Trip to a Nearby..Neglected Island in Singapore..Pulau Ubin!

Never had the chance to explore Pulau Ubin back in my secondary school days. Remember I was supposed to go for the Outward Bound course to the island when I was 15 years old but didn't make it. To think of it, must be related to my mum's constant nagging, can't overnight here and there when I was well..pretty much under-aged. heh..

So when darling initiated an excursion down to Pulau Ubin for a day of cycling, I was absolutely game for it, only to remember that it has been years since I last cycled! So can you imagine the strain and cramp I felt after that!

Paid $2.50 per person for the bumboat ride from Changi Ferry Terminal, just next to the famous food centre. You have to wait till they have 12 persons. Else, you can pay more, which is about $30 to go straight away without the hassle of waiting.

Early Sunday Morning at Changi! Right after Nasi Lemak Breakfast!

"Pirate" of Changi! Ahoy Captain!

If I am not mistaken, it took about half an hour to reach the island escapade. Super-lost when we reached there because there were just too many bicycle kiosks! It was like a pasar-malam, offering cheap bicycles by friendly uncles! Love it!

We rented the bicycles, about $8 for half a day. Not bad if you compare to the crazy bicycle rent price back on mainland! And this does not include the fresh air you breathe, the nice village atmosphere you can enjoy! So phenomenal, and I couldn't wait to get started! 

So the ride started off a bit rough, well coz we didnt know where we are going! No directional signs, so we followed our guts, relying on the brochure as much as possible. We made our way to Chek Jawa. It was a long long ride, seriously! And made worse by the scaredy-cat typical me and totally unfamiliarity with kampong life! So many dogs along the way!

Chek Jawa Information Kiosk

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Interesting informational signages tell us more about the nature reserve

Walking to Chek Jawa Information Kiosk is also quite a feat, at least for me! We have to park our bicycle at Punai Hut and walk the rest of the way into Chek Jawa.

 

I remembered so much debate going on about it, stories about redeveloping the area which gathered so much hype especially amongst nature lovers. And I completely understand why, as soon I landed my feet on the peaceful stretch of Chek Jawa!

You think that's a fake backdrop?? Hell no!

A sniff of fresh air! Worth a million!

Nipah fruit, part of it is used for attap roof

The place was completely surreal, for once I thought I was transported to another world..so peaceful, so calm. But hey, where are all the corals that people were talking about??

Cant seem to locate any, other than the mudskippers, pistol shrimps, hermit crabs! Bleeurrghh! I certainly felt that I have missed some parts of Chek Jawa! I really think so!

Time to make our way back..now where is my bicycle..they look all the same!

After 3 hours exploring the exciting trails, and admiring the wonders of Chek Jawa, we decided that it was about time to chao, back to civilization! And on our way back, we bumped across this so beautiful sight of the quarry!

It definitely looks prettier than this! But the water is way too green! Is it caused by algae? Pretty yucky!

And the way to end our adventurous trip to Ubin? Enjoy the island's fresh coconut lah! ;p

Till we meet again, Pulau Ubin!