Sometime you just want to be close to nature. So if you are
in Singapore and quite tired of visiting well organised and highly urbun places
with every modern facility possible then why not try Pulau Ubin
Pulau means island. Pulau Ubin is a small island (10.19 km²)
situated in the north east of Singapore, to the west of Pulau Tekong. With few
hundred villagers , its one of the last rural area left in Singapore. It was
famous for its Granite Quarry. It shows the real picture of a tropical island
with its natural vegetation and features.
Pulau Ubin is a great day trip spent walking or pedaling
through rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, exploring shady trails in
overgrown rubber plantations, checking out secluded beaches and flourishing
mangroves, a chance to see the mangrove life closely. On Ubin, air is fresher and sights and sounds so
soothing to the soul.
How to Get There : Pulau Ubin is off Changi Point,
accessible via Changi jetty (public bumboats) and Marina Country Club (guests
of Ubin Lagoon Resort).
Take a bumboat from Changi Jetty (now called Changi Point
Ferry Terminal), which is near the Changi Village Hawker Centre.
To get to the bumboats, go down the stairs at the Terminal.
This Terminal also serves those going to Penggerang, Johor. So be sure to join
the correct queue for Pulau Ubin.
Cost of the bumboat: $2.50/person Maximum 12 passengers.
Just join the queue and the boats will leave when they have 12 persons. If
there are less than 12 persons, you might have to wait a little while until
enough people turn up. Or you can pay $30 and go straight away.
Bumboat operators run from sunrise to sunset. You can make
special arrangements with the operators for trips after dark.
Getting Around:
Strolls : Ubin is ideal for leisurely strolls. There are
well-marked roads and trails to explore. Stop by the NParks Information Kiosk
near Ubin jetty for a free map and information on the latest happenings.
Cycling: (Recommonded) The best way is to enjoy Ubin is
throw cycling. People bring their own bikes here through boat but if you don’t
want to carry you bike then need not to worry you can just hire bikes there.
You will get the rental shops for bike just after getting down from the boat.
he friendly bicycle rental people can tell you more about Ubin and advise you
on where and how to go to various places of interest.
Taxi: Taxi or cabs are also available for hire . Taxi
,comprising panel vans that can take up to 12 persons. As well as passenger
cars for 4-6 persons. During the weekends, plenty of drivers wait at Ubin jetty
for potential passengers. These can be hired by the hour as well as for
specific destinations. Many of the drivers are experienced and can bring you to
special places or to look for special things. Rates are negotiated before the
journey begins. Van drivers will give you their name cards so you can call or
page them on your handphones when you are ready to go home, or you can
pre-arrange a pick-up time upon your arrival.
But I will not advise the younger people for this as i told
you bike is the best way
What to See :
Get down from boat and rent a cycle (bike) for yourself.
Take some guidance from the shop itself if you have any question in mind. Go to
information centre first and take the free map.
The island is safe.. The ride is suitable especially for
those who are clueless about Ubin. Don't worry if you're a novice cyclist. As
long as you can balance yourself on a bike, you can certainly join the ride!
With maps, Signboards and information you can easily explore
the island.
But you can also ride with a trained guides to discover the
nature and heritage of Ubin , else , Information and map are enough.
Attractions :
Bin Jetty: Your first stop with a good view of Ubin
Town,Chek Jawa to the east. Stop by the NParks Info Kiosk at the exit to get a
free pamphlet of Ubin and advice from the friendly NParks officers on how to
spend your day on Ubin.
Ubin Town: Has eating places, bicycle rental shops and
provision shops that stock almost everything you could possibly need on your
daytrip. Highlights include a wayang stage with a colourful history and a
little shrine.
Heading toward North: The Chek Jawa boardwalk is now open
any tide. Also explore farms, fruit plantations, kampongs, rubber plantation
being taken over by the forest to the two beaches on the northern shore of
Ubin.
Heading toward East:
sensory trail, mangroves before rejoining the northern route.
Heading toward West:
quarry views, bukit puaka and mangroves.
Chek Jawa :
Chek Jawa is called as the jewel of Ubin. A
previous coral reef 5,000 years ago, Chek Jawa can be said to be virtually
unspoilt, with a variety of marine wildlife comparable to other islands, such
as sea hares, sea squirts, octopuses, starfishes, sand dollars, fishes,sponges,
cuttlefishes and nudibranches.
The beauty of Chek Jawa is that several different ecosystems
can be seen in one small area. These ecosystems and the plants and animals
found there are no longer common in Singapore. They are also fast disappearing
elsewhere in the world.
Coastal Hill Forest
The hill overlooking Chek Jawa is covered with trees and
plants that shelter and feed a variety of animals. Many plants and animals in
this coastal forest are no longer commonly seen on mainland Singapore. Some of
the rare birds you may spot include the Oriental pied-hornbill and the Red
junglefowl. The liquid bubbling song of the Straw-headed bulbul is often heard.
Among the beautiful and unusual trees you may see are the Critically Endangered
Delek air tree and the Seashore nutmeg. The new tower gives a panoramic view of
Chek Jawa.
Mangroves
The mangroves of Chek Jawa have many interesting plants and
animals. Mangrove trees have unusual shapes and properties as they are adapted
to being covered in seawater at high tide and to grow in soft mud. The new
boardwalk into the mangroves bring you close to these trees as well as the
marvellous Nipah palms. Fiddler crabs and mud skippers are the highlight of a
visit to the mangroves.
Rocky shore
Chek Jawa is among the few places left with a natural rocky
shore, gravel beach and other interesting rock formations. At low tide, we can
have a closer look at some of the strange animals that live here, including
barnacles, crabs and fierce shell-drilling snails. Under the rocks are even
more amazing animals such as living cowries, sea stars and fast flat crabs.
Sandy shore and sand bar
The sandy shore teems with tiny crabs which, if undisturbed,
go about their amusing antics at low tide. The sand bar is the backbone of Chek
Jawa and provides a home for all manner of intriguing creatures. The Common sea
star is a must-see with visitors, and fortunately, it is plentiful on Chek
Jawa. Sadly, it is no longer common elsewhere in Singapore. The sand dollar is
another intriguing creature to examine. The sand bar is also a popular rest
stop for shorebirds that fly in from as far away as Siberia. Overhead, majestic
birds of prey hunt for fishes in the sea.
Seagrass lagoon
A calm, shallow lagoon lush with seagrasses and seaweeds
form behind the sand bar. In the seagrass meadows, a rich variety of marine
creatures shelter during the low tide. First-time visitors are often stunned by
the carpet anemones which are bigger than your face and come in a stunning
variety of colours. At some times of the year, the sea grass may be dotted with
colourful sea cucumbers. Other sea grass dwellers include secretive crabs and
snails. A lucky visitor may also encounter sea hares, squids and mantis.
Coral Rubble Area
The coral rubble area near the front beacon is probably the
richest part of Chek Jawa and also the most fragile. Rarely exposed, even at
low tide, this area shelters delicate sea creatures that prefer to be submerged
most of the time. The big red Knobbly sea star is a favourite! Others include
sponges in bewildering shapes and colours, delicate fan worms and even living
corals! Octopuses, seahorses, branches and colourful flatworms are some of the
other amazing residents of this special part of Chek Jawa.
No poaching please
Please do not remove any wildlife from the shore. Poaching
of hard corals and other sealife threatens this precious shore.
No cycling on the Chek Jawa boardwalk as the 'planks' are
made of concrete and cycling will fracture them. Bicycles are to be parked at
designated bicycle park area near Punai Hut about 50m from the Visitor Centre
(ask for a bicycle lock if you are renting your bicycles on Ubin)
What to do:
1. Leisure Stroll
2.Cycling
3.Mountain Biking - Pulau Ubin is home to one of Singapore's
best mountain bike trails, Ketam Mountain Bike Park which was built in 2007.
The trail is approximately 8 kilometers long and features a wide range of
terrain ranging from open meadows to thick jungle. There are numerous steep but
short climbs and descents. The trail is well-marked with signs indicating the
difficulty level of each section.
The vast majority of the mountain bikers that ride this
trail bring their own bike, although the rental bikes on the island can also be
used.
4. Discovering the unique life of Chek Jawa
5.You can bring your picnic with you as there are several
picnic huts you will find on your way.
6.Ubin are also enjoyed by sailing and canoeing enthusiasts.
7.Stargazing – Because of the clear sky its famous among
stargazers. They camp there sometime.
8. A nice place for Photographers and painters.
Travelling Tips:-
1. Wear light cloths – as you will feel the heat and sweat
after cycling .if you are too prone to sweat then you can keep a spare T-shirt.
2. Sun Screen – keep you sun screen lotion or cream,
3.Cap and Sun Glasses
4. Lock for bikes – though the island is very safe and the
rent shop people will say you to leave your bike at the stand without lock
while site visit but its better you keep locks with you.
5. Mosquito Repellent Cream/lotion – It is a must thing to pack
with you before heading for Ubin as this island is having tiny mosquitos because
for its wilderness.
6. Keep some small food bites and water with you as while
biking you might need some refreshments
7. Wear sports shoes.
8. You can keep umbrella .Though you can find plenty of shelters around
the Ubin.
9. In case of rain avoid taking shelter under any tree to
avoid Thunder stroke danger .
10. Remember to come back at the boat boarding point on time
in the evening. As the last boat operates till sunset. If you are planning to
stay there for longer time then make your own arrangements, Though there are
not much to do after sunset, if you have not planned any special activity for
the dark hours of the day.
11. Great with Friends :
Last but not the least , It is the place good for enjoying with the group
of friends. So make the group of 3 or more friends and hit the island.
Enjoy your special day out
with nature , away from the urban life in Pulau Ubin
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