Trekking with Missy Paris Miki and Cheetah

Ever tried going trekking with someone geared with salon set hair, full make-up, a branded handbag, wearing branded top and sunglasses? Moi just did. A warm welcome to Missy Paris Miki, you sure came in style. Bwahahahahaha! Went trekking with Missy Paris Miki and Cheetah the other day at Chek Jawa at Puala Ubin. It was Moi's first trip to Puala Ubin and I was really amazed by the beauty of this little island that is part of home.

We set off after lunch from Changi Point Ferry Terminal near Changi village. I understand that there is no scheduled departure times to and from Ubin, as bumboats set off only when there are 12 passengers. It's quite a cheap ride at S$2 per pax. It was quite intimidating initially to board the frail and old-looking bumboat that seem going to tear apart any minute. And even the sight of the orange life-vests do not seem too comforting. But anywhere we made it in one piece to Puala Ubin.

Upon touch-down, I felt like being transformed back to the Singapore in the 60-70s. Everything is still very simple, quiet and so called behind times. Time seems to get lock away on this little island. It's definitely a good change from the usual bustling city that we live in. The attap houses, the shops with the tin cans, and even a old letter box. .I couldn't resist to take out Kanon for shots after shots...there was even a cute little blackboard near the jetty that show the daily times for high tide and low tide. And everybody seems to know another by their names. It was definitely an interesting place to be. Just a 15minutes boat ride and the pace of living here is like a 100 times slower. No one seems to be rushing or worrying about time. Even the animals roam freely, lazing around, not caring a thing in the world. How I wish I can be too...

Oops...and spotted quite a few of below BIG lizard..I dunno what's they are call but they are all over. Ironically, I never spotted any big spiders that Twinny had warned me when she went to Puala Ubin early this year. Maybe the Pest Busters had exterminated all of the Spiders. Kekekeke!

We chartered a taxi to go around the island since Moi and Missy Paris Miki can't cycle. Ya ya ya!! I saw your jaw dropping. Moi can't cycle at all. =P It was a short ride from the jetty to Chek Jawa. Chek Jawa is a natural wetlands area located at the eastermost corner of Puala Ubin. The whole trek comprises of six distinct habitats - coastal forest, mangrove, sandy beach, sandflats (lagoon), coral rubble and a tiny island (Pulau Sekudu or Frog island). Since its discovery late last year, Chek jawa has charmed and captivated all who dared ventured out along a 1 1/2 hour (by foot) dirt track.

Chek Jawa : Coast forests (Bird eye view from the Jejawi tower)

Was initially quite hesitant to climb up the super tall viewing tower but cheoh by the 2 hyper ladies; Moi hardly had any choice. But it was worthwhile. The breeze was wonderful and scenery breath-taking. We even spotted an eagle soaring above. Wonderful. Majority of the trek is walking on a boardwalk that was launched last month so it wasn't any hassle or else Missy Paris Miki might broke her legs har. ^_-)

Chek Jawa : Mangrove boardwalk, Seagrass lagoon, rocky shore

We went during low tide but unfortunately did not manage to catch any exotic creatures. This was quite a disappointment amidst the lovely mangrove scenery.

In clockwise starting Top left corner : (1)Ants and its nest (2) leech (3) Fiddler Crab (4) Mudskippers

I found the fiddler Crabs rather amusing. They are found in abundance along Chek Jawa's sandy shoreline and its prominent despite their small size because of their extreme cheliped asymmetry in males. The male has an enlarged claw which he uses to attract the female or to fend off rival males. Their name came about from the feeding of the males, where the movement of the small claw from the ground to its mouth resembles the motion of a person moving a bow across a fiddle (the large claw).

Right at the exit of the Chek Jawa trek, we found a little cottage which we discovered is the visitor centre. Nice cosy place that send the 2 girlies screaming. Kekeke! This charming cottage was built in 1930s by the then Chief Surveyor, Langdon Williams, as a holiday retreat. The architecture is Tudor-style, with adapations to tropical climate, and is similar to cottages built in tea planations during the British colonial era.

Was feeling a little sticky and tired by then but to make our trip worthwhile, we got the taxi to bring us to visit the "famous" quarry at Puala Ubin.

Saw many lovely flowers along the way which Moi took some photos... dun ask me to name them...i dunno lah!!

We finally made our way back to the main island and decided to try the famous XO Crab Bee Hoon at Shen Ji Seafood Garden at changi village coffeeshop. It was simply delicious. The crab is very sweet and fresh and the soup is very tasty with a light touch of cognac and evaporated milk, not too strong. Just nice. It really reminds me of the other yummy Crab I had over at Pie Shop. Yummy!!

XO Crab Bee Hoon

And if you thought we had enough, we also tried their curry crab which was fried not in the usual thick curry gravy sauce but the dry version. Equally delicious though it send me and Cheetah to the running tap. Kekekeke!

Curry Crab

Missy Paris Miki recommended the satay at the same coffeeshop and the taste was not too bad too. I heard that they grill the satay the traditional way, on charcoal.

Made our way down to Bar Cocoon @ The Forbidden City in our stinko stinko state for a round of drinks before we called it a day. Yup yup!! I suspected the servers must be holding their breathe while serving us. AND we sure were lucky cause we caught fireworks @ Clark Quay.

Our drinks : Shirley Temple (Non-alcoholic) for Cheetah, Wine cocktail for Missy Paris Miki and Mango Margarita for Moi

Shen Ji Seafood Garden
BLK 5 Changi Village Rd

Bar Cocoon @ The Forbidden City
by IndoChine
Blk A #01-02
Clark Quay
Tel : 6557 6272
Website : http://www.indochine.com.sg/