Just a short boat ride off Singapore’s northeastern coast, Pulau Ubin feels like stepping back in time. While the mainland hums with expressways and high-rises, this small island still moves at the pace of an old kampong: dirt tracks, wooden houses, chickens crossing the road, and forest that hums with birdsong. If you have ever wondered what Singapore looked like before the skyline, a day trip to Pulau Ubin is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to find out.
Whether you grew up here and have not been in years, or you have just arrived and want to see a different side of the country, this guide covers what the island is, how to get there, and what to do once you land.
What is Pulau Ubin?
Pulau Ubin is one of the last surviving pockets of kampong Singapore, a rural village life that has largely disappeared from the main island. The name loosely refers to the granite that was once quarried here, and you can still see old quarry lakes dotted around the island.
Today only a small number of residents remain, living simply among the greenery. There are no shopping malls, no traffic lights, and very little of the polish you find elsewhere in Singapore. Instead you get sandy paths, mangroves, abandoned plantations slowly returning to jungle, and a genuine sense of quiet. It is a nature reserve in spirit if not entirely in name, and a reminder of how much has changed in just a few decades.
How to get there: the bumboat from Changi
Getting to Pulau Ubin is half the fun. There is no bridge, so the only way across is by boat.
Make your way to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, near Changi Village on the northeastern tip of the mainland. From there you board a bumboat, a small wooden diesel-powered ferry that has shuttled passengers across this stretch of water for generations. The crossing itself takes only about ten to fifteen minutes.
A few practical notes on the bumboat from Changi:
- Boats generally leave when they have enough passengers rather than on a fixed timetable, so you may wait a little at quieter times.
- The one-way fare is modest, only a few dollars as a rough guide, with a small extra charge if you bring a bicycle across.
- Bring cash. Payment on the bumboats is often cash only, and you should carry small notes.
- Service runs through the day and into the evening, but the last boats back can leave early, so always check the return timing when you arrive so you are not stranded.
Tip: the bumboats have no fixed schedule and stop running in the evening. Plan to head back with plenty of daylight to spare, especially if you are cycling.
Getting around and renting a bicycle
Once you step off the jetty, you arrive at the main village, a cluster of low buildings, small eateries, and bicycle rental shops. The island is too spread out to see comfortably on foot, so most visitors explore on two wheels.
Cycling Pulau Ubin is the classic way to experience the island. Bicycle rental is easy to arrange at the shops near the jetty, and you can choose anything from a simple single-speed to a mountain bike better suited to the bumpier trails. Rates are charged per day and are very reasonable as a rough guide, and it is worth taking a moment to test the brakes and adjust the seat before you set off.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Some trails are paved and gentle, while others are rocky, sandy, or hilly. If you are not a confident rider, stick to the main routes.
- Wear covered shoes and go slowly on loose gravel.
- Keep an eye out for other cyclists, walkers, and the occasional vehicle on shared paths.
If cycling is not for you, walking the nearer trails or arranging a van ride for part of the journey are both options.
What to do on Pulau Ubin
Chek Jawa Wetlands
The star attraction for many is Chek Jawa, a rich intertidal ecosystem on the island’s eastern edge where several natural habitats meet: mangroves, seagrass lagoons, coastal forest, and sandy shore. A well-built boardwalk loops out over the water and through the mangroves, letting you walk above the wetlands without disturbing them.
Look out for mudskippers, crabs, and wading birds, and climb the Jejawi Tower, a viewing tower that rises above the tree canopy for a wide view over the coast. Chek Jawa is a fair ride from the village, so set aside time and energy for the trip out and back.
Puaka Hill
For the best view on the island, make your way to Puaka Hill, one of the highest points on Pulau Ubin. A short but steep climb rewards you with a lookout over a striking former granite quarry, its still water framed by rock faces and greenery. It is a favourite spot for photos and a good place to catch your breath.
Wildlife
Pulau Ubin is home to more wildlife than most of Singapore. With a little patience you may spot:
- Wild boar, sometimes with piglets, foraging near the trails.
- Oriental pied hornbills, large black-and-white birds with distinctive curved beaks, often seen in the treetops.
- Long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and a wealth of birds and insects.
Keep your distance from all animals, never feed them, and do not leave food unattended. Wild boar in particular should be given plenty of space, especially when young are nearby.
What to bring
The island is rustic, and shops are limited to the main village, so come prepared. A simple checklist:
- Water, and plenty of it. It gets hot and humid, and there is little shade on some stretches.
- Insect repellent. Mosquitoes are active near the mangroves and forest.
- Cash in small notes for the boat, bicycle rental, and food.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and covered shoes.
- A light rain jacket, as weather can change quickly.
- A charged phone, though do not rely on a strong signal everywhere.
Respecting the island
Pulau Ubin survives because visitors treat it gently. It is a living kampong and a haven for wildlife, not a theme park.
Take all your rubbish back to the mainland with you, stick to marked trails and boardwalks, and keep noise down so you and others can enjoy the calm. Do not pick plants, disturb animals, or remove anything from the shore. The residents still call this home, so be courteous as you would in any village. Leave the island exactly as you found it, and it will still be here for the next generation to discover.
A trip to Pulau Ubin is one of the simplest ways to slow down and see a wilder, older Singapore. Pack light, ride gently, and give yourself the whole day.
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