Pulau Ubin

"Exotic Island Escape After a 10-minute ferry ride from Changi Point in Singapore City, you’ll arrive on Pulau Ubin—a small, densely forested island where life moves a little slower. Rent a bicycle and spend a lazy day pedaling around this sleepy fishing kampung (village). You can sample fresh grilled fish and prawns from seaside hawker stalls, sip Tiger Beer, and get a glimpse of what life was like in parts of Singapore as recently as 50 years ago. Visitors may also enjoy kayaking trips and nature walks led by local volunteers. Check the National Parks website for details and to book tours. If you don’t want the peace and quiet to end, stay overnight at the island’s resort or at one of its free beach campsites."

"This untamed island – largely untouched by Singapore’s mega-urban development – is a paradise for adventurous cyclists. Transport is via a quick and cheap boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Bring your own bike or hire one from the many rental shops and get pedalling along the 6km of trails."

"This island was once known for its granite quarries. But when they closed down in the 1970s and jobs dwindled, residents began leaving. Today, the island is home to fewer than 50 people, who have chosen to stay for the old way of life. Which is exactly what people like visiting it for, too. Stepping onto Pulau Ubin is like time-traveling to the way Singapore was decades ago. Even getting to it is old-fashioned: You take a 10-minute ride on a chugging bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. This is a rich experience even for those who are cash-poor, and the perfect day trip for those looking to see a different time in Singapore's history or experience its wild side." - Ashlea Halpern

"Start us off with the story behind this place. Pulau Ubin translates to Granite Island—from the 1800s, the island was known for its granite quarries. But when these closed down in the 1970s and jobs dwindled, its residents began leaving. Today, the island is home to fewer than 50 people, who have chosen to stay for the old way of life. Which is exactly what people visit for, too. Stepping onto Pulau Ubin is like time-traveling to the way Singapore was decades ago. Here, the grass grows wild, rickety vehicles traverse dirt tracks and the island's inhabitants live in wooden shacks. Even getting to it is old-fashioned: You take a 10-minute ride on a chugging bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The most popular way to get around and see the sights is by bicycle, which can be rented from one of a couple of kiosks at the Pulau Ubin jetty. There are multiple mountain biking trails here for visitors to exercise those cycling chops. You can walk, of course, but the terrain is undulating and the weather hot and humid, making the journey on foot tough. What should we be sure to see while we're there? For a thumb-stopping photo, head to Pekan Quarry, the oldest granite quarry on Pulau Ubin. Now disused, its two pits have been merged and turned into a tranquil lake that doubles as a picture-perfect backdrop. Nature buffs should check out Chek Jawa Wetlands on the eastern side of the island. This 247-acre space is where six major natural ecosystems meet and is a hive of wildlife. Explore the area by strolling along the boardwalk or climb the viewing tower for a different perspective. How easy is it to navigate? Part of Pulau Ubin's charm is the fact that it's the polar opposite of Singapore. Read: There are few signs here and paths can be blocked by fallen trees or overgrown bushes. Take it in stride and be prepared to wander and get lost —at least for a little while. With an area of around six square miles, you're sure to stumble across a hut or a shelter every now and then. While this isn't the easiest place for those with mobility issues at the moment, the government has added more features—like fitting ferries with ramps and building a wheelchair-friendly floating jetty. Anything else we should know before planning a visit? You get a lot more for your buck at Pulau Ubin. The boat ride to the island (which runs from sunrise to sunset) costs just $4.50, and for a little more than $5 a day you can rent a bicycle to get around. Stop by one of the seafood hawker stalls near the jetty to refuel if you're hungry—a one-dish meal and a drink will set you back about $7. This is a rich experience even for those who are cash-poor, and the perfect day trip for those looking to see a different time in Singapore's history or experience its wild side." - Audrey Phoon

"This island—10 minutes away from Singapore by boat—offers one of the closest experiences you can get to seeing the wild side of the country. It’s got a handful of human residents and traces of its granite-quarrying history from the ’70s remain, but the island remains largely untouched and is home to the Chek Jawa wetlands, a heron habitat, wild boars, monkeys, and more." - Audrey Phoon