Pulau Ubin is a 1,036-hectare island off northeastern Singapore, reached by bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. For a Pulau Ubin day trip, plan around the ferry’s passenger threshold, then choose between walking, cycling and a local van for getting around.
Chek Jawa Wetlands, at the island’s eastern end, can make a rewarding addition if you allow time for the trip across the island.
- Ferry terminal: Changi Point Ferry Terminal, 51 Lorong Bekukong.
- Bumboat crossing: about 10 minutes; typically $4 per person each way, plus $2 for a bicycle.
- Usual boat operating pattern: on demand, daily from 6am to 7pm, departing when 12 passengers are aboard.
- Chek Jawa: 3 km from the public jetty, with boardwalks and a tower.
Getting to Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Changi Point Ferry Terminal is served by buses 2, 29, 59 and 109 at the nearby Changi Village Bus Terminal. The terminal’s address is 51 Lorong Bekukong, which gives you a direct destination for planning the mainland part of the trip. Changi Village is also covered in this guide to village food and the coast.
Changi Village Bus Terminal is near Changi Point Ferry Terminal, so you can continue to the ferry terminal from there.
Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality is about 60 minutes from Pulau Ubin; for the island crossing, head to Changi Point Ferry Terminal. You can find the four-star hotel in Changi while planning where to stay on the mainland.
Taking the bumboat to Pulau Ubin
Bumboats run between Changi Point Ferry Terminal and Pulau Ubin under private management, usually on demand from 6am to 7pm daily. Boats generally depart once 12 passengers are aboard, so the crossing schedule depends on passenger numbers rather than a fixed departure time.
The ride takes about 10 minutes. The typical fare is $4 per person each way, with an additional $2 for a bicycle. Confirm the fare with the operator before departure.
Operators may agree to leave with fewer than 12 passengers or outside the usual operating hours, but the fare per passenger may be higher. For travel outside those hours, NParks advises arranging the trip in advance. If you cannot find a bumboat for the return crossing, NParks advises calling its helpline at 1800-471 7300.
Fares and operating arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go. NParks is the source for the island and Chek Jawa visitor guidance.
Getting around the island
You can explore designated trails on Pulau Ubin on foot, by bicycle or by hiring a local van. If you plan to cycle, bicycle shops in the main village rent bikes and helmets; NParks recommends bringing a helmet or renting one.
Ketam Mountain Bike Park covers 45 hectares and has 10 kilometres of trails graded Blue Square, Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond. That range makes it important to choose trails that match your cycling experience.
The island’s landscape reflects its past. Granite mining once supported a few thousand settlers, and abandoned granite quarries remain. Bunds built for prawn farming joined what had been five smaller islands, forming the present-day island.
Stick to designated paths, trails, roads, tracks and boardwalks, keep left, and do not feed or catch wild animals. NParks identifies first-aid posts at Ubin Volunteer Hub in the Main Village and at Ubin Living Lab. For an emergency or accident, the listed numbers are 999, 995 and the NParks helpline, 1800-471 7300.
Facilities and what to bring
Bring or rent a helmet if you plan to cycle. For time on the trails, wear footwear that suits walking and bring water, sun protection and insect repellent; long sleeves and trousers are another option for covering up.
These preparations matter especially if you plan a guided Chek Jawa visit. NParks says guided-tour participants should wear footwear that covers the entire foot; slippers and sandals are not appropriate. The same advice recommends water, sun protection and insect repellent, or long sleeves and trousers.
Keep to marked routes and avoid disturbing wildlife as you move around the island. If an accident occurs, use the emergency numbers and first-aid locations noted above.
Adding Chek Jawa to the day
Chek Jawa Wetlands lies at the eastern end of Pulau Ubin, 3 km from the public jetty. You can walk there in about 40 minutes, hire a van or rent a bicycle in the main village, so allow for the trip across the island when shaping your day.
The wetlands cover about 100 hectares and bring together sandy and rocky beaches, a seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest. The boardwalks extend for 1.1 kilometres, and Jejawi Tower rises 21 metres. The intertidal flats are most suitable to visit during low tides of 0.5 metres and below; at higher tides, the area is submerged.
The boardwalks and tower give you a route through the coastal landscape, while the timing of the tide affects what you can see on the flats. Chek Jawa’s usual opening hours are 7am to 7pm daily; check NParks’ official site before you go for current details.
NParks’ guided tours cost $60 per group of up to 15 people and accept online payment only. Tours may be cancelled for lightning or heavy rain. The Chek Jawa guide to boardwalks, wildlife and access covers more of what to expect at the wetlands.
FAQs
How long is the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin?
The crossing from Changi Point Ferry Terminal takes about 10 minutes. Boats usually leave when 12 passengers are aboard.
How much does the Pulau Ubin ferry cost?
The typical fare is $4 per person each way, with an additional $2 for a bicycle. Confirm the fare with the operator before departure.
How do you get to Chek Jawa from the jetty?
Chek Jawa is 3 km from the public jetty. NParks says you can walk there in about 40 minutes, hire a van or rent a bicycle in the main village.
Can you visit Chek Jawa at high tide?
You can visit the wetlands, but the intertidal flats are most suitable at low tides of 0.5 metres and below; at higher tides, they are submerged.