Hi everyone, I’m planning a short trip to Singapore and I’ve been reading about **Pulau Ubin**, the small island off the northeast coast. I’ve heard it’s like stepping back in time and gives a glimpse of how Singapore used to be before all the modern development. Since I’m a big fan of nature, I wanted to know if it’s really worth making a half-day or full-day trip there. I’m particularly interested in: * How rich is the **wildlife and birdlife** on the island? (Any must-see species or spots?) * Are the **Chek Jawa Wetlands** as impressive as people say, especially for someone who loves mangroves, boardwalk trails, and marine biodiversity? * How easy is it to get around the island—do you recommend **renting a bicycle**, or is walking manageable for most of the key sights? * Does it feel like a refreshing escape from the busy city, or more like a quick novelty stop? * Any tips on **best time of day to go**, or things I should definitely not miss while exploring? I’d love to hear from fellow travellers or locals who’ve actually been. For someone who enjoys greenery, rustic villages, and spotting wildlife, would you say Pulau Ubin is a **must-visit** during a Singapore trip? Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

I’d definitely recommend a trip to **Pulau Ubin** if you’re into nature and want to see a very different side of Singapore. I’ve been a couple of times, and it really does feel like stepping back into the kampong days — unpaved roads, small local houses, and lots of greenery. **Wildlife & Birdlife:** * The island is known as one of the best spots in Singapore for birdwatching. You’ll likely see **hornbills**, kingfishers, herons, and if you’re lucky, the red junglefowl (wild chicken). * Butterflies are plentiful, and the mangrove areas attract mudskippers, crabs, and other interesting creatures. * Wild boars are fairly common too — they usually keep to themselves but fun to spot. **Chek Jawa Wetlands:** * This is the highlight of Pulau Ubin, especially if you love mangroves and marine ecosystems. * The **boardwalk trails** take you through mangroves and along the coast, and there’s a **viewing tower** where you can get great bird’s-eye views. * Best to go during **low tide**, because you’ll see more marine life (crabs, starfishes, seagrass beds). **Getting Around:** * Most people rent **bicycles** near the jetty — it’s the easiest way to cover more ground. * If you just want to do Chek Jawa and a bit of wandering, walking is fine, but biking gives you more flexibility. * The roads are a bit bumpy, so if you’re with family or less fit travellers, plan for a slower pace. **Atmosphere:** * It feels like a **refreshing escape from the city**. After a few days of malls and skyscrapers, being surrounded by jungle and kampong houses is a real contrast. * It’s quiet, rustic, and unhurried — not really a novelty, more like a proper break. **Best Time to Visit:** * Morning is best (cooler weather + more active wildlife). * If possible, check the tide tables for **low tide at Chek Jawa**. * Bring water, snacks, and mosquito repellent. **Overall:** If you love greenery, birdlife, and rustic charm, I’d say Pulau Ubin is a **must-visit** — especially since it’s only a **10-minute bumboat ride** from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. For half a day, it’s perfect, but if you want to explore thoroughly (bike trails, Chek Jawa, and just relax), a **full day is worth it**.

Is Pulau Ubin worth a trip for nature lovers?

Pavislsblr

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short trip to Singapore and I’ve been reading about Pulau Ubin, the small island off the northeast coast. I’ve heard it’s like stepping back in time and gives a glimpse of how Singapore used to be before all the modern development.

Since I’m a big fan of nature, I wanted to know if it’s really worth making a half-day or full-day trip there. I’m particularly interested in:

How rich is the wildlife and birdlife on the island? (Any must-see species or spots?)
Are the Chek Jawa Wetlands as impressive as people say, especially for someone who loves mangroves, boardwalk trails, and marine biodiversity?
How easy is it to get around the island—do you recommend renting a bicycle, or is walking manageable for most of the key sights?
Does it feel like a refreshing escape from the busy city, or more like a quick novelty stop?
Any tips on best time of day to go, or things I should definitely not miss while exploring?

I’d love to hear from fellow travellers or locals who’ve actually been. For someone who enjoys greenery, rustic villages, and spotting wildlife, would you say Pulau Ubin is a must-visit during a Singapore trip?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

maha

I’d definitely recommend a trip to Pulau Ubin if you’re into nature and want to see a very different side of Singapore. I’ve been a couple of times, and it really does feel like stepping back into the kampong days — unpaved roads, small local houses, and lots of greenery.

Wildlife & Birdlife:

The island is known as one of the best spots in Singapore for birdwatching. You’ll likely see hornbills, kingfishers, herons, and if you’re lucky, the red junglefowl (wild chicken).
Butterflies are plentiful, and the mangrove areas attract mudskippers, crabs, and other interesting creatures.
Wild boars are fairly common too — they usually keep to themselves but fun to spot.

Chek Jawa Wetlands:

This is the highlight of Pulau Ubin, especially if you love mangroves and marine ecosystems.
The boardwalk trails take you through mangroves and along the coast, and there’s a viewing tower where you can get great bird’s-eye views.
Best to go during low tide, because you’ll see more marine life (crabs, starfishes, seagrass beds).

Getting Around:

Most people rent bicycles near the jetty — it’s the easiest way to cover more ground.
If you just want to do Chek Jawa and a bit of wandering, walking is fine, but biking gives you more flexibility.
The roads are a bit bumpy, so if you’re with family or less fit travellers, plan for a slower pace.

Atmosphere:

It feels like a refreshing escape from the city. After a few days of malls and skyscrapers, being surrounded by jungle and kampong houses is a real contrast.
It’s quiet, rustic, and unhurried — not really a novelty, more like a proper break.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning is best (cooler weather + more active wildlife).
If possible, check the tide tables for low tide at Chek Jawa.
Bring water, snacks, and mosquito repellent.

Overall:
If you love greenery, birdlife, and rustic charm, I’d say Pulau Ubin is a must-visit — especially since it’s only a 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. For half a day, it’s perfect, but if you want to explore thoroughly (bike trails, Chek Jawa, and just relax), a full day is worth it.