December 4, 2013

Chek Jawa at Pulau Ubin

Leaving Changi Point
In the past, we used to plan our route to cover either the eastern part of Pulau Ubin which included Chek Jawa or the western part which included the Ketam Bike Trail. If it were the eastern part of the island, we would also look for durians if there were fruits hanging from the trees.

On this trip we wanted to cover as much of the island as possible. Our objective was first to walk up Bukit Puaka then walk to Noordin Campsite, Chek Jawa and Maman Campsite then return to the jetty via the Sensory Trail.  

Pekan Quarry

Changi Point
We took the ferry from Changi Point after an early lunch at the Changi Village Food Centre. It was recently reopened after a renovation to improve ventilation and to allow for more hawker stalls. There were 9 persons this time, therefore it was easy to wait for the requisite 12 pax before the boatman would take off from the terminal for Ubin.

Bukit Puaka
Once we arrived on the island we walked through the village to the temple for a member to pray for our safety. Then we proceeded to the Pekan Quarry to view the birds. There were not many at this time of the year. It was too early to see the migratory birds.

Panorama from Bukit Puaka

Then we were off to Merbah Hut along Jalan Endut Senin where the trail to the summit of Bukit Puaka began. Those who cycled would leave their bikes beside the hut. It was a short climb taking us about 10 to 15 minutes. At the summit we were greeted with a view overlooking the Ubin Quarry. To the north was the coastline of Johor and to the west Punggol. After a short rest and photo session we left the summit to return to Jalan Endut Senin.

From Noordin Campsite

Normally we would stop over at a local farmer for a drink and chit-chat near the Merbah Hut. Today however, we were pressed for time, so we had to skip our visit. We returned to the junction of Jalan Jelutong and Jalan Batu Ubin, turned left to reach Jalan Nordin that would eventually lead us to Nordin Campsite. When we arrived at the beach it was closed due to beach erosion. We could see over the barricade the sea fence to keep out intruders. We saw a marine patrol boat passing by.

Chek Jawa
Back we returned along Jalan Nordin to Jalan Batu Ubin where we took a left turn to head for Chek Jawa, along Jalan Ubin and Jalan Durian. Near Punai Hut a female pig with 2 piglets were sighted dozing in the shade. They were obviously used to us visitors as they totally ignored us when there were like 15 of us trying to take pictures of them.

Local Residents at Chek Jawa

At Chek Jawa, we dropped over at House No. 1 to enjoy the view of the pier, Pulau Sekudu and to take a short rest. After that we proceeded to the Chek Jawa Boardwalk to view the marine life. As it was high tide, we did not see much.

House No. 1 at Chek Jawa

At the mangrove trail, we climbed the Jejawi Tower for a better view of the area and watching aircraft landing at Changi International Airport. After Chek Jawa, we returned by another trail as directed by the signboards.

Chek Jawa Boardwalk

At Beberek Hut, we decided to return direct to the pier as we were tired and pressed for time. We had to skip Mamam Campsite and the Sensory Trail. Back at the jetty, we found we had covered 16km.

Route

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