Contemporary architecture, a top-notch airport, a small country with thriving amusement parks, or the hectic pace of the city’s commercial center are probably what most people think of when they first hear about Singapore. However, Singapore is much more than that; it also has a beautiful, uninhabited island that few people are aware of. Pulau Ubin is the location where you may fully immerse yourself in the natural world. Come along as we enjoy and discover this lovely island.
1. Introduction to Pulau Ubin Island
The island of Pulau Ubin is located in the Johor Strait, northeast of Singapore. It is more than 10 square kilometers in size, boomerang-shaped, and currently home to close to 100 dwellings.
It is well known that since the 1970s of the 20th century, when there were no longer any granite miners working on the island, the region has been completely quiet and pure. Later, despite Singapore’s efforts to entice islanders to engage in business, they resolutely remained and carried on subsisting off of fishing in ancient dwellings.
However, as a result of it, Pulau Ubin has survived and grown into a well-known Singapore tourist destination. On the weekends and during holidays, a lot of people organize camping and picnics here to unwind. Singapore is really different where it is—it’s not crowded or hectic, and it’s both wild and tranquil. However, only a small number of foreign visitors still know about and visit this island.
2. Instructions for getting to Pulau Ubin Island
There are two straightforward ways to get to the island: via train and bus.
Leaving the Tanah Merah MRT station, take bus number 2. As you leave the metro station, simply follow the signs to the bus stop. You can get there for SGD 2.15 (S$) for a one-way ticket, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
This is the best option from Tampines East or Upper Changi station if you’re staying in the Little India area or close to Marina Bay sand. From Tampines East, you can get on any bus bearing the numbers 9, 19, 29, or 59. All of these buses will take you to Changi Village in 15 to 20 minutes. From Upper Changi MRT station, you may also board bus number 2, which travels in 20 minutes.
3. Take a boat to the island
The very small wooden boats that will take you to Pulau Ubin can only accommodate 12 people per trip. It takes around 15 minutes to go from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin Pier.
The boat to the island leaves the quay whenever there are 12 passengers on board; there is no predetermined time it must leave. You could have to wait longer during off-peak hours or pay more for a seat if you don’t want to wait. On a Monday morning, I waited for about ten minutes for there to be enough people to go.
Typically, boats run from 7 am to 7 pm. Outside of these hours, you must make arrangements with the boatmen if you wish to go on an adventure. Cost: SGD 4 per person, plus an additional SGD 2 for each bike you bring.
