The Gardens has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) on 4 July 2015. The
Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is the first in Asia and the third botanic gardens inscribed
in the world following Orto botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bukit Batok Nature Park:
Bukit Batok East Avenue 2
Developed on an abandoned quarry site in 1988, Bukit Batok Nature Park features stunning views and crystal clear waters. Serene and tranquil, it is an
ideal place for a peaceful nature walk
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve:
Along Hindhede Drive
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to around 40% of our nation’s flora and fauna and has been a favourite spot for those looking to get close to nature.
Central Catchment Nature Reserve:
601 Island Club Road
Acting as a large green lung situated right in the centre of Singapore is the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The largest of the nature reserves in
Singapore, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve occupies over 2,000 hectares of forest cover and is home to some of the richest forests in terms of
biodiversity.
Changi Beach Park:
Along Nicoll Drive and Changi Coast Road
One of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore, Changi Beach Park still retains a kampong ambience. With stretches of pristine white beaches dotted with
coconut palms
Chestnut Nature Park:
along Chestnut Avenue
Chestnut Nature Park is located on the eastern end of Chestnut Avenue. Skirting the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the nature park serves as a green
buffer for the reserve. Chestnut Nature Park has been planted up with native tree species. Examples of these native tree species are the Braided Chestnut
(Castanopsis inermis), Singapore Walking-Stick Palm (Rhopaloblaste singaporensis) and the Jelutong (Dyera costulata).
Chinese Garden:
Along Yuan Ching Road and Boon Lay Way
Chinese Garden is modelled along the magnificent northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscape.
Coney Island Park:
Beside Punggol Promenade Nature Walk
Besides being rich in history, the 50 ha Coney Island Park houses a wide variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves, and casuarina
woodlands. It is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, some of which are critically endangered. Some plants at the park are presumed nationally extinct
in the wild.
Dairy Farm Nature Park:
Along Dairy Farm Road
Set in a rustic environment with multiple trails for hiking and biking, the 63-hectare Dairy Farm Nature Park offers a host of recreational activities and
amenities such as a nature trail and former quarry
East Coast Park:
Along East Coast Parkway
East Coast Park has a total land size of 185 hectares, and a scenic coastline that stretches over 15 km, and attracts a visitorship of more than seven million a
year.
Fort Canning Park:
River Valley Road
Ancient artefacts and rich heritage or simply its tranquillity, this hilltop park offers something for the whole family.
Holland Road (Lorong Terigu) It contains natural vegetation and a high biodiversity. The trail is a favourite haunt of nature lovers.
Hort Park:
33 Hyderabad Road, Off Alexandra Road,
Singapore 119578
HortPark, part of the Southern Ridges that comprises Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Park, is a one-
stop gardening resource centre that brings together gardening-related, recreational, educational, research and retail activities under one big canopy in a
park setting
Japanese Garden:
Along Yuan Ching Road and Boon Lay Way
The Japanese Garden is a large strolling garden showcasing a landscape style originating from the Muromachi and Momoyama periods of Japanese history.
Explore a network of paths winding past the guest house along Garyuchi pond, or spend some time observing the many bird species that have made the
Japanese Garden their home.

Jurong Eco-Garden:
101 Jln Lekar, Singapore 698953
The green lungs of CleanTech Park, Jurong Eco-Garden (JEG) is a place of respite for the working community within the business park, the residential
community in the vicinity, and the natural wildlife that make up the unique ecology of the site. Approximately 5 hectares, JEG has four areas - Summit
Forest, Wildlife Corridor, Stream Ravine and Freshwater Swamp Forest - seamlessly interspersed with building parcels.
Kallang Riverside Park:
Along Kallang Road, Stadium Road and
Crawford Street
Built on both sides of the Kallang River, Kallang Riverside Park invites various species of birds in the area, especially in the migratory season from
September to March, nature lovers should keep their eye out for little egrets and grey herons. For those who just need to get away from the hustle and
bustle of city life, simply kick back under a coconut palm, have a picnic and enjoy the stillness of the reservoir.
Kent Ridge Park:
Vigilante Dr, 118176
Featuring natural vegetation and a high biodiversity of wildlife, Kent Ridge Park is a favourite of nature lovers. On the eastern side of the park towards the
valley is a natural pond teeming with turtles and fish. Walk along Canopy Walk – an elevated boardwalk measuring 280-metres long linking HortPark to
Kent Ridge Park – and you may just be able to catch sight of sunbirds, doves, squirrels, lizards, and white-crested laughing thrush.
Kranji Marshes:
11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718814
Kranji Marshes is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies.
Labrador Nature Reserve:
Along Labrador Villa Road
Labrador Nature Reserve is an oasis of tranquillity and natural wonders. Thriving with wildlife, the park is a favourite haunt of nature lovers. It is not
uncommon for visitors to hear songs from a variety of bird species, including those of the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park:
Along Lornie Road
A gateway to Singapore’s nature reserves, the MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts. A 12-hectare
green haven bordering the country’s first reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve have several trails embracing the wonders of our native
biodiversity.
Mandai Park Connector:
starts at Lentor Ave
Running alongside the beautiful Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the 5-kilometre-long Mandai Connector links the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector to
the Khatib Bongsu Park Connector.
Mount Faber Park:
Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok
Blangah Road
Mount Faber is covered by a secondary rain forest. The vegetation on the slope helps to stabilise the terrain besides beautifying the park.
Pasir Ris Park:
stretches from Pasir Ris Road to Jalan Loyang
Besar
With multiple trails and a Mangrove Boardwalk, visitors can explore the beauty of the mangrove forest and get close to its inhabitants. The three-storey
Bird Watching Tower located within the mangrove forest allows bird enthusiasts to observe birds in their natural surroundings.
Seletar Reservoir Park:
Along Old Upper Thomson Road
Enter a world filled with lush greenery and rich history at the Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. With 15 hectares of natural vegetation, the park is teeming
with flora and fauna, making it a favourite spot for nature lovers.
Sembawang Park:
Sembawang Rd
Sembawang Park is a tranquil park away from the bustle of the city. With a beautiful beach side and a stunning view. Blending nature with history, this
calm and serene park also gives visitors a glimpse of Singapore’s naval heritage
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
301 Neo Tiew Crescent
Discover the beauty and wonders of nature at Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. Uncover a world filled with rich biodiversity as you wander through
the wetlands with an extensive mangrove forest of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
West Coast Park:
Parallel to West Coast Highway
Visitors to the park can take a stroll to Marsh Garden and see if you are able to spot the White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) and Striated
Heron (Butorides striata). If you like a quiet and peaceful environment, the eastern portion at Area 1 would be a good choice for park users to rest and
relax.
Yishun Park :
Yishun St 20
Developed on an old rubber estate, Yishun Neighbourhood Park is the place to go to if you are looking for a quiet retreat. Featuring a hill with an open
lawn.
Zhenghua Forest:
a forested area between Segar Road and
Chestnut Avenue
The nature park is part of our holistic approach to strengthen the conservation of the biodiversity of our nature reserves. By forming a vital ecological
linkage between nature reserves and forested areas in the west like the Western Catchment, it facilitates the safe passage of fauna among green spaces. Such
buffers thus function as extensions of the Reserve.

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About the Author
An engineer by profession and serving as a Process Safety Manager for a large chemical manufacturing
company in Singapore, Bhavesh Shukla hails from the small Indian town of Amreli. He discovered his love
of nature in Singapore, a city nestled with numerous lush, green and well-maintained parks and gardens.
The mesmerising beauty of Singapore’s parks ignited his passion for nature photography that eventually led
him to take more than 3,000 stunning images across 36 parks in Singapore.
Awestruck by the intricacies and beauty of God’s gift in the form of nature and inspired by the support of
his family and friends, the author is humbly presenting his work to a wider audience.
Bhavesh is a member of the Nature Photographic Society of Singapore and the Photographic Society of
Singapore.