Pulau Ubin Fast Facts:

  • Pulau Ubin hosts around 300,000 visitors each year.
  • The Chek Jawa Wetlands of Pulau Ubin was officially opened with its new facilities by Mr. Mah Bow Tan, the Minister for National Development, in July of 2007.

Pulau Ubin is shaped like a boomerang and you will want to return like a boomerang once you visit it.  The name Pulau Ubin doesn’t have anything to do with boomerangs; Pulau Ubin means Granite Island.  It continues the life of Singapore in the 1960s with villages and kampongs. There is traditional farming and fishing, along with shops and places to eat. There are plenty of locations to rent bicycles to travel past the forest and greenery. Tourist attractions include the Chek Jawa Wetlands, its boardwalk, the viewing jetty and tower, and a visitor center. Bicyclists and cars can park by the Punai Hut so as to not greatly impact the environment.

What to do:

If you need to escape from the city, you’ll notice that outdoor activities abound at Pulau Ubin. You can ride past coconut and rubber plantations, admire the fruit orchards, take a rest stop under one of the shelters, or even go fishing!  You can use your own tent at the Noordin, Mamam, or Jelutong beach campsites (the last of which is the only one with campfire pits).  The MCC Ubin Resort has a swimming lagoon and chalets, or you can go to the Ubin Lodge if you want to stay closer to the town of Ubin.  If you’ve ever wondered what the ancestors of domestic chickens looked like, you should take a camera because you might find yourself searching for the Red Junglefowl.  Another bird that will grab your attention is the Oriental Pied Hornbill.  There are also wild pigs and a leopard that is rarely seen.  Take plenty of film!

The Sensory Trail:

Visitors have loved traveling through the Sensory Trail.  The fruit trees, herbs & spices, and other special plants in the Mangrove forest seem to call out to be touched, smelled, or tasted.  It isn’t a difficult walk and it takes about an hour.  It is perhaps the best way to introduce someone to the island’s natural side.  If you get hungry from this trail, you will find on the main road of Pulau Ubin four Chinese restaurants and a Muslim stall. There is also a restaurant at the MCC Ubin Resort. These six eating places are the only ones on the island so it is suggested that you bring food along with you (especially if you want to wander about).

Chek Jawa:

Chek Jawa is one of a kind! Six habitats mix together to create a unique ecosystem. The area was chosen to be reclaimed in 1992, but after Chek Jawa was opened to the public in December of 2000, many Singaporeans stunted the reclamation plans. In 2001, an official announcement was made stating that the area would not be reclaimed as long as development were not required of Pulau Ubin. Since July 8, 2007, visitors have a centre, a boardwalk, and the 21 meter Jejawi Tower. To the benefit of Pulau Ubin, a visitor management plan has been set-up for Chek Jawa to retain the sustainability and biodiversity of the area.

Tips for Travelers:

  • If you are going to hire a taxi van on Pulau Ubin, remember that the fares are not metered and therefore you will need to negotiate a price before riding.
  • The Chek Jawa Wetlands are open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Here is a remix of the Pulau Ubin visitor guidelines:

  • If you want a group activity, you have to contact the National Parks Board. Remember that there are always more visitors during weekends and holidays. You can’t set up markers or checkpoints without permission.
  • Roads and tracks are designated, so you shouldn’t wander off! Also, keep to the left in single file so that people don’t run into each other. Always were protective gear before riding, and remember to go slower around bends and when you are nearing a spot that goes downhill.
  • Do not drink water from the wells or public restrooms. Granite quarries, ponds, rivers, or any body of water, should be seen at a distance. The same goes for wild animals and especially for wild bees or hornets. If you find a nest or hive during your travels, report it!
  • Check out the official website for more information.

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