Pulau Ubin - Walking back to the Jetty

It was a good idea to have taken a ride on one of the vans that provide four-wheel transportation from the jetty to Chek Jawa. The charge was $2 per person if there were 10 people in the van. We paid $5 a piece and it was worth it in terms of saving energy and time. We walked at a leisurely pace stopping to admire the plants and flowers along the way. Fortunately the weather was cooperative and we had a lovely time walking back to the jetty.

Pulau Ubin - Along the trek to Jalan Mamam

To get back to the main jetty of Pulau Ubin for lunch we left the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre by way of a trek that leads to Jalan Mamam where we turned left in the direction of Jalan Ubin.. There were many Ixora shrubs with clusters of orange-coloured flowers buds growing wildly at the side of the track. We also saw some purple-coloured snake weed flowers. A short distance from the Visitor centre was a small disused quarry that was a picture peace and tranquility.

Pulau Ubin - Chek Jawa Visitor Centre

The Chek Jawa Visitor Centre is a former Tudor-style cottage built in the 1930s by the c€hief Surveyor, Langdon Williams. It was his holiday retreat. The building was designated for conservation in 2003 and restoration works were completed in 2006. We took a rest here at the end of our Mangrove and Coastal Boardwalk. The breeze was gentle, the coconut trees were swaying and we walked out to the pier after admiring the interior of this house, especially the fireplace that is still functional. The photo of the Visitor Centre was taken from the restroom that gave us a beautiful view of the cottage set against the sea and the coconut trees. A friendly park officer came by to chat with us telling us about how much he loved his job. We envied him and asked if there were jobs for us as well.

Pulau Ubin - The Mangrove Swamp

This is one place that I have been to many times over the growing-up years of my children. We walked, cycled, looked at mounds of termite nests, stopped for snacks and numerous drinks of water, crashed into bushes because the bikes could not be stopped in time, looked for rubber seeds, durians and were awed by the colourful jungle fowls that looked like ring fighters. Our kids have now outgrown the Pulau Ubin activities for families and hopefully this island will be preserved for them to take their kids there some day.

Last Wednesday, I went to Ubin with a friend and we were there from about 10.30am till 5.30pm. As usual I have taken tons of photos during our exploration of part of the island and I am going to take a very long time to come up with the complete set that documents the memorable day spent in a carefree and stress-free environment. So I am going to upload my photos in instalments starting with the Mangrove Boardwalk and the Coastal Boardwalk over Chek Jawa.