From Singapore’s central riverside, Pulau Ubin offers a change of pace: it is an island of trails, former granite quarries and coastal wetlands, reached by bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Plan the mainland transfer and boat wait before choosing how much of the island to explore.
- Reach Changi Point Ferry Terminal by bus or other transport.
- Bumboats usually run on demand between 6am and 7pm, departing when 12 passengers are aboard.
- The crossing takes about 10 minutes and typically costs $4 per person each way, plus $2 for a bicycle.
- Chek Jawa Wetlands is 3 km from the public jetty and is open daily from 7am to 7pm.
Getting from Hotel Conforto to Changi Point
Changi Point Ferry Terminal is the mainland departure point for bumboat trips to Pulau Ubin. Buses 2, 29, 59 and 109 serve Changi Village Bus Terminal, near the ferry terminal; NParks gives the terminal address as 51 Lorong Bekukong.
From Hotel Conforto, walk about 4 minutes to Clarke Quay station, then plan onward transport to Changi Point and allow time for the boat wait.
Once on Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa Wetlands is a worthwhile addition if you have time to explore the island’s eastern end. If you are planning your airport transfer separately, the Changi Airport to Hotel Conforto journey is about 38 minutes by car.
Bumboats and the island crossing
The bumboat crossing from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin takes about 10 minutes. Bumboats are privately managed and usually operate on demand from 6am to 7pm daily, leaving when 12 passengers are aboard.
The typical fare is $4 per person each way, with an additional $2 for a bicycle. Operators may agree to leave with fewer passengers or outside the usual operating hours, but the fare per passenger may be higher. NParks advises arranging out-of-hours trips in advance.
Confirm the fare with the operator before departure, and check the official site before you go. If there is no bumboat available for your return from Pulau Ubin, NParks advises calling its helpline at 1800-471 7300.
A practical Pulau Ubin day route
Start in the main village, then choose an island trail or arrange transport to Chek Jawa Wetlands at Pulau Ubin’s eastern end. The island covers 1,036 hectares; bunds built for prawn farming joined what had once been five smaller islands. Granite mining once supported a few thousand settlers, and abandoned quarries remain.
You can explore designated trails on foot, by bicycle or by hiring a local van service. Chek Jawa is 3 km from the public jetty: NParks says the walk takes about 40 minutes, or you can hire a van or rent a bicycle in the main village.
Chek Jawa brings together sandy and rocky beaches, a seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest across about 100 hectares. Its boardwalks extend for 1.1 km, and Jejawi Tower stands 21 metres high. NParks says the intertidal flats are best suited to visits during low tides of 0.5 metres or below; at higher tides, the area is submerged.
If you want a mountain-bike route, Ketam Mountain Bike Park covers 45 hectares and has 10 km of trails rated Blue Square, Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond. NParks identifies bicycle shops on the island as places to rent helmets and recommends bringing one or renting one.
Food, facilities and island preparation
Plan for a day outdoors: bring water, sun protection and insect repellent, or wear long sleeves and trousers. For a guided Chek Jawa tour, NParks advises footwear that covers the entire foot; slippers and sandals are not appropriate.
Keep to designated paths, trails, roads, tracks and boardwalks, keep left, and do not feed or catch wild animals. NParks identifies first-aid posts at Ubin Volunteer Hub in the Main Village and Ubin Living Lab. In an emergency or accident, its listed numbers are 999, 995 and 1800-471 7300.
Return journey and current checks
Leave enough time to get back to the public jetty and wait for a return bumboat. Because boats usually depart when 12 passengers are aboard, the return crossing may involve a wait; if none is available, call the NParks helpline at 1800-471 7300.
Chek Jawa Wetlands is listed as open daily from 7am to 7pm. Check NParks’ official information before setting out for current ferry arrangements, fares, opening details and tide conditions.
FAQs
How do you get to Pulau Ubin?
Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin. Buses 2, 29, 59 and 109 serve nearby Changi Village Bus Terminal.
How long is the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin?
The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Boats usually leave when 12 passengers are aboard.
How far is Chek Jawa from the Pulau Ubin jetty?
Chek Jawa Wetlands is 3 km from the public jetty. NParks says the walk takes about 40 minutes; you can also hire a van or rent a bicycle in the main village.