Pulau Ubin (Granite Island),
See the Last “Kampongs” or Villages in Singapore
When you go to Pulau Ubin (Granite Island), you’ll see a piece of Singapore that seems never changed from what it’s like in the 60’s: the “Kampongs” or villages in Singapore.
You can still see hundreds of people (villagers) living here in the wooden house with zinc-roof in the villages setting.
Where else can you see villages in Singapore? Only in Pulau Ubin (Granite Island) I saw the villagers live simply, getting their water from the wells and electricity from noisy diesel generator.
Some villagers getting their daily vegetable and poultry supply from their backyard. They still do farming though.
Some of them make a living with their net for fishing or open-up provision stores which normally pass to them from the previous generations.
Younger generations run the eateries or convert some of the houses to the stores provide things needed by the visitor to the island such as bicycle rental shops.
Take a look at pictures of the last “kampongs” or villages in Singapore here.
The Island shaped like a boomerang...
Pulau Ubin (Granite Island) which has a shape like boomerang got his name for its granite hills in a series of undulating terrain.
In the early days the granite mining supported a life of a few thousand “kampongs” dwellers.
Today, the granite quarries remain as a relic and very much alive as the history itself to the villagers and visitors.
Situated off the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore, the 1020-hectare island was formed from once a cluster of five smaller ones.
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The exploration...
We'd been there and happy to tell you that it would be good to have 2 skills if you plan to visit Pulau Ubin (Granite Island). Those are swimming and cycling skill.
Even though you can’t swim in the island but since you need to take the bumboat to reach the island - it’s always good if you can swim. Of course the bumboat is very safe but it’s a precaution, isn't it?
Why do you need cycling skill? Because the best way to get around the island is by bicycle. You can walk but seems too exhausting.
Even though you can rent a minibus/ van but it won’t be as enjoyable as riding bicycle around the island.
You’ll have much freedom when cycling - stop at any spot you like, take pictures, and exploring the place. You can also go to Chek Jawa Wetlands easily.
And, there is also a place for mountain biking at Ketam Mountain Bike Park.
Tips for cyclist:
- Put on the necessary protective gear when cycling.
- When you rent a bike, please test it first before setting off. Make sure the gear and break are working well.
- Switch to a lower gear and slow down by braking gently when cycling downhill or approaching a bend.
How to get there?
Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal ($2.50 per person one-way).
The bumboat will leave the ferry terminal when there are 12 passengers or less as long as you pay for the difference for the boat to leave on your specified time.
The bumboat normally operates from 6.00am to approximately 8.00pm.
Important telephone number:
- 6542-8664 (Pulau Ubin Police Post)
- 6542-4108 (Management Office)
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My other stories:
Chek Jawa Wetlands – Nature Beauty in the Eastern of Pulau Ubin
Go to Sentosa Island in Singapore Now - A place not to be missed!
Return to Holidays in Singapore Home Page from Pulau Ubin
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