What to Do in Pulau Ubin: Nature Trails, Wildlife & Kampong Charm

🌴 Pulau Ubin: Singapore’s Last Kampong and Natural Retreat

Just a 10-minute boat ride from the bustling city, Pulau Ubin feels like stepping back in time. This tranquil island off the northeastern coast of Singapore is a living relic of the 1960s, where wooden houses, granite quarries, dense forests, and rich wildlife define the landscape.
 

Often described as Singapore’s last true kampong, Pulau Ubin is beloved by nature lovers, cyclists, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from urban life.

📍 Where Is Pulau Ubin?

Location: Northeastern Singapore, off the coast of Changi

Access Point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal

Getting There:

Take bus/taxi to Changi Point

Ride a bumboat (SGD 4/person, cash only, 12 passengers per trip)

10-minute ride to Ubin Jetty

🕰️ A Brief History of Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin, meaning “Granite Island” in Malay, was once home to several granite quarries that fueled Singapore’s early construction boom. At its peak in the 1960s, the island supported thousands of residents living in traditional wooden kampongs.

As Singapore modernized, most residents moved to the mainland. Today, fewer than 50 people remain on the island, preserving a way of life that’s nearly extinct elsewhere in the country.

🧭 What to Do in Pulau Ubin

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or casual traveler, Pulau Ubin offers a refreshing range of activities.

🚲 1. Rent a Bike and Explore

Bicycles are the most popular and practical way to explore Pulau Ubin. Several rental shops near the jetty offer bikes ranging from SGD 10–20 per day.

Top cycling routes:

Ubin Town to Chek Jawa

Ketam Mountain Bike Park (for experienced riders)

Puaka Hill trail

Sensory Trail (short, easy path with farming and flora highlights)

🛠 Tip: Check brakes and tires before renting, as terrain can be uneven in places.

🌿 2. Visit Chek Jawa Wetlands

One of Singapore’s richest ecosystems, Chek Jawa is a biodiversity hotspot where six distinct habitats converge—mangroves, sandy beach, rocky shore, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, and coastal forest.

Don’t Miss:

The 1.1 km Mangrove Boardwalk

Jejawi Tower – climb for panoramic views

House No. 1 – a restored Tudor-style cottage and visitor center

🕒 Best time to visit: Low tide, when marine life is most visible.

🥾 3. Hike Up Puaka Hill

Standing at just 74 meters, Puaka Hill offers the island’s highest viewpoint. It’s a short, steep climb but worth the effort for sweeping views over Ubin Quarry and the lush surroundings.

📸 Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.

🦜 4. Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

Pulau Ubin is a haven for wildlife. The island’s varied habitats attract over 140 species of birds, along with wild boars, long-tailed macaques, and monitor lizards.

🦉 Look out for:

Oriental pied hornbills

White-bellied sea eagles

Blue-throated bee-eaters

Kingfishers and herons

Bring binoculars and zoom lenses if you're keen on photography or birding.

🍃 5. Explore the Sensory Trail

Developed by NParks, the Sensory Trail is a 1.5 km route near the jetty designed to engage all five senses. You’ll walk past herbs, spices, fruit trees, and small plantations used by former villagers.

🌿 Great for:

Kids and seniors

Short, peaceful walks

Learning about traditional crops and rural life

🛶 6. Kayaking Adventures

For the adventurous, mangrove kayaking tours offer a close-up look at the island’s aquatic ecosystems. Paddlers can explore narrow mangrove channels, spot wildlife, and learn about tidal ecology.

🏞 Tour operators typically offer 2–4 hour guided experiences.
🧒 Suitable for beginners and kids aged 7+

🪵 7. Visit Traditional Kampong Houses

Scattered across the island are a handful of kampong-style wooden houses—some abandoned, others still lived in by elderly residents. These structures reflect a bygone era of pre-industrial Singapore.

📷 Be respectful when photographing, especially near private homes.

🧘‍♀️ 8. Practice Mindfulness in Nature

With no towering skyscrapers, car horns, or malls, Pulau Ubin is ideal for a digital detox. Bring a mat, journal, or sketchbook and unwind beneath the trees or by the water’s edge.

💡 Join occasional guided wellness retreats or forest bathing walks organized by eco-groups.

🛶 Planning Your Trip to Pulau Ubin

🗓 Best Time to Visit

Dry season (March–October) is ideal for cycling and walking

Avoid weekends if you prefer quiet (weekdays are peaceful and less crowded)

Check tide charts if visiting Chek Jawa

🧳 What to Bring

Water bottle (no public drinking fountains)

Sunblock, insect repellent

Cash (no ATMs or card payments on the island)

Hat and raincoat

Fully charged phone/camera

Map (download or take a photo near the jetty)

🚫 Things to Keep in Mind

No 24/7 medical facilities—carry a basic first aid kit

Respect wildlife—no feeding or disturbing animals

Take all trash back with you—leave no trace

No smoking in nature reserves

Do not venture off marked trails

🛏️ Can You Stay Overnight?

While there are no traditional hotels, camping is allowed at Maman Beach and Jelutong Campsite with a valid permit from NParks.

🏕 Camping Tips:

Bring your own gear and food

Be mindful of wild boars at night

Fires are prohibited—use portable stoves only

No electricity or showers available

🛶 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Pulau Ubin is one of the last places in Singapore with untouched natural ecosystems. Help protect it by:

Sticking to trails

Avoiding single-use plastics

Respecting wildlife and plant life

Not taking anything from nature (no shells, no plants)

Supporting local businesses like bike rentals and food stalls

📸 Best Photo Spots

Chek Jawa Boardwalk at low tide

Top of Puaka Hill overlooking the quarry

Kampong houses with bicycle parked out front

Kayaking through mangroves

Early morning fog or sunset skies from Ubin Jetty

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who Should Visit Pulau Ubin?

Perfect for:

Nature lovers and hikers

Families with children

Couples seeking a quiet retreat

Photographers and birders

Eco-tourists and history buffs

📋 Summary Table

🌟 Final Thoughts: Discover the Soul of Singapore in Pulau Ubin

While Singapore dazzles with futuristic architecture and cutting-edge innovation, Pulau Ubin reminds us of its roots—a time when nature, simplicity, and community defined life.

From birdsong echoing through mangroves to biking past tin-roof homes, the island is a place where you can slow down, reconnect, and recharge.

So pack your bag, leave the skyscrapers behind, and embrace the charm of one of Singapore’s most authentic and beloved escapes.