Pulau Ubin

A rustic island east of Singapore featuring kampong-style villages, quarries, and coastal mangrove forests accessible by bumboat. It offers a glimpse of Singapore's rural past with opportunities for cycling, hiking, and exploring traditional island life.

Things to do

• Cycling around the island — Rent a bicycle and explore the flat, quiet roads connecting kampong villages, quarries, and coastal areas at a leisurely pace.
• Visit Chek Jawa wetlands — Explore this coastal nature reserve featuring mangrove forests, tidal pools, and a 400-metre wooden boardwalk with rich biodiversity.
• Explore abandoned granite quarries — Walk through the flooded quarries on the eastern side of the island, now transformed into scenic spots with clear water reflecting surrounding cliffs.
• Hike to Puaka Hill — Climb the island's highest point for panoramic views of the surrounding waters, other islands, and the Singapore mainland.
• Visit traditional kampong villages — Wander through the remaining settlement areas like Onan Road to see traditional wooden stilt houses, local residents, and authentic rural island life.
• Mangrove kayaking — Paddle through the mangrove-lined waterways and coastal inlets to spot wildlife such as herons, mudskippers, and monitor lizards.
• Beach exploration at Trigger Point — Visit the northern sandy beach area to relax, swim, and enjoy views across to Malaysia and other nearby islands.

Food to try

• Seafood at island eateries — Local stalls and small restaurants serve fresh grilled fish, prawns, and crabs caught from surrounding waters, often prepared simply with sambal or soy sauce.
• Nasi kuning with sambal — Yellow coconut rice served with spicy sambal and sometimes accompanied by grilled chicken or fish at traditional kampong food stalls.
• Boiled or steamed otah-otah — Fish cake wrapped in banana leaf, a Malay specialty found at island food vendors, representing the area's traditional coastal cooking methods.
• Iced sugarcane juice — Fresh-pressed local sugarcane juice served ice-cold, a refreshing drink sold by small vendors throughout the island.
• Traditional Malay kuih — Homemade traditional cakes and pastries like kuih lapis or kuih muih sold by local residents in their homes or small stalls, reflecting kampong-style preparation.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect private property and kampong residents — Many homes remain occupied by long-time islanders; ask permission before photographing or entering residential areas, and keep noise levels low.
• Bring cash for local transactions — Most small stalls, bicycle rental shops, and local eateries do not accept cards, so carry enough Singapore dollars for your visit.
• Observe quiet, slow-paced rhythm — The island operates at a relaxed pace with minimal traffic; embrace the tranquility and avoid expecting modern amenities or hurried service.
• Check tide times for water activities — Mangrove boardwalks and some coastal areas are best visited during specific tides; ask locals or check tide tables before planning water-based exploration.