Pulau Ubin: Nature Escape to Singapore's Last Kampong Island and Chek Jawa Wetlands

Bumboat to Once Granite Quarries' Island with Mangrove, Wildlife, Bike Park and an English Tudor House

Introduction

Singapore is not all concrete blocks and skyscrapers. You will be surprised to find nature reserves and parks all over the island, and one of the most treasured is an island called Pulau Ubin — literally "Granite Island." Pulau means "island" in Malay, and ubin refers to jubin — the granite floor tiles that once came from the island's many stone quarries.

Pulau Ubin is a laid-back, boomerang-shaped island at Singapore's north-eastern corner. At about 1,000 hectares, it is roughly ten times the size of Gardens by the Bay — and the only preserved kampung (village) island left intact in urbanised Singapore. There are now only about 30 families living on the island, down from roughly 3,000 before quarry mining, coffee cultivation, and rubber tapping ceased.

📋 Quick Facts

Size	~1,000 hectares
Bumboat fare	$4 per person, one-way (cash only). Bike surcharge: $2.
Bumboat hours	~6am – 7pm daily (no fixed schedule; departs when full)
Entry fee	Free
Best time	Morning (8–11am) for wildlife; weekdays for fewer crowds
Time needed	Half a day to full day

📖 A Bit of History

On 13 August 1824, the Second Resident of Singapore, John Crawfurd, landed on Pulau Ubin and formally declared it a British territory. The British could not pronounce Pulau properly, so they called it "Pulo" instead. (Do not confuse Pulau with Palau in the Pacific Ocean!)

Pulau Ubin once supplied granite for major construction works in Singapore, including the Horsburgh Lighthouse on Pedra Branca and the Raffles Lighthouse. The last active quarry — Aik Hwa Quarry (also known as Ketam Quarry) — closed in 1999. Other major quarries included HDB Quarry (now Kekek Quarry), Ubin Granite Quarry, Ho Man Choo Quarry (now Pekan Quarry), and Resource Development Quarry (now Balai Quarry). The six abandoned quarries have since turned into scenic lakes and wetlands.

In the 1950s, large swathes of mangroves were cleared to create prawn farms — particularly tiger prawn farms. The last prawn farm ceased operations in the mid-2000s. Because of prawn farming, what were once five separate islands were united into a single Pulau Ubin. Rubber tapping ceased in the 1980s, and coffee cultivation gradually wound down. You may still spot some old coffee trees and rubber trees on the island today.

🚌 How to Get There

Step 1: Get to Changi Point Ferry Terminal

By MRT + Bus: Take the East-West Line to Tanah Merah MRT (EW4), then Bus 2 to Changi Village Bus Terminal. Or take the Thomson-East Coast Line to Upper Changi MRT (DT34), then Bus 2 from Exit A. From Tampines MRT: Bus 19 or 29.
By taxi / Grab: Set drop-off to Changi Point Ferry Terminal at 51 Lorong Bekukong. About 25–35 minutes from the city centre. Can be expensive due to distance but if there are a few of you to share, it will bring down the cost.
Take note that there are a few ferry terminals around Changi including Tanah Merah ferry Terminal for the islands of Bintan and Batam in Indonesia, so don't go to the wrong ferry terminal.

Step 2: Take the Bumboat to Pulau Ubin

Bumboats at Pulau Ubin jetty

The classic wooden bumboat — possibly from the Dutch word boomboot (tree boat) — departs from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The word may also come from the boats bumping against each other with protective tyres at the sides.

Detail	Info
Fare	$4 per person, one-way (cash only)
Bike surcharge	$2 per bike, one-way
Duration	~10–15 minutes
Schedule	No fixed timetable. Departs when there are ~12 passengers.
Operating hours	~6am – 7pm daily
Charter	$48 per boat (if you want to leave immediately with fewer passengers)

Important: There are no ATMs on Pulau Ubin. Bring small notes ($2, $5, $10). If you plan to leave after 6pm, arrange with your boatman in advance. If no boats are available, call the NParks hotline at 1800-471-7300. If you miss the last boat, expect to pay extra for after operating hour boat to fetch you back to the mainland.

Changi Point Ferry Terminal at 51 Lorong Bekukong

Bicycle Rental

The best way to explore Pulau Ubin is by bicycle. Rental shops line the path just after the jetty. Prices range from $8 to $25 for a full day, depending on the bike type. Basic kampung bikes start at $8; mountain bikes with thicker tyres for the graded trails cost around $20–$25. Most rentals include a helmet and a free bottle of water. If you bring your own bike, the bumboat bike surcharge is $2 each way.

⚠️ Safety warning: There is a steep gravel slope on the way to Chek Jawa. Accidents — including fatal ones — have happened here. Most bikes have no bells (to preserve the island's quietness), so shout "Excuse me!" when passing pedestrians. Walk your bike down the steep section if unsure.

Van Taxi

For those who prefer not to cycle, kampung-style van taxis wait near the jetty. The flat fare is $15 each way, point-to-point. Get a driver's phone number in case you need a pick-up later. The make-shift taxi stand with uncles and aunties chilling about looks like no other.

Walking

Walking is free and lets you absorb the island at a slower pace. It takes about 40 minutes of easy strolling to reach Chek Jawa from the jetty, with the sound of cicadas serenading you. (Did you know only male cicadas make that droning sound? If you hear them, it usually spells good weather.)

Parked rented bicycles near walking trails

🌿 What to Do on Pulau Ubin

1. Chek Jawa Wetlands

Chek Jawa Wetland

The star attraction. Chek is short for Encik (Mister), and Jawa means Javanese — so "Mr. Jawa," likely named after the Javanese settlers who lived here. Chek Jawa features over a kilometre of mangrove and coastal boardwalks, a seagrass lagoon, and a spectacular view across the Johor Straits to Malaysia's mountains.

As you walk, look down at the mud for mudskippers — amphibious fish that live both in water and on land — and mud crabs burrowing in mounds of mud. You may also spot colourful mud lobsters and, at low tide, the small porcelain fiddler crabs where the males wave one oversized claw. The seagrass here is healthy, with about eight different species, but you can only see them at low tide. Do not step off the boardwalk — trampling damages the marine ecosystem.

Bakau Pasir Mangroves and seagrass at low tide

Bakau Pasir Mangroves

The boardwalk winds through Bakau Pasir(Rhizophora stylosa) mangroves — considered rare in Singapore — with their distinctive stilt-like roots. Mangroves are vital: they supply nutrients to marine life, act as natural buffers against erosion, absorb pollutants including heavy metals, and trap sediment. Singapore is home to more than 30 mangrove species. Chek Jawa's mangroves are protected and gated; opening hours are 8:30am – 6pm daily.Jejawi Tower

Near the entrance of the Chek Jawa boardwalk stands Jejawi Tower, a wooden observation tower named after the Malayan Banyan (Ficus microcarpa) growing behind it. Climb up for panoramic views of the canopy, the sea, and the mountains of Johor. When in fruit, the banyan attracts birds like bulbuls and fruit pigeons.

Tudor House (House No. 1) at Chek Jawa

The Tudor House (House No. 1)

At the front of the boardwalk sits a beautiful English Tudor house built in the 1930s by colonial chief surveyor Langdon Williams as a holiday retreat. It is now an unmanned visitor centre where you can learn about Chek Jawa's flora and fauna. The architecture resembles tea plantation residences of the British colonial era — complete with a fireplace, perhaps to remind the British of home. Look for marine specimens on display, including the horseshoe crab (which is neither a crab nor a crustacean — it is related to spiders and scorpions, and predates dinosaurs).

Behind the house, a jetty offers views of Pulau Sekudu (Frog Island), a tiny islet said to be shaped like a frog. The house is partially hidden by trees — look for a shelter with vending machines, and the Tudor house is behind it. There are washrooms here too.

2. The Quarries

Each of the six abandoned quarries has its own character:

Pekan Quarry — "Pekan" means "market" in Bahasa Indonesia. Near Butterfly Hill and the Taoist temple. A 15-minute walk from the jetty; popular for sunset views.
Ketam Quarry — Formerly Aik Hwa Quarry. "Ketam" means crab in Malay. Next to the mountain bike park.
Kekek Quarry — Formerly HDB Quarry. A dramatic flooded pit.
Balai Quarry — Formerly Resource Development Quarry.
Ubin Granite Quarry — The original quarry that gave the island its name.

Pekan Quarry

3. Butterfly Hill

About ten minutes' walk from the jetty towards the western part of the island. From the top, you get a great view of Pekan Quarry. The hill is planted with nectar-rich flowers to attract butterflies.

4. Sensory Trail

The Sensory Trail was developed to showcase the cultural heritage of Pulau Ubin through the plants villagers once grew. It uses the five senses to help visitors understand life on the island in the old days. You will find Vegetables, Herbs and Spices Gardens with storyboards for each plant — ginger, galangal, lemongrass, curry leaf, and more. Behind Murai Hut, look for rows of the old rubber plantation. Do not miss the quaint blue Village Chief's House on your way to Chek Jawa — the village head lived to 102, and his family still lives there. It is opposite Belatok Hut, after Teck Seng's Place, which is open for visits on certain days.

5. Fo Shan Ting Da Bo Gong Temple

Up the steps near Butterfly Hill sits a century-old Chinese temple built in 1869. It looks small and make-shift, but it is the spiritual heart of the island. During the Hungry Ghost Festival, the island hosts a traditional Chinese opera performance — check the calendar if you want to catch this rare cultural event. There used to be 4-digit numbers scribbled on the walls of the temple but have been painted over.

6. Mountain Bike Park

At the western end of the island next to Ketam Quarry, this park has trails for different skill levels. You will need a proper mountain bike with thick tyres ($20+ rental). For casual cycling, the paved roads are fine with a basic kampong bike.

7. Kayaking

You can rent kayaks near the jetty and paddle around the island's coast, exploring secluded beaches, caves, and coves. Guided mangrove kayaking tours are also available.

8. Puaka Hill

A short climb on the western side of the island. At the top, a great view of a quarry greets you.

🦎 Wildlife on Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore's richest wildlife habitats. Here is what to look for:

Animal	Where to Spot	Notes
Oriental Pied Hornbill	All over the island	Once extinct in Singapore, now thriving. Listen for their distinctive pitching call.
Long-tailed Macaque	Near forest trails	Also called crab-eating macaques. Do not feed them or show your teeth. They are abundant on the island.
Wild Boar	Forest trails, near jetty	Often seen sniffing around bikes for food. Keep distance.
Malayan Colugo	Tree trunks along trails	Gliding mammal. Look up — they blend perfectly with bark.
Oriental Whip Snake	Trees and shrubs	Bright green, mildly venomous but shy. Hard to spot.
Paradise Tree Snake	Tree trunks	Beautifully patterned, can glide between trees.
Sunda Pangolin	Forest floor (rare)	Critically endangered. Very lucky sighting.
Lesser Mousedeer (Kancil)	Forest (very rare)	Fewer than 100 left in Singapore's forests.
Otters	Coastal areas	Increasingly common. Many move on to Pasir Ris and Changi Point.
Birds	Mangroves, grasslands, canopy	Kingfishers, herons, terns, bulbuls, magpie robins, woodpeckers, white-bellied sea eagles, crimson sunbirds.

🚫 Do NOT feed wild animals! Feeding makes them reliant on processed food and aggressive. You may be fined. Let them enjoy the island's abundant jackfruit, rambutan, and durian naturally.

🌳 Notable Trees and Plants

Common Pulai (Alstonia angustiloba) — A very tall native heritage tree on the way to Chek Jawa, about 40m high, with a lightning conductor running up its bark. There is an island named after it at Jurong Lake Gardens.
Pandanus utilis — A common Screwpine that can be found near water bodies. It is not from a pine family but a monocot. Care must be taken when handling the leaves because of the sharp spines. The starchy fruit is edible but tasteless and must be cooked first. The leaves can be used to make ropes, baskets, mats, thatched roofs, hats, nets and paper. The wax covering the leaves makes them natural water-resistant
Nipah Palm — Famous for attap chee fruits in local dessert called ice-kacang. Also known as attap palm or simply the mangrove palm as it commoly found among the mangroves.
Rubber Trees — Look for three compound leaflets on a stalk and greyish-green bark. Wild boars eat the seeds, helping control this invasive species. Villagers used to tap rubber trees till the 1980s, however it was no longer sustainable. You can see some cutting on the tree trucks for latex on some old rubber trees.
Coffee Trees — Remnants of the island's coffee cultivation days.
Durian, Jackfruit, Rambutan, Mango, Banana, Papaya, Lychee — Tropical fruit trees still dot the island. Villagers sell fresh durian near the jetty during fruit season. Indeed durians are native to Singapore and there is a street on the island named after this famous fruit.
Singapore Kopsia — Red and white flowers bearing the colours of the Singapore flag.
Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) — A gardener's favourite.
Torch Ginger (bunga kantan) — Used in Malay and Nyonya cooking.
Coconut Trees - Abundant on the island. Similar to rubber trees, coconut used to be cash crop. The coconut fruits for drinks that you see on the island cafes are likely imported.

Nipah Palm (Nypa fruticans) - Also known as mangrove palm

⛺ Camping on Pulau Ubin

You can camp for free at three designated campsites: Jelutong, Mamam, and Endut Senin. No prior booking is required, but you must bring your own camping gear. Jelutong is closest to the jetty and near the seafood restaurants — convenient for meals and toilet access. Mamam is more secluded. Endut Senin offers a rustic, back-to-nature experience.

Important:

There are no bumboats in the evening. If you are not staying overnight, you must catch the last boat by ~7pm.
If you need to leave urgently at night, you can charter a boat — but this is expensive and must be arranged in advance.
Bring mosquito repellent — mosquitoes are abundant at night.
There is no potable water on the island. Buy bottled water at the jetty shops before heading to your campsite.
Open-air cooking areas are available at some campsites.

🍽️ Where to Eat

Near the jetty, rustic seafood restaurants serve fresh catches — a popular choice after a day of cycling and the calm seaside view. For cheaper options, the hawker centre at Changi Village (before you board the bumboat) is famous for nasi lemak — a plate costs about $4.50. There are four to five stalls selling it. Changi Village Hawker Centre is just next to the bus terminal at Changi Point.

🆕 What's New: NParks Updates (2024–2026)

Biodiversity e-publication (June 2026): NParks released the first comprehensive e-publication documenting Pulau Ubin's biodiversity. Surveys recorded over 1,300 native species, including two species new to science (a spider and a scarab beetle) and 27 new records for Singapore. The flora inventory now exceeds 550 native species — an increase of over 260 since the last baseline surveys in 1992 and 2003.
Cryptic Painted Frog: This vulnerable nocturnal species, previously found only in Bukit Timah and Central Catchment, was introduced to Pulau Ubin in 2024. By April 2026, 31 tadpoles were recorded in artificial phytotelms (water-filled tree cavities), confirming successful breeding.
OCBC Mangrove Park: Opening in 2026 at Sungei Durian, this 4-hectare park will be Singapore's first large-scale Ecological Mangrove Restoration project, using 8,000 mangrove plants to restore abandoned aquaculture ponds.
Kampong House Restoration: NParks is restoring five vacant non-residential kampung houses for community and commercial use, guided by URA design guidelines to retain the rustic look.
Ubin School Initiative: Expanded to over 300 students and 20 schools, with NIE biology student teachers making annual learning journeys to the island.
Friends of Ubin Network (FUN): Now has official Facebook and Instagram pages (@pesta.ubin) for updates on community activities.

🎯 Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Morning (8–11am) for wildlife and cooler temperatures. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and school holidays.
Low tide: Check tide tables — marine life at Chek Jawa is most visible during low tide.
What to bring: Cash (no ATMs on Ubin), insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, water, umbrella/poncho, portable charger, and a camera.
No streetlights: Most trails are unlit after dark. Bring a torch if staying late.
Trail improvement works: NParks periodically upgrades tracks leading to Chek Jawa. Check the official NParks website for closures before your visit.
Nearby: Combine your trip with Changi Chapel and Museum or Changi Beach — both are near Changi Village.
WWII history: The Japanese invasion of Singapore began with a diversionary attack on Pulau Ubin on 7 February 1942. Storyboards near the Ubin jetty detail the island's bygone industries.

🌏 Did You Know?

There were plans to build a road linking mainland Singapore to Pulau Ubin, just like the one to Sentosa. Fortunately, those plans were shelved — hopefully for good. Otherwise, the rustic charm, the simple bumboat ride, and the last kampung would be gone forever.

For more nature escapes, check out our guides to Bukit Batok Nature Park, Coney Island and MacRitchie Reservoir.

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