Pulau Ubin
Island Rural island known for cycling and nature trails
Off Singapore’s northeast coast, Pulau Ubin preserves village tracks, mangroves and the Chek Jawa wetlands; visitors arrive by short bumboat to cycle, birdwatch and sample a rural contrast to the mainland.
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Pulau Ubin is a low-density island northeast of mainland Singapore that retains a traditional village character and former quarry landscapes. The island covers roughly 10 square kilometres and is one of the few places in Singapore with large areas of relatively undeveloped natural habitat.
The island offers a mix of short trails, off-road cycling routes and coastal boardwalks. Key highlights include the mangroves and intertidal flats at Chek Jawa, several abandoned granite quarries that are now ponds and wildlife spots, and the rustic village area of Pekan. Wildlife watchers also seek out resident bird species and monitor lizard sightings.
Settlement on Pulau Ubin developed around Malay and Chinese kampung communities and a granite-quarrying industry that expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Quarrying declined in the mid-20th century and many industrial sites were abandoned and later repurposed by nature and recreation.
The island sits off Singapore’s northeastern coast and is reached by a short bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The landscape is flat to gently undulating with coastal mangroves, freshwater ponds and village clearings.
- Getting there: Bumboats depart from Changi Point Ferry Terminal and typically take about 10 minutes to reach the island, with services running on demand during daylight hours.
- Getting around: Bicycles are the most common way to explore the island; many visitors rent single-speed or mountain bicycles at the jetty or in Pekan village.
- Best time to visit: Low tides reveal extensive intertidal flats at Chek Jawa - early morning low tides offer the best chance to see intertidal life exposed on the flats.
What to See #
- Pekan (Ubin Village): The island's main settlement and ferry landing on the west coast serving arriving visitors and local residents; simple shops and bicycle rentals are concentrated here.
- Chek Jawa: A tidal wetland on the island's eastern shore featuring boardwalks across mangroves and intertidal flats; noted for biodiversity of molluscs, corals and shorebirds.
- Ketam / Pekan Quarry: A flooded granite quarry that is now a freshwater pond and a popular spot for birdwatching and scenic views; trails and lookout points ring the water.
- Puaka Hill: A small hill with a short trail that provides panoramic views across the island and toward the Singapore mainland.
How to Get to Pulau Ubin #
Pulau Ubin is reached by bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (Changi Village). To get to the ferry you can take the MRT to Tanah Merah and then bus 29 to Changi Village, or take local buses that serve Changi Village; the walk from Changi Village to the Changi Point jetty is around 10-15 minutes. Bumboat crossings to Pulau Ubin take about 10-15 minutes (boats depart when enough passengers are aboard).
Tips for Visiting Pulau Ubin #
- Take the bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin jetty (Pekan); boats depart whenever there are enough passengers, so plan for short waits and check terminal opening times.
- Arrive early in the day to beat midday heat and tour groups, then rent a bike from Pekan to reach highlights-Chek Jawa wetlands on the island's southeast tip are a must-see, best explored around low tide for intertidal life.
- Don't just cycle the main loop: spend time on the inland kampong trails and granite-quarry viewpoints for quieter scenery and a glimpse of traditional village life many visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Pulau Ubin #
Visit Pulau Ubin in the drier months (Feb-Apr) for fewer rains and better conditions for cycling and hiking.
Weather & Climate near Pulau Ubin #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2215 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (217 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (249 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (303 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
