So, I decided to boycott Valentine’s Day as usual by inviting my close friends to Pulau Ubin for the day. Unfortunately, I was rejected by all of them. So, Bubster and I decided to go to Pulau Ubin (for the first time!) for a day of seafood, cycling and enjoying nature. Yes, I have never been to Pulau Ubin in my entire 8 years of living, studying and working in Singapore. Never say Never! For the clueless, Pulau Ubin or Ubin Island is the ‘last’ kampong (or village) in Singapore which is a short distance from Singapore island. You can expect nature trails, fresh air, good seafood and maybe some animal spottings. Here’s my friendly guide to the little “island getaway” for those who decided to get out of Singapore in less than $100:
Getting There
Take one of these bumboat for $2.50 (one-way) to Pulau Ubin from Changi Point Jetty. Note: There’s a difference between Changi Jetty and Changi Point Jetty. It’s the one near Changi Village – well, I learn that from telling the taxi driver the wrong location! The nearest MRT station is Tanah Merah station and you can take Bus No. 2 or 9 to Changi Village. It takes about 30 mins by bus from there.
Also, the bumboats will not depart unless they have 12 passengers. They operate for 24 hours but please don’t leave at like 12 midnight because you might have to charter the entire bumboat for $30 to get back to Singapore. It is advisable to leave before 6pm.
Food! Food! Food!
Well, it’s SEAFOOD of course! I had yummy butter prawns, chilli crab and fresh kailan. You can have lobster or fish or whatever suits your palate. The food is reasonably priced and very very fresh. Don’t be afraid to try! Plus, enjoy a nice, cold coconut at the same time.
Cycling in Pulau Ubin
Firstly, grab a guide map from the Visitor Centre so you know where you’re going. There is no better way than cycling in Pulau Ubin. There are gazillion bicycle rental shops around as soon as you hop off the jetty. They are priced from $2 onwards (for the entire day) but we got the most expensive ones. I mean, do you wanna risk flipping 360 degrees in the air and break your nose OR get a good bike? You decide. I like mine with suspensions. $10 for ours, in fact. Just becareful with the pot holes or bumpy trails. I think it’s sooo fun.
The Kampong Houses
You’ll definitely pass by alot of these ‘old-school’ kampong houses. They are really interesting and of course, rare these days in the modern world. I hope they preserve these forever.
You can’t stop me from goofing around!
Chek Jawa
So if you decided to cycle the East route, you’ll end up at the Chek Jawa. Above is the boardwalk from the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre.There are more boardwalks to come. You’ll be surprise at what you can encounter over here. It’s quite therapeutic to walk – and a good exercise for lazy bums like me. Take a look:
That’s the Visitor Centre at Chek Jawa. Cool eh?
Why would anyone build a fireplace in Singapore? It looks awesome.
Mangrove trees, everywhere! They look so Tim Burton-like.
OK, 120 steps (I counted) to a better view. Are you ready?
I guess Bubster wasn’t! Hee. Hee.
We stopped for a cold drink at a ‘stall’ in one of the houses. Outside, there’s a completely random Cookie Monster. I thought it was the funniest thing ever! Well, I’ve yet to explore other parts of Pulau Ubin. Stay tune, because I’ll be back for more! Anyone wants to join me?
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