Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore’s largest offshore islands, located northeast of the mainland. The island, named for its thriving granite mining industry, was once home to over 2,000 residents, according to the 1970 census. Today, there are only 20 residents remaining on Pulau Ubin. However, the island remains a familiar rustic getaway, where visitors can cycle, hike, fish, and camp in one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems.
Pulau Ubin made the news earlier in September when a visitor had a fare dispute with a boat operator. The visitor alleged that the boat operator charged $5 for the ride, $1 more than the expected fare of $4, which he refused to pay. Eventually, instead of paying just $1 more to the boat operator, the visitor ending up chartering their own boat, which cost them $48, much more than they probably spent on the island itself.
In fact, spending the day in Pulau Ubin is one of the most value-for-money experiences that Singaporeans and tourists alike can enjoy.
| Activity | Cost |
| Parking at Changi Point Ferry Terminal | $12 for 10 hours |
| Bumboat Ride (2 ways) | $8 |
| Food (2 meals) | $20 |
| Bicycle Rental | $15 for whole day |
| Miscellaneous Expenses (Water, insect repellent, etc.) | $13 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $68 |
Getting To Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Price: $12 for parking
Drivers can park their cars in one of the public carparks around Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Parking is charged at $0.60 per 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take one of several buses that terminate at Changi Village Bus Terminal, including bus service number 2 from Tanah Merah MRT Station, and bus 29 from Tampines MRT Station.
Bumboat Ride
Price: At least $4 per person, an additional $2 per bicycle
The 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal is the only way for the general public to reach Pulau Ubin. The on-demand services operate daily between 6am and 7pm, though it is advisable to be at the jetty at Pulau Ubin by 5.30pm to ensure you’re not stranded on the island overnight.
Source: Instagram/ruiyu25
Pulau Ubin boat operators prefer to wait till they have 12 passengers before departing. However, as the visitor earlier this month discovered, should there be fewer than 12 passengers, expect to pay $1 to $2 more.
Bicycle Rental
Price: From $8 per day (hourly rates also available)
There are several bicycle rental shops on the island, so prices are relatively competitive. Depending on which parts of Pulau Ubin you plan to visit, choose the right bicycle for your needs. Most of the shops will provide you with options, including city bikes, mountain bikes. and tandem bikes.
Source: Klook
Always remember to check the condition of your bicycle before leaving. Make sure that the brakes are not faulty, and that the bicycle chain works as intended.
Read Also: Cost Guide On Bicycle Rentals (ECP, WCP, Sentosa, Coney Island/Punggol & Changi Beach Park)
Food
Price: $5 to $20 per person
There are several eateries to choose from if you’re hungry, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. They’re also all conveniently located near to the main jetty, so you can start and end your day with a good meal.
Melah Café offers affordable dishes like mee rebus, nasi lemak, and mee siam.
Sin Lam Huat is a small eating house offering a limited range of dishes such as seafood fried rice, hor fun, mee goreng, and kampung chicken.
Source: Google/Yvontz Tan
Cheong Lian Yuen Seafood Restaurant offers a kampung-style zi char menu where fish and other seafood dishes are prepared in multiple ways. They are also one of the few places on Pulau Ubin that have started accepting cashless payments via PayNow.
Season Live Seafood Restaurant is another option if you’re in the mood for fresh seafood dishes. It boasts a great view of the sea, though the prices are some of the most expensive on the island. Fortunately, they are now accepting payment via PayNow.
If you’re just looking for some drinks and light refreshments, drop by Yak Hong Provision Shop.
Hiking And Cycling Options
There are several destinations on Pulau Ubin worth visiting. From the jetty, two main trails head west and east.
Puaka Hill is part of the western trail, and is worth the trip because of the scenic view you get from the highest point of the island, overlooking the waters of the former Ubin Quarry.
Source: Instagram/jochananliew
Head to the east of Pulau Ubin to visit Chek Jawa, large, picturesque wetlands where several ecosystems coexist. This area was going to be reclaimed by the Singapore Government back in 2001, but a passionate effort to conserve the area succeeded. Several years later, the government built a boardwalk, a viewing tower, and a visitor centre with a viewing jetty to allow visitors more options. Do note that bicycles aren’t allowed on the boardwalk.
Read Also: 8 Water Playgrounds To Bring Your Kids To For Free
Important Items You Should Bring Along
Unlike here on the mainland, the tap water in Pulau Ubin is not potable, so bring a large water bottle (or two) and be prepared to buy more drinks at some of the stalls located along the trails. Price: $0.50 per bottle.
Since you’ll be spending a day outdoors, with shelters sparsely located along the trail, sunscreen is incredibly important to prevent sunburn or worse. Price: $7.00
Mosquitoes are rampant in certain parts of the island, so having insect repellent is a literal lifesaver. Price: $5.00
Bring cash. There are no ATMs on the island, and don’t assume that the boat operators and eateries accept cashless options.
