Heading back to mainland Singapore after my Chek Jawa Wetlands visit and Pulau Ubin Taxi Van ride, it’s time to catch the Pulau Ubin Bumboat again, bearing in mind to leave good time before sunset where bumboat services cease.
The Pulau Ubin Bumboat departs from the Main Jetty on Pulau Ubin mainland Singapore, adjacent to the Main Village (aka Orchard Road to local residents).
Heading down the Main Jetty.
The waiting area at the end of the jetty.
The queue for the Pulau Ubin Bumboat back to Changi Point is on the right.
Bumboat from Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin Bumboats usually operate from 7.00am to 7.00pm daily. For now, with social distancing measures, each bumboat takes 9 passengers rather than the licensed 12. As such, the fare has also increased from S$3 to S$4 so that the bumboat operator does not make a loss on each trip.
The Pulau Ubin Bumboat departs only when the boat is full, and not on a fixed schedule. That being said, if you want to depart faster, you can just top up the remaining passengers with cash and the bumboat operator will depart immediately.
If you’re feeling rich, you could simply charter a Pulau Ubin Bumboat at S$36 to depart immediately.
If not, just wait for a group of 9 passengers before the Pulau Ubin Bumboat departs once full.
The bridge of the Pulau Ubin Bumboat.
Departing from Pulau Ubin.
Heading on back to Changi Point.
The contrasting views of kelongs and HDB estates.
Each Pulau Ubin Bumboat is licesed to carry 12 passengers and 2 crews, but with current social distancing measures in place, each boat only carries 9 passengers, thus the S$1 fare hike to still allow the bumboat operator to make the same amount of money per trip.
Heading into the natural harbour of Changi Point.
Passing by Singapore ATC.
Passing by Changi Golf Club.
Passing by the international jetty of Changi Point Ferry Terminal for boats to Pengerang, Malaysia. Understandably, there are no movements on the international jetty.
Docking at the domestic jetty of Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
Heading up the jetty into the Changi Point Ferry Terminal building for a round of security checks. Feels great to go through security checks again, simulating an international travel arriving back into Singapore.
The facade of Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
On a weekday, not many bumboats are in operation to Pulau Ubin. I can imagine that they would fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays for #Singapolidays now that everyone is discouraged to travel overseas.
Once the borders are freely opened again without restrictions, I might give the Pengerang bumboat a try to access Malaysia to escape from weekend traffic jams.
Overall, a pleasant trip on board the Pulau Ubin Bumboat to escape for a few hours away from city life after many months.
Pulau Ubin Bumboat Details
Operating Hours: 7.00am to 7.00pm daily
Ride Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
Passenger Fare: S$4 per person
Bicycle Fare: S$2
Departure Times: Bumboats depart when full at 9 passengers. There is no fixed departure time.
If there are no boats available at Pulau Ubin jetty for your return trip, call the NParks hotline at 1800-471 7300 for assistance.
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