Tanjong Chek Jawa (or Tanjung Chek Jawa or simply Chek Jawa) is a cape and the name of its 100-hectare wetlands located on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, an island off the north-eastern coast of the main island of Singapore. Chek Jawa is among the last few places left in Singapore with a natural rocky shore.
The wetlands are unique as several ecosystems can be observed in one area – sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest. The site forms part of the Ubin–Khatib Important Bird Area (IBA), identified as such by BirdLife International because it supports significant numbers of visiting and resident birds, some of which are threatened.
In December 2001, the government called off reclamation plans of the Chek Jawa area after a biodiversity survey conducted by conservationist volunteers. State use of the land will be deferred for the next 10 years. However, Chek Jawa may still be re-used by the government in and after 2012.
The wetlands are unique as several ecosystems can be observed in one area – sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest. The site forms part of the Ubin–Khatib Important Bird Area (IBA), identified as such by BirdLife International because it supports significant numbers of visiting and resident birds, some of which are threatened.
In December 2001, the government called off reclamation plans of the Chek Jawa area after a biodiversity survey conducted by conservationist volunteers. State use of the land will be deferred for the next 10 years. However, Chek Jawa may still be re-used by the government in and after 2012.
Visiting Chek Jawa
One way to reach Changi Village by public transit is via bus #2 from the Tanah Merah MRT subway station. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes. The cost from central Singapore by taxi is around S$20. Bumboat ferry rides from Changi Village ferry terminal to Pulau Ubin island cost S$3.00 each way as of 2016. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes; boats leave when there are sufficient passengers (10-14 per boat).
From Ubin Jetty, one can reach Chek Jawa by walking (about one hour) or on bicycle. Bikes can be rented at the vendors in Kampong Ubin next to Ubin Jetty. Make sure to get a mountain style bike with a basket for your water and a bike lock (It is a good idea to bring water over from Changi Village). The bike trail is rather rigorous, hilly and is not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. The paths are clear and the bike trails are paved to a point, then continue unpaved the second half of the way to Chek Jawa. You may come across dogs, monkeys and large, wild chingale boars, all of which are harmless if left alone. Do not feed them. You must park and lock your bike at the entrance to Chek Jawa Wetlands and enter on foot.
Chek Jawa is made up of 7 interdependent ecosystems – namely, its coastal forest, mangrove forest, its rocky shore, the sandy shore, sand bar, seagrass lagoon and the coral rubble. Within each of the ecosystems, there is an abundance of natural creatures, rare plants, local and migratory birds. These have attracted photographers, nature lovers, student groups and others to visit Chek Jawa.
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