Pulau Ubin is one of the last places in Singapore where you can still experience a real kampong (village) lifestyle, cycle on rustic trails, and explore coastal wetlands like Chek Jawa in their natural state.[4][5] For visitors used to Singapore’s skyline and air-conditioned malls, an island trip to Ubin offers a completely different side of the city – one that feels like stepping back into the 1960s.
This Homejourney guide is designed as the definitive Pulau Ubin day trip and kampong experience handbook. It combines first-hand local experience with up‑to‑date logistics, safety guidance, and practical tips – so you can explore confidently while understanding how this small island fits into Singapore’s broader story of land, housing, and conservation.
Table of Contents
- Pulau Ubin at a Glance: Why This Island Trip Is Special
- Essential Information: Getting There, Hours, Costs
- Suggested 1‑Day Pulau Ubin Kampong Experience Itinerary
- Kampong Life on Ubin: What It’s Really Like
- Cycling Ubin Safely: Routes, Rentals, and Rules
- Chek Jawa Wetlands: Nature, Boardwalks, and Towers
- Top Things to Do on Pulau Ubin (Ranked)
- Practical Tips: What to Wear, Bring, and Expect
- Money‑Saving Tips for Your Ubin Island Trip
- Nearby Attractions & What to Combine in a Day
- Weather & Seasonal Considerations
- Where to Stay: Hotels & Areas for Ubin Visitors
- From Ubin Kampong to Singapore Housing: Real Estate Insights
- Pulau Ubin FAQ: Real Questions from Visitors
- Next Steps: How Homejourney Supports Your Singapore Journey
Pulau Ubin at a Glance: Why This Island Trip Is Special
Pulau Ubin is a small island off Singapore’s northeast coast, about a 10‑minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.[4] It is one of the last places in Singapore with traditional kampong houses on stilts, wells, and wood‑fired stoves still in regular use.[3][4] Unlike modern HDB towns and private condos you see on the mainland, Ubin has remained largely undeveloped, with forested hills, disused granite quarries, and mangroves.[3][4][5]
For tourists, a day trip here offers:
- Authentic kampong atmosphere – simple wooden houses, roosters crowing, and village shops clustered around the main jetty.[4]
- Cycling Ubin’s trails – easy to moderate routes through quarries, coasts, and shaded plantations.[3][4][5]
- Chek Jawa Wetlands – one of Singapore’s richest coastal ecosystems with boardwalks, a viewing tower, and a restored Tudor‑style house.[4][5]
- Wildlife spotting – wild boar, monkeys, hornbills, otters, and coastal birds.[3][4]
Locals often describe Pulau Ubin as “the last kampong in Singapore”. It’s a living reminder of how Singapore looked before large‑scale HDB development and urban planning transformed most of the island – a useful contrast for property buyers and investors trying to understand Singapore’s broader land‑use evolution.
Essential Information: Getting There, Hours, Costs
Quick Facts Box (Pulau Ubin Day Trip)
How to Get to Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Pulau Ubin has no direct MRT, so you first head to Changi Village on the mainland, then walk to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
By MRT + Bus (most budget‑friendly)
- Take the East‑West Line (green) or Thomson‑East Coast Line to Tanah Merah MRT or Tampines MRT.
- From Tanah Merah: take Bus 2 towards Changi Village; alight at the final stop (Changi Village Bus Terminal).
- From Tampines: buses 19 or 29 head towards Changi Village.
- Walk about 5 minutes from Changi Village hawker centre to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (well‑signposted along the coast).
For detailed instructions or if you are traveling with children and luggage, Homejourney’s transport guides such as Singapore Public Transport Guide for Tourists (2025) | Homejourney and Singapore Public Transport with Kids: Homejourney Family Guide offer step‑by‑step photos and line‑by‑line routes.
By Taxi or Ride‑Hailing
- Set your drop‑off point to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
- From downtown (Marina Bay / Orchard), expect about 25–35 minutes travel, depending on traffic.
- Fare is typically SGD 20–35 one‑way, depending on time of day and surcharges.
Insider Tips for the Ferry and Bumboat
- Cash only: Boatmen typically accept cash in SGD only. ATMs are available at Changi Village, but there are no ATMs on Ubin.
- No fixed schedule: Bumboats leave when they have around 12 passengers. If it’s quiet, some boatmen may depart with fewer passengers for a slightly higher per‑person fare – always confirm before boarding.
- Keep small notes: Bring notes in denominations of SGD 2, 5, and 10 for smoother payment.
- Lifejackets: Boats carry lifejackets as required by Maritime and port regulations; if you don’t see them, ask the boatman politely.
Suggested 1‑Day Pulau Ubin Kampong Experience Itinerary
To help you get the most from your island trip, here is a practical full‑day itinerary that balances kampong life, cycling Ubin’s trails, and visiting Chek Jawa.
Sample Pulau Ubin Day Trip Plan
- 8.30–9.00am – Arrive at Changi Village
Grab a local breakfast (kaya toast, nasi lemak) at Changi Village hawker centre. This is also your last chance for air‑conditioned toilets before Ubin. - 9.00–9.30am – Bumboat to Pulau Ubin
Head to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, join the queue, and take the 10‑minute bumboat ride.[4] - 9.30–10.00am – Ubin Jetty & Main Village
Explore the small cluster of shops, bike rental stalls, and provision shops. Fill your water bottles, buy insect repellent if needed. - 10.00–1.00pm – Cycling to Chek Jawa (via quarries)
Rent a bicycle and cycle via Pekan Quarry and Balai Quarry towards Chek Jawa.[4][5] Include stops for photos and short walks. - 1.00–2.00pm – Lunch at Ubin Village
Return towards the main village for a seafood or zhi char (Chinese stir‑fry) lunch at one of the simple local eateries. - 2.00–4.00pm – Kampong Walk & Short Trails
Explore kampong houses around Kampong Melayu area and nearby temples or shrines such as the German Girl Shrine.[5] You can cycle or walk. - 4.00–5.30pm – Relax by the Jetty & Return
Return your bicycle, have a cold drink at a village coffee shop, then catch a bumboat back to Changi Point. Finish with dinner at Changi Village or nearby.
Family‑Friendly Alternative (Less Cycling)
- Rent a van taxi on Ubin (available near the jetty) for a short island tour if you have young children or seniors who prefer not to cycle.[4]
- Focus on kampong village, Pekan Quarry viewpoint, and a short Chek Jawa visit with more rest stops.
- Combine with a leisurely stroll along Changi Beach Park on the mainland before or after the trip.
Kampong Life on Ubin: What It’s Really Like
Unlike modern estates overseen by HDB and URA masterplans, Pulau Ubin’s village evolved more organically, with scattered kampong houses connected by narrow roads and trails.[3][4] Many residents still rely on wells, generators, or solar panels for water and electricity, and some cook with wood‑fired stoves.[3]
Key Kampong Areas to Explore
- Ubin Main Village (near jetty) – The most active cluster, with bike rental shops, provision stores, seafood eateries, and basic amenities.
- Kampong Melayu – A more residential stretch with traditional Malay kampong houses and small farms.[5]
- Smaller scattered houses – Along roads towards the quarries and Chek Jawa, you will see individual homes, shrines, and small garden plots.
Respectful Behaviour in a Living Village
Remember that Ubin is not an open‑air museum but a living community. To maintain a safe and respectful environment, Homejourney recommends:
- Do not enter private property or climb onto verandas or jetties unless clearly open to the public.
- Ask before photographing residents, especially elderly villagers and children.
- Keep noise moderate near homes, temples, and shrines.
- Do not feed wildlife such as monkeys or wild boars; this can cause aggressive behaviour and is discouraged by NParks.
Insider Kampong Experience Tips
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter, more atmospheric feel – you may hear chickens, see residents tending small gardens, or smell food being cooked over fire.
- Buy a cold drink or snack from a village shop; it supports local livelihoods.
- Look out for small shrines and altars near trees or houses, reflecting the island’s blend of Malay, Chinese, and local spiritual traditions.[5]
Cycling Ubin Safely: Routes, Rentals, and Rules
Cycling is the most popular way to explore Pulau Ubin, with trails looping past quarries, mangroves, and kampongs.[3][4][5] Terrain ranges from paved roads to gravel and occasional steep slopes, so choosing the right route is important for safety.
