Chek Jawa Boardwalk

Chek Jawa Boardwalk

Nature Walk in Pulau Ubin

Wooden Boardwalk

Before its discovery, Chek Jawa is one of Pulau Ubin’s best kept secret. This diverse wildlife and bountiful ecosystem was almost destroyed when the land was announced for reclamation in 1992. Luckily in 2000, this amazing wetland was revealed to the public. Nature lovers and the public joined voices in protesting the reclamation. Gladly we have a happy ending.

In July 1997, the boardwalk was opened to the public, making it easier to see the beautiful landscape even at high tide. It so happened when I was there yesterday, it was high tide. Beautiful nonetheless. There are guided tours here. Information can be found at the National Park Board website or ask at the Information Counter. Link is written below. There is also a list of the tide timing. At low tide, the secrets of Chek Jawa is best on display.

Viewing Tower

Click on Part 1 – Visit to Pulau Ubin – for information and a few tips. A little short of time today. Will have more pictures tomorrow.

Opening Hours
8.30am to 6pm

Related Links on Chek Jawa
National Parks Board
Wild Singapore
Wild Shores

Pictures of Chek Jawa at High Tide

Submerged Rocks at Chek Jawa

Chek Jawa Landscape

Mangroves at Chek Jawa

 

Visit to Pulau Ubin

Boats heading to Pulau Ubin

Island Hopping to Pulau Ubin

Part 1

Today is Vesak Day and a holiday in Singapore. As intended, we headed to Pulau Ubin today. What we did not anticipate was the big crowd at the Changi Ferry Terminal. Did not realise that many people were going there for prayers. In any case, the queue was orderly and only took about 15-20 minutes to get the boat ride to Pulau Ubin. Depending on the size of the boat, one boat can fit at least 10 seated people. It only takes about 15 minutes ride to reach Pulau Ubin. Plenty of time to snap photographs.

One of my favourite spot upon arrival is this picture. There is this wooden house above water looking rustic and on the left frame a derelict looking pier. I simply find the scene charming.

Rustic scenery in Pulau Ubin

Beautiful blue sky today. Hot and humid though.

Bicycle Shops

Tips

• Ferry ride cost S$2.50 for adults. Children may cost less. Ask the captain.
• There are many cycling shops here, so it is not necessary to hire one from Changi Village.
• Bring plenty of water as dehydration can cause sickness.
• Bring along coins to buy more drinks from the vending machines. A bottle of H20 costs S$2/- while tin can costs S$1.40. Or buy at the stalls near the entrance of Pulau Ubin. Or buy at Changi Village as a bottle only costs S$1.50.
• There are mini-vans here that bring along visitors to the tourist attractions. Ours cost S$12 per van each trip. For the old folks, this is ideal. A mini-van can easily fit about 10 people in the back with lots of room for bags. There is also a seat next to the driver.

Tomorrow, part two – the mangrove boardwalk.

View of Pulau Ubin from boat

Close-up of boat

Cycling in Pulau Ubin

 

Glimpses of Pulau Ubin

Tomorrow our family are heading to Pulau Ubin for a picnic.

Seems a bit strange that I have been to most of the other southern islands like Sentosa, St John Island, Kusu Island and the nearby islands and yet have never set foot to Pulau Ubin.

I used to live on Pulau Tekong, the largest island belonging to Singapore. It is now a base for military training of new recruits. The nearby islands are Pulau Tekong Kecil, Pulau Jahat and of course Pulau Ubin. How ironic to be so nearby and yet it seems so far.

I will get my wish tomorrow. The departure point is at Changi Ferry Terminal. Need to ask the boat captains where they are heading. Some boats go to Pulau Ubin, others go to Pulau Tekong and others go to the nearby Indonesian islands. Best to ask before it is too late.

My late auntie married a local man from Pulau Ubin and from what cousins said, they still have a plantation there. The kampongs are still there but the village population have much declined as many have moved to the housing estates in the mainland. This is one of the last place in Singapore where a rustic life can still be found. Yet modernisation has moved in the habitat. There are chalets and hotels here now. It is also a haven for mountain cycling.

I remembered reading a newspaper article how the regular postman here knows every family on the island. There are no numbered mail boxes or a well defined road here. Everything is remembered by heart and mind.

I look forward to seeing it tomorrow. Reminds me a lot where I come from.

More pictures tomorrow.