Last year, we visited the Chek Jawa Wetlands in the rain. This year, we were welcomed by the haze. Luckily, the PSI was within the healthy range and we were able to continue with the low tide guided tour and enjoy some nature walk.

Despite the mild haze condition, the air smelled fresher within the woods. It was a beautiful morning and we are looking forward to make new discovery. :) We were very honoured to have Uncle Joesph, the man who raised the media and public attention through his appeal on the public forums when Chek Jawa was to the rocks to be reclaimed.

During each of our visit, we get to see new species and different coloured crabs. Not forgetting the mudskippers and Nipah palm in the mangrove.

See how they jump!

This blue beauty caught our attention even though it is very small. I wonder if it is poisonous since bright colours creatures normally is an indication that they are pretty venomous.

The next time when you take the climb up to the Jejawi Tower, do stop and take a look at the big tree next to it. If I am not wrong, it is commonly known the Mangrove apple tree (Berembang - Sonneratia caseloaris). The flower is pinkish or red and normally found in the muddy river banks area. It is very rare and listed on the endangered list as one of the threatened plants in Singapore.

At the top of the Jejawi Tower, we spotted the monkeys happily doing their morning stunts involving many climbs and jumps on the trees. 

Looked pretty hazy from afar. 

From the broadwalk, we moved down to the sand bed. Noble volute, sea cucumber, and hermit crabs welcome us back once again. 

Hermit Crabs hiding inside the shell. You can try to hold it if you dare. :)

My favourite - The beautiful Stars. 

Big star for Gladys

Seaweed discovery. Do you know that there are Red, Green and Brown seaweeds? Though not very familiar with their names, the one that caught our attention was a sponge like seaweed which is really spongy and soft. Is that how the creator of Spongebob Square Pants get his inspiration from?

They found a small snake which is not venomous.

Found this beauty attaching itself on the rocks but not exactly sure what it was. Maybe it is a blue sponge coral.

The haze didn't beat us down and once again, we had a very educational walk! Only at Chek Jawa, we can find our very last stretch of green carpet and this is the home of many marine creatures. Natural forestry and wildlife is rarely found in Singapore and we should do our little part to keep it clean and preserve this last piece of land for our children and future generations to embrace.  

Check out the following website if you are interested to take part in the guided tour. Do note that they are very popular and its fully booked very fast!

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/popup/pulau-attractions.html

Chek Jawa is a beautiful place. Natural settings, refreshing air and there are so much to discover and learn. We spotted many anemone (but no nemos ^_^). The children knew from "Finding Nemo" that anemone stings so they are keeping their hands off and admiring them from afar.

You can find many sea anemones of different sizes and colour.

Fiddler crabs can be spotted too! 

This crab was found entagled within the spider web. Was it being captured?

I love the greenery and sinking my feet into the sand bed.

After two hours of learning journey, its time to end our wetlands tour. We made our climb back on the bridge.

This is how the wetlands looked like during low tide. Filled with sand and sea grass.

We walked through the mangrove swamps and headed back to the Visitor Centre.

Chek Jawa's Visitor Centre (House No. 1)

As the tide rises, the waters is slowly moving in and consuming the green belt.

The crystal clear waters at the quarry.

It has been a unqiue and enjoyable trip at Chek Jawa low tide tour. The guides who took the different groups have been marvellous and superdly helpful! Despite the downpour, they arrived on time and checked out the area before guiding the visitors through.

We would love to be back again for another trip once the renovation works is complete. Hopefully in a better weather condition and to discover more marine life. This tour is not to be missed and truly a memorable learning experience for our family. We Will Be Back! ^_^

Our walking trail continues.... Thanks to the guides, they really made our tour enjoyable and educational! Not only did they uncover the marine creatures, they also help to gathered them and place nice, little signages around the wetland.

Another finding - Biscuit Starfish and Sand Dollar

The children are having so much fun and the rain didn't bother them a single bit. Denver is holding on to a hermit crab (a pretty big one) which just crawled out from its 'home' to say Hi!

If you look close enough, you will find a couple of hermit crabs (big/small) on the wetland. In order to grow, they will need to move to a bigger "house".  

 I love the pretty shells the hermit crabs are residing in. ^_^

More discovery? Let's check them out!

Look what I am holding in my hand? It's slimy and soft. 

Answer: It is actually a Sea Cucumber!

We kept our heads down and eyes on the sand, hoping to spot something as we walked. I must admit Hubby really has super sonic eyes to be able to see this little crab (~1cm) against the white sand! I need to do multiple zoom on my camera to capture this!

 The children enjoyed their walk even though it was drizzling. Everyone got excited whenever something new was uncovered.

 Here's another "Amazing" finding - Moon snail egg case.

Colourful sea cucumber alike, more moon snail egg case and sea hares!

This purple, blue-coloured creature captures our sight immediately but none of us dare to touch it as we aren't sure if it is poisonous. According to our guide, this striking colour beauty is a Naked Nudibranch.

I think we have increased our knowledge bank today learning more about these little creatures!

The rain finally stopped! Denver & Gladys did not mind their shoes and feet getting wet. They were so occupied and curious by what they were about to find and see!

Here's another percular one that we saw - Sea Squirt. Our guide demostrated how the water is being squirted out by pressing the body of the sea squirt. Denver was equally amused and amazed.

We went back to have a peek at the starfish and found a hairy, "spider-like" body starfish call the Brittle Starfish. Look at its long, slender arms!

If my memory did not fail me, this should be the Noble Volute and its egg shell. Noble Volute are actually snails and their shells are very beautiful! Unfortunately, it seems they are being collected for food and its attractive shell.

More facts on Wild Singapore. http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/volutidae/nobilis.htm

We have not come to the end of our wetlands tour yet! There are so much more to uncover and more photos which we will share in Part 3!