Despite its rustic charm, Pulau Ubin is not immune to modern developments. In recent years, the island has seen a growth in eco-tourism, with several resorts and hotels catering to visitors seeking a tranquil retreat from the city. The island has also become a popular spot for cycling and hiking, with several trails and routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding waters and countryside.
Pulau Ubin has a rich and storied history that dates back to the 14th century. The island was an important stopover for traders and fishermen, and its strategic location made it a prized possession for various colonial powers. In the 19th century, Pulau Ubin was a major granite quarry site, with the British exploiting the island's natural resources to build many of Singapore's iconic landmarks, including the Singapore Harbour and the Istana. Today, remnants of the island's quarrying past can still be seen in the form of old quarry pits, now converted into serene lakes and ponds. singapore pulau ubin
Tucked away in the northeastern waters of Singapore, Pulau Ubin is a tranquil island that offers a glimpse into the country's rustic past. This small island, which translates to "Ubin Island" in Malay, is a haven for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its rich history, natural beauty, and quaint charm, Pulau Ubin is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Despite its rustic charm, Pulau Ubin is not
For most visitors, the first order of business is transport. You rent a rusty bicycle from one of the elderly shopkeepers—$8 to $12 SGD for the day, helmet optional, prayers recommended. The bikes are battered, the gears often stripped, but they are the only passport you need to explore the island’s 1,020 hectares of secondary forest, abandoned quarries, and weathered wooden houses on stilts. Pulau Ubin has a rich and storied history
At its peak, Ubin housed over 2,000 people. Today, fewer than 40 remain. These are the orang pulau —island people—living in the last true kampong (village) in Singapore. There is no running sewage. Electricity only arrived in the 1990s, and many homes still rely on diesel generators or solar panels.
Ecologically, Pulau Ubin is a treasure trove. It is one of the last strongholds of Singapore’s rich biodiversity, housing a variety of ecosystems that have been lost to urbanization elsewhere. The island is home to the Chek Jawa Wetlands, a unique confluence of six distinct habitats, including coastal forest, mangroves, and seagrass lagoons. This area has become a site of immense scientific and educational importance, allowing researchers and students to observe marine life such as knobbly sea stars, sea hares, and living corals. Furthermore, Ubin is the last refuge for the Oriental Pied Hornbill, a bird that was once thought to be locally extinct. The conservation efforts on the island demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship, proving that a "City in Nature" is more than just a slogan.