It’s been a while since I last went to Pulau Ubin to cycle so I decided to head off and explore on a Sunday morning. As it was a Sunday, the parking lots around Changi Point Ferry Terminal (near Changi Village Hawker Centre) was free-of-charge so it took a while for me to get a parking lot as all the lots were taken up. To get to Pulau Ubin, you need to take a bum-boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
Once you reach Changi Point Ferry Terminal, go down the stairs and join the queue for Pulau Ubin (by referring to the signboards). Be sure to join the correct queue for Pulau Ubin as the terminal also serves those going to Pengerang, Johor. The bum-boats will only leave when there have 12 passengers and each trip cost S$2.50/person. You can also bring your own bicycle on-board for another S$2 extra.
On the bum-boat leaving Changi Point Ferry Terminal for Pulau Ubin. Whenever I go for an outdoor trip, I will bring along a backpack. What I had in my backpack – 1.5L of mineral water (you can still buy in Palau Ubin), plastic bags (to protect my electronics if it rains), disposable rain coat, sun screen, insect repellant, biscuits/snacks and camera. What I was wearing – T-shirt, bermuda and covered shoes. It going to be hot so make sure you have a breathable T-shirt.
After 10mins of bum-boat ride, I reached the Ubin Jetty. Walking along the walkway into Pulau Ubin.
A “Welcome To Pulau Ubin” at the end of Ubin Jetty walkway. Oh yes, admission to the island is free.
I went straight to the NParks Information Kiosk, where you can pick up pamphlets and maps for Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa Wetlands. You can also speak to the NParks officers to get some tips on how to spend your day at Pulau Ubin. I did ask the NParks officers about the tide – not for swimming but more related to visiting Chek Jawa. š
If you leave Ubin Jetty and turn left (westwards), you will see Pak Ali’s Malay Stall – which I have decided to take my breakfast here.
Lontong at Pak Ali’s Malay Stall S$2.80 – I heard it was the best in Singapore and only available on Sunday!
You can rent a bicycle from the numerous bicycle rental kiosks between the jetty and the village center. Whole day rental prices varies from S$2 (older models) to S$20 (newer models with more features such as disc brakes, front suspension, back suspension, etc). The normal ones are usually between S$2 to S$5 but I went for a slightly newer model (as above) for S$8. Be sure to ask for bicycle locks (S$2 refundable deposit) and shop owner’s contact number (to get help if any breakdown happens).
Stop by Pekan Quarry (along Jalan Batu Ubin) to admire the scenery. No swimming please. š
Some bamboo growth.
Keep left when cycling on any paved road as there are vehicles using the same road as well! This is along Jalan Noordin.
On the paved cycling route, there are huts available for taking shelter as well as breather. Usually there are location maps beside the huts as well.
National Police Cadet Corps Campsite. Notice the obstacle course on the right?
Coastal area at the end of Jalan Noordin. From the map, this area was also known as “Noordin Campsite”.
There are various public toilets around Pulau Ubin but please note that the water supplied are not safe for drinking.
A villager’s home on Pulau Ubin.
Most of the public toilets here in Pulau Ubin are powered by Solar energy. You can see the solar panels on top of the building.
Uncle relaxing in the shade while awaiting for his catch. This is at Mamam Campsite.
On the other side, 2 person are doing some cooking and another 2 curious on-lookers glancing at it. Maybe the aroma smells fabulous! Wahahaha!
Also I noticed some structure out in the sea, might be a Kelong!
From Mamam Campsite, I made my way to Chek Jawa (Punai Hut). From Beberek Hut onwards, all are gravel roads.
Halfway up to Chek Jawa Wetlands (Punai Hut), I took a rest in the shade. Some other folks are also taking a breather and admiring the scene too.
This is the scene which we are admiring while resting – Balai Quarry.
Sometimes when the slope is too steep, cyclists (including myself) will get off the bicycle and push it instead. It is so much easier this way!
Arrived at Punai Hut, this is where you have to park and lock your bicycles. The rest of the journey to Chek Jawa Wetlands will have to be on foot.
Information Kiosk at Chek Jawa. Vending machine for cold drinks is available here.
Decided to explore Coastal Boardwalk first. Signboard for No Fishing, No Swimming, No Running, No Cycling.
Coastal Boardwalk stretches around 600 meters along the coastline of Chek Jawa and allows you to view various lifeforms or habitats without getting wet.
At various parts of the Coastal Boardwalk, there are steel grilles on the floor instead of the usual solid wooden platforms so as to allow you to see through the opening into the seabed. There is more to see during a low tide so please do check for a low tide (believe <0.5m is preferred) before your visit. During my visit, it was all high-tide as I only checked it at NParks Information Kiosk when I reach Pulau Ubin. š
Along the Coastal Boardwalk, there are various information signboard as such for visitors to read and learn. Coral Rubble is what you can see if the tide is low.
Continuing on will be the 500 meters Mangrove Boardwalk.
Typical mangroves found in Pulau Ubin and are an important part of the ecosystem.
Numerous mud moulds made by mud lobster can be seen along the boardwalk. Can you spot the crab in the photo?
21-metre high Jejawi Observation Tower. Do spend some time to climb up as it offer fantastic views!
On the top of Jejawi Tower – perfect spot for bird watching or just admiring the panoramic view of Chek Jawa.
House No 1 – Chek Jawa Visitor Centre. This was built in 1930s by the then Chief Surveyor, Langdon Williams as a holiday retreat.
Going through House No 1 and you will come to a viewing jetty which stretches into the sea.
At the end of the Viewing Jetty. On the far top-right is Pulau Sekudu.
Had a peek behind the signboard and found a solar panel. Believe that it’s used to power the small light beacon at night.
Spotted a large spider on the floor. Looks menacing man!
Almost at the end of my trip already, so I took a rest at Ubin First Stop Restaurant and ordered a cold 100plus drink. I was slowly sipping the drink and watching the people go by. Directly opposite is the Wayang Stage – used to be a classroom for kids but now more commonly used for Chinese opera performances during Chinese Seventh Lunar Month (Hungry Ghost Festival).
On the right side of where I was seated, there are some bicycle rental shops as well as provision shops.
Ubin First Stop Restaurant – There was quite a crowd during then and most are digging into seafood while having beer/wine/champagne. Must be really enjoyable!
My late lunch at Ubin First Stop Restaurant – Seafood Hor Fun S$4.
Finished my lunch, then I returned the bicycle and got back my deposit of S$2 for the lock. Walk back to Ubin Jetty and waited for more passengers to make up 12 persons.
The interior of the bum-boat that I took back to Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Did you see the regular plastic chair they using? Wahahaha! Anyway, I purposely took my time and not cover the whole of Ubin during this trip as I very much wanted to come back again. I really had a fun time!
After I reached Changi Point Ferry Terminal, went to Changi Village Hawker Centre to buy some afternoon snacks home. Going for something light so settled for Chwee Kueh.
Auntie preparing my order of Chwee Kueh (6pcs) with lots of diced preserved radish at S$1.50. Nice!
Photos on this blog post are taken on Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera.
