Planning a day trip to Pulau Ubin? If you’re craving a quick escape, Pulau Ubin offers a refreshing step back into Singapore’s kampong past. Pulau Ubin offers a glimpse of Singapore’s past that feels worlds away from the city. Here’s what to know before you go – from scenic cycling routes and hidden quarries to whether it’s better to pack your own lunch or try the local stalls.
Just remember, first and foremost, it’s cash only. There aren’t ATMs there, so bring small bills for your Pulau Ubin day trip and, especially, for your bumboat ride!
Getting to Pulau Ubin from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Head to Changi Village and look for the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. You won’t find formal ticket counters. Just join the queue for Pulau Ubin. Bumboats operate on demand from 6am to 7pm and leave when about 12 people are ready to go.
Don’t worry if you’re solo or in a small group; you won’t wait too long, and sometimes boatmen will go with fewer passengers for a higher price per person. The ride takes roughly 10 minutes. Enjoy the breeze and views of the water – it’s a short, sweet voyage!
- Cost: $4/person each way for the bumboat (plus $2 if you’re bringing a bicycle). Pay the captain in cash once you board.
- No passport or visa required
Top things to do in Pulau Ubin: Attractions and activities
1. Cycle through rustic trails
One of the best things to do in Pulau Ubin is simply cycling around and soaking in the kampong scenery. Pedal past coconut palms, wooden houses, and even the occasional wandering pig or monkey. Here are some popular cycling routes:
- Ubin Quarry & Puaka Hill
Start your ride heading northwest from the jetty towards Puaka Hill. It’s the highest point on Ubin and a short hike up (about 15-20 minutes uphill) rewards you with a stunning view of Ubin Quarry’s blue lagoon below. Bikes must be left at the trail entrance, so bring a bike lock if you’re worried.
- Chek Jawa Wetlands
On the eastern side, Chek Jawa is a unique natural area where six ecosystems meet. Cycle (~20–30 mins ride from jetty) to Chek Jawa, then explore the boardwalk on foot. Do try to time your Chek Jawa visit during low tide (check tidal times online) so you can see more marine life on the mudflats.
- Secret coastal routes
Explore smaller trails leading to the northern beaches (like Noordin Beach or Mamam Beach). These are quiet, lesser-known spots where you might picnic or just enjoy the sea view. The paths can be a bit rugged, but it’s all part of the adventure!
2. Visit Chek Jawa Wetlands
Chek Jawa deserves its own highlight because it’s such a gem of Pulau Ubin. It’s a wetland sanctuary where you can witness a variety of ecosystems – sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, mangroves, coastal forest – all in one place.
- Coastal Boardwalk
Stroll along the boardwalk that skirts the coast. During low tide, this is where you’ll spot marine critters. Look down into the clear shallows for starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and the amusing mudskippers.
- Mangrove Boardwalk
This section takes you through the mangrove forest. It’s shaded and cool. You’ll see bent roots of mangrove trees, hear cicadas, and maybe spot some mud lobsters’ mounds or climbing crabs on tree trunks.
- Jejawi Tower
Don’t skip climbing this 20-metre-tall observation tower. The view from the top is breathtaking – lush green canopies below, the sea and mainland Singapore in the distance. It’s a bird-watching haven too; bring binoculars if you’re into that.
- Chek Jawa Visitor Centre (House No. 1)
There’s a charming Tudor-style cottage (a colonial-era holiday house) at Chek Jawa’s entrance, which now serves as an info centre. It has informative panels about the wildlife of the area and the history of Chek Jawa, and it’s also a nice, shady spot to rest.
3. Hike up Puaka Hill
A remnant of Pulau Ubin’s quarrying past, Puaka Hill perfectly captures the island’s blend of history and natural beauty, making it one of the top attractions in Pulau Ubin. If you only have time for one short hike on the island, make it Puaka Hill. The trail takes just about 20 minutes each way, but don’t be fooled by its length – it’s steep and rocky in parts, so wear proper shoes.
The reward is worth every step: from the summit, you’ll get a breathtaking panoramic view of Ubin Quarry, a former granite mine now transformed into a turquoise lake surrounded by lush greenery. Come early in the morning for cooler weather and a tranquil experience, as you might have the peak all to yourself.
Did you know: Puaka Hill is a clear example of Ubin’s history – the island was once known for granite mining (Pulau Ubin means “Granite Island” in Malay)!
4. Explore Ubin’s kampong life & heritage
Beyond nature, Pulau Ubin is charming for its preserved village life. Spend some time near the main village to appreciate Ubin’s cultural side:
- Ubin Town (Main Village)
Right by the jetty is a small cluster of rustic buildings – this is “Ubin Town.” Here you’ll find the few provision shops, bicycle rental places, and local residents’ homes. Check out the traditional architecture of wooden kampong houses and the laid-back kopitiam vibes.
- Wayang Stage & Temple
In the village, you might notice an open-sided structure with red pillars – this is the Wayang Stage. It’s used for Chinese opera performances during festivities (like the Tua Pek Kong festival). Right next to it is a Chinese temple, Wei Tuo Fa Gong, dedicated to local deities including the island’s guardian spirits. Even if you’re not religious, the temple is a fascinating peek into local customs – feel free to step in quietly and observe the statues and incense coils.
- Kampong houses
Take a leisurely ride or walk towards the western side (Jelutong campsite area) or around Ubin Town’s backroads, and you’ll pass by old kampong houses. Some are still inhabited by locals who’ve lived here for decades.
- Ubin Visitor Centre exhibits
Near the jetty is a Visitor Centre with exhibits about the island’s wildlife and history. If you’re interested in the heritage of Pulau Ubin, drop in for a quick look.
5. Go bird watching or kayaking (for adventure-seekers)
Pulau Ubin is a bird sanctuary in many ways. Bring binoculars, and you might spot oriental pied hornbills, kingfishers by the mangroves, herons, woodpeckers, and more. Chek Jawa and the sensory trail area (near the jetty) are known spots for diverse birdlife.
Some tour operators also offer kayaking tours around Pulau Ubin, taking you through mangrove channels. It’s a fantastic way to see the island’s mangrove forests up close and possibly spot water monitor lizards or otters in the water.
6. Enjoy local eats & coconut drinks
After hours of cycling and exploring, you’ll likely work up an appetite. The food scene on Ubin is rustic and limited, but there are a few gems to try:
- Seafood lunch by the jetty
Pulau Ubin is famous for its seafood restaurants right near the jetty. Enjoy a kampong-style meal of chilli crab, sambal squid, and cereal prawns at spots like Season Live Seafood or Cheong Lian Yuen. The open-air setting, plastic chairs, and sea breeze add to the island charm. While slightly pricier, sharing hearty zi-char dishes with friends after a morning of cycling is the perfect way to round off your Pulau Ubin day trip.
- Encik Hassan’s Mee Rebus & Nasi Lemak
For authentic local fare, stop by Encik Hassan’s stall near the jetty – a Pulau Ubin icon for over 30 years. This humble eatery serves hearty Malay favourites like mee rebus, mee siam, and nasi lemak.
- Drinks, coconuts and provision shops
There aren’t many dining spots on Pulau Ubin – only around four main eateries near the jetty – but you’ll find a few provision shops and drink stalls to keep you refreshed. Grab a fresh coconut or an old-school glass-bottled soda after exploring, or stop by Ah Ma Drink Stall on the way to Chek Jawa for a cold drink and homegrown fruits like durians in season.
Pulau Ubin day trip itinerary
| Time | Activity | Details & Tips |
| 8.30am | Breakfast at Changi Village Hawker Centre |
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| 9.15am | Take the bumboat to Pulau Ubin |
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| 9.30am | Rent a bike and grab a map |
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| 10am | Cycle to Puaka Hill |
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| 11am | Visit Chek Jawa Wetlands |
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| 12.30pm | Lunch near Ubin Jetty |
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| 2pm | Explore kampong life and heritage |
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| 3.30pm | Optional: Kayaking or visit Pekan Quarry |
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| 5pm | Return to Changi Village |
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Pulau Ubin essentials: Bike rental, maps & getting around
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Bike rentals
You can rent a bicycle from one of the many shops right near the jetty. Standard mountain bikes might go for around $10 – $15 a day, while better mountain bikes or tandem bikes cost a bit more. Don’t hesitate to test a bike and ensure the brakes work and the seat height is right.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting on a weekday or non-peak hour, you can politely negotiate for a better rate, especially if you’re renting multiple bikes or for a full day.
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Maps and trails
Grab a free Pulau Ubin map from the Visitor Centre (right by the jetty) or snap a photo of the large map display. Key trails like the Puaka Hill trail, Chek Jawa trail, and routes to the Western half of the island are clearly marked. The main roads are paved or dirt/gravel and generally easy to follow. Ubin isn’t huge (about 10 km²), so even if you take a wrong turn, you’re never too far off track. In any case, the locals are friendly, so you can ask anyone for directions if needed.
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What to bring
Essentials include insect repellent (Ubin’s mosquitoes are famously ferocious, especially in forested areas), sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Pack some snacks if you tend to get hungry while exploring. And while there are a few eateries on the island, options are limited and clustered near the jetty.
Frequently asked questions about trips to Pulau Ubin
Is Pulau Ubin worth visiting?
Yes, Pulau Ubin is absolutely worth visiting if you love nature, outdoor adventures, or want to relive a slice of old Singapore. Known as the country’s “last kampong,” it offers rustic trails, tranquil quarries, and a slower pace that’s worlds apart from city life. Whether you’re cycling, birdwatching, or exploring with friends, a day trip to Pulau Ubin feels like a mini getaway
How long does it take to walk around Pulau Ubin?
Walking around Pulau Ubin entirely would take several hours – the island spans about 10 km². A one-way walk from Ubin Jetty to Chek Jawa takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, while reaching Puaka Hill takes about 40 minutes. Covering everything on foot in a day is tough, so most visitors rent a bicycle to save time and energy. If you do walk, start early, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
Do I need to bring a passport to Pulau Ubin?
You don’t need a passport to visit Pulau Ubin — it’s fully part of Singapore, not an overseas trip. The bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal is considered a local ferry, with no immigration checks or entry fees required.
Planning the perfect Pulau Ubin day trip
From things to do in Pulau Ubin like cycling to Chek Jawa and hiking Puaka Hill, to simply chilling with a fresh coconut by the jetty, Ubin offers a myriad of experiences that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. You’ll return with muddy shoes, likely a sunburn, but definitely a heart full of kampong spirit and great memories. And if this island adventure leaves you hungry for more, remember there are other off-the-beaten-path escapes like the Southern Islands of Singapore or even a quick jaunt across the Causeway (public bus to JB, anyone?). For longer stays amidst nature, you could also consider unwinding at some of the best chalets in Singapore after your Ubin day out.
