A one-day trip to Pulau Ubin

If you are dropping by Singapore and looking for a place to be away from the urbanized city, it is possible! Singapore is actually surrounded by many small islands and one of them is Pulau Ubin, situated at north east of Singapore.

The island Pulau Ubin, a Malay term which means Granite Island, is named due to the huge amount of abandoned granite quarries that could be found. Currently, the place remains rural with plenty of fauna and flora on site, attracting many nature lovers on a daily basis.

Travellers can get to the island from Singapore main island, via bum boats and the fee is affordable at $2.50 per person.

Be sure to take a photo at this sign when you arrive, just like what I did with my friends.

Do not be surprised if you see such stilt houses as they are a common sight at the island. Many villagers still remain living in Pulau Ubin, just like how it was in the 1960s. These residents lead simple lives as they make an earning through their small shops. Singaporeans like me often visit the place for cycling as prices are cheaper compared to those on the main island; similarly, for affordable dinners as you will be guaranteed fresh seafood.

Prices of bicycle rental ranges from $2 to $20 for the entire day. I must say it is quite a good deal!

In my opinion, cycling is the best way to explore the island as you will get to admire the natural surroundings. There is no fixed route so you can choose where ever you would want to cycle to.

For a start, just follow these main pavements and carry a map with you. For the adventure seekers, you can opt for the mountain biking trail set up by Ketam Mountain Bike Park, approximately 8km long.

I have also tried trekking among the woods and it was an interesting experience. Oh and remember to stay calm when you get to meet wild boars and monitor lizards along the way. It can get pretty tiring especially with the hot weather so do keep yourself hydrated as well.

If you work hard enough to get to the hill tops, you could also get to enjoy breathtaking views of the quarry. I have personally experienced this and all I can say is, it was a mesmerizing moment. It is hard to imagine that such scenery still exist in Singapore.

To learn more about nature, there are actually guided walk tours around Pulau Ubin so do check them out. One of the most popular places to visit on the island is Chek Jawa, a previous coral reel left behind many years ago. The atmosphere there was good, so much that my friends and I had to stop for a group photo.

There are actually many other activities that I have yet to explore such as setting up tents at the camping sites, fishing and going down to the mangroves.

If you have no intention of staying overnight at the island, do keep track of the time as the bum boats stop operating near sun set.

Trips to Pulau Ubin have always helped me to see Singapore in a different light and from time to time, I get to meet and interact with tourists who are equally attracted to this small island as well.

So, if you are interested in Mother Nature or simply just wish for a simple get away from the urbanized environment, why not consider Pulau Ubin as the next destination since it is just a 10-minute ride away from Singapore main island?

Have a great day!

Signing off,

Michelle