Pulau Ubin is a boomerang-shaped island off Singapore's north-east coast and home to one of the country's last villages. A ten-minute bumboat ride takes you to quiet roads, forest and, at the island's eastern tip, Chek Jawa - where six habitats meet along a boardwalk.
Getting to Changi Point Ferry Terminal
- By bus: 2, 29, 59 or 109 to Changi Village Bus Terminal.
- MRT and bus: from Tampines East (exit B) take bus 59; from Tampines take bus 29; from Tanah Merah (exit B) take bus 2 - all to Changi Village.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: enter "51 Lorong Bekukong".
The bumboat
There is no timetable and no booking: boats run from about 6am to 7pm and leave once 9-12 passengers are on board. The fare is S$4 per person each way, plus S$2 if you bring a bicycle - bring cash and confirm the fare with the boatman. If you plan to come back after 6pm, arrange your return with the boat operators in advance. If no boats are available at the Ubin jetty, call the NParks hotline on 1800 471 7300.
Getting around the island
You can walk, cycle or hire a local van. Bicycle rental shops are near the main jetty; ask for a lock, because bicycles must be parked at the lots near Punai Hut before you enter Chek Jawa.
Chek Jawa Wetlands
At Chek Jawa, sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest meet in one place. The boardwalk has two loops - the Coastal Loop (600 m) and the Mangrove Loop (500 m) - and takes about 1.5 hours. Climb the 21-metre Jejawi Tower for views over the forest canopy, and visit the visitor centre and its viewing jetty.
Time it with the tide. The shore is most interesting at a low tide of 0.5 m or below, when the habitats are exposed. Check the tide table before you go. NParks lists the boardwalk as open 9am-5pm daily.
Tips for the day
- Bring cash, water, sun protection and insect repellent; start early to avoid the midday heat.
- Stay on marked roads and trails, and keep food out of sight of monkeys.
- Asian small-clawed otters live on Pulau Ubin. If you see them, watch quietly from a distance.
- Check NParks notices before you go: parts of the boardwalk close from time to time for works.
FAQs
How much is the bumboat to Pulau Ubin?
S$4 per person each way, plus S$2 for a bicycle. Bring cash and confirm with the boatman.
Do I need to book the bumboat?
No. There is no timetable; a boat leaves when 9-12 passengers are on board.
Can I cycle on the Chek Jawa boardwalk?
No. Park your bicycle at the lots near Punai Hut and walk the boardwalk.
Related guides
Sources
- NParks: Pulau Ubin directions and map (checked 9 November 2026)
- NParks: Chek Jawa Wetlands (checked 9 November 2026)
- NParks AVS: Otters in Singapore (checked 9 November 2026)