Chek Jawa

(source: William Cho)

(source: William Cho)

Chek Jawa is located in the south-east area of Pulau Ubin – an island located off the Singapore’s mainland. It has one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems, despite only having a area of 1 km². 

Chek Jawa is also a very unique ecological site as it consist of 6 major habitats that amplifies the biodiversity. These 6 habitats are: 

1. Rocky Shore

2. Sandy Beach

(source: Ria Tan)

(source: Ria Tan)

3. Mangroves

(source: Ronald Tan)

(source: Ronald Tan)

4. Coastal hill forest

5. Seagrass lagoon

6. Coral Rubble

These 6 ecosystems holds many different flora and fauna that are difficult to find in Singapore. It also has a vast amount of plant and marine life. 

(source: Pei Yan)

(source: Pei Yan)

In Singapore’s redevelopment plans in 1992, Chek Jawa was meant to be used for land reclamation. Luckily in december 2000, the wonders of this ecological jewel were discovered by accident and the site sparked many Singaporeans’ attention. Many appeals were sent to the government to call off its reclamation plans, by both the nature lovers and the general public. After consulting the views of scientific experts and relevant government agencies, along with the appeals, Singapore’s government announced in 2001 that the reclamation plan is deferred for as long as possible.