The Ultimate Guide to Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is an excellent day trip from Singapore. It is a place to escape the busy city. This article will cover everything you need to know about Pulau Ubin, including how to get there and what to do while there.
Just off the coast of Singapore, you will find Pulau Ubin. This tiny island, once home to thousands of settlers, is now home to approximately 40 villagers. This beautiful green island of Singapore is nothing like its Indonesian neighbours, such as the Batam or Bintan Islands.
For starters, the bumboat ride is only minutes away, and the wildlife and surroundings on this tiny island are beautiful. You can make it a day trip or stay overnight at one of the campsites.
The word Ubin means granite in Malay, as Pulau Ubin was once known for its granite quarries, which are no longer in use.
Klook.comA Comprehensive Guide to Pulau Ubin
How to get to Pulau Ubun
How to go there: Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which should not be mistaken for the Changi Ferry Terminal. Bumboats operate from 6 am to 7 pm daily. There are no scheduled times; they fill them up as people arrive at the ferry pier; the cost is currently $4 or $6 if you bring your bike. If there are no ferries there (especially after 7 pm), call the hotline on 1800-471 7300 for assistance. No tickets are needed; cash is only paid on board before you leave.
- Address: 51 Lorong Bekukong, Singapore 499172
- Nearest MRT station: Tanah Merah MRT Station
If you arrive at the ferry terminal early, head over to the Changi Village Rd Market and Hawker Centre for that all-important Kopi before your bumboat ride. Try Gyi Lim at 01-80 B (it is only a few minutes walk) for your morning fix.
What Should You Pack For Pulau Ubin?
Pack light, as you will be carrying it all day.
- sunscreen
- water
- cash
- sunglasses
- hat
- snacks
- insect repellent
Things Everyone Needs to Know Before Visiting Pulau Ubin
A few places, including Teck Seng’s Place and other places of interest, are only open on the weekends.
- Bikes are the best way to get around the island, but walking is also possible.
- Cash is only on the island of Ubin, so remember to bring small notes if possible.
- Lather yourself with insect repellent and sunscreen before you go, and bring it along for good measure. A day out in the wilderness might see you both bitten by mosquitoes and burnt to a crisp.
- There are plenty of places to hire bikes, so be aware of hiring one from the first vendor you see and check your bikes; the bike I hired could not change the gears, which made climbing hills enjoyable!
- Bring water, as there aren’t many shops around the island, and it isn’t advisable to drink water there.
What to Do at Pulau Ubin Singapore
Start at The Nature Gallery
Although there is little to see here, it is an excellent start to your island adventure. It will only take a few minutes to read what the wildlife is like on this tiny island and places of interest. It is a few short metres from where you step off the jetty.
Cycle to Chek Jawa Wetlands
Chek Jawa Wetlands is one of the few places in Singapore with a natural rocky shoreline. The man-made Chek Jawa Boardwalk allows you to explore the wetland area. Head further along, and you will find the Jejawi Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the island.
Pay Your Respects At The German Girl Shrine.
The German Girl Shrine is a little way off the track, dedicated to a German girl who lived and died there. Her parents owned a plantation on the island, and before the war broke out, the British captured the owner and his family.
However, it is believed that the girl escaped and unfortunately fell to her death as she fell off the cliff’s edge and into the awaiting quarry. Her remains and her silver crucifix are stored in an urn that they placed on the shrine.
Stop By Pekan Quarry
Head over to the Lookout point for Pekan Quarry, which you will find at Ketam Hilltop View Point. If you are travelling via bike, a sign says, “Cyclist this way only,” which is the only reference to where the viewpoint is.
It is worth checking out, as there are many birds around there, and of course, the quarry is beautiful and peaceful.
Visit Teck Seng’s Place
This historic Kampung house was once home to three generations of the Chew family. Teck Seng’s place is only open every second weekend and public holidays, open between 10 am and 2 pm. Step inside this charming museum where visitors will experience what living in the ’70s in Pulau Ubin village was like for themselves.
Wander Through Butterfly Hill
I hardly ever see butterflies these days, and their numbers are declining due to human activities, including severe weather, deforestation, and the rise of industrialised agriculture.
Butterfly Hill was a welcomed stop, with many types of butterflies fluttering around in their natural habitat. Nature is abundant here on Pulau Ubin, and this little part of the island is the perfect location for them.
Stop by Chek Jawa Visitor Centre (House No. 1)
The visitor centre was once a home built as a holiday house for Landon Williams in the 1930s. This tutor-style house is the only remaining one of its kind in Singapore; its distinct architecture will make you feel like you have stepped on the shores of the United Kingdom.
Join a Walking Tour
If you want to do something different and discover Pulau Ubin on a guided tour, check out the website before you go.
There are several different types of tours, so book in advance. They fill up quickly, and there aren’t many to choose from, as groups are still restricted.
Kayak Through the Mangroves
What better way to experience this beautiful island than kayaking through the mangroves? Children as young as seven can join the fun, as this is a leisurely beginner-level tandem paddle.
Book your spot on this kayaking adventure. You’ll spot a range of wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of the mangroves.
Join a Chek Jawa Tour and Pulau Ubin Seafood Lunch
Last Friday of the Month: Pulau Ubin Seafood Lunch And Chek Jawa Tour
will pick you up from Singapore and take you on a guided tour in and around Pulau Ubin. The journey will take you to the deserted Island Chief’s house, Kampong Melayu and the jungle terrain.
Tour Kelong and Pulau Ubin Guided by Boat
This 3-hour Kelong tour is on Catamaran, as the waters around the Northeastern islands are charming – you’ll find people fishing, loads of nature, mangrove swamps and the idyllic life of residents who live in kelongs. You will also be taken up close to Pulau Ubin (the only inhabited island out of Singapore’s 63 islands) and explore it from the sea.
Hike Puaka Hill
Hiking Puaka Hill on Pulau Ubin is a fantastic adventure for nature lovers. Depending on your fitness level, the hike takes about. 10 minutes. The entire trail isn’t long, and it won’t take more than 10-20 minutes to reach the top.
The trail is suitable for moderate fitness, as it involves some steep and rocky sections. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring plenty of water for this exhilarating outdoor experience!
If You Want To Stay The Night
If you want to do more than a day trip to Ubin Island, time is not a factor, and camping is your thing, then you can experience a proper campsite on this tiny island.
There are two campsites to choose from: Jelutong and Mamam. Both locations have toilets, but to be honest not much else happens. Although the grounds are both temporarily closed, rules change so often that it is worth checking if you can camp here before you go.
Where To Eat in Pulau Ubin
If you are anything like me, food is your number-one thought on any day trip. If you are okay with local cuisine, you will not be disappointed. Remember that some restaurants do not open on Tuesday, and others only open on the weekend. Here are your choices.
Ah Ma’s Drink Stall
Okay, so you can not eat here but can stop by for juice or a fresh coconut!! Who doesn’t love a fresh coconut on a hot day? This little family-run business is a great place to stop for a drink and a great photo opportunity.
Cheong Lian Yuen Seafood
It might be a little to look at, and it is not fine dining. Instead, the plastic outdoor setting kind of has its rustic charm. Situated next to the water (literally), this little restaurant has delicious fresh food. Service is friendly, but it is so busy that they do seem quite rushed off their feet. Check out their Facebook page for more information on Checong Lian Yuen Seafood.
Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
Smith Marine is the first of its kind in Singapore. It is a floating Chinese restaurant between Singapore and Pulau Ubin that offers superb freshly caught fish of the day. To get there, you have to book a return ten-passenger bumboat at the cost of $100, so I would suggest you get a group of five together before attempting to book here.
Season Live Seafood
The Season Live Seafood is not open on Tuesdays, but it is open every other day between 10 am and 6 pm on weekdays and until 630pm on weekends.
You should time your visit well because the wait time can be extended (up to 1 hour). The food was good, with local cuisine beside the water’s edge.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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