Discover Ubin Island: A Hidden Gem in Singapore

I enjoy experiencing activities that many individuals might overlook. While visiting Singapore, most travelers gravitate toward the well-known attractions—such as Marina Bay Sands, shopping at Orchard Road, and excursions to Universal Studios. Although these experiences are commendable, I highly advocate for a visit to Ubin Island (known as Pulau Ubin) to engage in cycling and delve deeper into the island’s unique offerings.

HOW TO REACH UBIN ISLAND

To reach Ubin Island, catch a ferry from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Despite being labeled ferries, they are actually bumboats.

The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes, with a fare of around SGD $2.50.

UPON ARRIVAL AT UBIN ISLAND

Upon arrival, rent a bicycle for $5 for a mountain bike—this is the preferred choice.

Furthermore, bargaining is possible for lower rates, but given that this price covers an entire day’s rental, it is advisable to simply pay the standard fee and commence your adventure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT UBIN ISLAND

1.) Bring hydration and snacks for your cycling expedition; shops are available upon your arrival at the island, but they become sparse as you venture further.

2.) Avoid solo cycling; it is advisable to accompany at least one other person for safety precautions.

3.) Familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers. These should already be noted upon entering any new country.

4.) Wear suitable cycling footwear. Using flip-flops for an entire day proved inadequate for my needs, and by the day’s end, they had deteriorated.

5.) Exercise caution and refrain from engaging with the dogs on the island, as they may not exhibit the playful disposition one might expect. While typically non-aggressive, they might misinterpret your intentions.

6.) You may encounter various wildlife, including monkeys, pigs, and other creatures. Remember that these are wild animals, and interactions should be approached cautiously. For example, we observed wild pigs receiving food from visitors, and the piglets seemed particularly interested in human snacks.

7.) Stay on designated paths and refrain from wandering off into the underbrush.

8.) Carry anti-mosquito spray to deter bites from insects on the island.

After our arrival, we took a short ride on our bicycles to acclimate ourselves to the island’s terrain.

Following a meal, we found ourselves at a beach resort, where half our group opted to remain and enjoy cocktails while those of us eager for exploration set off to see the remainder of the island.

During our exploration, we encountered playful monkeys who were removing durian fruits from trees, eagerly sharing their rewards.

We reached a mangrove area and decided to secure our bicycles and continue our exploration on foot.

During our excursion, we encountered a notably large monitor lizard—approximately 4 feet (122cm) long!

Additionally, we observed a colony of tiny crabs engaging in a peculiar synchronized dance; they measured about an inch across!

We proceeded to a high vantage point where we could observe expansive views of the island; the scenery was breathtaking!

We continued our exploration of the island…

The pigs, as I previously mentioned, were quite bold in seeking snacks and showed no hesitation in doing so.

There are numerous water bodies throughout the area, likely remnants of previous quarry activities, which have since returned to a more natural state, creating stunning and picturesque landscapes.

As our visit concluded, we gathered up the remaining members from the beach resort and bid farewell to this beautiful island…

…and we boarded our vessels back to the mainland!

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