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  On-line Guide to Chek Jawa
introduction
  How to be a courteous and safe visitor

Be patient: It is more fun to quietly observe animals going about their daily business. If they are disturbed, most will simply hide until they feel the coast is clear. There will then be nothing to see for some time.

Respect the wild: Don't touch or harass animals as they may defend themselves if they feel threatened. Don't dig up animals, they may get injured or dry out and die. Don't pry animals off the rocks. Leave everything the way you found it.

Don't remove plants and animals from Chek Jawa: They will die! Each has a part to play in its ecosystem which may be affected by the loss (for more on the role of every little thing on Chek Jawa including dead animals and non-living things). Also, you will be depriving other visitors of the joy you had finding these plants and animals. If you spot any poachers on Chek Jawa, please report them to Ubin NParks Information Kiosk at 6542-4108.

Stay on the designated route: Every inch of Chek Jawa is alive with small animals and growing plants. By staying on the route, we minimise the damage resulting from our visit so that others who come after us can enjoy Chek Jawa too.

Watch your step! Look down as you walk to avoid stepping on carpet anemones and other animals.

Killer Litter! Litter is not only unsightly but also kills small animals that get trapped in them (e.g., inside plastic bags) and larger animals that may eat them accidentally. If you brought a bag of potato chips to the walk, please bring the empty bag home too.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere: Other visitors at Chek Jawa made the time and effort to come for the peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Playing the radio or other music destroys this ambience.

Don't leave your mark on nature: Just as you enjoy the unmarked beauty of Chek Jawa, so will those who come after you. Don't vandalise or leave graffiti. This includes leaving 'drawings' on the sand or re-arranging seaweeds on the shore.

Be safe on Chek Jawa

Don't touch: Many soft-looking animals on Chek Jawa protect themselves with toxins which can cause rashes or injury should you touch your eye or mouth after tounching them. Most animals have a way to defend themselves in unpleasant ways. Most animals will not endanger you if you do not disturb, touch or step on them. The best way to avoid injuries is to watch your step and where you put your hand.

Don't climb the rocks: Rocks are slippery with algae and covered with sharp barnacles that can give nasty cuts that take a long time to heal. A nasty fall may result in broken limbs and concussion.

Don't go barefoot on Chek Jawa: Besides sharp litter (tins, glass), there are all kinds of animals that will defend themselves should you accidentally step on them, e.g., sea urchins, scorpionfishes, stingrays. Wear appropriate footwear when exploring Chek Jawa. More about footwear for Chek Jawa.

Don't step into areas with soft mud:
You may lose your shoes and then step on something unpleasant.

Watch the tide: Don't go far out if you are not familiar with the tides. Your route back to the shore might get cut off by the incoming tide.

Watch the weather: If you hear lightning, return IMMEDIATELY to shore and seek shelter as quickly as you can. You are most vulnerable on the flats but lightning can also strike among the trees. The nearest shelter to Chek Jawa is Punai Hut.

Be prepared: If you are going with a large group of people, bring a basic medical kit for minor injuries.

Emergency numbers
NParks Info Kiosk: 65424108, Office: 65424842/65434734
Police Coast Guard: 63775540/63775542
Ubin Police Post: 65428664/96611591

Join a guided walk!
Why not join a guided walk instead of going on your own? You will see more and have a safe visit.

You can make
a difference!

Volunteer for
Chek Jawa
More details

 

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