Just a short 10-minute boat ride away from Singapore, Pulau Ubin might not be the first place that comes to mind for a fun day out, given the lack of trendy cafés and thrilling activities. But that doesn’t mean the island is short on unique experiences. For those who are unfamiliar with Pulau Ubin, we’ve rounded up the best things to see and do on this underrated island.

Things to do and see at Pulau Ubin

Go bird-watching and learn about native plants

A paradise for nature lovers, Pulau Ubin has plenty to offer with its lush greenery and abundant wildlife. Go bird-watching, visit the abandoned quarries and learn more about its native plants as you roam around the island. Head east to explore Ubin Fruit Orchard, where you’ll find local fruit trees such as Java apples and rambutans.

More gems can be found in the East of the island – we’re talking about the old restored houses and the Chek Jawa wetlands. Walk down the boardwalk to observe Fiddler crabs as they scuttle along the shore. Don’t miss climbing up the 20-metre–tall Jejawi Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the island.

Challenge yourself and conquer the tricky slopes on Ubin’s mountain biking trails and steep Puaka Hill. You can either bring a bicycle from home or rent one from the bicycle shops here. Serious cyclists should head west to the Ketam Mountain Bike Park where a 10-kilometre-long trail around Ketam Quarry awaits. Aside from exploring the death-defying trail, you can also cycle along the southern coast and visit an eerie shrine.

They say it’s the people who make a place. And though Pulau Ubin is just a 10-minute boat ride away, life here feels worlds apart from mainland Singapore. Curious about how the locals spend their days? Stop by the drinks stall along Jalan Jelutong for a chat with Madam Ong, the friendly owner who’s always up for a conversation. She’s usually at the stall on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid any disappointment.

From the two-storey Tudor-styled house to the memorable murals at the drink stall, there are seven spots on the island that we think are the most scenic places unique to Pulau Ubin. Snap a picture or two while you’re there to commemorate your visit.

Put on your comfiest shoes and make your way to Puaka Hill, the highest viewpoint on Pulau Ubin. The trail begins near Merbah Hut and takes just 10 minutes to reach the summit. Follow the dirt path and man-made trails – they’re easy to navigate, so you won’t get lost here. Keep an eye out for wooden fence posts marking the final stretch. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Pekan Quarry, where blue waters meet lush greenery.

Things to note before visiting Pulau Ubin

1. How to get to Pulau Ubin

To get to Ubin, board a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Bumboats operate from 6am to 7pm every day. Boat fares are priced at $4 per person for a single trip and each ride takes about 10 minutes. Do note that there is no fixed schedule, and bumboats only set off when there are nine to 12 passengers. Fees are paid directly to the driver and are collected before the boat jets off.

2. Remember to withdraw cash beforehand

There are no ATMs on the island, so be sure you’ve got all the cash you need for the trip before jumping on a boat to Ubin. The nearest POSB and OCBC cash machines are located near the Changi Village Hawker Centre.

3. Apply for a camping permit if you are staying overnight at Pulau Ubin

If you’re planning to sleep beneath the stars, apply for an overnight camping permit via AXS. You can pitch your tent at any of the three camping sites: Jelutong, Mamam and Endut Senin. Jelutong is situated closest to the village and faces the mainland, Endut Senin is further west near Ubin Quarry, while Mamam is further north of the island. All locations have toilet facilities nearby, however, Jelutong is the only spot that is equipped to accommodate a campfire. Note that the water available at the campsites is not safe to drink, so you’ll need to boil it or bring drinking water from home.

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1. Get traditional Malay dishes at Encik Hassan

Encik Hassan is a longtime island staple located just beside Ubin Jetty. This humble eatery has been serving traditional Malay dishes for over 30 years, and now opens exclusively on weekends. Expect Malay favourites like mee rebus, mee siam, and nasi lemak – perfect for a satisfying bite before or after exploring the island.

Just steps from Ubin Jetty sits Cheong Lian Yuen, a fuss-free eatery known for serving up fresh seafood in a laid-back setting. The star of the menu is the signature fried garlic prawns, caught by local fishermen. Grab a seat at the outdoor alfresco area for breezy seaside views. And by the way, the restaurant now accepts cashless payments.

3. Drink traditional coffee and tea at Sin Lam Huat

Over by the Wayang stage, Sin Lam Huat is a cosy coffee shop fondly referred to as the “two sisters” spot – a nod to the duo of sisters who run it, both born and bred on Pulau Ubin. The space is intimate, with charming black-and-white photographs of the island lining the walls. Sip on a cup of traditional kopi or teh and dig into comforting tze char-style dishes.

Further along the road leading to the Ubin Volunteer Hub is Season Live Seafood Restaurant. Its main draw is the spacious alfresco dining area, offering views of both the Ubin Jetty and mainland Singapore. A recommended dish that’s well-loved by regulars is the drunken prawns, praised for its freshness and flavour.