Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Truly Chek Jawa!
Chek Jawa, one of Singapore’s finest rare natural beaches that is a little gem of marine life. It comprises of an assortment of six distinct habitats – namely, coastal forest, mangrove, sandy beach, sand and mud flats, coral rubble and a tiny island called Pulau Sekudu, or Frog Island – assembled within a small area of about a square kilometre. Chek Jawa is definitely a must-go spot for everyone!
As Chek Jawa rests on the arc of Pulau Ubin, the only way of getting there is by sea. A ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin costs only SGD2.50.
The water currants were not very strong that day. However if you are someone that gets sea-sick easily, it is always advisable to bring along a couple of sour plums to curb the nausea feeling.
We arrived at the public jetty, and what greeted us was the most amazing view of the island. The sea was a perfect hue of blue, coupled with the widest shades of green, and adorned with rocks tinged grey, green, orange, and brown.
There was a bridge connecting the public jetty to Palua Ubin island which we had to cross. Vans and bicycles were sitting on the other end of the bridge waiting to rent their services to us. Most of which range from between SGD3 to12, not a bad price to pay considering the fact that there is no time limit!
We decided to rent bicycles instead not because it is more exciting [but] because we love the earth! Save the earth, people!
The environment was simply breath-taking, I assure you. The whole trail was accompanied - along the roadside - by beautiful floras and organic green. Below is one of the flower we took a shot of.
One of the most mesmerizing things about Chek Jawa is the stunning view of its awe-inspiring scenery. It is absolutely surreal and totally priceless.
And home to this beaches were those of molluscs, corals, worms, and many others. Below is a shot of molluscs – well, mating.
We are terribly apologetic for intruding.
To get a bird-eye view of Chek Jawa, it is always recommended to stroll down to the ‘Viewing Tower’ which is also known as the ‘Jejawi tower’.
You could get amazing views like these:
As we were heading back to the jetty,
We saw marks of wooden sticks painted red on top half along the trail.
Being the inquisitive, ever-wanting-to-learn-more students that we are(!!!), we asked the local guide for the purpose of the sticks. It turns out, the sticks were used to mark areas in the forest so that trees will be planted in the spots, and nurtured to become tall trees like these:
Things to bring:
-AMPLE mosquito repellent! You wouldn’t want to be stung by anyone of those blood-sucking insects!
- Any form of hydration. E.g. water, fruits, you get the idea.
- Raincoats/poncho.
- More mosquito repellent!
- Boots/slippers.
- Extra set of clothes.
- MORE MOSQUITO REPELLENT (!!!)
