Hey everyone, welcome to my travel blog! I just came back from an unforgettable island-style weekend at Pulau Ubin, Singapore, and here’s the full low‑down—very shiok, very kampung, very nature vibes. Let me tell you all about what I did, saw, cooked, and felt, lah. 🌿🚴♀️
We took the quintessential bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, chiong there in the morning. It’s about a 10–15‑minute ride at S$4 per pax, and the boat only leaves when it’s full (12 pax max)—so arriving at off-peak times helps to avoid long queues. Arriving on Ubin feels like a time warp back to the kampung days of Singapore.
Pro Tip:
The boat uncles only take cash! And remember they stop running around 7 pm, so plan your return trip if you're not camping.
First stop: dropped off our bags, then rented bikes at shop 45C in Ubin Town for around S$6–8 per day. We cycled to Pekan Quarry, then up Puaka Hill for sweeping views, before tackling Ketam Mountain Bike Park, which has trails for both newbies and thrill-seekers.
At around 1 pm, we rolled back to Jelutong Campsite and pitched our tent facing the sea—best to pick a flat spot and avoid trees with ant hills. We then did a guided mangrove kayaking tour (pre-booked). Paddling through the quiet mangroves is total tranquillity, only interrupted by chirping birds and occasional monitor lizards.
After kayaking, we gathered firewood (dry twigs are best!) and cooked a simple vegetarian stir‑fry over a campfire—lots of laughter and smoke in our eyes, but totally worth it. Alternatively, you can eat at a stall in Ubin Town if you're too tired.
Then we biked to the Pekan Quarry jetty for one of the island’s most iconic sunset spots. The water turned a pastel orange-pink, with an occasional otter silhouette—super insta-worthy!
Woke up at about 6:30 am to catch the serene sunrise by the campsite—calm sea, gentle breeze, the best therapy. After a light breakfast, we hiked to Butterfly Hill to photograph vibrant butterflies and birds.
Then we made our way to the Chek Jawa Wetlands, where a 1.1 km boardwalk spans six interlinked ecosystems. Climbing the Jejawi Tower gave us panoramic views over the Johor River and the wetlands canopy. We also checked out the heritage Tudor‑style Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, known locally as House No. 1—a unique architectural gem from the 1930s.
Around lunch, we chilled at Ubin Town—sipped drinks from a makan stall, chatted with locals, and watched kampong life roll by.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Gear | Pack light: tent, sleeping bag, insect repellent, torch, food, water, and **cash only** (no cards accepted). |
| Permits | A camping permit is required. Apply via the NParks website at least 2 weeks in advance. |
| Cycling | Best way to explore. Rent bikes in Ubin Town. Try the Ketam trail for a challenge. |
| Wildlife | Look for hornbills, otters, fiddler crabs, and mudskippers at Chek Jawa. |
| Food | Bring pre-chopped ingredients for campfire cooking, or enjoy the hawker stalls in Ubin Town. |
Pulau Ubin is such a gem—just a short boat ride from the city, yet worlds apart in peace and kampung character. It's perfect for anyone wanting to unplug. Whether you're camping, biking, kayaking, or just gazing at the sunset, this island experience will stay in your heart.
And if you're feeling adventurous and camping overnight, why not bring your own food? A simple campfire-cooked meal or a little BBQ by the sea is a fantastic experience. Just remember to bring pre-chopped ingredients to make life easier!
So pack your tent, slap on some sunblock, bring a camera, and experience real Singapore nature—thank me later lah.
Enjoy your Ubin adventure! 🏕️🌅
