Nature at Chek Java


Chek Java was our destination as we headed out towards the island on a short boat ride from Changi Jetty. It was a wonderful encounter with nature as the tranquillity of the island (Pulau Ubin) transported us away from the buzz of city life.

What and where is it?

Shaped like a boomerang, Pulau Ubin (Granite Island) is located off the north-eastern corner of mainland Singapore.
In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousand settlers. The vegetation was cleared for the cultivation of rubber and crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut and jasmine. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as treasured pictures of Ubin's history, while forests and grasslands can also be found on the island.

Chek Java is the wetlands within the island which is a one of Singapore's richest ecosystem.



Which of these are living?
Ans : ALL of them.

What can you do there?

Rent a bicycle, participate in walking tours, book a tour and learn about the ecosystem in Chek Java.

Our guide was very entertaining as he explained what we should look out for as we moved towards the wetlands and vegetation. Unfortunately, the pics here are taken with my S5 and not that clear. He introduced us to spiders and bugs with difficult names to remember, yet were so crucial in the ecosystem.


 
The boars on the top right most are real boars. They greeted us as we made our way to the van.
ANY ONE CARE FOR SUCKLING PIG?
Can you spot the brown straw like worm in the left hand corner of the bottom picture?
They live in the coastal area.
 
 


How to get there?

You can find more information here.

What will interest this age group?**

3 to 6 year olds: Insects, flowers, greenery, coast and maybe a fun boat ride
Possible concepts to introduce : Insects, Animals, Fauna. Food chain (More interested kids)

7 to 12 year olds: Cycling, Trekking, Photography (There's a lot to shoot if they are up to it)
Concepts: Life cycle, Eco system , Go green , Recycling.

 ** This is purely my own personal opinion.



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