Pulau Ubin – Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Start us off with the story behind this place. Pulau Ubin translates to Granite Island—from the 1800s, the island was known for its granite quarries. But when these closed down in the 1970s and jobs dwindled, its residents began leaving. Today, the island is home to fewer than 50 people, who have chosen to stay for the old way of life. Which is exactly what people visit for, too. Stepping onto Pulau Ubin is like time-traveling to the way Singapore was decades ago. Here, the grass grows wild, rickety vehicles traverse dirt tracks and the island's inhabitants live in wooden shacks. Even getting to it is old-fashioned: You take a 10-minute ride on a chugging bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The most popular way to get around and see the sights is by bicycle, which can be rented from one of a couple of kiosks at the Pulau Ubin jetty. There are multiple mountain biking trails here for visitors to exercise those cycling chops. You can walk, of course, but the terrain is undulating and the weather hot and humid, making the journey on foot tough. What should we be sure to see while we're there? For a thumb-stopping photo, head to Pekan Quarry, the oldest granite quarry on Pulau Ubin. Now disused, its two pits have been merged and turned into a tranquil lake that doubles as a picture-perfect backdrop. Nature buffs should check out Chek Jawa Wetlands on the eastern side of the island. This 247-acre space is where six major natural ecosystems meet and is a hive of wildlife. Explore the area by strolling along the boardwalk or climb the viewing tower for a different perspective. How easy is it to navigate? Part of Pulau Ubin's charm is the fact that it's the polar opposite of Singapore. Read: There are few signs here and paths can be blocked by fallen trees or overgrown bushes. Take it in stride and be prepared to wander and get lost —at least for a little while. With an area of around six square miles, you're sure to stumble across a hut or a shelter every now and then. While this isn't the easiest place for those with mobility issues at the moment, the government has added more features—like fitting ferries with ramps and building a wheelchair-friendly floating jetty. Anything else we should know before planning a visit? You get a lot more for your buck at Pulau Ubin. The boat ride to the island (which runs from sunrise to sunset) costs just $4.50, and for a little more than $5 a day you can rent a bicycle to get around. Stop by one of the seafood hawker stalls near the jetty to refuel if you're hungry—a one-dish meal and a drink will set you back about $7. This is a rich experience even for those who are cash-poor, and the perfect day trip for those looking to see a different time in Singapore's history or experience its wild side." - Audrey Phoon