A Pulau Ubin lake (former quarry) |
Singapore has a few little islands used for different purposes (e.g., leisure, military, chemical/ energy and waste), however, there is one nice little island called, 'Pulau Ubin'. It's a less known island which is great for the adventurous type and those keen to explore, whether that's you prefer discovering a new place on foot or riding around on a bicycle.
There is only one way to get there and that's by bumboats. Bumboats operate from Changi Point Ferry Terminal from about 6am until about 8-9pm. So here's how to get to these bumboats and to Pulau Ubin.
Changi Point Ferry Terminal entry/ exit point |
Pulau Ubin town area - where you can hire bikes and eat seafood |
The pathway there is flat at first, but do expect some steep hills up and down and to walk at times. When you do reach the main area before the wetlands entry you'll feel relieved and pleased, and may even play witness to a few wild hogs grunting about. The trail towards Chek Jawa is made of bitumen, while others are rougher pathways.
The Chek Jawa Wetlands park is only open from 8:30am to 6:00pm. Please also note that there is a bicycle bay where you'll need to park your bicycle. It's normally quite safe (as there is only one way off the island, i.e., via bumboat..) but just note where you have parked your bicycle for later.
You may also see some wild boars as I did - see quick video here.
When you arrive there are a few bicycle stores you can hire bicycles from. There are normal push bicycles and a dual seat bicycle (with two seats for two people). Prices range from $8-10 for a bicycle a day on normal weekends*.
View from a Pulau Ubin seafood restaurant |
*Public holidays it's much busier and it is more expensive to hire bicycles (Up to $15 SGD on public holidays). So aim to arrive before midday to secure a bicycle - otherwise bring your own to the island.
Eat some seafood, drink some coconuts
You can eat at one of the seafood restaurants. There are about 3-4 main restaurants on the island. There's also coconuts that are sold at mini marts in town and also at drink stores scattered around the island. Coconuts cost around $3.00-3.50 SGD each and seafood prices are similar to those at coffee shops in town. At last check, one restaurant was selling chilli crabs for $45.00 SGD a kilo.
Bumboat fares |
Destination: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
Helpful websites:
Pulau Ubin map from Singapore National Parks |
Updated: 07/02/2014 - Added Singapore National Park map links for easy reference
Updated: 21/08/2014 - Added video of wild boar on Pulau Ubin Island
Updated: 23/06/2019 - Revised version of this post can be found on my travel blog
Related:
Video of wild boar at Pulau Ubin
Getting to and around Sungei Buloh wetlands reserve