Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Pulau Ubin, Singapore

When most people think of Singapore, they think of skyscrapers, huge malls and cold air-conditioning. However, there is another side to Singapore.

Pulau Ubin is an island located on the east of Singapore. It is near the Changi airport and can be reached by boat from Changi Village. If you love nature, or are entirely bored with the pleasures of modern life, Pulau Ubin is a good place to head to.

Here, you can cycle around the island and take a leisurely walk on the new boardwalk to see mangroves. Halfway through the boardwalk, you will see a high tower. If you choose to, you can climb up the steep steps to get a better view of the sea. If energy and your legs permit, I recommend making the climb up.

Besides cycling, people who can't cycle like me can still enjoy the island by walking about. However, be prepared to walk alot. Also, as walking takes more time, you would have to choose one part of the island to explore; either the quarry or the mangrove area. For me, I decided on the mangrove boardwalk and was rewarded with a pleasant sea breeze and a beautiful view of the sea. All in all, I spent about 5 hours on the island.

Before you explore Pulau Ubin, you can have breakfast or brunch at the nearby Changi Village hawker stalls, where you will see a long queue at the famous nasi lemak stall. As there is not much food options on Pulau Ubin itself, stopping here for food first is a good idea!

As the park brings you close to nature, do remember to be responsible and to dispose of rubbish in a proper manner. Also, do not take away any plants which you see on the island. As you reach the mainland, you will have to go through immigration-like checks to ensure that nothing of importance is brought out.

For details on how to get there and more, refer to http://www.wildsingapore.com/ubin/ and http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=29&Itemid=73