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Singapore

Day trips from Singapore offer a chance to explore nearby islands and cities. They include excursions to destinations like Pulau Ubin (a rustic island), Batam or Kuala Lumpur, which let you experience different cultures, beaches and landscapes outside the city.

Welcome to Singapore, famously known as the Lion City. The name comes from a legend – a 14th-century prince thought he saw a lion on this island and called it Singapura (Lion City). In reality, no lions ever lived here, but the regal nickname stuck for this modern city-state.

Let our local expert- Adeline, a full time explorer & former marketing professional with10 years in travel and tourism- guide you through the best sights, experiences, dining, shopping, and nightlife in Singapore.

Adeline is a Singapore-based travel writer and former tourism marketing professional with over a decade of experience. She brings a local, experience-led perspective to Singapore’s food culture, neighbourhoods, green spaces, and coastal life.
With a strong interest in sustainability, wildlife, and the outdoors, Adeline focuses on clear, thoughtful storytelling that helps travellers see Singapore beyond its headline attractions.


Intro to Singapore

All Experiences

Pulau Ubin isn’t just an island getaway; it’s a living museum of Singapore’s natural and cultural heritage. A deeper look uncovers its role in history, biodiversity significance, and the community efforts preserving its soul.

Singapore’s last surviving village, Pulau Ubin, is an island frozen in time where wells provide water and wood fires fuel kitchen stoves. Reached by a 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi, this rustic isle is home to lush mangroves, fruit orchards and thriving birdlife among its wetlands. On a guided half-day excursion, you can walk or cycle along shaded paths, explore disused quarries and visit a traditional kampong house to meet local residents living off the land. 
- Featured among Condé Nast Traveler’s 'Best Things to Do in Singapore' for its unique time-capsule charm.
- Travelers praise the personable local guides and call this tour a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle.
- Often described as a 'time-travel' day trip that showcases Singapore’s wild side and kampong heritage.

Pulau Ubin. Last Village in Singapore

Pulau Ubin

Just an hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, the Indonesian island of Batam offers a lively change of scene packed into one day. This private tour goes beyond a typical shopping trip – you’ll be greeted by traditional Malay dancers and even get to try playing an angklung (Indonesian bamboo instrument) in a fun cultural session. Between visits to a grand Buddhist temple, a local coffee factory and scenic coastal spots, you’ll enjoy a hearty Indonesian seafood lunch and then unwind with a 90-minute traditional massage before the ferry ride back. 
- Boasts a perfect 5-star record from guests, who describe it as an eye-opening, well-organized cross-border experience.
- Travelers love the warm, engaging guides (Riza is often praised by name) and the balance of authentic cultural fun with relaxing perks like the massage.
- An easy, all-in-one way to experience Indonesia in a day – ideal for visitors looking to add a second country’s culture, cuisine and spa delights to their Singapore trip.

Batam Culture & City Tour w/Singapore Ferry Tix, Massage & Lunch

Batam (Indonesia)

In one ambitious day, travel from Singapore to Malaysia’s bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur, and experience its top highlights with ease. A private van and guide whisk you directly to the city’s must-sees – from the colonial-era architecture around Merdeka Square and the multicultural temples and mosques, to the modern majesty of the Petronas Twin Towers. You’ll sample authentic Malaysian flavours, explore diverse neighbourhoods, and even catch a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline illuminated at night, before the comfortable ride back. 
- Maintains a flawless 5/5 rating from travelers, with many calling it a “marathon tour” that’s absolutely worth the effort.
- Guests praise the tour team’s professionalism – a safe, punctual driver and an informative guide who customizes stops and even helps with bargaining in local markets.
- One of the only tours offering a fully customizable Kuala Lumpur itinerary from Singapore, perfect for families or groups who want a personalized taste of Malaysia.

°17or19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide

Experience two of Malaysia’s most iconic cities in one extraordinary day, all while traveling in luxury from Singapore. This private tour covers historic Malacca – where you’ll wander UNESCO-listed streets lined with Dutch colonial buildings, centuries-old temples and riverside cafés – and the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, home to soaring skyscrapers and bustling markets. After exploring Malacca’s rich heritage, you’ll journey to Kuala Lumpur for its top sights. In the evening, indulge in an unforgettable Sky Dining experience high above the city – enjoying dinner with panoramic views of the twinkling skyline. 
- Consistently top-rated (5-star) by travellers for its exceptional itinerary, seamlessly combining two destinations into one VIP adventure.
- Guests highlight the seamless organisation and VIP treatment – a knowledgeable licensed guide, comfortable transport and a truly special dinner overlooking KL’s skyline.
- The Sky Dining finale sets this tour apart, offering a chance to dine in a revolving restaurant or other high-altitude venue with breathtaking views – a once-in-a-lifetime reward at day’s end.

From Singapore: Private Kuala Lumpur / Malacca tour + SKY DINING

Kuala Lumpur

A day-long island-hopping ferry adventure whisking you from Singapore’s city bustle to the tranquility of its southern isles. This round-trip ticket covers three hidden gems – St. John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu islands – where you can bask on quiet beaches, swim in clear waters, and even visit a sacred temple. It offers a glimpse of a wilder, laid-back side of Singapore before bringing you back to the mainland. 
- Praised by travel guides as one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets for nature lovers and beach seekers.
- Travelers love the peaceful shores and turquoise water, calling this island-hopping trip a refreshing escape from the city.
- Includes a stop at Kusu Island’s historic temple (a local pilgrimage site), adding a cultural highlight to the sunny island adventure.

Singapore: Roundtrip Ferry Ticket to St John's, Lazarus & Kusu Islands

Island Tour

Day Excursions

Just a 10-minute bumboat ride from the mainland, this island offers a rare glimpse of 1960s rural Singapore—where kampong village life, dense mangroves and gravel roads reveal the city’s rustic past. 
Bicycle wheels crunch on dirt tracks as hornbills flutter overhead. The air is thick with the scent of mangroves and sea breeze, punctuated by distant kampong cooking aromas on the wind. 
- Featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s must-visit islands list
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023
- Known as Singapore’s “Last Kampong” preserving a bygone way of life

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Highlights

Deep Dive

Population Past – In the 1960s, Pulau Ubin was home to over 1,000 residents across five villages; today fewer than 50 people live there full-time.

Granite Legacy – Ubin’s granite was historically important: it was used to build the Johor–Singapore Causeway in the 1920s, linking Singapore to Malaysia.

Wild Swimmers – The island’s wild boars are surprisingly good swimmers. There are tales of these pigs paddling between islets around Ubin in search of food!

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Did You Know?

Granite Roots: “Ubin” means “squared stone” in Malay. The island’s granite quarries supplied stone for early Singapore (even the Causeway to Malaysia). Those water-filled quarries you see are relics of that mining past.

Kampong Community: At its peak in the 1950s, Ubin had a few thousand residents and amenities like a school, clinics, even a cinema. Today fewer than 40 villagers remain, keeping traditional fishing and farming alive.

from oriental pied hornbills to thriving otter families

Biodiversity Haven: Ubin’s diverse habitats (coastal mangroves, secondary forests, seagrass lagoons) harbor wildlife now rare on the mainland

Chek Jawa’s Rescue: In 2001, when Chek Jawa’s rich ecosystem was discovered by nature groups, public outcry led the government to cancel land reclamation plans. This grassroots success saved an irreplaceable intertidal zone for future generations.

Explore Deeper

Season Live Seafood (Ubin Village): Casual eatery by the jetty cooking up super fresh seafood (chili crab, fried rice). Perfect for a hearty lunch after hours of biking.

Changi Village Hawker (Mainland): Once back on mainland, walk 2 minutes to this famous hawker center. Reward yourself with local favorites like nasi lemak or sugarcane juice after your Ubin adventure.

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Food & Coffee Shops

Best Time: Visit on weekdays or early weekend mornings to enjoy the island without crowds (and in cooler temperatures). Aim for low tide (check tide tables) if you want to explore Chek Jawa’s marine life.

Hack: Bring cash in small denominations – everything on Ubin (ferries, bike rentals, food stalls) is cash-only. Also consider renting a bicycle as soon as you arrive (around S$8-15/day) for maximum freedom to explore.

Hidden Gem: If you have time, stop by Ah Ma Drink Stall in the main village for a fresh coconut juice or homemade barley – a simple treat and a chance to chat with local villagers.

Insider Tips

Map & Signage: Grab a simple paper map from the NParks kiosk by the jetty (if available). Key junctions on the island have wooden signposts pointing to Chek Jawa, campsites, etc.

Getting Around: Walking and cycling are the main ways. The main roads (Jalan Ubin, Jalan Jelutong) form a loop connecting most sights. Offshoot dirt trails lead to quarries and far ends like Chek Jawa.

Terrain: Roads near the village are paved, but expect muddy, rocky paths elsewhere. Wear sturdy footwear. If cycling, stick to marked trails unless you’re experienced with off-road biking.

Navigation Apps: Pre-download an offline map of Ubin—mobile signal can drop in interior. However, major attractions are well-known to locals; don’t hesitate to ask fellow visitors or the provisions shop uncle for directions.

Internal Navigation

Know Before You Go

- Public Transport: From downtown, take the MRT to Tanah Merah (EW4) then Bus 2 to Changi Village. Follow signs through Changi Village to the ferry terminal. Total journey ~1 hour.
- Taxi/Ride-hail: A taxi or Grab direct to Changi Point Ferry Terminal takes ~30-40 minutes from the city and drops you steps from the bumboat pier.
- Arriving Ubin: You’ll land at Ubin Jetty, the island’s only public entry point. There’s a park map billboard right off the jetty—spend a minute to note key routes before you set off.

Getting There & Entrances

- Washrooms/lockers/ATMs/cafés: Basic public toilets at Ubin Jetty and Chek Jawa. No lockers or ATMs on the island at all. A few local eateries in the main village offer cold drinks, seafood and snacks (open daylight hours).
- Baby care/prayer/relaxation: No dedicated baby facilities or prayer rooms. The island is rustic—shaded pavilions in the village and campsites serve as rest spots. Bring what you need (diapers, etc.) and plan breaks back at the main village for any necessities.
- Notable missing/unexpected: No street lighting at night and limited electricity island-wide (villagers use generators). Plan to leave before dark unless camping. Mobile coverage exists but can be spotty in dense forest areas.

Amenities

Know Your FactsOnce You Reach

Approx Price For Two

Best Places to try

Cuisine

Operating Hours

Popular Drinks

Signature Dishes

Snapshot

Tips

What it is

Once You Reach

Persona Fit

Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon provide the softest light for landscape shots of quarries and coastline. Pulau Ubin’s sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular, painting the mangroves in golden hues.

Wildlife Shots: Keep your camera ready on trails—wild boars, monkeys, hornbills and monitor lizards roam freely. Use a zoom lens and be patient; sudden movements might scare them off. Remember, no flash when photographing animals up close.

Capture Kampong Life: The weathered wooden houses and jetties make for evocative photos. Seek permission before photographing residents or the interiors of homes for a respectful interaction.

Photography Tips

Head to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (near Changi Village). From there, take a bumboat ride (S$4 per person, one-way, cash only) to Pulau Ubin. The boats aren’t on a fixed schedule — they depart whenever ~12 passengers are ready. The first boat usually leaves around daybreak (6am) and the last return boat from Ubin is typically before sunset (around 7pm).

How do I get to Pulau Ubin from Singapore?

Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. Wear comfortable walking or cycling shoes (expect dirt trails and mud). Bring cash in small bills for the bumboat, bike rental (about S$10/day) and any food or drinks on the island, since there are no ATMs. Having rain gear or a poncho is also wise, as tropical rain showers can occur suddenly.

What should I bring for a day trip to Pulau Ubin?

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Plan Your Visit

Pro Tips

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Changi Village Hawker Centre — famous local food market on the mainland (right by the ferry terminal) to enjoy nasi lemak or satay after your island adventure

Changi Point Coastal Walk — a scenic boardwalk on the mainland shoreline offering views of Pulau Ubin and the sea, perfect for a breezy stroll post-trip

Changi Chapel and Museum — a short drive away, this museum provides historical context about WWII in Singapore, complementing the rustic perspective from Ubin

Things To Do Nearby

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hope on a bumboat and head to Pulau Ubin, an island off the northeast of Singapore. Considered the last kampong (village) in Singapore, one is transported back in time to life in the '60s, where water is still drawn from wells, stoves fired by wood and lights powered by generator. Rent a bicycle or simply hike, and explore the disused granite quarries, traditional kampong houses, fruit orchards and mangroves. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• 4-hour cycling or walking tour in lush greenery
• a glimpse of village life in Singapore in the '60s
• great for guests who likes nature

Singapore: Pulau Ubin

Persona Fit

Highlights

1 Curated Booking Option

Adeline Ee

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Once You Reach

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