Pulau Ubin aka Ubin island is a popular spot for locals to cycle around and explore the old Malaysian villages across the island, but there are numerous things to do across the island. Instead of renting bikes (baby seats are also available), we headed for a walk to the eastern side from the harbor. Don’t miss the Chek Jawa Wetlands! During low tide corals and other sea creatures are visible in the shallow water. Pulau Ubin is a whole day program, whether you are on foot or by bike.
For general travel info, check out our Singapore Travel Guide as well!
Ferry to Pulau Ubin
To reach Ubin Island, head to the Changi Point Ferry Terminal and take a 10-minute bumboat ride, it’s $3 for a one-way trip. The ferries depart between 5.30 am and 9 pm, but there is no ferry schedule, the boats leave when they are full.
Based on our experiences, on weekends, the waiting time is rather short, while on a weekday morning it can take 30-60 minutes.
If you like islands, you can visit Kusu Island near the southern shore of Singapore to explore a beach paradise. Sentosa Island is a popular resort island full of attractions for families and solo travelers as well.
Cycling or Walking on Pulau Ubin
An extensive network of cycling roads are present on the island, but you can easily walk around as well (if you are fit for long walks). You won’t be able to cover the whole island on foot in one day, but you can see for example the wetlands, cemeteries and some of the quarries in an about 10 km loop.
Bike rental
After you arrive at the island, you will find numerous bicycle rental companies. The prices highly vary based on bikes’ conditions and equipment. It is possible to rent a bike with a baby seat too.
What to Do in Pulau Ubin – the Best Attractions
Malaysian villages
On your way, you will pass old Malaysian houses, the remnants of the old villages. Some of them offer food and drinks too.
Chek Jawa Wetlands
One of the highlights of the island is the Chek Jawa Wetlands. If you cycle, you need to leave your bike at the gates and continue on foot. First, we walk along the viewing jetty.
The best time to visit the wetlands is at low tide, so you can see corals and other sea creatures in the shallow water. Unfortunately, we timed wrongly both of our visits there, so we didn’t see much underwater.
We had a long walk in the mangrove forest. The fruit of Nipah Palm was one of the most interesting plants we learned about during our day trip on Ubin Island. The palm was used in several ways. The young seeds are edible, while the sugar content of the ripe fruit is tapped and fermented to use alcoholic beverages. The mature fonds were used to prepare mats and baskets
There are wooden jetties and information boards that guide you across the area. A bit further from the shore, you can climb up to the Jejawi lookout tower and see the main Island of Singapore above the canopy.
Cemeteries
As it was an inhabited island, Muslim and Chinese cemeteries can be found on the island as well. We visited the Kg Bt Coffee Chinese cemetery on our way back near Jalan Wat Siam.
Quarries
There are five inactive quarries in Pulau Ubin: Balai Quarry, Kekek Quarry, Ketam Quarry, Pekan Quarry, and Ubin Quarry. Some of them even reach a depth of 40 meters below sea level.
The quarries were used mostly in the 1970s to mine granite for the construction of the public housing and roads in the mainland. The rocks were used in the construction of the Causeway, Istana, Raffles Lighthouse and Singapore’s oldest lighthouse, the Horsburgh.
We visited the Balai Quarry and Pekan Quarry. These are not the most spectacular ones, but the easiest to reach on our loop on the eastern and middle of the island. Oh, and Pekan means town in Malay, referring to the main village of Ubin Island next to it.
Fishing
Fishing is prohibited at all quarries, but you are free to choose your angling spot anywhere else.
Kayaking
Mangrove kayak tours are offered by various companies. Better to book your adventure beforehand.
Ketam Mountain Bike Park
If you like mountain biking, head to the west side of the island to the mountain bike park for more off-road terrain. It is located next to the Ketam Quarry.
Where to eat on Ubin Island: restaurants
Most of the restaurants (and services) are in the main village, but you will find a few buffets selling drinks and snack across the island as well.
Accommodation on Pulau Ubin
Camping
There are only campsites on the north of the Island, but no hotels or resort at all. If you are less adventurous, book a place on the main island. You can easily visit Ubin on a day trip.
Ubin Island with kids
Ubin island is suitable for family outings. Several bike rentals have bicycles equipped with baby seats if you fancy riding with your toddler. We chose to explore the island on foot with the baby.
Check out other family-friendly Singapore attractions too!
it is possible to bring foods with us?(good for 3 person only)
Of course, you can bring your own food to the island.