Hey all!
I've decided that from now on all posts here would be only regarding MAJOR shelling trips. It's really hard to maintain a blog page so I've moved all activity (or most of it) to INSTAGRAM! That's right, follow me @whenslugandshellmeet for regular updates, and I'll also keep you updated if there is any new post here! Anyway last week was a hectic week, beginning with the passing of our Founding Father Mr Lee Kuan Yew and a whole week of examinations... Decided that I would take a break and visit PULAU UBIN alone to rest my mind. AND believe me, it was well worth the trip!
Basically anyone who reaches the island will definitely see this welcome sign (its really a landmark in the island).
All the bouganvilleas are in full bloom! Vivid and amazing colours abound!
Ok so the first beach visited would probably be the one most people would go to when you're on Pulau Ubin. Its the Jetty Beach. But don't judge it just yet for it would eventually bring me my best find of the whole trip!
Crab moults, bryozoans, coral bits etc. all are common features of this shore! its a little muddy and rocky due to the strong wave action caused by the beach and the busy shipping channel. But it's these waves that bring the shells to the shore so I'm chill with it.
What typical shell sand looks like here. Pulau Ubin is a granite island. As such, its sand contains mainly of grainy pebbles and stones.
Of course, there's also this landmark sonneratia mangrove tree at the entrance of the jetty! And so are these Mud Snails!
NOW! If you look to the right of the photo you'd see this pink coloured seashell. ITS A VOLVA SHELL! I really have no idea how it appeared over in Pulau Ubin?!?! There aren't even any corals or clear waters to sustain this species and I was really stupefied at this find! the rest include a Mangrove Murex, Ark Shell, Monodont (I'll just call it a Monodont instead of a One-Toothed Monodont... too long haha)
The quintessential Ubin house and it's shoreline.
Found Bi-valved Squamose Clams and A Butterfly Surf Clam. These Squamose Clams seem to thrive along the shores of Pulau Ubin.
This is exactly how Singapore looked like it the 1960s. Tins of traditional biscuits and an old weighing scale.
The Lily Pond
and the Lotus Pond (Seems like a scene outta a Chinese film)
Coconut trees sway in the breeze...
and RUBBER SEEDS litter the floor!
Ok I promised a post on Mangroves and I hope to convince you why this species is so important. Essentially, without them corals would not survive as they help to absorb all the excess nutrients in the water. Moreover, the bounty of marine creatures present allow for fishing communities to live by the river, depending on the wood for furniture and housing. Bakau wood is one of them. In adition, Vinegar Crabs, Grilled Mud Clams, the famous Chilli Crab that people relish all come from this habitat. Medically, the Horseshoe Crab is an important creature that contains toxin-detecting blood. So why not protect them?
Of course after a 6 year wait, I have finally found the Mangrove Murex!
if you look closely, there are thousands of shrimps in the water. We use this in local cuisine as the Heh Bee (Prawn Paste) or Belachan. Another reason to protect the Mangroves!
The Mangrove Ear Snail and the Nerite (unsure of ID though...)
Here's a photo!
So I continued cycling and saw this little exit to a small bay area/tidal river mouth. I named it Cosy Shore!
And look at the unexpected finds!
Dog Conch Mania!!!
Finally, to end off the day with a simple plate of fried rice!
