Pulau Ubin is a hidden gem in Singapore, a small island that offers a glimpse into the past, a haven for nature lovers, and a playground for adventure seekers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or a thrilling experience, Pulau Ubin has something for everyone. In this guide, we will show you how to get to Pulau Ubin, what to do on the island, and what to eat there. You will also find tips and recommendations for different types of travellers, such as families, solo travellers, couples, and groups. Ready to explore Pulau Ubin? Let’s go!
How to Get to Pulau Ubin
The easiest and most popular way to get to Pulau Ubin is by ferry from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which is located near Changi Village. The ferry operates from 6 am to 7 pm daily, and costs $3 per person per trip. The ferry is a traditional wooden bumboat that can accommodate up to 12 passengers. You can either wait for the boat to fill up, or pay for the remaining seats if you are in a hurry. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and you will enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the island along the way.
Alternatively, you can also take a boat from Punggol Point Jetty, which is located near Punggol Waterway Park. The boat operates from 7 am to 7 pm daily, and costs $7 per person per trip. The boat is a modern fiberglass vessel that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. You can either book the boat online, or pay on the spot. The journey takes about 10 minutes, and you will pass by Coney Island and Pulau Serangoon along the way.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also kayak to Pulau Ubin from Pasir Ris Park or Changi Beach Park. You will need to rent a kayak from one of the operators in the parks, and follow the designated routes to the island. The kayak trip can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your speed and the weather conditions. You will need to have some kayaking experience, and wear a life jacket and a helmet. You will also need to register with the authorities before and after your trip. Kayaking to Pulau Ubin is a great way to enjoy the marine life and the mangroves along the way, but it is also physically demanding and potentially risky, so be prepared and cautious.
What to Do on Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, as it boasts a variety of habitats and species that are rare or extinct on the mainland. You can explore the island on foot, by bike, or by boat, and discover its natural wonders and hidden treasures.
Nature and Wildlife
One of the must-see attractions on Pulau Ubin is Chek Jawa Wetlands, a 100-hectare area that contains six different ecosystems, such as seagrass lagoons, mangroves, coral reefs, and sandy beaches. You can walk along the 1.1-km boardwalk that winds through the wetlands, and observe the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area, such as crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, monitor lizards, and wild boars. You can also climb up the Jejawi Tower, a 20-metre high observation tower that offers a panoramic view of the wetlands and the surrounding islands. Chek Jawa Wetlands is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you will need to book a guided tour if you want to visit the intertidal zone, which is only accessible during low tide. You can book the tour online, or at the Visitor Centre, which is located near the entrance of the wetlands. The tour costs $60 per group of up to 15 people, and lasts for about 90 minutes. The tour is a great way to learn more about the ecology and conservation of the wetlands, and to see some of the rare and endangered species that live there, such as the knobbly sea star, the horseshoe crab, and the dugong.
Another attraction for nature lovers is Pulau Ubin Animal and Birdwatching, a private sanctuary that houses over 200 animals and birds, such as monkeys, deer, peacocks, parrots, and hornbills. You can walk around the sanctuary, and feed and interact with some of the animals and birds. You can also watch a bird show, where you can see some of the birds perform tricks and stunts. Pulau Ubin Animal and Birdwatching is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily, and admission is $10 per person. You can also book a private tour, which costs $150 per group of up to 10 people, and lasts for about an hour. The tour is a fun and educational way to learn more about the animals and birds, and their stories and personalities.
If you are looking for a more relaxing and scenic experience, you can visit Butterfly Hill, a landscaped garden that is home to over 140 species of butterflies, such as the blue pansy, the common rose, and the painted lady. You can stroll along the paths, and admire the colorful and delicate creatures that flutter around the flowers and plants. You can also learn more about the life cycle and behavior of the butterflies, and how to attract and protect them. Butterfly Hill is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm daily, and admission is free.
For a more sensory and immersive experience, you can try the Sensory Trail, a 1.5-km trail that engages your five senses as you explore the natural and cultural elements of the island. You can touch, smell, taste, hear, and see the various plants, herbs, fruits, and spices that grow along the trail, and learn about their uses and benefits. You can also experience the kampong lifestyle, and see how the villagers live and work on the island. The Sensory Trail is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you will need to book a guided tour if you want to fully enjoy the trail, as the guides will provide you with more information and insights, and help you to identify and interact with the plants and the villagers. You can book the tour online, or at the Visitor Centre, which is located near the entrance of the trail. The tour costs $15 per person, and lasts for about 2 hours. The tour is a unique and memorable way to experience the island, and to appreciate its natural and cultural diversity.
Adventure and Sports
Pulau Ubin is also a paradise for adventure and sports enthusiasts, as it offers a range of activities and challenges that will test your skills and stamina. You can cycle, camp, swim, fish, or kayak on the island, and enjoy the thrill and excitement of the great outdoors.
One of the most popular activities on Pulau Ubin is cycling, as the island has many bike trails that cater to different levels of difficulty and interest. You can rent a bike from one of the many shops near the jetty, and explore the island at your own pace and preference. You can choose from a variety of bikes, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, or tandem bikes, and pay according to the duration and quality of the bike. The rental rates range from $2 to $15 per hour, or $8 to $30 per day. You can also hire a guide, who will show you the best routes and spots on the island, and provide you with more information and tips. The guide fee ranges from $50 to $100 per group of up to 10 people, and lasts for about 3 hours. Cycling on Pulau Ubin is a fun and healthy way to see the island, and to experience its natural beauty and charm.
If you are looking for a more challenging and adventurous cycling experience, you can try the Ketam Mountain Bike Park, a 10-km trail that is designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. The trail has various sections that vary in difficulty and terrain, such as rocky, sandy, or muddy paths, steep slopes, sharp turns, and narrow bridges. You will need to have some mountain biking experience, and wear a helmet and gloves. You will also need to follow the signs and rules of the trail, and be aware of the other cyclists and pedestrians. The Ketam Mountain Bike Park is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you will need to bring your own mountain bike, or rent one from the shops near the jetty. The rental rates for mountain bikes range from $10 to $20 per hour, or $30 to $60 per day. The Ketam Mountain Bike Park is a thrilling and exhilarating way to test your skills and endurance, and to enjoy the scenic views of the island and the sea.
If you prefer to stay overnight on the island, you can camp at one of the designated camping sites, such as Jelutong, Mamam, or Endut Senin. You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and other camping essentials, and register with the authorities before and after your stay. You will also need to follow the camping rules and etiquette, such as keeping the site clean, quiet, and safe. Camping on Pulau Ubin is a great way to experience the island’s rustic and tranquil atmosphere, and to enjoy the night sky and the sounds of nature.
If you are looking for a more refreshing and relaxing activity, you can swim, fish, or kayak at one of the beaches or reservoirs on the island, such as Mamam Beach, Ubin Quarry, or Celestial Resort. You can rent a kayak from one of the operators on the island, and paddle around the calm and clear waters, and admire the scenery and the wildlife. You can also swim or fish at some of the designated spots, but be careful of the currents, the rocks, and the marine creatures. Swimming, fishing, and kayaking on Pulau Ubin are fun and leisurely ways to cool off and enjoy the sun and the sea.
Culture and Heritage
Pulau Ubin is also a paradise for culture and heritage enthusiasts, as it preserves the traditional and authentic kampong lifestyle, and showcases the diverse and rich religious and historical aspects of the island. You can visit the temples, shrines, and monuments on the island, and learn about their stories and significance.
One of the most interesting and mysterious attractions on Pulau Ubin is the Wei Tuo Fa Gong Temple, also known as the German Girl Shrine. The temple is dedicated to a German girl who died on the island during World War I, and whose spirit is believed to protect and bless the islanders. You can see the statue of the girl, dressed in a wedding gown and holding a bottle of perfume, and the offerings and prayers that the devotees leave for her. You can also learn more about the history and legend of the girl, and how she became a deity on the island. The Wei Tuo Fa Gong Temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you will need to respect the customs and beliefs of the temple, and refrain from taking photos or touching the statue.
Another attraction for culture lovers is the Fo Shan Ting Da Bo Gong Temple, also known as the Tua Pek Kong Temple. The temple is dedicated to the Chinese god of prosperity and wealth, and is one of the oldest and largest temples on the island. You can see the elaborate and colorful architecture and decorations of the temple, and the statues and paintings of the god and other deities. You can also join the festivals and celebrations that the temple hosts, such as the Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Birthday of Tua Pek Kong. The Fo Shan Ting Da Bo Gong Temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you will need to follow the etiquette and rules of the temple, such as removing your shoes, bowing to the god, and burning incense.
If you want to experience the kampong lifestyle, you can visit the Pulau Ubin Community Centre, which is a hub for the local community and visitors. You can see the traditional and simple houses and shops that the villagers live and work in, and the various activities and events that they organize and participate in, such as gardening, cooking, dancing, and singing. You can also interact with the villagers, and learn more about their culture, language, and values. The Pulau Ubin Community Centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you will need to be friendly and respectful to the villagers, and ask for their permission before taking photos or joining their activities.
What to Eat on Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is also a paradise for foodies, as it offers a variety of local cuisine and delicacies that reflect the island’s history, culture, and diversity. You can find many places to eat on the island, such as restaurants, cafes, stalls, and kiosks, that serve delicious and affordable food and drinks.
One of the best places to eat on Pulau Ubin is Season Live Seafood, a restaurant that specializes in fresh and succulent seafood, such as crabs, prawns, fish, and clams. You can choose from a range of dishes, such as chili crab, black pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab, cereal prawns, steamed fish, and sambal clams. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the sea and the island from the restaurant, and the friendly and attentive service of the staff. Season Live Seafood is open from 11 am to 9 pm daily, and the price ranges from $10 to $50 per person, depending on the type and quantity of the seafood. You can also book a table online, or call the restaurant at +65 6542 8923.
Another place to eat on Pulau Ubin is Ubin First Stop Restaurant, a cafe that serves a variety of local and western dishes, such as nasi lemak, mee goreng, chicken rice, burgers, and pizzas. You can also try their signature dish, the Ubin Nasi Lemak, which consists of coconut rice, fried chicken, fried egg, ikan bilis, peanuts, and sambal. You can also enjoy the cozy and rustic atmosphere of the cafe, and the free wifi and charging points. Ubin First Stop Restaurant is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily, and the price ranges from $5 to $15 per person, depending on the dish. You can also order online, or call the cafe at +65 6542 7038.
If you are looking for a more casual and convenient place to eat on Pulau Ubin, you can try the stalls and kiosks that are scattered around the island, especially near the jetty and the attractions. You can find a variety of snacks and drinks, such as ice cream, coconut water, fried banana, and kaya toast. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as the Pulau Ubin rojak, which is a salad of fruits, vegetables, tofu, and dough fritters, tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The stalls and kiosks are open from 8 am to 6 pm daily, and the price ranges from $1 to $5 per item, depending on the size and quality. You can also pay by cash or by mobile app, such as PayNow or GrabPay.
Pulau Ubin is a unique and wonderful destination in Singapore, that offers a range of attractions and activities for different types of travellers. You can experience the rustic beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife of the island, and enjoy the fun and excitement of the adventure and sports. You can also taste the delicious and authentic cuisine and delicacies of the island, and interact with the friendly and hospitable villagers. Pulau Ubin is a place that will make you feel nostalgic, amazed, and refreshed, and a place that you will want to visit again and again.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Pulau Ubin today, and discover the island paradise for yourself.
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