Chek Jawa Wetlands lies at the eastern end of Pulau Ubin, Singapore, and is known for its boardwalks and six distinct ecosystems. To get there, take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin, then continue to the wetlands on foot, by bicycle or by van.
- Location: Eastern end of Pulau Ubin, about 3 km from the island’s public jetty.
- Boardwalks: A total of 1.1 km, with Jejawi Tower rising 21 m.
- Usual opening hours: Open daily
- Best tide conditions for the intertidal flats: Low tides of 0.5 m and below.
Where Chek Jawa is on Pulau Ubin
Chek Jawa Wetlands is about 3 km from Pulau Ubin’s public jetty, at the island’s eastern end. The wetland area covers about 100 ha and brings together sandy and rocky beaches, a seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest.
House No. 1, a Tudor-style building adapted as the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, is also part of the site. It’s a useful place to orient yourself before spending time among the different habitats.
If you’re planning a broader island visit, factor in the ferry crossing and the journey across Pulau Ubin when mapping out your Pulau Ubin day trip from Changi.
How do you get from Changi to Chek Jawa?
To reach Chek Jawa, first take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Bumboats usually run on demand from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm and depart when 12 passengers are aboard, so you may need to wait for the boat to fill.
The usual fare is S$4 per person each way, with an additional S$2 for a bicycle; confirm the fare with the boat operator.
From Changi Village Bus Interchange, public-transport routes include bus 59 from Tampines East MRT Station, bus 29 from Tampines MRT Station, and bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT Station. Changi Village also has village food, coast and nearby sights; find what to see around Changi Village beyond the ferry terminal.
Once on Pulau Ubin, walking from the public jetty to Chek Jawa takes about 40 minutes. You can also hire a van or rent a bicycle from the main village.
What can you see along the boardwalks and habitats?
The Chek Jawa boardwalks total 1.1 km and pass through a landscape of contrasting coastal habitats. Look out across the seagrass lagoon and beach environments, then continue through mangrove and coastal forest areas.
Jejawi Tower stands 21 m high and offers an elevated view over the surroundings. The mix of habitats is the main feature of a visit: sandy and rocky beaches, seagrass, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest all sit within the same wetland area.
Visitor facilities and access
Chek Jawa Wetlands is generally open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and casual visits do not require a permit. House No. 1 serves as the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre. The wetlands, boardwalks, tower and Visitor Centre can be visited during the opening hours.
A guided tour requires advance online booking. NParks lists the tour at S$60 per tour for a group of up to 15 people. If you join a guided tour, wear footwear that covers your whole foot; slippers and sandals are not appropriate.
How should you plan around tides and weather?
Low tides of 0.5 m and below are the most suitable conditions for seeing the intertidal flats. At higher tides, the flats are submerged, so check tide conditions when deciding when to visit.
Do not enter areas flooded by higher tides or bad weather. If bad weather begins, seek shelter and avoid forested areas during the weather and immediately afterward.
Check the official site before you go for current opening and access details, and confirm bumboat fares with the operators. For a Changi stay, guest rooms at Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality are in the area.
If no bumboat is available for your return from Pulau Ubin, NParks asks visitors to call its helpline at 1800-471-7300.
FAQs
How long does it take to walk to Chek Jawa from Pulau Ubin’s jetty?
The walk from the public jetty takes about 40 minutes. Chek Jawa is about 3 km from the jetty.
Do you need a permit to visit Chek Jawa Wetlands?
No permit is required for casual visitation. Guided tours require advance online booking.
When is the best time to see the intertidal flats?
NParks says low tides of 0.5 m and below are most suitable. At higher tides, the intertidal area is submerged.
How do you get to Pulau Ubin?
Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The crossing takes about 10 minutes, and boats usually depart when 12 passengers are aboard.