~ Chek Jawa Wetlands (Low Tide) Guided Tour - Part 1 ~

We have been anticipating to join the Chek Jawa Wetlands tour since last year. Hosted by NParks, visitors will have the opportunity to walk on the sand bed and observe the marine life during the low tides (0.5 metres and below).

Each tour cost $60 (maximum 15 persons per group) and pre-registration is required. Based on the previous feedback and response, we understand that such tours are very popular. Hubby took great efforts waking up in the middle of the night on the first day where it was open for booking, only to find out that it was already fully booked! We were deeply disappointed but hubby persisted and wrote an email, putting us on the waiting list. Luck seems to be on our side as we received news that a group has pulled out and we are able to join the Chek Jawa tour afterall!

*Note: Guided Tours will be cancelled from 1st July - 31 December 2012 due to upgrading works for the floating pontoons at Chek Jawa Wetlands.

9th June (Saturday) - It was a rainy morning. The sky was gloomy and the drizzle doesn't seems to stop. Despite the bad weather condition, we met Andy and Johnny's family at Changi Point Ferry Terminal at 7:15 am.

The rain started to get heavier and for a moment we thought the tour might be cancelled. Nevertheless, we kept our spirits high, got on the ferry and hope for the best.

View from Pulau Ubin Ferry Terminal - Gloomy weather

View at low tide - Look at the protuding rocks.

As you take a ride to Chek Jawa, you will not miss the lushful, natural greenery around.

Visitors can check out the tidal information at the Information Kiosk. Hubby has done his homework well and knew that our wetland walk will be at its lowest (0.2 metres) compared to the other tour dates. If everything goes smoothly, we have a good 2 hours tour till 10 am before the tides start to rise above 0.5 metres.

We were still experiencing some drizzling at 8am. There were several groups waiting at the information counter but none are complaining. After waiting for 20 minutes, we were delighted to be given the green light to begin our tour! Hooray!

Since we have already visited the mangrove broadwalk and viewing tower during our previous visit, our main objective for today's tour is to walk on the sandbed at the coastal broadwalk!

View of the coastal broadwalk @ low tide

Loving the green carpet! Just imagine soaking your feet into it!

Spotted birds from a distance :)

It was very windy and drizzling still, we put on our raincoats and caps and walked in the rain. The children didn't mind at all and this is one of the time where we can indulge ourselves in a nature setting.

To get to the sandbed, we will need to climb down from this ladder. It was slippery due to the rain but our kiddos habour no fear and looked forward to see what marine creatures they can spot!

As soon as we got down, everybody gathered around our guide - Kim Chong who showed us their first discovery.

You will notice little signage whenever there are interesting findings. :)

Can you guess what this is?

This soft bodied creature is a sea-hare. Sea hares eat seaweed and algae. Their color corresponds with the color of the seaweed they eat. It's our first learning and touching this slug-like marine life.

More discoveries at Part 2 of the Chek Jawa Wetlands tour. :)