Chek Jawa
4.5
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Experience the rich ecosystems of Chek Jawa along the 1.1 km boardwalk that runs along the coast and mangrove area and get a glimpse of the rich plant and marine life.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
149 reviews
Excellent
92
Very good
49
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
0
gema O
Spring, TX26 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
A nice outing and interesting cycling trip from Jetty to Chek java. Boardwalk provides many sights and animals for kids to converse on, the tower provides a good view of the island from the top
Written 18 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore11,324 contributions
Jan 2021
After walking the boardwalks at Chek Jawa, we ate our packed lunch at the jetty next to Chek Jawa Visitor Centre (House No 1). It was built in 1930s as a holiday retreat for the Chief Surveyor of Singapore, Landan Williams.
It is a delightful Tudor-style house with a fireplace so typical of a countryside cottage in England. The gables are framed by timbers treated with black creosote. It was fortunately restored in 2005 from its dilapidated state. It has its own jetty.
It is a delightful Tudor-style house with a fireplace so typical of a countryside cottage in England. The gables are framed by timbers treated with black creosote. It was fortunately restored in 2005 from its dilapidated state. It has its own jetty.
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stella962
Singapore, Singapore8 contributions
Nov 2020
(This review is about a bike rental kiosk on Ubin, not about Chek Jawa. It doesn’t have its own TripAdvisor page, and many people get to Chek Jawa by cycling. My 5 stars are for Chek Jawa; 1 star for this bike kiosk.)
If you plan to rent a bike to cycle to Chek Jawa, for your own safety avoid renting from the first bicycle kiosk you see when walking in from the jetty. (It is on the right and it’s called Comfort Bicycle Rental & Trading, although this name is not prominently displayed. Shop no 18 – there’s a few bike kiosks close to each other. Photos included.) Most people rent from here because it’s the first bicycle kiosk they see and because its staff are quite proactive in inviting passersby to rent from them. But their bicycles are poorly maintained and if you run into trouble, you’re unlikely to get any help from their customer service.
My front tyre started losing air and then came completely off its rim when I was cycling (photos included). I believe this was due to a tyre that was punctured before I rented it, because when I took it that morning I noticed the front wheel was already soft (so I asked a staff member to inflate it before I took it). When I got back to the kiosk, I asked them to refund my bike rental and the cost of the shuttle van that I had to charter to bring me and the bike back to the jetty.
They refused to refund the bike rental, because I could have hit a nail when riding. (I accept that we don’t know exactly when the tyre got punctured.) But they also refused to refund my shuttle van cost of $10, saying in Chinese that my van rental had “nothing to do with them” and suggesting that I could have left my bike on the trail and walked back to the jetty instead. (I was stranded near Ah Ma's Drinks Stall on the way back from Puaka Hill, so I believe walking back would have taken me at least 30-45min.) When I insisted, they told me that they were already charging me a low rate for the bicycle ($12 per day) compared to the bicycle kiosks in East Coast Park, and that bicycle parts and maintenance were expensive.
I told them that when my tyre came off, I had twice called the phone number on their receipt for help, but no one picked up. They said no one was attending to the phone because they were busy, but even then they would only have sent a shuttle van to pick me up – seemingly implying that they would still have charged me for the van. After about five to ten minutes of heated conversation, they finally agreed to give me half the van’s cost “to be fair, although we won’t do this for other people”.
While their demeanour was very unpleasant, I’m less concerned about not getting the van’s cost refunded, and more so about their lack of interest in how the accident happened. I believe the tyre was already punctured because the front wheel was already soft when I rented it (as mentioned earlier) but also because earlier that day I had to try four different bikes before I found one that was working:
1. The first bicycle’s chain had come off.
2. The second’s back wheel brakes were not very effective (to be fair a staff member helped me to tighten them immediately, but I still wanted to change bike).
3. The third also had poor back brakes, but when I asked a staff member to help me tighten them, he said that this bicycle’s brakes were bad and brought out a fourth bike for me to try instead.
4. This was the bike with the soft front tyre which I eventually took after I asked a staff member to reinflate it. I took it because by this time my friend, who had taken the first bike she tried, had been waiting at least 15 minutes for me to find a bike.
I rented the bikes at 10am on a Saturday, so it’s more likely that they don’t maintain their bikes well than that someone had returned them in poor condition. When asking for the bike rental refund I tried to tell them about their poor maintenance – how I’d tried four different bikes in the morning and how my front wheel had already been soft. But they ignored these points and kept saying I must have hit a nail when riding, otherwise the tyre would have deflated much sooner. (I believe it was a slow puncture – I managed to cycle to Chek Jawa and partway back, and only noticed the tyre was getting soft when on a detour to Puaka Hill. It came off only after I left Puaka Hill.)
Fortunately I was cycling slowly and on flat ground when the tyre came off. I’m afraid to think what might have happened if the tyre had come off when I was riding fast, downhill, or near other cyclists. Or if a child or an elderly person had ridden this bike.
I won’t rent from this kiosk again. I’d recommend walking further into the street, where there’s at least two to three other bicycle kiosks. In particular, if you walk all the way to the end where the street opens into a clearing, there’s a standalone bicycle kiosk in a hut on the left, which gets the least business because of its location. I’ll likely try that one the next time I visit Pulau Ubin.
P.S. If renting a bike on Ubin, please check your tyre pressure, brakes and that you can change gears! The last two matter because there are slopes on the way to Chek Jawa.
If you plan to rent a bike to cycle to Chek Jawa, for your own safety avoid renting from the first bicycle kiosk you see when walking in from the jetty. (It is on the right and it’s called Comfort Bicycle Rental & Trading, although this name is not prominently displayed. Shop no 18 – there’s a few bike kiosks close to each other. Photos included.) Most people rent from here because it’s the first bicycle kiosk they see and because its staff are quite proactive in inviting passersby to rent from them. But their bicycles are poorly maintained and if you run into trouble, you’re unlikely to get any help from their customer service.
My front tyre started losing air and then came completely off its rim when I was cycling (photos included). I believe this was due to a tyre that was punctured before I rented it, because when I took it that morning I noticed the front wheel was already soft (so I asked a staff member to inflate it before I took it). When I got back to the kiosk, I asked them to refund my bike rental and the cost of the shuttle van that I had to charter to bring me and the bike back to the jetty.
They refused to refund the bike rental, because I could have hit a nail when riding. (I accept that we don’t know exactly when the tyre got punctured.) But they also refused to refund my shuttle van cost of $10, saying in Chinese that my van rental had “nothing to do with them” and suggesting that I could have left my bike on the trail and walked back to the jetty instead. (I was stranded near Ah Ma's Drinks Stall on the way back from Puaka Hill, so I believe walking back would have taken me at least 30-45min.) When I insisted, they told me that they were already charging me a low rate for the bicycle ($12 per day) compared to the bicycle kiosks in East Coast Park, and that bicycle parts and maintenance were expensive.
I told them that when my tyre came off, I had twice called the phone number on their receipt for help, but no one picked up. They said no one was attending to the phone because they were busy, but even then they would only have sent a shuttle van to pick me up – seemingly implying that they would still have charged me for the van. After about five to ten minutes of heated conversation, they finally agreed to give me half the van’s cost “to be fair, although we won’t do this for other people”.
While their demeanour was very unpleasant, I’m less concerned about not getting the van’s cost refunded, and more so about their lack of interest in how the accident happened. I believe the tyre was already punctured because the front wheel was already soft when I rented it (as mentioned earlier) but also because earlier that day I had to try four different bikes before I found one that was working:
1. The first bicycle’s chain had come off.
2. The second’s back wheel brakes were not very effective (to be fair a staff member helped me to tighten them immediately, but I still wanted to change bike).
3. The third also had poor back brakes, but when I asked a staff member to help me tighten them, he said that this bicycle’s brakes were bad and brought out a fourth bike for me to try instead.
4. This was the bike with the soft front tyre which I eventually took after I asked a staff member to reinflate it. I took it because by this time my friend, who had taken the first bike she tried, had been waiting at least 15 minutes for me to find a bike.
I rented the bikes at 10am on a Saturday, so it’s more likely that they don’t maintain their bikes well than that someone had returned them in poor condition. When asking for the bike rental refund I tried to tell them about their poor maintenance – how I’d tried four different bikes in the morning and how my front wheel had already been soft. But they ignored these points and kept saying I must have hit a nail when riding, otherwise the tyre would have deflated much sooner. (I believe it was a slow puncture – I managed to cycle to Chek Jawa and partway back, and only noticed the tyre was getting soft when on a detour to Puaka Hill. It came off only after I left Puaka Hill.)
Fortunately I was cycling slowly and on flat ground when the tyre came off. I’m afraid to think what might have happened if the tyre had come off when I was riding fast, downhill, or near other cyclists. Or if a child or an elderly person had ridden this bike.
I won’t rent from this kiosk again. I’d recommend walking further into the street, where there’s at least two to three other bicycle kiosks. In particular, if you walk all the way to the end where the street opens into a clearing, there’s a standalone bicycle kiosk in a hut on the left, which gets the least business because of its location. I’ll likely try that one the next time I visit Pulau Ubin.
P.S. If renting a bike on Ubin, please check your tyre pressure, brakes and that you can change gears! The last two matter because there are slopes on the way to Chek Jawa.
Written 29 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gy822196
Singapore, Singapore17 contributions
Oct 2020
males <60yrs.& female < 55yrs.strengthen your arms,thighs & leg muscles and check the weather before you go.so happens that we went was a cloudy & windy day.a lot of bicycle-riding,pushing up and going downhill rides.can easily get heat stroke for elderly.pack grapes,guava and 1L of water to avoid dehydration.apply greaseless sunscreen and must bring sunglasses.takes 2-3hrs.to cover whole island.
i think wild boars has been captured and relocated as they're quite dangerous .
i think wild boars has been captured and relocated as they're quite dangerous .
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chutotoro
366 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Visited Pulau Ubin but decided to make the 45-min walk to Chek Jawa in a whim. And we were blown away. Waters were clear, broadwalk stretched into the water, simply a lovely sight to behold. Blue skies, clear waters and green nature. We came during the high tide so couldn't see the critters under the waters. Definitely an excuse for us to come again!
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AyushBasu
Singapore, Singapore199 contributions
Mar 2020
Chek Jawa wetlands is one of my favourite spots on Pulau Ubin. I have visited this island several times over the years and never miss visiting this wetland. It is about 3km from the jetty, so it is a good idea to ride a bike here. There is a vending machine for cold drinks and a toilet is at the visitor information center. Once targetted for redevelopment, it has since been conserved as a wetland area. There is a visitor center which has an extensive collection of photos of the mangrove and the rich life that it supports. There are also tips to visitors, to ensure that this delicate ecosystem remains in balance and does not get "loved to death". There is a viewing jetty on the sea, plus an additional boardwalk. There is also a 20 meter tall tower, which allows visitors to get up and above the canopy and take in the expansive view. I could also hear a variety of bird calls from the top. The mangrove itself can look different, based on the tides. Crabs, boars, mudskippers, hornbills and monitor lizards are some of the creatures that can be expected here. One has to view keenly in order to make out critters in the mangrove. It is also worthwhile to be as silent as possible and not startle the creatures. Also, it is a good idea to avoid the use of strong perfumes and clothes with vibrant colours.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin
Stavanger, Norway23 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Me and my brother went to Pulau Ubin during our stay in Singapore. It was the perfect place to go and relax after several days of shopping and bar hopping in the crowded city.
We rented bikes in the main village and rode our bikes through the jungle encountering many monkeys and some wild boars. The Chek Jawa Wetlands was absolutely gorgeous and as we walked along the boardwalk a monkey companion followed us for a while.
We rented bikes in the main village and rode our bikes through the jungle encountering many monkeys and some wild boars. The Chek Jawa Wetlands was absolutely gorgeous and as we walked along the boardwalk a monkey companion followed us for a while.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoeMueller2014
Siegen, Germany468 contributions
Jan 2020
Best time to visit is at low tide. From above you can see the crabs walking in the sea and find all the other submarine animals living around the island.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMcDonnell
Bratislava, Slovakia269 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Pulau Ubin is my favorite spot during our Singapore holiday. This place is fantastic with monkeys just walking past. And so do the wild pigs. These animals don’t disturb you, they wait till you pass and then they keep going. I would come back here any day, any time. The nature at its best
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,488 contributions
Nov 2019
I visited this place 3 years ago, did the usual hiking route to Chek Jawa Wetlands. This time I came with my colleagues on a weekend morning. Besides hiking Chek Jawa, we visited 2 great places which we missed the last time, as they were not obvious.
First, look out for the colonial building at the eastern part of Pulau Ubin, just next to the Chek Jawa Wetlands. It is known as House No. 1, now a visitor centre. A great place to take a 30 mins break to explore the building as well as enjoy the sea view. There is a jetty just next to it.
Second not to miss place is a conserved Chinese Kampong House 363B, known as Teck Seng’s Place. It is near the Fruit Orchid. Visiting the various rooms, I felt transported back to the 1970s. There are many exhibits - retro furniture, furnishings, appliances, kitchen utensils etc. Nostalgic indeed. Note the house is only open to the public on the 2nd & 4th weekend of every month and public holidays, from 10.00am – 2.00pm.
First, look out for the colonial building at the eastern part of Pulau Ubin, just next to the Chek Jawa Wetlands. It is known as House No. 1, now a visitor centre. A great place to take a 30 mins break to explore the building as well as enjoy the sea view. There is a jetty just next to it.
Second not to miss place is a conserved Chinese Kampong House 363B, known as Teck Seng’s Place. It is near the Fruit Orchid. Visiting the various rooms, I felt transported back to the 1970s. There are many exhibits - retro furniture, furnishings, appliances, kitchen utensils etc. Nostalgic indeed. Note the house is only open to the public on the 2nd & 4th weekend of every month and public holidays, from 10.00am – 2.00pm.
Written 17 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin W
Singapore, Singapore264 contributions
Hi, regarding the bumboat, I would like to go early in the morning on a weekday (maybe 8+am) I understand that the bumboat won't leave until full. Does it usually get easily filled during a weekday morning?
brynsdad
Chester, UK260 contributions
Hi there - we are visiting Singapore in May. My wife has MS so we use a wheelchair with mountain bike wheels (removable for transit) and enjoy pushing/walking in varied conditions (!) Would we be able to load our chair onto a boat and are the boardwalk/gravel path areas extensive enough for us to spend a few hours experiencing and exploring the island? Also, any idea if there are disabled WCs available?
Thank you
Morning S
227 contributions
Hi, I visited In Oct 2018.May be you can ask the boat person at Changi terminal for help with WC. The board walk(mangrove walk and coastal walk) in the Island is comfortable for WC except in some areas (especially the last 5 minutes from coastal boardwalk) . That path is muddy and require a bit of an effort (especially when you shift from boardwalk to muddy path). As soon as you land on Chek Jawa Jetty, you can get a van to the boardwalk(The van driver will wait for it to be full or you pay the price(around 12 SGD) one way. Once you finish your boardwalk, you can call the van driver to reach the jetty ( again 12 Sgd-it was 2 SGD per person). I hope you both enjoy it. Go early morning to see the coral island on your coastal walk. Otherwise high tide will be there and you will miss the view of corals. Hope you both enjoy your Chek Jawa time. Do give it a try!
EngWJ
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
When is Low tide to see creatures at about 4-5pm?
Morning S
227 contributions
When I went in October 2018, low tide was early morning. You might want to check the tide time table at the nparks site before visiting Chek Jawa so you won't miss low tide timing and amazing view of corals.
Joe K
Singapore
What n how to go pulau ubin for 1 day tour and food
Morning S
227 contributions
You can go to Changi terminal and then take 10 minute boat ride to Chek Jawa which costs around 1.50 SGD(as of October 2018).Before Going check the nparks site for low tide timing as you can see the coral island only during the low tide. From Chek Jawa Jetty, you can take a van 2 sgd per person or rent a bicycle to go to Chek Jawa boardwalk. You can also walk - Just follow the cycle trail. It might take longer than van, but you can visit a Chinese temple on the way and there is an old Quarry on the way as well. You can take your own food or buy something near the cycle rent shops. If you want guided tour, ask in the information center as soon as you land in the Chek Jawa Jetty. Guess for guided tour it costs 60 SGD per person and you have to book it in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chek Jawa
- Hotels near Chek Jawa:
- (0.07 km) Celestial Ubin Beach Resort
- (1.70 km) Changi Cove
- (2.11 km) Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality
- (3.20 km) D’Resort @ Downtown East
- (8.98 km) Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
- Restaurants near Chek Jawa:
- (0.22 km) Cheong Lian Yuen Coffee Shop
- (0.27 km) Season Live Seafood
- (5.25 km) CouCou Hot Pot Jewel
- (2.35 km) Little Island Brewing Co @ Changi
- (1.73 km) The Coastal Settlement