Pulau Ubin

Lonely Planet review

A 10-minute chug from Changi Point Ferry Terminal lands you on the shores of Pulau Ubin. There's no timetable; boats depart when 12 people are ready to go (not usually too long). Singaporeans like to wax nostalgic about Ubin's kampung (village) atmosphere, but it's only a matter of time before the developers come knocking. For the moment though, it's a rural, unkempt expanse of jungle full of lizards, weird shrines and cacophonic birdlife.

The best way to get around is by mountain bike, which, coincidentally, is also about the only thing to do - the tidal mud flats are no good for swimming and the quarry lakes are off limits.

Veer right from the jetty to the Pulau Ubin information kiosk - pick up a half-decent map, sniff around the exhibition on Ubin's culture, history and wildlife. You can also take a guided trip to the Tanjong Chek Jawa mangrove swamps in the island's east from here. Alternatively, just trundle off on your bike and see where the road takes you. There are plenty of places to eat near the ferry terminal - complete your island adventure with some chilli crab and Tiger beer as the Bee Gees wail shamelessly from the stereo.