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CHEK JAWA - Between land and sea
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The Chek Jawa Wetlands are located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, an island in the Straits of Johor.
Under the steady rhythm of the tides, Chek Jawa includes such diverse ecosystems like mangroves, sandbars, seagrass lagoon, rocky shore and coastal forest. The wetlands provide a home for millions of creatures such as crabs, sea stars or prawns - even wild boars mingle with the visitors occasionally.
Because of the immense richness of the ecosystem, plans for the development of Chek Jawa have been deferred for the
time being.
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For those with an interest in architecture, House No.1 at Chek Jawa is definitely an eye-catcher. Built in Tudor style,
the cottage is probably the only house in Singapore with a working fireplace. Like the rubber trees lining the access road to
Chek Jawa, it is a nostalgic reminder of days long gone, when rubber plantations used to cover vast stretches of the
island. Today it houses a small visitor center.
A boardwalk follows the coastline around the headland of Chek Jawa
and through the mangroves and a twenty meter high viewing tower provides a panoramic view of the wetlands.
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About the tour:
The tour takes about 2 hours and introduces you to some of the ecosystems that make up the wetlands.
Starting at the former kampong (Malay for "village") with its durian, star fruit and rambutan trees, it follows the
boardwalk through the mangroves and around the headland, past the seagrass lagoon and the rocky shore, before ending at
House No.1.
Tip: Chek Jawa is best visited when the tide is low.
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How to get to the Chek Jawa Wetlands:
Pulau Ubin can only be reached via bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal
(see map),
located approximately 100 meters from the Changi Village Bus Terminal. The terminal is served by bus numbers 2, 29, 59 or 109.
Bumboats don't operate according to a fixed schedule - they depart whenever there's a full boatload of 12 passengers. The
single trip is S$3.00 per person, bicycles cost extra.
Once on Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa can be reached by a 40-minute hike. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles or hire
a taxi. Prices are negotiable.
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General information:
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Things to bring:
- Drinking water
- Mosquito repellent
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
- Plastic bags to waterproof valuables and electronic gadgets
- Comfortable walking shoes (no sandals or flip flops)
- Binoculars (if you have)
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