The Untamed Paths

Our Story

Our Story

ABOUT US

The Untamed Paths was conceived by a youthful bunch of passionate naturalists who believe in taking the learning outdoors. Our journey has always revolved around an undying passion for natural science AND having loads of fun.

What started out as just a hobby scrambling around tidal pools or sorting out different frog calls quickly turned into more serious work. We have never believed in exclusivity and now we hope to bring these immersive nature experiences to everyone in Singapore while shedding light on unconventional biodiversity.

The 3 leaves on our logo signify marine, terrestrial and avian fauna. Knowledge is infinite and we want to champion lesser-known wildlife in Singapore.

Join us as we explore our green (and blue) spaces because no 2 experiences will ever be the same.

Dennis - Founder & Lead Facilitator

Dennis was never one to take the conventional route – his adventurous lifestyle has led him along the path of a veterinary bioscience student and even into the intricacies of business marketing. An accomplished divemaster, he has also had a hand in regional marine conservation work involving sharks, reef restorations and underwater surveys.


When not under the ocean – he spends his days and nights out in the field observing and acquiring knowledge on local biodiversity. A big fan of wildlife, he regularly visits rescue centres in Sumatra and Borneo to get a better understanding of human-wildlife conflict in rural areas. He uses his extensive field experience to personally design and lead the regional conservation camps.


With a keen eye for the rare and elusive (macro, snakes, birds, you name it!) – Dennis is also an avid wildlife photographer, powerboater, mountaineer and advocate for sustainable fishing – it is no secret that all the elements in his life are intertwined. Being around wildlife is second nature to him.

Noelle - Facilitator

Noelle specialises in environmental science. By day, she works in research on urban resilience and climate adaptation using nature-based solutions at NTU. She has keen interest in studying wildlife-inclusive city planning and design.

For science to reach people outside of academia, she believes that informal communication is key. She creates her own drawings, animations and videos and shares them on social media to encourage more people to learn about natural science and engage in environmental sustainability. Nature guiding at The Untamed Paths gives her the opportunity to take informality one step further by making eco-education even more immersive and exciting.

Outside of work, she enjoys going on solo adventures in the wilderness and devouring knowledge along the way.

Vivian - Facilitator

Vivian’s affinity for wildlife began at a young age where she would spend hours looking at moray eels on exhibit at Changi Airport. Her formative years shaped her interest in aquatic animals, which led her to pursue a degree in Marine and Antarctic Studies from The University of Tasmania.

Back and based in Singapore, she currently works in the finance sector but stays true to her roots by expressing her passion and love for the outdoors through trekking, scuba diving and nature guiding with The Untamed Paths.

Enamoured by the beauty and delicacy of our local wildlife scene, she endeavours to use her influence as a facilitator to inspire greater conservation efforts among the youths.

In her free time, she enjoys going on intertidal walks, hiking with her dog, and badgering her colleagues to sign up for the tours.

Fatin - Facilitator

If she could breathe underwater, you would probably find her there. Having an affinity for water, Fatin a land-locked mermaid, enjoys water sports like scuba diving and swimming. To her, the best classroom is below sea level. 

Peering, no, diving deep into the recesses of the human oral cavity is her daily adventure. Then, on fun days, she turns into this energizer rabbit Piloxing Instructor, who propels her participants to high intensity workouts. That’s not all, she is also certified under the American Council on Exercise as a Group Fitness Instructor and is a sub-committee member to environmental advocates; NYP Geo Council.

This constant fascination and unquenchable thirst for knowledge that nature has to offer is what keeps her driven, and spiritually connected to the Creator. Believing that knowledge is meant to be shared, Fatin is all for the educating of curious minds, the rich biodiversity Mother Nature has on display.

Gemma - Facilitator

Raised in the background of Idaho’s chilly mountains, Gemma decided to explore new landscapes and moved to Singapore to attend Yale-NUS College, majoring in Environmental Studies. She has strong interests in natural sciences, but chose to specialize in social sciences due to her fascination with Singapore’s agricultural history.


Outdoor environmental education is a passion of hers and she seeks to advocate for the importance of conservation in all of her work. 

Xiaoyun - Co-founder of CYAN

Cloud is a facilitator & programmes executive with The Untamed Paths.

Cloud specialised in environmental policy & history at Yale-NUS College. By day, she’s a policy officer with the civil service. All other hours, she’s out exploring, being one with the wild. Pitch-dark forests or knee-deep waters, pre-dawn or past midnight—she’s up for adventures and animals!

Career highlights with Untamed definitely include running up a hill to observe a pangolin with a hitchhiking baby, and sighting the elusive Selangor Mud Snake – last seen in Singapore in 1918!

In the academic field (cos Cloud’s a nerd), she’s published her peer-reviewed study “Nature Disappeared: anti-environmental values in Singapore’s history textbooks”, and authored the title essay of Singapore’s first environmental non-fiction anthology “Eating Chilli Crab in the Anthropocene”.

Climate concerned and passionate, Cloud’s strength lies in thinking global, then rolling up her sleeves to do the work on the ground.

Javon - Videographer

Javon has worked in the film industry for over 4½ years, as an Editor and Motion Artist, and on set as a Camera Operator, and 1st & 2nd AC. However, his true passion lies in capturing the wonderful wildlife we have both in Singapore, and abroad. As such, he started Touching Tails, a passion project which aims to showcase nature in hopes to raise awareness for conservation. He currently works with The Untamed Paths to create videos to inspire and encourage eco-stewardship locally and in the region.

Letitia - Facilitator

Letitia’s reputation as a staunch humanities kid was ruined in 2021 after joining her school’s Ecological Literacy Programme on a whim. She gradually fell in love with nature as she was increasingly exposed to local biodiversity, leading her to join The Untamed Paths. Through her work as an ex-intern-now-facilitator, Letitia has had the opportunity to spread her fascination with others whilst sharing about often overlooked flora and fauna.

Her curiosity about the stories of others further fuels her journey as she explores the intersection between social and environmental issues. As she pursues her degree in Communication Studies at NTU WKWSCI, Letitia aspires to continue learning about the world around her, while sharing stories about both the environment and the people.

Addy - Facilitator

 

Growing up in Singapore, Addy returned home after a decade-long overseas stint. From serene parks & gardens to thriving mangroves, she has learnt first-hand what Singapore’s natural wonders has to offer and would love to share this passion with her fellow residents!  

 

She works in the environmental education sector by day, inspiring the next generation of scientists and future decision makers to love and protect the environment.  Addy is also a certified PADI divemaster and is passionate about marine conservation. She has led expeditions around the region, done research in the Great Barrier Reef, and worked with Marine Conservation Cambodia. Locally, Addy works with various NGOs in the marine conservation field on events and outreach programmes.

Pam - Facilitator

Pam has many stories to share about her wildlife rescue adventures – from untangling dolphin from fishing lines to advocating for coexistence with scaly critters in our urban jungle.

Both a creative professional and an avid musician, she has a keen ear and eye for the intricacies of the natural environment and the way it communicates through visuals and sounds. In her free time, she hosts experiential walks for friends to forge their own unique connections with nature.

She’s currently pursuing a Masters in conservation studies at NUS, in hopes to further her contributions to conservation and climate change mitigation efforts in Singapore.

Audrey - Facilitator

With an innate passion for wildlife deeply ingrained from a young age, she exudes a genuine devotion to the natural world.

With a heart for all things wild, she finds joy in taking care of a diverse array of pets, from isopods, cats, and spiders to fish, frogs, earthworms and even roaches.

Her studies in fashion media fuel her flair for design, while her free time is generously devoted to her mini zoo.

Her audacious spirit is a driving force that propels her to venture beyond the boundaries of comfort and familiarity. Whether it’s exploring rugged terrains or delving into unconventional hobbies, she embraces the raw authenticity of each moment.

She hopes to kindle inspiration in others, to develop a love for all living creatures and cherishing life in all its forms.

Debra - Facilitator

Her love affair with the natural world first started when working for the BBC in London, its close proximity to the esteemed Natural History Unit, was what sparked an interest in all things wildlife. 

Her background in content, and love for natural history and documentaries, fueled a deep desire to observe and learn about the natural world in all its glory.

A certified Yoga Teacher and experienced Climber, she is constantly picking up new skills that connect her with movement, the outdoors – and imparting these skills to others. Trekking and Rock Climbing outdoors has given her a new way to connect with nature, and most recently, she has completed her open water diving certification which opens more avenues for exploration! 

Zoe - Facilitator

When she’s not busy being a caterpillar mom and watching them eat, she’s out in the forest looking for birds, frogs and fungi and happily learning about them. You can find her posting and sharing about some of her finds on both Facebook and Instagram! 


As a marine science and aquaculture student passionate about wildlife conservation, she believes that education and awareness are the key to helping others develop a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature, and to preserve the natural environment for generations to come.
 

Being an amateur photographer, she hopes to share more about the native wildlife who live alongside us humans on this little island that we call home.