Pulau Ubin is open to visitors all year round with no island entry fee; you simply pay for the bumboat (about S$4 per person, one way, cash only) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, plus optional bike rental (from about S$8–S$15/day) and food on the island.
Chek Jawa Wetlands and the island’s kampong areas can comfortably be explored in a single Pulau Ubin day trip, as long as you time your visit with the bumboat operating hours (roughly daylight hours) and Chek Jawa’s opening times (typically 8.30am–6pm, subject to closure for conservation and safety).
As a Homejourney guide focused on safety and trust, this Pulau Ubin Day Trip Guide: Tickets, Prices and Opening Hours sits under our broader Singapore Tourism & Neighbourhood pillar, helping visitors understand not just where to go, but what it feels like to live near these green and heritage pockets when you later explore homes on Property Search .
Why Pulau Ubin Is A Must-Do In Singapore
If you’ve only seen the glass-and-steel side of Singapore, Pulau Ubin is the antidote: a rustic island where time slows down, kampong houses still stand, and wild boars casually cross cycling paths.[1][4] It’s one of the few places where you can still glimpse the country’s pre-independence village life alongside rich biodiversity.
Locals often describe Pulau Ubin as “the Singapore of the 1960s” – think wooden houses on stilts, small provision shops, and unpaved tracks. Weekends see families, cyclists, and birdwatchers heading over for Chek Jawa, Puaka Hill, and easy kampong rides.[1][6] As someone who’s cycled Ubin dozens of times, I still find new trails and photo angles with each visit – especially around the quarries and mangrove edges.
Essential Info: Tickets, Prices & Opening Hours
Here is a quick reference for planning your Pulau Ubin day trip, especially if you are fitting it into a tight Singapore itinerary.
Pulau Ubin Bumboat Tickets & Prices
- Departure point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal (near Changi Village, in the far east of Singapore).
- Boat type: Small wooden bumboats (10–12 passengers).
- Operating hours: Generally from around 6.00am to 7.00pm or until daylight; last boat back may be earlier on quiet days – always confirm with the boatman on arrival.[4]
- Ticket price: About S$4 per person, per way (cash, usually exact change preferred). Some operators charge extra for bicycles (about S$2 per bike) – check before boarding. Prices are based on on-the-ground experience; they may change, so treat them as indicative.
- No advance booking: Boats leave when there are around 10–12 passengers. If you’re in a rush, you can offer to pay for the remaining seats so the captain departs earlier – a common local hack among regulars.
Pulau Ubin Opening Hours
- Island access: Technically open dawn to dusk; practical access depends on bumboat operating hours.[4]
- Shops & bike rentals: Most open from about 8.30–9.00am and close around 5.00–6.00pm, with some variation on weekdays vs weekends.
- Chek Jawa Wetlands: Boardwalk and visitor centre are usually open 8.30am–6.00pm (managed as part of Ubin’s protected areas), but sections can close during bad weather or for maintenance.[4]
Safety note from Homejourney: Always check the NParks or Singapore Tourism Board updates for the latest information on Chek Jawa and trail closures before your visit, and avoid staying on the island after dark unless you are on an approved, guided activity.
Admission & Activity Costs (Indicative)
- Entry to Pulau Ubin: Free – there is no island admission fee.[4]
- Chek Jawa Wetlands: Free access to boardwalk and tower; some guided tours may charge a fee.[4]
- Bicycle rental: From about S$8–S$15 per day for standard bikes; mountain bikes or better suspension cost more.[1][4]
- Island taxi (van) tours: Typically around S$25–S$35 per hour per vehicle – useful for families with elderly or young children; prices are negotiable on the spot.
- Kayaking & guided activities: Private operators and platforms list Ubin kayaking from around S$80+ per person for half-day trips.[2][3][8]
How To Get To Pulau Ubin (Step-By-Step)
Getting to Pulau Ubin is straightforward if you are familiar with Singapore’s MRT and buses. For tourists, Homejourney’s public transport guides are a useful reference: Singapore Public Transport Guide for Tourists (2025) | Homejourney , Singapore Public Transport Itinerary Guide 2025 | Homejourney and Singapore Public Transport Tickets & Hours Guide | Homejourney .
From City Centre to Changi Point Ferry Terminal
- By MRT + Bus
Take the East-West Line to Tanah Merah MRT. From there, transfer to bus 2 heading to Changi Village. Alight at the Changi Village Bus Terminal stop and walk about 5 minutes to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (follow signs towards the sea; it’s behind the hawker centre). - Alternative MRT route
Take the Downtown Line or East-West Line to Expo MRT, transfer to the Changi Airport branch and alight at Changi Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or private-hire car to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (about 15–20 minutes outside peak hours). - By taxi/private-hire
From Marina Bay, Orchard Road, or Bugis, a direct ride to Changi Point Ferry Terminal takes around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Insider tip: If you’re staying in the east (Pasir Ris, Tampines, Bedok), Changi Village is typically under 20 minutes by bus or car, making Pulau Ubin one of the easiest half-day nature escapes from these neighbourhoods.
What To Expect On A Pulau Ubin Day Trip
A Pulau Ubin island trip is flexible: you can do a relaxed half-day kampong walk or a full-day cycling Ubin adventure with Chek Jawa, Puaka Hill, and quarries.
Typical Day Trip Timeline (Sample)
- 9.00am–9.30am: Breakfast at Changi Village Hawker Centre.
- 9.30am–9.45am: Take bumboat to Pulau Ubin.
- 9.45am–10.00am: Rent bicycles near the jetty and grab a free map from the Ubin Visitor Centre.[1]
- 10.00am–11.00am: Cycle towards Puaka Hill for the quarry viewpoint.[1]
- 11.00am–1.00pm: Continue cycling Ubin’s eastern roads to Chek Jawa Wetlands.[1][6]
- 1.00pm–2.00pm: Lunch at one of the seafood or zi char eateries near the jetty.
- 2.00pm–4.00pm: Explore kampong houses, Pekan Quarry, and maybe a short kayaking tour or leisurely ride around western trails.[1][6]
- 4.00pm–5.00pm: Return bikes, catch bumboat back to Changi, and explore Changi Village or nearby beach.
Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
- Chek Jawa Wetlands
A unique coastal wetland with a coastal boardwalk, mangrove boardwalk, and Jejawi Tower for bird and sea views.[1][4] Best visited at or near low tide for richer marine life sightings (crabs, sea stars, mudskippers). Check NParks’ tide tables if possible. - Pulau Ubin’s Kampong Cluster
Near the jetty you’ll find a compact village with old wooden houses, provision shops, and seafood restaurants.[1][4] This is a great way to understand Singapore’s kampong history, which Homejourney expands on in Pulau Ubin Day Trip Guide: Kampong Experience with Homejourney .
