Pulau Ubin Jetty – A Little History & What’s Around
The bumboat slowly approaches Pulau Ubin Jetty, the engine giving a gentle hum as the ferryman steers it deftly yet cautiously into the disembarking area. As you set foot on Pulau Ubin, you will be greeted by the quaint serenity which speaks of a time bygone. The village life which our older generations are most familiar with can be appreciated at none other than Pulau Ubin.
Known as a sanctuary for city dwellers to escape the daily hustle and bustle temporarily, Pulau Ubin is popular with locals and tourists alike. You can explore the island on a bike, hike up Puaka Hill, visit the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, go fishing, take a stroll along the Coastal Loop or Mangrove Loop to experience the Chek Jawa Wetlands etc. There are just too many things to do. I do hope the weather is in your favour on the day of your visit!
Get ready to indulge in the rustic charms of this island while readying your camera for the deluge of Instagram-worthy photographs! But before that, let’s learn more about Pulau Ubin Jetty. This post will also provide you with some information of the dos and the don’ts while you are on this island.
1. Welcome To Pulau Ubin!
After stepping off the bumboat, you will find a short walkway from the jetty holding area to the entrance-like structure shown in the picture above. Well, taking a picture here is mandatory and serves as hard proof that you have been to Pulau Ubin.
Once you are satisfied with the innumerable photographs you have taken at this Pulau Ubin Jetty area, it is time to proceed past the “entrance” and start your exploration.
A little on the history of this jetty – it is actually the third jetty constructed on Pulau Ubin. Back in 1978, it was built at the cost of $239,000. Subsequently in 1994, it was upgraded at the cost of $400,000 to include the seating area and shelter that we see today.
Going further backwards in time, the first Pulau Ubin Jetty was built during the Japanese Occupation. The Japanese saw the need to build one to facilitate movement between mainland Singapore and Pulau Ubin. Prior to its construction, one had to trudge through the muddy shore after disembarking from the boat to reach dry land. The second jetty was rebuilt in 1965, just shortly after Singapore became independent.
2. The Area Around Pulau Ubin Jetty
The whole of Pulau Ubin is actually huge once you take a look at the map. Outward Bound School and Camp Resilience of NPCC are the most well-known establishments we know from our school days. There are also six quarries on this island – the history of Pulau Ubin centres on granite mining and the construction of several famous landmarks on mainland Singapore.
However, for the purpose of this blog post, I will focus only on the immediate area around Pulau Ubin Jetty.
There are bicycle rental shops as well as a couple of seafood restaurants near the jetty. There is also a beach for you to walk along and some seafront houses. A police post is also located near the jetty.
3. Notices For Visitors
Pulau Ubin Jetty serves as the first landing point for most visitors to this island. Hence, it is not surprising to find notices communicating important information and updates as well as advising appropriate conducts there.
Here are some notices found at the jetty:
1. Plastic bags and food items attract wild boars and macaques. Do keep them out of sight.
2. The Black Trail of Ketam Mountain Bike Park on Pulau Ubin is closed to facilitate repair works from 1 July 2022. Expected completion date: 31 December 2022.
3. The track from Chek Jawa Wetlands marked in red on the map will be closed for maintenance works until further notice.
Here are some advisories found at the jetty:
1. It is illegal to possess, purchase and use vaporiser or e-cigarette in Singapore. Those who are guilty of this offence can be fined up to $2000.
2. Do you vape or have e-cigarettes in your possession? Many have been caught here and referred to the Police! Those who are guilty of this offence can be fined up to $2000.
3. Drone Advisory: Flying of unmanned aircraft is prohibited. Under the Air Navigation Act, any person convicted of operating an unmanned aircraft without the requisite permit in this area is liable to a fine up to S$50,000 or imprisonment for a term up to 2 years or both.
Here are some reminders for fishing enthusiasts, aptly put up at the concrete walkway of Pulau Ubin Jetty:
1. Share the space with others. Select a fishing spot that is a distance away from boats or park visitors engaged in water activities. Maintain an adequate distance from other anglers and give one another sufficient room for fishing.
2. Look around before casting your fishing line. Always be aware of your surroundings, including the waterway, when casting your fishing line to avoid unwanted accidents.
3. Do not string your fishing line across the path. This might cause unwanted accidents as the transparent fishing line may not be that visible to others.
4. Keep the park clean for everyone. Dispose of trash such as fishing lines, old hooks and bait into litter bins so as not to pollute the park and the water.
5. If you are not planning to eat the fish, help minimise the impact on the environment by gently releasing it back into the water as quickly as possible.
6. Enjoy fishing safely and responsibly. Find out what the weather conditions will be and be prepared for them.
While you are at Pulau Ubin Jetty, do keep your eyes peeled for the notices and advisories before you set off for your destinations!