Here is a travel distance table to other parts of Ubin for your convenience.

Update: 21 Mar 2011

Direction signposts with distance are now erected at major junctions which makes easier to get around Pulau Ubin. You may print out a detailed map of Pulau Ubin as free maps are no longer given out.

Sunset at equatorial Singapore is around 7pm so give yourself plenty of daylight time to walk back to Ubin jetty before it gets too dark or to catch the last ferry. Bring a flashlight just in case and jot down emergency numbers from here. Go back the same way from the path you took. Ignore Nparks traffic directions as they are meant for vehicles plus you have to walk up and down 3 slopes.

How to get there by bus
Bus numbers 2, 29, 59, 109 will take you there. Stop at the terminus. Head towards Changi Point Ferry Terminal (click for interactive map) northeast on Lorong Bekukong about 100 meters away.

Getting there by Taxi/Car

Ask for Changi Village, turn right into Lorong Bekukong next to the Bus Terminus. The carpark in front of Changi point jetty is often full so familiarize yourself with carparks nearby. Driving directions from Loyang Ave.

Make sure you mention the correct ferry terminal by repeating “Changi Village, Changi Point Ferry Terminal” as there are 3 ferry terminals nearby including Changi Ferry Terminal (3.9km away), Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (12 km ), Saf Ferry Terminal (2.1 km) .

Ferry to Pulau Ubin island.
Take the bumboat ferry, the boat trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes covering a distance of about 2.4km. It costs $2.50 per passenger and $2.00 per bicycle. Free ride for babies in arms. The boat departs when there are 12 passengers or when the boat get chartered for $30 when there are not enough passengers. Restrictions apply for pet dogs.

The first ferry usually leave at 7-8 am, its usually filled with passengers going to work in Ubin such as contractors or shop owners. No problems if you plan to go earlier as some boatmen, especially older ones, prefer to sleep in their boats. They are usually at the jetty from 2am onwards.

There is no last ferry service. The boatmen stop ferrying when the crowds thin down. On weekends, the crowds thin out from 4pm onwards going to Ubin and from 7.30pm returning from Ubin so expect to pay more by sharing and chartering if you are impatient. You may be stranded in Ubin if the boatmen has gone home so don’t hang around too late.

Update Apr 16, 2010: Visitors’ level seems to have dropped. Its harder to get a boat to Ubin if you are planning to go there for fishing or camping at night. We played it safe by leaving for Ubin no later than 8pm when the boatmen are still around at Changi Point Jetty and sharing the full costs of $30.00 for the boat ride.
We would also call ahead and inform the van drivers to expect our arrival, saving us the long trudge to the interior in the dark. You can call Mr. Moh at +65-9731-7629/ +659084-8827 or Tien Song at +65-93468017.

Taking a taxi home from Changi Point.
The best place to hail a cab is probably at the Changi Point Ferry terminal itself.

You can also book a cab via sms by sending “book 499172 #changi point ferry terminal” to 71222.

Other info

Maps of Ubin. Brochures of Pulau Ubin with maps are no longer given out. They ended as rubbish all over the island. Instead, informative signposts and wall maps are found at all junctions. The bicycle rental shops will provide photocopies if they are needed for route planning purposes. More links on detailed maps.

For info on hotel stay and restaurants at Pulau Ubin and surrounding Changi area.
Bumboat ride video link 1, video link 2

Payment is cash upfront and no deposits or IDs are retained.

Besides ensuring his/her own safety, the onus is on the hirer to test the bike. Here are some tips.

1. Choose lighter bikes as they are generally better constructed.
2. You are allowed to test ride the bikes, check that
a) Both front and rear brakes are working
b) The gears work under load without slippage or clacking sounds
c) The tires are not bald and are firmly inflated
d) The seat are adjusted at a comfortable height and angle.

Given its uneven terrain, avoid single gear “Tokyo Lady” or “Dutch grandma’s” bikes or cumbersome tandem bikes if you are going long distances and cycling through muddy tracks. Do not over-exert yourself to avoid painful cramps.

Think twice also about renting smaller bikes for kids. They are harder to pedal and kids have a hard time catching up. They soon tire and that is when accidents happen. I have seen many occasions where family outings are cut short as a result. Hire a van or take enjoy a slow walk instead.

Kid struggling to keep up

Tandem bikes are not safe for terrain slopes.

Wear proper footwear and comfortable clothes to avoid overheating.
Consider personal safety and rent helmets that are available for 2-3 dollars. Accidents frequently happen when people are tired and disorientated by the heat. There are other vehicles so cycle single file, do not bunch up and go at speeds you are able to control and brake well.

Foolish way to enjoy Ubin. Kid without helmet perched on handlebars.

Never leave a kid perched on a bike unattended. The flimsy stand can slip with a nasty fall.

Unattended child

Bicycles with child seat are not strong enough for 2 adults

Update: 21 Mar 2011

Direction signposts with distance are now erected at major junctions which makes easier to get around Pulau Ubin.

There are basically 4 main directions. East, West, and two separate directions towards north.

West
The West ends at Kekek Quarry (4km by road/track from Ubin jetty), where ‘Thai temple’ once stood. This important landmark is now lost forever except for the road named after it – Jalan Wat Siam. The distance is longest and is best visited on wheels. There is a vehicle barrier at the end of the road but adventurous cyclists are still able to cycle up further. Some would swim at Kekek quarry to cool off. But it’s considered illegal trespass. The long downhill slope next to the Chinese cemetery (now renamed “coffee hill” probably see the most nasty bike falls so be careful.

The German girl shrine is also located west within Ketam mountain bike park, with its cycling trails graded by level of difficulties, although it is not safe to take them at face value.

Also, one should stop midway at ‘y u so like dat’ for drinks and a scenic view of Ubin Quarry. Puaka hill is nearby which is worth climbing to the top.

Picture below. Thai monk sitting in front of his demolished temple.

East
The path East ends at Chek Jawa (4 km by road from Ubin jetty). First timers should go there first especially when tides are at their lowest. You can also sign up for Chek Jawa tours organized by Naked Hermit Crabs.

You will be passing the Malay kampung on the way to Chek Jawa. Worth stopping for refreshments and a relaxing view. There is a gaggle of hornbills that make their appearance around 5pm.

North (Marman beach)

Marman beach is further up north from the Malay kampung. It used to be scenic until ugly fences were put as border barriers. From there, you can follow the river bank towards “Orchid Farm”, taking a shortcut by going through the rubber plantation and back to the Malay kampung.

Marman beach

North (Noordin beach)

The other trip north (3.2km by road from Ubin jetty) ends at Noordin beach. The trip requires some steep cycling which already caused some nasty accidents. Probably not worth going as the view at the beach itself is also marred by fences. Its popular among anglers and campers however. On Saturday nights you can hear dangdut music blaring away from the Malaysian side. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance due to nearby mangroves. A spooky place. Was referred as Noordin kampong on old maps. Used to have a Muslim cemetery nearby.

Old map of Noordin beach(1000 metre scale)

NPCC campsite is also located at Noordin Beach. Its also probably the most environmental unfriendly place in Ubin. Its all built up with its own concrete parade square. Its floodlights are turned on the whole night, disrupting roosting birds. The camp is fogged regularly for mosquitoes, exterminating other insects and affecting its natural predators. There is a lightning detector that runs loud warnings on an endless loops. It should seriously consider relocating back to the mainland.

Click on the map below to enlarge.

Another source is this site showing satellite pictures of rain clouds 70 km away. You can determine if your Ubin trip needs postponing.

Wind, Weather, Windsurfing and more – 70km Weather Radar Animation

Its either hot, humid or get drenched in sudden tropical thunderstorms. Due to danger of lightning strikes, take the nearest lightning protected Npark rain shelters.

Soaking wet in Pulau Ubin

Disposal plastic raincoats are sold at Ubin village

Taking mud bath to cool off

High heels

Pulau Ubin can get very hot, so wear something light and avoid black colored clothing which absorb heat. There are other preferences though.

Wearing a US$200 hiking skirt for men.

All covered up

Another thing most visitors are not prepared for are mosquitoes and sandflies bites. We would often see them scratching themselves. Its too late by then and the itching going to last for days. Get a can of spray repellent. My favorite is “Off!” brand. It contains DEET that keep the most determined mosquitoes and the dreaded sandflies away. Costs around $7.50 to $8.50. The provision shops in Ubin sell them also.

Sunblock lotion. Except for eastern parts of Ubin towards Ketam cycling trail, there are plenty of tree cover so sunblock is optional or wear a hat instead.

Make sure you bring along a first aid kit. Especially when in a group with inexperienced members. Most accidents result in minor skin abrasions. A bottle of mineral water helps wash away dirt and use some cotton gauze and bandages to cover wounds.

Water is important too. Dehydration from sweating can result in painful muscle cramps. Make sure you bring bottled water as the water at NPark public toilets cannot be drank as its not treated.

Finally, bring some snacks along and some disposable rain coat in event of a sudden downpour. You can buy these at Ubin provision shops.

Caught in the rain

Wearing flip flops and cycling with with terrified kid

In event if there is no marshal around, take control of the situation by forming a queue instead of milling around.

If it is getting late and there are still no joining passengers, pay extra so you can leave immediately. The boatman will oblige as long he gets his full $30 or $2.50 from each 12 passengers. Do the math and pay him the difference. If there are 6 of you ask everyone if they agree to to pay $5.00 instead.

Update: 26 Jan 2008. First day of Chinese New Year. The queue was so long it stretches for 80 metres until it finally cleared at 9pm. We decided to camp overnight instead.

Update: 8 Aug 2010. The traffic marshals done a great job. Despite the large crowds enjoying National day long weekend, queues lines moved smoothly along.