Pulau Ubin is the antidote to Singapore's polished city. This small island off the north-east coast, a ten-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, is one of the last places in the country where you can see a traditional kampong village: wooden houses on stilts, zinc roofs, fruit trees, chickens in the lanes, and a few dozen residents who still live much as rural Singaporeans did half a century ago. Granite quarrying once supported several thousand people here (ubin is the Malay word for the granite stone), and the abandoned quarries are now lakes ringed by forest, best seen from the viewing platforms along the island's roads. The way to explore is by bicycle. Rental shops in Ubin Village by the jetty hire out bikes by the day, and the island's quiet roads and trails lead to everything worth seeing: the quarry lakes, mangroves, shrines and seafood restaurants, and, for experienced riders, the Ketam Mountain Bike Park. The highlight is Chek Jawa at the eastern end, a wetland where several ecosystems meet, including sandy beach, rocky shore, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest, explored on a boardwalk that loops out over the sea and through the mangroves, with a viewing tower above the canopy. At low tide the shore reveals starfish, crabs and sea anemones. Wild boar, hornbills and monitor lizards are regulars around the island. It is hot, simple and slow, with basic facilities, which is exactly the point: a day here shows what Singapore was before the skyline.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Take the MRT to Tanah Merah or Tampines and a bus to Changi Village (bus 2 from Tanah Merah, 29 from Tampines or 59 from Tampines East), or a taxi to Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The bumboats run from early morning to early evening, usually leaving when twelve passengers are aboard, for a few dollars each way in cash, with a small extra charge for a bicycle. If you are alone you may wait a little, or pay more to leave sooner. Coming back, if no boat is waiting at the Ubin jetty, NParks has a helpline. Plan to be back on the mainland before dark.
A good day: arrive by 9am, rent bikes in the village (check brakes and tyres before you pay), cycle east to Chek Jawa, walk the boardwalk and tower, then ride back past the quarries and stop for a seafood lunch in the village or a cold coconut at one of the drink stalls. The island is mostly flat but has a few hills, and the heat is serious: carry water, sunscreen and insect repellent. There are toilets at the village and at key spots, and an NParks visitor area near the jetty with maps. Check the NParks site for any trail or boardwalk notices before you go.
Pulau Ubin is ideal for active couples, families with children who can ride, and anyone who has done the city and wants a glimpse of old Singapore. Finish back at Changi Village, whose hawker centre is famous for nasi lemak, and walk along the Changi Point Coastal Walk to watch planes and the sea. If you have a long layover with good timing, Ubin is even possible from the airport, though most travellers give it a relaxed full day.
What to expect
The experience
A rural island reached by bumboat, explored by rented bicycle, with a kampong village, quarry lakes, mangroves and the Chek Jawa wetland boardwalk.
Best time
Arrive in the morning to ride before the heat; check tide times if you want to explore Chek Jawa's shore at low tide.
How long
A full day including travel from the city.
Tips
Bring cash for the bumboat and bike rental. Check your bike before paying. Carry water and repellent. Head back before dark.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A day in old Singapore: kampong houses, wetlands and quiet bike rides.
- Families
- Great with kids who can cycle; the boat ride and wildlife are a hit.
- Couples
- An active, offbeat day ending with seafood at Changi Village.
- Pair with
- Changi Village hawker centre and the Changi Point Coastal Walk.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How do I get to Pulau Ubin?+
Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The ride is about ten minutes and costs a few dollars each way in cash, plus a small charge for a bicycle. Boats usually depart when twelve passengers are aboard.
Do I need to rent a bicycle?+
It is the best way to see the island. Rental shops near the jetty in Ubin Village hire bikes by the day. You can also walk, but distances to Chek Jawa are long in the heat.
What is Chek Jawa?+
A wetland at the eastern end of the island where beach, rocky shore, seagrass, mangroves and coastal forest meet. A boardwalk loops over the sea and through the mangroves, with a viewing tower above the trees.
Is there food on Pulau Ubin?+
Yes, simple seafood restaurants and drink stalls in Ubin Village. Bring water for the trails, and consider dinner at Changi Village afterwards.
Can I visit with young children?+
Yes, especially if they can ride a bike; some shops have child seats and smaller bikes. The roads are quiet, but the heat is intense, so plan rests.
