Singapore's TidbiTs

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) ...

📍 Marina South Pier  |  🚢 Ferry from $15  |  ☀️ Best: Dry Season (Feb–Oct) Island Hopping 📋 Table of Contents -> Introduction -> Ferry Services & Booking -> Lazarus & St. John's Islands -> Sisters' Islands Marine Park -> Kusu Island -> Island Histories -> Wildlife & Nature -> Essential Tips Introduction Think Sentosa is Singapore's only island escape? Think again. Just off the southern coast lies an archipelago of hidden gems — pristine beaches, sacred shrines, and thriving marine life — all accessible by a short ferry ride from Marina South Pier. Beyond the well-trodden shores of Sentosa, Singapore's Southern Islands offer a completely different experience. These include St. John's Island , Lazarus Island (Pulau Se...

Where royal heritage meets street art, Nasi Padang, and chic cafés Kampong Gelam (also spelled Kampong Glam) is one of Singapore's oldest settlements, a living tapestry where 19th-century Malay royalty, Arab traders, Javanese pilgrims, and Chinese coppersmiths once converged. Today, it is a conservation area of extraordinary depth—where golden domes rise above indie boutiques, where the scent of attar mingles with espresso, and where every shophouse tells a story. Table of Contents A Royal Beginning The Streets & Their Stories Sultan Mosque Malay Heritage Centre (2026 Revamp) What to Eat Cafes & Bakeries Shopping & Souvenirs Architecture & Conservation Getting There & When to Visit A Royal Beginning Kampong Gelam is one of Singapore's oldest settlements, with a history that p...