Next full day trip for Pulau Ubin is on 10 Aug 09

Time 10:30am

Meet@Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4)

How to get there: Take bus number 2 or a taxi to Changi Village. Go to the bumboat jetty (a new one) and hire a bumboat to take you out to Ubin. Bumboat ride costs S$2.5 per person. The bumboat leaves when it fills up to 12 passengers.

Bring Some Cash S$10-S$20
for rent a bicycle and personal allowance
Bicycle rental charges
for adult S$6 per day
for children S$3 to S$ 5 per day
from 8am to 6pm

all former and fresh hiker are welcome

feel free to call or send sms to
mg myo kyaw@chun chun 9106 6344
ko tun tun ag 9066 7154
outdoorcorner@gmail.com

Tips for visitors
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Proper preparation always makes for a more enjoyable trip.
Here are some general preparations for a day trip.

Although Ubin is a peaceful and quiet place, do take the usual precautions.


• Don't go barefoot on the shores: Besides sharp litter (tins, glass), there are all kinds of animals that will defend themselves should you accidentally step on them, e.g., sea urchins, scorpionfishes, stingrays. See below for appropriate footwear.

• Obey all traffic signs and rules. Be especially careful when it is raining or getting dark.
• When cycling: use protective gear, ensure your bicycle is in good working condition before setting off. Use only designated roads and tracks, and keep to the left, in a single file.
• Heed all warning signs.
• Don't swim in areas not designated for swimming. Quarries and sluice gates are particularly treacherous places.
• Don't leave valuables unattended.
• Water from public toilets and wells are not suitable for drinking or bathing.
Consult NParks if you are planning a group activity. They will be able to give you invaluable advise on safety and other issues that will ensure an enjoyable and successful visit. NParks Info Kiosk: 65424108, Office: 65424842/65434734

Campers, don't forget to drop by the Ubin Police Post to register yourself (in case of emergencies, they know that you are on the island) and to get the latest safety briefing.

Emergency numbers
NParks Info Kiosk: 65424108, Office: 65424842/65434734
Police Coast Guard: 63775540/63775542
Ubin Police Post: 65428664/96611591



Tips for visitors to the shores
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What should I be aware of?

Not all have facilities: Besides Sentosa and Labrador Beach, the more remote islands only have basic facilities (toilets, shelters). Bring along all your needs: food, drinking water and other essentials. Please do not litter. Bring back all your litter and dispose of it on the mainland.

Don't swim outside the safe zone: Currents around the islands can be dangerous. Do heed all warning signs and stay well within the safe areas which are clearly marked.
• Danger lurks in waters off Sentosa about the dangers of swimming outside the safe zone, by Tanya Fong Straits Times 2 Feb 06
• Beware sea current when tide is low or high
Letter from Patrick Low Soh Chye Straits Times 10 Apr 07
Watch the weather! Lightning is dangerous on flat shores. It can occur without rain. Immediately go to one of the many shelters on these islands in case of lightning and do not go out again until lightning has stopped for some time. If you hear lightning, return IMMEDIATELY to shore and seek shelter as quickly as you can. You are most vulnerable on the flats but lightning can also strike among the trees.
• Lightning: the scariest thing on the shores more details about lightning strikes in Singapore on the wild shores of singapore blog.
Dangerous animals: Dangerous fish such as stonefish, scorpionfish and stingrays are still common on our shores. These fishes will only sting in self defence if stepped upon. Some can sting through even booties and hard soled shoes. Thus avoid stepping into the water, especially murky water where you cannot see what you are stepping on.
• Stonefish on Sentosa no surprise
Letter from Eng Ting Ting (Ms) Straits Times Forum Online 21 Nov 05
Do not touch or pick up animals! Many soft-looking animals on the shores protect themselves with toxins which can cause rashes or injury should you touch your eye or mouth after touching them. Some such as conesnails can give a fatal sting. Others may give painful bites or stings in self defence. Most animals have a way to defend themselves in unpleasant ways. Most animals will not endanger you if you do not disturb, touch or step on them. The best way to avoid injuries is to watch your step and where you put your hand.

Also, many marine creatures may be hurt or die if they are handled or removed from the water.

Don't climb the rocks: Rocks are slippery with algae and covered with sharp barnacles that can give nasty cuts that take a long time to heal. A nasty fall may result in broken limbs and concussion.

Don't go barefoot on the shores: Besides sharp litter (tins, glass), there are all kinds of animals that will defend themselves should you accidentally step on them, e.g., sea urchins, scorpionfishes, stingrays. See below for appropriate footwear.

Don't step into areas with soft mud: You may lose your shoes and then step on something unpleasant.

Watch the tide: Don't go far out if you are not familiar with the tides. Your route back to the shore might get cut off by the incoming tide.

Prepare properly for your shore trip
Proper preparation makes for an enjoyable visit to the shores. Poor preparation can make the trip miserable and unpleasant. So take some time to prepare!
What should I wear?
Wear light, breathable clothing. You will be comfortable in shorts and T-shirt.

Appropriate footwear: diving booties or closed, hard-soled sports shoes with shoelaces.

Open sandals allow small creatures to nibble at your toes! Shoes without laces (e.g., with velcro) will part from your foot when you step into mud.


Do NOT wear these on the shores: open sandals, slippers, flip-flops, high-heels and other fancy shoes.

Do NOT go barefoot on the shores! Besides sharp litter, there are all manner of creatures that will defend themselves unpleasantly should you accidentaly step on them.

Do NOT walk with your shoes encased in plastic bags. This reduces the grip of your shoes on the ground. The ground can be slippery with seaweed and mud. You may then fall and not only get mud all over yourself (not just your shoes), but you may also get injured.

Wear light, breathable clothing. You will be comfortable in shorts and T-shirt.

Other useful items to bring
• Extra pair of footwear to change into for the journey home.
• Hat to protect from the sun. It can get hot on the flats on a sunny day.
• Enough drinking water. Ideally, 1-2 litres per person for a day trip.
• Raingear (raincoat, poncho) and plastic bags for electronic items.
• Insect repellent: while there are few biting insects out on the intertidal flats, there are plenty in the forest and at the shore.
• Sunscreen: the sun can be particularly strong on a sunny day.
• A notebook to take note of what you saw. Why not start a nature journal? It's a fun way to record your visit and learn more about what you saw.

Geography of Ubin
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Pulau Ubin is the second largest of Singapore's offshore islands. (The largest is Pulau Tekong, just next to Pulau Ubin).

Lying in the Straits of Johor opposite Changi, Pulau Ubin has been described as being boomerang shaped. About 1,020 ha or 10.2 sq km in area, it is about 8km at the longest length, and its breadth varies from 1.3-1.7km. The highest point of Ubin is Puaka Hill (74m).

There are two major offshore islets near Ubin: Pulau Sekudu or Frog Island (opposite Chek Jawa), and Pulau Ketam (opposite Ubin Lagoon Resort)

Pulau Ubin has several rivers meandering through it; the main ones being Sungei Besar and Sungei Mamam.

Pulau Ubin is made up mostly of granite. This fact has shaped much of the island's activities. Even its name arises from it. One account says that this kind of granite was used to make floor tiles, called "jubin" in Malay. Another says "Ubin" was the Javanese term for square stone.

Eastern Route at Ubin
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The short Eastern Route heads right at the Jetty along Jalan Pekan Ubin towards the Police Post and along the Sensory Trail.

Some of the major sights on your journey East include:

The NParks Info Kiosk: pick up a free Ubin pamphlet and get some tips from the friendly NParks officers on how to spend your day. (do return the map at the end of your trip if you don't plan to keep it so it can be recycled). There is also a little exhibition area with more information and photos about Ubin.

The beach infront of the Info Kiosk has some rock pools that are interesting to explore at low tide. But be careful, the rocks are slippery.

The Police Post (Coast Guard) office: If you plan to camp overnight on Ubin, do stop by to leave your particulars so they can help you out if need any. They will also update you on the latest safety issues on the island.

The Civil Service Chalets is just past the Police Coast Guard office. It is now closed.

There is a large Banyan tree near the Police Coast Guard station which is growing over a breadmaking oven complete with air vents. It is believed that it belonged to a French family that lived and sold bread on Ubin 100 years ago.

A quaint Shell station lies right around the corner.

The Sensory Trail: designed for the visually handicapped but just as exciting for the rest, this trail allows you to use all your senses to experience nature. Touch, smell and taste of the fruit trees, spices and herbs found on the trail, from common ones such as pandan and bananas, to some seldom encountered plants.

Mangroves, abandoned prawn farms and shore views: scenic views and closer look at some strange flora and fauna.

The route joins the Northern route in front of the Headman's house passing a fish farm and a coconut plantation.

Northern Route at Ubin
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The longer Northern Route takes you through Ubin Town along Jalan Ubin towards two loops. One along Jalan Durian bring you to the old Kampong Melayu (Malay Village). The other along Jalan Sam Heng and Jalan Mamam to Mamam Beach, via the mangroves to Jalan Noordin and Noordin Beach, then back to Town via Jalan Noordin, Jalan Batu Ubin and Jalan Jelutong.

Some of the major sights on your journey North include

Ubin Town: the heart of Ubin.

Farms along Jalan Ubin include poultry farms with chickens, ducks and even a turkey; and a fish farm with its tranquil waters. Fruits trees right alongside the road gives you a closer look at chempedak (jackfruit), bananas, durian and custard apple.

At the junction of Jalan Batu Ubin and Jalan Ubin is the Village Headman's house. Here you can get a cold drink on weekends and chat with the elderly headman himself. His house also has a menagerie of beasts including an ostrich in the backyard!

Heading north along Jalan Ubin are rambutan and durian plantations: fruits are sold on site during the season. But off season, the private properties should be left alone.

At the junction of Jalan Ubin, Jalan Sam Heng and Jalan Durian are malay kampong houses, resplendent and colourful with well tended flower gardens. Get a cold drink in outdoor seating on weekends.

Here too are rubber plantations: more obvious here, although rubber trees are found everywhere. Elsewhere, the recovering forest obscures these trees. Some may even still have rubber-tapping marks on their trunks.

Heading down Jalan Durian brings you to the old location of Kampong Melayu and Kampong Surau. Passing Jalan Durian, there are tall stands of Nipah palm, which produce our favourite attap chee, gula melaka and leaves for attap thatching.

Following in the dirt road heading inland brings you through secondary forest and the coastal road to Chek Jawa. Pass the 30m tall Pulai Tree, which sticks out of the canopy and can be seen even from Ubin Jetty.

Returning from Chek Jawa along the quarry road brings you over several hilly portions with views of the abandoned quarries. The path leads you back to the junction of Jalan Sam Heng and Jalan Mamam.

The metalled road brings you past secondary forests to Mamam Beach: a view of Johor, picnic spot with toilets nearby.

Following the dirt road along Sungei Mamam brings you to the old Orchid Farm, a popular stop for a refreshing drink on weekends. Here, view mangroves, vegetables being grown, poultry such as quails being reared. The farm also has peacocks and other exotic birds, as well as a male wild boar.

The dirt road loops back to the junction passing through a prawn farm with its sluice gate, and more mangroves.

Or you can head West along the dirt road towards Noordin Beach. From Noordin Beach, head back to Town along Jalan Noording past more mangroves and fruit plantations. On Jalan Jelutong, stop to view Pekan Quarry where herons sometimes rest among the drowned trees in numbers.


Western Route at Ubin
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The long Western Route takes you west off Ubin Town along Jalan Jelutong, then Jalan Endut Senin to Jalan Wat Siam. Retrace your steps to return to Town.

Some of the major sights on your journey West include

Ubin Town: the heart of Ubin

The Community Centre and Basketball Court was the centre of Ubin village activities in the past. The Basketball Court is still a major meeting point for larger groups visiting Ubin.

The Ubin NParks office is just past the Community Centre. The public toilets are also here.

Along the shady Jalan Jelutong, you will pass a scenic view of Pekan Quarry, where herons sometimes rest in numbers on the drowned trees. At the junction take Jalan Endut Senin, downhill along a coconut lined road.

Bukit Puaka, the tallest point of Ubin lies on this road. The entrance to the trail up the hill is not marked as visits are not encouraged.

On Westward brings you past the distinctive exhortation to stop and have a cold drink. This has become a landmark. There are herbal gardens around the home, and just across the road, a lovely view of Ubin Granite Quarry with benches placed just so you can enjoy it.

Chalets at Ubin: Opposite the chalets is a patch of land which has been replanted with endangered native trees.

At the bridge over Sungei Puaka is a quaint drink stop with cold coconuts and other refreshing drinks. There is also an old style outhouse (toilet) over the river with a precarious walkway that most people can't resist exploring.

The road winds past more mangroves, through fruit orchards and past some grasslands and a Chinese graveyard.

The rest of the island westwards is Outward Bound Singapore property.