How to Get to Pulau Ubin: Bumboat Guide

← Home

There’s no bridge, no MRT and no fixed timetable — getting to Pulau Ubin means a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal that leaves whenever 12 passengers are aboard, not on a schedule you can plan a minute-by-minute itinerary around.

Where the Bumboats Depart

Bumboats leave from Changi Point Ferry Terminal at 51 Lorong Bekukong, next to Changi Village — not from Changi Airport, which is a common mix-up given the shared “Changi” name. The terminal is a short walk from Changi Village’s bus interchange and hawker centre, so it’s easy to combine a Pulau Ubin trip with lunch on either end.

How the Boats Actually Work

Boats run on demand from 6am to 7pm daily, departing once 12 passengers have boarded — there’s no published departure schedule because there doesn’t need to be one during regular hours, since boats simply leave as they fill up. The crossing itself takes about 10 minutes. Standard fare is SGD 4 per person each way, plus SGD 2 extra if you’re bringing a bicycle over rather than renting one on the island. Operators can adjust fares for smaller private groups or trips outside the 6am-7pm window, so confirm the price with the boatman before boarding rather than assuming the standard rate applies.

Traveling Outside Regular Hours

If you need to arrive before 6am or leave after 7pm, arrange it directly with a bumboat operator in advance rather than assuming a boat will be waiting. If you’re stranded on the island with no bumboats available for the return trip, NParks’ helpline at 1800-471 7300 can help arrange assistance — worth saving that number before you cross over.

What to Bring

Cash is essential — bumboat operators and most vendors in Ubin Town don’t take cards. Bring small denominations, since operators don’t always carry change for large notes. If you’re not renting a bike on the island, decide before boarding whether to pay the extra SGD 2 to bring your own over.

Getting Around Once You Land

There’s no public bus network on Pulau Ubin. Once you’re off the boat, options are walking, cycling — bike rental shops sit right at Ubin Town near the jetty — or hiring one of the local van services that operate informally around the island for visitors who’d rather not cycle. Our Pulau Ubin day trip guide covers what to do once you’ve arrived, including Chek Jawa Wetlands and the island’s cycling trails.

FAQ: Getting to Pulau Ubin

Can I book a bumboat ticket in advance?
No — there’s no online booking or fixed schedule. Just show up at Changi Point Ferry Terminal and wait for a boat to fill up.

How do I get to Changi Point Ferry Terminal?
Bus services stop near Changi Village, a short walk from the terminal; it’s a separate location from Changi Airport despite the similar name.

What’s the last boat back to the mainland?
Regular bumboat service runs until 7pm — plan to be back at the Pulau Ubin jetty with time to spare, since boats outside that window need advance arrangement.

Bottom Line: Getting to Pulau Ubin

Getting to Pulau Ubin is simple once you know the drill: show up at Changi Point Ferry Terminal with cash, wait for a boatload, and budget SGD 4 each way. NParks’ official visitor page has the latest fare and safety updates, and our Pulau Ubin day trip guide covers everything worth doing once you’re across.

For more on the area, see our guide to Punggol Waterway Park: Cycling and Kayaking.

You may also find useful our guide to Getting Around Singapore: MRT, Bus, and Grab Explained.