Pulau Ubin is a little island off mainland Singapore. Kampong-style houses, mangrove swamps, quarries... Pulau Ubin is reminiscent of Singapore in the 1960's and 70's. I'm happy that attempts have been made to preserve Pulau Ubin as it is - it might be a different world from the glossy skyscrapers and pristine roads of mainland Singapore, but it's still the same Singapore at its core.
Now, there is only one way to access Pulau Ubin from mainland Singapore - from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Note that this is completely different from Changi Ferry Terminal, which is around 10-15 min away. Boats to Malaysia also ply from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, but for that, you need a passport/visa. If you are visiting Singapore and wish to travel to Pulau Ubin, you don't need any such documents as it is part of Singapore. Bumboats to Pulau Ubin ply all day, from 6 am-7 pm, and the ride costs around $2-3 per person. Usually, the boatman will wait till there are around 10 people before he starts the bumboat. The ride is around 15 min, and you get to enjoy scenic views of the brilliant teal-coloured sea.
Now, there is only one way to access Pulau Ubin from mainland Singapore - from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Note that this is completely different from Changi Ferry Terminal, which is around 10-15 min away. Boats to Malaysia also ply from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, but for that, you need a passport/visa. If you are visiting Singapore and wish to travel to Pulau Ubin, you don't need any such documents as it is part of Singapore. Bumboats to Pulau Ubin ply all day, from 6 am-7 pm, and the ride costs around $2-3 per person. Usually, the boatman will wait till there are around 10 people before he starts the bumboat. The ride is around 15 min, and you get to enjoy scenic views of the brilliant teal-coloured sea.
Once you reach Pulau Ubin, you will see a large map and signboards pointing you to different parts of the island. You'll see these signs everywhere about the island, which is really handy. You will also notably see coffee shops and bicycle shops once you reach the island. If you can cycle, please do rent a bicycle. It's probably the best way to get around the island. Otherwise, you can also easily walk to most places around Pulau Ubin. You might be able to get your hands on some snacks and refreshments, like I got this fresh coconut to drink from. I thought the traditional kampong-style houses were really charming. Right at the entry point of the island, you'll also see this temple which was a convenient point of access for Chinese islanders in the past.
I'd advise bringing along packed lunch or food if you're visiting instead of relying on the food courts on the island, because most of them probably open in the evenings only. Also, there are ample shelters and restrooms all around the island so you don't have to worry about that bit.
I'd advise bringing along packed lunch or food if you're visiting instead of relying on the food courts on the island, because most of them probably open in the evenings only. Also, there are ample shelters and restrooms all around the island so you don't have to worry about that bit.
Butterfly Hill was nice and flowery. And as the name suggests, there were loads of butterflies about. But they were quite hard to catch on camera! So enjoy watching them instead of taking pictures. These are some shots of the place:
Walking on from Butterfly Hill, we ventured towards one of the quarries on the island. All quarries are no longer in use, but they have been filled with rainwater. Not only are they admirable to the eye, they are now the perching spot for birds like herons. Amazing how Nature restores herself after humans are done using her resources. On the way, we also saw some nice little ponds (below). The first image here is of Pekan Quarry.
A little ahead of Pekan Quarry is Puaka Hill, but that is only accessible to cyclists. So we went back the way we came and decided to take a route through the island, through the fruit trails and orchards on our way to Chek Jawa wetlands, which I was most excited for. The orchards were really adorable and comprised of familiar shrubs and trees we are extremely fond of in South and Southeast Asia - such as bananas and mangoes. Many weren't in their harvest season, but they were still a joy to look at all the same, especially when you are a plant-lover like me. While walking down the trails and orchards we saw some monkeys - eek! But they are quite friendly, just remember not to feed them!
Also, along the way I spotted this really pretty kampong house:
Now, on to Chek Jawa! These are natural wetlands comprising of mangroves and other wetland flora and fauna. There is a really cute visitor centre that gives you a little overview of the history of Check Jawa. Chek Jawa is all the way on one edge of the island. There are boardwalks built nicely along the swamps and the coast that lead you to a rectangular deck right in the middle of the sea. The boardwalk was hands-down the best part about Pulau Ubin. I'll let the photos below do rest of the talking. Also, just look at the natural colour gradient on the rocks!
I also spotted more creatures! So I don't how good the image's resolution is, but there were these adorable tiny crabs in the wetlands. There was also this lizard/croc/I dunno fella swimming in the warm sea. I also spotted some wild boars later while waiting for a taxi that would bring us back to the entrance of the island where the little pier is. Now, there are these taxis that can bring you around the island, which is really handy after a long day of walking and when it gets really hot. Before leaving, I also had two ice cream bars in two delicious, super local and authentic flavours - teh tarik (Singapore-style milky, frothy tea) and red bean. What a treat after a long day!
I'm finishing off the post with a few more shots of the traditional kampong-style shophouses and the pier. If you love a good trek and would like to explore tropical wetlands, Pulau Ubin is a great place to spend the day out.
- August 2019