Visit Amazing Pulau Ubin on a Surprisingly Inexpensive Day Trip From Singapore
Pulau Ubin is an amazing little nature island getaway easily reached from mainland Singapore. Keep reading for information on a Pulau Ubin Day Trip, Pulau Ubin Map, and how to get to Pulau Ubin on the ferry!
“Mum look, that monkey has a bag!” yells Ripley.
I sigh. “Mate, are you telling stories again?” I ask. “You know your pants will catch on fire or your nose will grow or something.”
“Yes look!” he shouts back excitedly.
Sure enough, the little long-tailed macaques monkey sitting in the middle of the dirt road in front of us was up to his shoulder rummaging around in the bag. Not a fancy one, although this is Singapore, it’s quite possible! But the reusable fabric kind you get from the supermarket.
I’m guessing earlier today, someone put that bag down fully expecting their lunch to be waiting for them upon return.
I couldn’t help myself. I started laughing. He didn’t look in the slightest bit guilty that he had just been caught red-handed stealing.
Devote a Day in Singapore For a Day Trip to Pulau Ubin!
Seriously, if you have a few days spare in Singapore, devote one of them to a Pulau Ubin day trip. This is an awesome family-friendly activity that can easily be organized by yourself.
Just don’t put your bag down and walk away from it.
Pulau Ubin is described by Lonely Planet as “Singapore’s very own rustic island getaway”, and I really can’t think of a better way to describe it. Except, it’s more than that.
It’s a chance to experience a kampong (village) atmosphere that has long left mainland Singapore. The best way to explore is by pushbike, which you won’t have a problem renting on the island. As soon as you step off the boat into Pulau Ubin Village, you’ll be greeted with a street full of rentals from single seats, to double seats, through to kiddy seats and kiddy size bikes.
It’s also a chance to visit new places, escape the city of Singapore, and immerse yourself in Nature. Our Pulau Ubin day trip turned out to be one of our favourite things to do in Singapore!
Don’t Worry if Push-Biking is Not Your Thing!
Of course, if you really can’t be stuffed push-biking in the Singapore humidity, you don’t have to! There are drivers waiting at a make-shift taxi stand to take you anywhere on the island. Don’t believe the brochure that says the island is flat. It’s not! My fat cells cried so much I had to get off and push the bike up two hills.
I don’t think the hills were that bad really, I’m just not great at pushbike riding.
Chek Jawa Wetlands is a Natural Highlight!
If you only have time for one thing on your day trip to Pulau Ubin, make your way to Chek Jawa wetlands, a unique area where six major habitats meet and mingle.
It features a boardwalk that both snakes through a protected mangrove swamp and also heads out over the ocean. Once on the mangrove boardwalk, you will pass the 20m-high Jejawi Tower which you can climb for jungle and coastal views.
I’d like to tell you that the views were awesome but…um…my legs were too tired to climb seven sets of stairs whilst carrying a three-year old that was on a walking strike.
I don’t know, but it was lovely!
The coastal boardwalk over the ocean is best viewed at the lowest of tides to view the marine life below. We visited at high tide, it was still nice but we missed out on what was going to be the best bit.
Other Pulau Ubin Island Attractions
There is also the wildlife you will see when looking for these places, and the atmospheric village you can cool down with a coconut drink at when you’ve finished exploring.
Other Pulau Ubin attractions you can visit on your day trip include Butterfly Hills, Pekan Quarry (plus four other quarries that have been turned into scenic viewpoints), Pulau Ubin Hiking Trails – Tree Trails, Fruit Orchard, Sensory Garden Trail, Fo Shan Ting Da Bo Gong Temple and the German Girl Shrine.
Pulau Ubin Day Trip in 60 Seconds – Visiting Chek Jawa Wetlands by Pushbike With Kids
How to get to Pulau Ubin Island From Singapore on The Pulau Ubin Ferry
Make your way to the Changi Point Ferry Terminal (near the Changi Village Hawker Centre). We rode in a taxi using the Grab app. If you wish to use public transport, use the MoovIt App to get directions from your exact location.
Once at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, just wait in line for the Pulau Ubin ferry (bumboat) to Pulau Ubin. There is signage so it’s not hard to find and the boat ride across only takes around 10 minutes.
Once there are 12 people waiting, you will be ushered onto the boat. We waited less than five minutes each time and it only cost $3 per person one way. If you don’t want to wait, you can apparently pay for the whole boat at $36 one way. Just pay cash to the skipper.
Pulau Ubin Map
Download your Pulau Ubin map >> HERE << from Singapore’s National Parks website. It’s worth taking a photo of the map on the sign at Pulau Ubin Village with a phone, as it’s easier to read than the brochure given out.
More Information on Pulau Ubin in Singapore
For more information about Pulau Ubin, check out Visit Singapore’s official page on things to do in Pulau Ubin Island.
Looking for more awesome family holiday destinations?
For more information on visiting Singapore with kids, head on over to our Singapore page. Had on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide.
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Resources for your family getaway to Singapore
Getting to Singapore
All international flights land in the wonderful Changi Airport, which is a destination in its own right! Get a great deal on flights on Trip.com.
Where to stay in Singapore
The Tai Hoe Hotel is great for those on a budget and is conveniently located next to a shopping centre and MRT station. The downside is that the rooms are really small. The staff are really friendly and go out of their way to welcome kids.
Those wanting to splurge should head to the Raffles Singapore. Not much beats their legendary hospitality.
Getting around Singapore
Getting around is easy due to Singapore’s efficient and wallet-friendly public transport. Just download the MoovIt App for your phone, which tells you how to get places.
If you prefer Taxis, the Grab app is a top choice here. The app gives you the price beforehand, so there are no surprises.
