Pulau Ubin

Quarrymen and FishermenChinese settlers operated private quarries from about 1847 onwards; later, the colonial administration extensively mined granite for structures like the Pedra Branca lighthouse, Fort Canning, and the harbor. The workers were predominantly Hakka, later also Hokkien and Teochew; from the 1880s, Malay fishermen joined them. Today, only a few dozen people live permanently on the island. In the Ketam area stands the German Girl Shrine, a small shrine that, according to tradition, commemorates a young German woman who died in 1914.The Rescue of Chek JawaThe approximately 100-hectare wetland at the eastern tip was slated for reclamation from 1992. After its biodiversity became known in late 2000, the government halted the land reclamation in 2001. Since 2007, a visitor center, a boardwalk, and an observation tower have made the area accessible. Six habitats converge here, from sandy beaches and seagrass meadows to mangroves.

The starting point is the Changi Point Ferry Terminal (51 Lorong Bekukong) next to the Changi Village Bus Terminal. There is no public transport on the island; bicycles can be rented at the jetty in the village.Bus: Lines 2, 29, 59 or 109 to Changi Village Bus Terminal.MRT: Tanah Merah (East-West Line) via Bus 2, Tampines (East-West and Downtown Line) via Bus 29, Tampines East (Downtown Line) via Bus 59.Bumboat: approx. 6 AM–7 PM as needed, departure once 12 passengers are on board; around S$4 per person each way, plus S$2 per bicycle, cash on board. Arrange later return trips with the boatmen in advance.Chek Jawa: approx. 3 kilometers from the jetty, about 40 minutes on foot or by bike; best visited at low tide of 0.5 meters or less.