Pulau Ubin / Chek Jawa

A trip to Pulau Ubin is like taking a peep at life during much simpler, carefree times. Pulau Ubin means "Granite Island" in Malay and it is easy to see why the island has been named as such.

Numerous abandoned granite quarries are scattered around the island. Granite quarrying used to be an important industry on the island and this peaked in 1980 with 1,200 people employed in the industry. The industry soon started declining and eventually the quarries were abandoned. Today, the island is a popular recreational destination with Singaporeans.

The island has been largely unspoilt and free from urban development. There are still a few kampongs on Pulau Ubin with about a hundred villagers living in them. Villagers live the old way of life with wells for water supply and diesel generators for electricity.

What is there to do on Pulau Ubin? Begin with a walk or cycle around the island, taking in its rustic charms with the breeze blowing gently in your hair. There are bicycle rental shops on the island if you prefer not to bring your own.

If you enjoy camping, there are beach campsites located at Jalan Jelutong, Mamam and Noordin. For those who prefer a little more comfort, there are furnished chalets at MCC Ubin Resort.

Chek Jawa

Chek Jawa is located on the north-eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. It is an inter-tidal zone with various eco-systems such as coastal forest, seagrass lagoon, mangroves, rocky shore, sand bars and coral rubble all "under one roof".

Chek Jawa has an abundant marine life. You can see creatures such as barnacles, fast flat crabs and sea stars on the rocky shore; carpet anemones in the seagrass lagoon; sponges, octopi and seahorses in the coral rubble; and many, many other amazing sea creatures.

Today, most of the ecosystems, fauna and flora found on Chek Jawa are fast disappearing in Singapore and the rest of the world.

Previously, Chek Jawa was only accessible to visitors through guided walks during low tide periods on a first-come-first-serve basis. New amenities were built in 2007 to improve this. Now, visitors can visit Chek Jawa on their own any day of the week. Chek Jawa is best viewed at low tides of 0.5m and below when most of the eco-systems are unveiled. To make the most of your visit, check the tide schedule before visiting.

Getting There
Pulau Ubin
Take a bumboat ride from Changi Point Jetty. Bumboats operators will only set off when there are 12 passengers. Bumboats operate from 6.00am to 8.00pm.

To get to Changi Point Jetty, take the MRT to Tampines (EW2), then take SBS bus service 29 to Changi Village bus interchange.

Chek Jawa
Hire a van or rent a bicycle from the main village near Ubin jetty. A walk to Chek Jawa will take approximately 40 minutes.
As cycling is not allowed on the Chek Jawa boardwalk, do ask for a bicycle lock when renting your bicycle.

Operating Hours
Pulau Ubin - Daily
Chek Jawa - Daily: 8.30am - 6.00pm

Ticketing Information
SGD 2 for one way bumboat ride (additional SGD 2 if bringing bicycle)

Website
Pulau Ubin

Related books
Isles of Singapore

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