Night Life Unveiled: Ubin’s Hidden Gems in the Dark

    Under the dim glow of our torches and flashes, the forest floor of Ubin transformed into a treasure trove of life—vivid, strange, and often unseen. This June night macro outing revealed nature's delicate drama in its most vulnerable and beautiful state: freshly molted creatures, neon glows, and predator-prey tension frozen in frame.

    From the shimmering hues of a tiger beetle to the eerie elegance of the Green Baron caterpillar under UV light, each subject told a story of survival and transformation. Among the standout encounters:

    Spotted this impressive Mango Longhorn Beetle (Batocera rubus), I believe it is a newly emerged Longhorn Beetle, still soft and shimmering.

⁣With its signature yellow spots and powerful antennae, this gentle giant blends in so well with tree bark you might miss it — unless you're looking closely! 

A Lobster Moth caterpillar flaunting its bizarre form.

A jewel bug with iridescent armor.

 

    I was happy to see again: A freshly molted Rusicada combinans – The Yellow-banded Semi-looper Moth. It is named after the looping movement of its caterpillar stage. With zigzag wing patterns and a warm rusty glow, it blends beautifully into the forest floor — a quiet but eye-catching resident of the night.

An imposing Biston pustulata moth spreading wide against a green canvas.

    This is a Biston pustulata, a large geometer moth known for its beautifully mottled, bark-like wing pattern that provides excellent camouflage against tree trunks. Its intricate mix of grey, black, and brown markings resembles lichen or moss patches—an effective disguise for nocturnal survival. Commonly found in Southeast Asian forests, I was delighted to spot one at Ubin. The species rests with its wings flat and spread wide, making it a perfect subject for macro photography.

       This striking spider is a Lynx Spider from the genus Oxyopes, easily recognized by its long spiny legs and sharp hunting posture. Unlike web-building spiders, lynx spiders are agile hunters that rely on speed and vision to ambush prey. The bright orange cephalothorax and distinctive eye pattern make this species particularly photogenic. Almost every outing I will see one lynx—they're common but always captivating. This one was found resting on a leaf, perfectly posed for a close-up.

A bark-textured Eriovixia orb-weaver

     

    A tiny jumper caught our eye—gleaming with metallic hues and bright yellow pedipalps. These salticids (jumping spiders) are not just colorful but full of personality, often tilting their heads to observe us in return. It's always a delight to capture their curious expressions from different angles.

 Highlight of our night-we spotted a beautiful mating pair of stick insects!  

    Their incredible camouflage and elegant posture made them look like part of the twigs themselves. At first glance, we nearly overlooked them—they blended in so perfectly with the twigs around them. These three shots capture the same pair of stick insects from different angles. We were lucky to catch the female in the process of laying an egg, with the male closely guarding her. Moments like this are what make night macro outings so rewarding.

    

    This stunning red dragonfly is likely Neurothemis ramburii, known for its deep crimson body and wings veined in vivid red.

Dragonflies are typically very active in the day, but this one high up on a tree branch, was unusually quiet and still—offering a rare moment of calm during our macro night walk.

A bark mantis, another wonderful find during this night macro session...

    And of course, the Tiger Beetle—swift, stunning, and always a challenge to photograph. Known for its incredible speed and sharp mandibles, this active daytime predator rarely sits still. Capturing a detailed shot like this one feels like winning a mini wildlife lottery!

    A fuzzy caterpillar stood out against the dark green leaf. With its fine, hair-like bristles and dual tail tufts, it looks delicate but could be equipped with irritant hairs for defense. A gentle reminder: always admire, never touch!

Green Baron caterpillar

    And just when we thought the night couldn’t get more magical, the Green Baron caterpillar appeared under UV light—glowing like a living jewel in the dark. Its vibrant blue-green fluorescence and bristly spines looked almost otherworldly, a true hidden gem of the forest. Moments like this remind me why I keep coming back to the night trails—there’s always a surprise waiting, especially for those who take the time to look closely.

NPSS Night Macro Photography at Pulau Ubin
📅 2025, 14 June 7pm to 15 June 12am

Crossing Paths with the Sambar Deer

    Among the rustling leaves and dim trails of Singapore’s Central Catchment, the Sambar Deer moves like a shadow. In my own city, they are elusive and shy — seen only by those who wait long enough, quietly enough. I’ve encountered them a few times over the years, deep in the forest, capturing only a few record shots before they disappeared into the undergrowth. Yet even those brief moments felt like gifts.

Then came Thailand — and everything changed.

Sambar Deer Singapore Track 15    

    

    At Khao Yai National Park, Sambar Deer roam freely, often seen grazing in open spaces or resting near streams. They are bigger, bolder, and somehow calmer — as if the forest itself has made peace with their presence. I found myself photographing them again and again, in golden light and soft shadow, each shot revealing a little more of their quiet charm.

    Though the settings couldn’t be more different, the feeling remains the same: that quiet thrill of crossing paths with a creature that asks nothing from us, except that we pause... and look.

    Here are some of the moments I was fortunate to capture — from the hidden trails of Singapore to the open forests of Khao Yai.

By the Water, Side by Side

A Private Moment in the Wild

A Quiet Meal by the Water

Cooling Off at the Edge

A Quiet Sip

Wildlife Moments at Khao Yai: Beyond the Giants

     When most people think of Khao Yai National Park, they picture its iconic residents — Asian elephants, Sambar Deer, and the lush forest trails that promise big encounters.

    While I didn’t get to see the elephants this time, I was lucky to have multiple encounters with the majestic Sambar Deer — which I’ve shared in an earlier post here. But what surprised me most on this trip was how much beauty lay in the quieter, lesser-known wildlife. From armored porcupines to sunbathing lizards, Khao Yai once again proved that every layer of its forest holds something special. Here are some photos I took during my birding trip to Thailand in April this year.

🦔 Malayan Porcupine: A Rare Daytime Stroll

    To my surprise, a Malayan Porcupine appeared in broad daylight — a bold move for a typically nocturnal animal. It was early morning, and we were quietly waiting near a broadbill nest site, eyes trained on the trees in hopes of the bird’s return.

    While everyone else stayed focused on the canopy, I noticed movement on the forest floor — and realized I was witnessing a group of 4 to 5 porcupines moving quickly through the undergrowth. They were surprisingly fast, and I only managed to capture a distant shot of one before they vanished.

    But the forest wasn’t done surprising me.

    Later, while exploring a quiet corner nearby, I encountered one porcupine that had separated from the group. To my amazement, it wasn’t afraid of me. It wandered calmly just a short distance away, and I was even able to take a video using my phone.

    It felt like an unspoken moment of trust — and easily one of the most memorable highlights of this trip.

🐍 Common Ringneck Snake: A Surprise Lunch Guest

    Wildlife doesn’t always wait for the forest trail — sometimes, it comes right to you.

    While taking a lunch break near the canteen area, this Common Ringneck Snake suddenly appeared, lifting its slender head above the ground. With its sleek scales and signature black-and-white collar marking, it looked elegant even in such an unexpected setting.

    It paused, curious and calm, before slipping back into the undergrowth — a reminder that at Khao Yai, nature is never far, not even during mealtime.

🦎 Common Butterfly Lizard: Sun-Loving Showstopper

    While photographing bee-eaters in a wide, sunlit clearing, a flicker of movement on the ground caught my eye. Scattered across the area was a Common Butterfly Lizards (Leiolepis belliana), basking confidently in the open.

    The vivid orange and black flanks flashed with every twitch of their body — bold, alert, and strikingly photogenic. Harmless and curious, they stood their ground with an almost theatrical sense of presence, stealing a bit of the spotlight from the birds above.

🦎 Forest Crested Lizard: Master of Camouflage

    

    Clinging to a tree trunk with perfect stillness, this Forest Crested Lizard (Calotes emma) almost vanished into the bark. Its texture, posture, and colors made it feel like a living piece of the forest itself.

🐿️ Black Giant Squirrel: 

High Among the Leaves

    Perched high in the canopy, the Black Giant Squirrel watched from above with its creamy chest and jet-black body. Silent and agile, it vanished as quickly as it appeared — but not before I captured a few frames.

    Even without encountering every headline species, Khao Yai never disappoints. It’s a place where quiet surprises hide behind every rustling leaf, and even the smallest encounters leave a lasting impression.

    Of course, the park delivered on its birding promise — from the majestic hornbills to vibrant bee-eaters and colorful broadbills. 

    But what made this trip truly memorable were the unexpected guests: porcupines appearing at sunrise, lizards basking boldly in the open, and a curious snake slipping in during lunch.

    What I love most about Khao Yai is its unpredictability. One moment you’re walking beneath towering trees, the next you’re face-to-face with something wild and completely unexpected. These are the moments that remind me wildlife magic isn’t just above us in the canopy — it’s all around, if we take the time to notice.

    There’s always the hope of more — perhaps a gaur, a dhole, or even the elusive Asiatic black bear on a future visit. And that’s exactly what keeps me coming back.

Ground Jewels-Partridges and Pheasants of Thailand

    Birding in Thailand is always full of surprises, but few things are more thrilling than encountering its elusive, ground-dwelling birds. These shy species — partridges and pheasants — often go unnoticed in the dense undergrowth, yet their beauty and elegance are unmatched when seen up close.

Across my trips to Chiang Mai in January and Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai in April, I was fortunate to photograph four remarkable species. Each encounter was a quiet gift from the forest, requiring patience, luck, and a bit of adventure.

Ferruginous Partridge (Caloperdix oculeus)

    This boldly colored partridge was another delight to observe. Its bright orange-chestnut tones and distinctive spotted flanks made it stand out from the leaf litter. I was lucky to photograph a family, including a young chick, moving cautiously along a forest path in Kaeng Krachan.

Scaly-breasted Partridge (Tropicoperdix chloropus)

Much more cryptic, the Scaly-breasted Partridge is a master of camouflage. Its earthy tones and finely marked feathers made it nearly invisible among the dry leaves. Watching it forage quietly was a calming contrast to the more vibrant species.

Siamese Fireback Pheasant (Lophura diardi)

    One of the most unforgettable encounters during my April trip was with the Siamese Fireback, Thailand’s national bird — and what a majestic representative it is. This species needs no introduction — its striking plumage and bold courtship behavior make it one of Thailand’s most photogenic birds. This stunning male displaying on a forest road, fanning out his wings and tail in a proud dance. The vivid red facial skin and iridescent feathers shimmered in the morning light — a truly regal sight.

    

    It was early morning at Khao Yai National Park, and the road was still and quiet, wrapped in mist and birdsong. As we slowly walked along a forested stretch, a sudden movement far ahead caught our eyes — a male Siamese Fireback had appeared at the roadside, its figure barely visible in the soft morning light. We waited in silence. To our delight, it gradually made its way closer, stopping every few meters to display — fanning out its wings, puffing up its body, and lifting its long, flowing tail in a proud dance. The bird’s silvery-blue back, deep red wattles, and golden-yellow rump shimmered with every movement.

    Seeing such a stunning creature so calmly claiming the road for his own was a moment of pure magic — a perfect example of how patience in nature often brings unexpected rewards.

Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) 黑頸長尾雉

    Another remarkable pheasant I encountered — this time during my January trip to Chiang Mai — was the striking Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant, a near-mythical species for many birders.
    To see this rare bird, we rose before dawn, waking up at 4 a.m. and skipping breakfast. In the still darkness, we drove deep into the forest and quietly set up a hide at a known spot, hoping our patience would be rewarded.

    As the first light broke over the quiet slope, a flash of movement caught our eyes — a male emerged from the forest edge, his long, elegant tail trailing gracefully behind him. The contrast of deep chestnut, steel blue, and white plumage was simply breathtaking, glowing softly in the morning light.

    This species is rare, habitat-specific, and highly sensitive to disturbance. Seeing one in the wild, especially under such peaceful and intimate conditions, was a deeply moving experience — a true highlight of the entire trip, and a moment I’ll never forget.

Encounters like this stay with you.

    Thailand’s forests hold many secrets, and its ground birds are among the most enchanting. Though they often remain hidden, each sighting brings a quiet thrill — a reward for patience and presence in the wild.