Buaya Darat

They were planning on filming a scene which involved me releasing a (or 2) goldfish into the Matriche Reservoir.
However, I protested on the grounds that the team could be fined by AVA on the grounds of releasing a non-native animal into the wild. But really, it is because I know that goldfish stand no chance of survival in the wild. They're as a good as a floating free frag for passing predators.
So I decided to adopt the pair on impulse. One of the many things that i've been committing on impulse lately.

But this time, my gut instincts were right. Within minutes of our shoot wrap, a fully-grown Malayan Water Monitor (aka Buaya Darat, Malay for 'Land Crocodile') appeared out of nowhere to check out the commotion.

Having worked in Mandai, an area overflowing with Monitors, I can tell you that seeing a full-grown is indeed a rare and magnificent sight. It caused quite a stir as many visitors gathered at the water's edge calling it a croc. pfft. but wow.

Behold, listening to your gut help every now and then.


A sleek shadow caught the corner of my eye. Straight away I ran to Zhiyuan and co, asking them to take this sight down, just in case.

This was the closest I got to the Malayan Water Monitor. I should have taken it with a scale of comparison, but it was roughly 1.9 metres. wow.
With 2 rows of serated teeth capable of severing the nerves on our hands, mugshot are not a good idea.