If you haven’t explored Pulau Ubin, now is the time to discover this rustic little gem with the whole family. Kayaking, camping, trekking: the Pesta Ubin festival has it all!
We’re big fans of getting into the great outdoors, and there are few places greater or more outdoorsy than our fave patch of green, Pulau Ubin, for a spot of adventuring with the family. Which is why we will be packing a daybag, preparing ourselves with lots of mosquito spray and heading on a bumboat to check out Pulau Ubin’s open house: Pesta Ubin. Kayaking, cycling, treasure trails and camping are all part of the fun for families – open house is on from 18 May until 30 June!
This year, Pulau Ubin open house is being extended to a whopping six weeks to allow families to really get into the swing of all that this beautiful little island has to offer. Pesta Ubin (which literally translates to festival/party Ubin in Malay) is shaping up to be an unmissable extravaganza of outdoors family fun, and with over 50 activities lined up including nature sketching, overnight family camping, guided cycling tours, treks, kampong games, BBQs and boat tours there really is something for everyone. Check out the full schedule as many of the activities are free, and tick off all the activities that float your boat (or kayak: we definitely want to sign up for the kayaking in Ubin quarry activity!). Time for us all to get busy exploring mangroves and spotting elusive hornbills. Make sure you check out HoneyKids’ very own guide to Pulau Ubin before making plans for a day or two of adventure!
Our top five picks for the Pulau Ubin open house:
Tua Pek Kong Festival
Hop on a free evening bumboat to experience an authentic village fest to celebrate the colourful Tua Pek Kong Festival. There will be wayang performances, traditional Teochew opera, dragon and lion dances and getai all performed on Ubin Town’s ancient Wayang Stage. This is a popular event so expect huge crowds in early morning and night.
When: 12 – 23 May
Where: Ubin Town, 3 min walk from Ubin Jetty (map).
Cost: FREE
pestaubin2019.blogspot.com
Balik Chek Jawa
The jewel of Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa, is throwing open its proverbial doors to for all families who want to take a closer look at its amazing heritage and wildlife. There will be friendly volunteers situated along the boardwalk who will be conducting fun activities for all the kiddos. Spot monkeys, wild board, mudskippers and even an otter or dugong and marvel at this pristine six-in-one ecosystem.
When: 2 June, 10am – 3pm
Where: Chek Jawa Info Kiosk, 3.3km away from Ubin Jetty
Cost: FREE
pestaubin2019.blogspot.com
Go on an evening nature walk
Take your little critters on an evening walk! This expedition will lead you around Ubin at dusk. You’ll be following level trails, and so will be suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Accompanying nature guides will do their best to try and help you spot some of Ubin’s shy, nocturnal creatures along the way… We hear that possible sightings include the alien-looking pangolin, various native owls, the musang (palm civet cat) and even a wild pig or two!
When: 1, 15 and 22 June
Where: Assembly area opposite HSBC Volunteer Hub
Cost: FREE, registration required
pestaubin2019.blogspot.com
Punggol to Ubin Trail with Kayakasia
For a spot of kayaking, take your kiddos to Punggol Jetty where you will get the unique chance to explore this scenic area by kayak. Suitable for families and beginners, Kayakasia will be on hand to guide you through the super easy trail that links together Punggol, Pulau Serangoon (Coney Island) and Pulau Ubin. Spot the crumbling villa, the German Girl Shrine and beautiful mangroves of Sungai Teris on this fabulous watery adventure.
When: 19 and 20 May, 7.30am – 12pm
Where: Punggol Jetty
Cost: $85 per person ($50 for kids under 12 years old)
pestaubin2019.blogspot.com
Hari Raya Crafts Workshop with Wan’s Ubin Journal
Get your creative coconut juices flowing with this fun, free crafting session where you’ll learn how to weave your own ketupats and make special Hari Raya cards for all your friends and family. Not only that but every ketupat you make will be hung at the Public Jetty along the Main Village for everyone to enjoy during the Hari Raya season. All races and ages are welcome! Sessions are limited to 30 participants so sign up quick to reserve your spot!
When: 26 May and 27 May, 1 – 4.30pm
Where: Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub (map)
Cost: FREE, registration required
bit.ly/rayaworkshopubin
Like this story? Here’s more we think you’ll enjoy:
Fun water sports for kids: kayaking, surfing, dragon boats and more
Our guide to Pulau Ubin with the kids
Pick up the perfect picnic!
Go island-hopping with the kids around Singapore
Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us for fun moments on HoneyKids Instagram!
