Shaped like a boomerang, Pulau Ubin is situated just off the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore. The 1,020-ha island was once a cluster of five smaller ones separated by tidal rivers, but the building of bunds for prawn farming has since united these into a single island. Two other islets, Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) and Pulau Sekudu (Frog Island), lie to its south.

Pulau Ubin largely consists of a series of undulating, granite hills. In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousand settlers. Much of the original vegetation was also cleared for the cultivation of rubber and crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut and jasmine. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque relics of Pulau Ubin’s history, while forests and grasslands have regenerated to cover up the agricultural traces of the past.

Pulau Ubin provides a much-needed escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life on mainland Singapore. Its natural and rustic charm draws about 300,000 visitors each year. The idyllic setting is ideal for outdoor activities. Rent a bicycle, or bring your own, to visit villages scattered around the island. Ride through the coconut and rubber plantations, or pause at fruit orchards… perhaps you will chance upon a few durians and mangosteens.

Bring your tents and head out for the beach campsites at Jalan Jelutong and Mamam. Try your hand at fishing, or graze at the myriad of stars in the night skies above Pulau Ubin. If you like being close to nature, join our guided tours and discover Pulau Ubin’s amazing diversity of plants and animals. Facilities like an assembly area and workroom are available for booking.

For more information, visit here.

Nearby places to check out:

• Johore Battery @ Changi Singapore – Monster Guns
• Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East Singapore
• Coney Island Singapore

How to Get to Pulau Ubin

Bumboats operate from Changi Point Ferry Terminal from as early as 6am to 7pm. The ride takes ten minutes and costs $4 per person ($2 extra if you are bringing your bicycle) each way. There are no scheduled departure times to and from Pulau Ubin as bumboats set off only when there are 12 passengers.

Text from NParks brochure.

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