From an island to an island: Pulau Ubin

My continuing exploration of Singapore took me to Pulau Ubin, a small island just off the Changi Point area. On this island, one can find resorts, campsites, trails, jungle, wetlands and several km of trails of varying quality. Some are paved, some are more rugged and earthy, and there is even a boardwalk at Chek Jawa.


To get there, one needs to take a 10 minute ride in a bumboat, costing a whole S$2.oo. At this price, one does not expect luxury. Bumboats are sturdy painted wooden vessels, where 12 people sit on hard benches in close company. They seem as old as the island itself.





Once there, the main way of getting around is on a bicycle, which can be rented fairly cheaply. While much of the island is connected by paved roads, some of the more interesting places (like Chek Jawa) can only be reached by dirt and rock trails. It is well worth the extra money to rent a higher-quality mountain bike with good shocks. Mine was so-so.







For me, the best part of the island was Chek Jawa, a coatal wetlands which can be viewed by 2 boardwalk paths, one which is about 10m off the coastline over nearby coral reefs, while the other weaves in and out of mangrove swamps on land. Together, they show a very complete view of the coastal wetlands area.














Coastal boardwalk part 2.














Mangrove tree at low tide.






















A 30m observation tower. 30m is a lot of stairs! Attempt only if healthy and hydrated, but the view is worth it.


After Chek Jawa, I toured a couple of beach areas, rode by a resort complex, saw the outskirts of a police training ground, and rode past some resident's dwellings (where it felt like I was intruding, but many were selling water and drinks, and did not seem to mind). While I enjoyed getting out and riding around on the whole island, the Chek Jawa area (run by Singarpore National Parks) was the clear highlight of the trip. Overall, it was a great way to spend a nice Saturday afternoon.