Sungai Mamam is a picturesque tidal creek, winding its way through the coastal wetland of northern Pulau Ubin. On April 22nd, we embarked on a kayaking trip to this elegant creek, timed perfectly with the tides - the first low tide of 0.2m was at 06:26, followed by the high tide of 2.9m at 13:05, with the second low tide of 1.0m at 19:00. We launched our kayak, Emma, at Changi Beach at around 9:20 am and paddled towards Pulau Sekudu, a tiny islet that we had previously explored at low tide one year ago.
After our visit to Pulau Sekudu, we hugged the shoreline as closely as possible to avoid the rough waves near the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. Although we still got splashed by the waves a few times, the water was calm between the 10 km marker on our trail map and the creek. The shoreline was fenced with barbed wire and large red signs, which added a contrasting element to the scenic view of the forested coastline against the blue sky and white clouds. However, near the mouth of the creek, the fence seemed flimsier, and we wondered if we could enter Sungai Mamam.
Our paddling Trail Map
We paddled by the boardwalk at Chek Jawa wetland
The mangroves at Chek Jawa
"rough" sea with occasional large waves from passing boats and ships
border wall at northern Pulau Ubin facing Malyaia - fence with barbwires
an islet north to Pulau Ubin
a rotten pier - must be from pre-Singapore independence time
Despite the lack of a clear entrance, we paddled ahead, and soon discovered an optical camouflaged entrance hidden in plain sight. As we rode the rising tide into the creek, we noticed the hydrodynamics in play, as the water flowed mostly in the direction of least resistance, with tree branches in the water gently swaying in the direction of the flow due to vortex-induced vibration.
Blocked by fence to Sungai Mamam
The entrance is disguised by optical camouflage
view from inside the fence
We were the only kayakers in the creek, and the tranquil atmosphere was enhanced by the sight of sea eagles soaring in the sky, Pacific swallows swooping over the river, and collared kingfishers calling from time to time. The incessant shrilling of insects in the mangrove added to the soundscape, while our paddles made gentle splashes periodically. We took a break from paddling to let the rising tide carry us forward and immerse ourselves completely in the natural beauty around us. In about 20 minutes, we arrived at a bridge with a narrowed pathway and low clearance, where we decided to turn back.
On our way out, we explored a major looped branch of the creek, where the water flowed slower. The total kayaking trip covered a distance of 14 km and took about 4.5 hours, starting and ending at Changi Beach.
Overall, Sungai Mamam is an excellent location for kayaking, with its serene natural beauty and fascinating hydrodynamics at play.
Branches vibrated back and forth due to vortex
vortex induced vibration
a side loop of Sungai Mamam
Note -
1) When we retuned to the entrance/exit, we saw a couple kayaks entering the fence, one was a fishing kayak, and the other was a rental kayak, which was returned at the campsite. We saw a ramp on the shore for kayak launching
2) The scenery is more beautiful on a sunny day but more UV exposure for kayakers. Protection against UV is a must.
3) Google search for tide chart at Pulau Ubin will yield a table for tide height and time. This is very useful especially when paddling at tidal rivers.
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