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Local culture: Parks
Check Jawa: 6 Unique Ecosystems in 1 Place
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Why Kim recommends this park
Chek Jawa is a 100-hectare wetland located on the Eastern shores of Pulau Ubin. It consists of a short forest trail, a mangrove boardwalk and a coastal boardwalk where one can experience 6 different natural habitats as they course through.
The 6 natural habitats are the coastal forests, the mangrove swamps, the rocky shores, the sandbar, seagrass meadows and coral rubble. This park is unique and unlike any other that can be found on our mainland precisely due to the unique ecosystems found within this area, as well as the fact that it is one of the last natural rocky shores that can be found in Singapore.
Chek Jawa is also part of the Ubin-Khatib Important Bird Area as recognised by BirdLife International as it supports a variety of visiting and resident birds, some of which are endangered. This also makes it a good place for birdwatching during the migration seasons.
Good to know
To get there, take a boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal at Changi Village Terrace. Buses that go there are 2, 29, 59 and 109. The Ferry ($3) will only leave when the 12-seater boat is filled, hence waiting time can vary. One can also pay for the entire boat ($36).
Upon arrival, trek to the eastern shores (2-3km) or charter a vehicle. I recommend trekking there as it is an easy trek with paved roads and even terrain. Depending on the route taken, expect to pass by some scenic quarries. My personal favourite is the Balai Quarry.
Visit when there is low tide as the intertidal areas will be exposed and one will be able to catch a glimpse of the shore life, and from August to April as one can see both visiting and resident birds. Bring binoculars for better bird watching experience.
pulau ubin chek jawa broadwalk, Singapore