Pulau Ubin is just off the north eastern coast of mainland Singapore, and is visible from Changi Point. To get there, take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry
Terminal ($2.00 one-way). Boats will leave when there are 12 passengers but you can also opt to pay the difference for the boat to leave immediately.
Guests of MCC Ubin Resort can access from the Club premises at Punggol.
Bumboats run from sunrise to sunset. Special arrangements will have to be made with the boatmen for trips after dark.
To use the barge landing point at Jelutong campsite, please contact National Parks Board (Tel : 6542-4108) at least one week in advance.
Shaped like a boomerang, Pulau Ubin (Granite Island) is situated just off the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore. The 1020-hectare island was once a
cluster of five smaller ones separated by tidal rivers, but the building of bunds for prawn farming has since united these into a single island. Two other islets,
Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) and Pulau Sekudu (Frog Island), lie to its south.
Ubin is largely a series of undulating, granite hills. In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousand settlers. Much of the original vegetation was
cleared for the cultivation of rubber and crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut and jasmine. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque relics of
Ubin's history, while forests and grasslands have regenerated to cover up the ravages of the past
Life on Ubin
A trip to Pulau Ubin is a throwback to Singapore in the 1960's. The island is home to Singapore's last villages or "kampongs" – there are still about a hundred
villagers living here. In contrast to the modern and efficient public utilities on mainland Singapore, Ubin residents rely on wells for water and noisy diesel generators
for electricity. Some villagers depend on traditional farming and fishing for subsistence, while others tend to their provision stores and eateries. At the main village,
near the jetty, some houses have been converted to bicycle rental shops to support a quiet tourist trade.
How to get to Chek Jawa Wetlands
Upon arrival at the Ubin jetty, visitors can hire a van or rent a bicycle from the main village. For the more adventurous, a walk
to Chek Jawa would take about 40 minutes.
Chek Jawa Wetlands was officially launched on the 7th July 2007 by Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development.
New amenities in Chek Jawa Wetlands include an information kiosk, boardwalk, viewing tower, viewing jetty and a visitor centre with seminar room and workroom. Impact of human traffic on the grounds of Chek Jawa Wetlands is greatly reduced with the visitors now enjoying the splendors of Chek Jawa from the boardwalk.
Visitors can either cycle or hire a vehicle to get to Chek Jawa Wetlands. For the safety of visitors, bicycles and vehicles will have to be parked at designated lots near Punai Hut. Do remember to ask for a bicycle lock when you rent your bicycle.
Chek Jawa Wetlands
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 6.00pm
Activities
Ubin provides a much-needed escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life in Singapore. Its natural and rustic charm draws about 300,000
visitors each year. The idyllic setting is ideal for outdoor activities.
Cycling
Rent a bicycle, or bring your own, to visit villages scattered round the island. Ride through coconut and rubber plantations, or pause at fruit orchards …
perhaps you will chance upon a few durians or mangosteens!
Shelters are scattered throughout the island and provide a good rest stop. Keep in mind that the roads in Ubin are shared by vehicles, so avoid resting on
the roads and keep to the left when traveling.
Sightseeing
Taxi vans are also available for hire. Fares are not metered and should be negotiated beforehand.
Camping
Bring your tents and head out for beach campsites at Noordin, Mamam or the new Jelutong campsite. Try your hand at fishing, or gaze at the myriad stars of Ubin's night
sky. Camping permits are not required and availability is on a first come first served basis. Upon reaching Ubin, do drop by the Information Kiosk and the ranger manning the
counter would be able to advise you on some camping do and don'ts. Ubin is a natural area and to protect this environment, we do have guidelines for activities conducted here.
Some of these include not allowing campfires, littering, tying ropes/tent lines to the trees or cutting their branches. Only Jelutong Campsite has facilities to accomodate a campfire.
We also encourage campers to register their particulars with the local police post for ease of contact in case of emergencies. The police post is located right of
the jetty when you disembark.
Toilet facilities are available at all campsites but bear in mind that the water is not suitable for drinking or bathing.
For a more comfortable stay, the MCC Ubin Resort has well furnished chalets and a swimming lagoon.
Nature Walks
If you like being close to nature, join our guided tours and discover Ubin's amazing diversity of plants and animals. Look for the handsome Red Junglefowl, ancestor of
the domestic chicken, and watch the antics of the Oriental Pied Hornbill. Perhaps, you will come face to face with a Wild Pig, or even the very rare Leopard Cat. Learn
about the interesting adaptations of our mangrove plants and marvel at the beautiful blooms of their seashore cousins.
Dining
There are four Chinese restaurants and a Muslim stall on the main street of the island, and another restaurant at the MCC Ubin Resort. These are the only eating places
on the island so bring food along if you intend to wander far.
Weather
While Singapore does experience wet seasons, showers can be expected throughout the year. Please click on the link for the current weather updates
Notice
We are glad to announce that Jelutong Campsite is ready for use. Call 65424108 to find out more.
Works are ongoing at some sections of Mamam beach. These areas have been cordoned off but the rest of the beach ios still open for use.
Enquiries Hotline 6542-4108 ( 8.30am - 5.00pm)
Exercise responsibility for your personal safety.
Stay on designated roads, tracks and boardwalks.
Water from public toilets and wells is not suitable for drinking or bathing.
Avoid feeding, harassing or capturing any wild animal.
Refrain from collecting any plant or shell.
In event of heavy rain or lightning, seek shelter and descend from the viewing tower.
Unless authorized, please do not berth or land your boat or canoe at Chek Jawa or Pulau Sekudu.
