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Chek Jawa

Chek Jawa, a biological treasure discovered only in December 2000, is located off the eastern coast of Pulau Ubin, an offshore island northeast of mainland Singapore.

History
Chek Jawa's natural wonders was only discovered in December 2000 at low tide during a nature walk by members of the Nature Society of Singapore and since then it has become very popular with nature lovers.

Chek Jawa was up for land reclamation, intended for military training, and reclamation work was scheduled to start in December 2001. However due to public petition and feedback to preserve the very rich biodiversity of Chek Jawa, the government decided to defer reclamation on Pulau Ubin and leave the island untouched for at least another ten years. The government's decision was made after consulting with various government agencies and marine life experts.

What makes Chek Jawa so unique in addition to its rich biodiversity is the passion and lobbying fervour displayed by Singaporeans from different walks of life towards saving a natural heritage. The people's voice contributed to the continuing existence of Chek Jawa much to the benefit of future generations. A comprehensive plan has also been identified to maintain Chek Jawa's unique ecosystem.

Description
Chek Jawa, whose treasures can only be uncovered during low tide, is a natural beach. A midget in terms of size, its one-sq. km. area however is packed with six distinct natural habitats, forming the richest ecosystem ever found in Singapore. The ecosystem consists of mud and sandflats, mangrove, coastal forest, lagoon, coral rubble and a small island called Frog Island or Pulau Sekudu. Guided tours to Chek Jawa is available for Singaporeans keen to discover its natural wonders.

Plants and animals
The plant and animal species found here are rare and not available in other parts of Singapore. The marine life comprise about 28 species of seaweed and 7 species of seagrass, various species of Carpet Anemones, Sea Stars, Sand Dollars and Sea Cucumbers, and some rare and multi-coloured sponges.

Coastal Hill forest
Covering an area of three and a half ha. and 21 m. above sea level, the Coastal Hill forest of Chek Jawa contains more than 80 rare species of native herbs, climbers, shrubs and trees, such as Dracaena maingayi and Mischocarpus sundaicus. It also contains many species of rare animals such as stick insects, flying dragons, red jungle fowls, wild boars and Oriental pied hornbills.



Author
Zaubidah Mohamed



References 
Chua, E. K. (2002). Chek Jawa : discovering Singapore's biodiversity. Singapore: Simply Green.
(Call no.: RSING 333.91716 CHU)

Lim, L. (2002, January 15). Reprieve for rustic Ubin. The Straits Times, p. 1.

Lim, L. (2001, December 21). Ubin's nature beach gets a reprieve. The Straits Times, Prime News, p. 5.

Wee, L. (2001, July 8). Chek out this hidden Eden. The Straits Times, Sunday Plus, p. 9.

Reclamation work at Chek Jawa deferred. (2002, January 15). The Business Times, Singapore News, p. 7.

Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research. (n.d.). Virtual tour of Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, Singapore. Retrieved February 24, 2004, from chekjawa.nus.edu.sg/ria/index.html 

The information in this article is valid as at 2002 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Architecture and Landscape>>Streets and Places
Chek Jawa (Singapore)
Capes (Coasts)--Singapore
Science and technology>>Agriculture>>Horticulture

Librarian Recommendations
>> Pulau Ubin


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