Singapore Travel Day Trips: Pulau Ubin And Kusu Island Costs, Ferries And What To Do

Photo Credit: TimeOut

Pulau Ubin is free to enter, and the only required cost is the bumboat. A trip from Changi Point Ferry Terminal costs S$30 in cash and no booking. You can eat lunch, hire a bike and come home with change. That’s surprising, because most Singapore travel plans cost more than that before you leave the MRT. 

A trip from Changi Point Ferry Terminal costs S$4 per person each way, and the boats leave when full, usually with 9 to 12 passengers, according to a TravJoy guide from April 2026. Bicycle rental runs about S$5 to S$15. For Singapore travel on a small budget, plan about S$13 to S$23 before food. Kusu Island is a different trip, with ferries from Marina South Pier.
This guide covers the costs, the route and how to choose between the islands.

How Much Does A Pulau Ubin Day Trip Cost?

The bumboat is S$4 per person each way, cash only, with no fixed schedule, according to TravJoy. Shopee adds that bringing a bicycle costs S$2 extra.

The island has no commercial hotels and card payments are not widely accepted, according to Traveloka’s guide, so bring small notes.

TravJoy says bicycles on the island rent for about S5toS15, depending on the bike type. A geared bike costs more but is worth it if you plan to cover the whole island.

Here is a quick budget table.

A short answer to “can I do Ubin on a tight budget?” is yes. Bring cash, hire a basic bike and eat at one of the small stalls near the jetty.

How Do I Get To Pulau Ubin?

Take the MRT to Tanah Merah, then Bus 2 to Changi Village, according to TravJoy. The Changi Point Ferry Terminal is a five-minute walk from the bus terminal. Bumboats run daily from about 6am to 7pm.

Once on the island, TravJoy suggests visiting Chek Jawa Wetlands, Butterfly Hill and Puaka Hill. Shopee says Puaka Hill reflects the island’s granite-mining past, which explains why “Ubin” means “granite” in Malay.

For another island day, our essential guide to the beaches at Sentosa Island covers a very different, more developed option.

What About Kusu Island?

Kusu Island is part of the Southern Islands. The Singapore Land Authority manages Kusu, St John’s and Lazarus islands, and says regular ferries serve St John’s and Kusu from Marina South Pier on fixed schedules. You can reach Marina South Pier by MRT.

Direct Ferries lists Singapore Island Cruise as the operator, with crossings of about 30 minutes. The first sailing usually leaves around 9am and the last around 5pm, according to the same listing, though schedules change by season.

Kusu has a busy pilgrimage season each year. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore announced the 2025 season as 21 October to 19 November, with ferry rules changing during that period. Dates move each year, so check before you plan an October or November visit.

Here is a short answer for “Ubin or Kusu?” Pick Ubin for cycling and nature. Pick Kusu for a short sea crossing and a quieter island.

Are Day Trips To The Islands Worth It?

Yes. Both trips give you a break from the city for a small price. Ubin takes more effort, because the boats leave only when full. Kusu is easier, but its ferry has limited sailings.

Here is the blunt limitation. Ferry times, fares and pilgrimage-season rules change, and published figures vary by source. Confirm the latest fare and timetable before you travel, and bring cash for Ubin.

For more outings around the island, browse our Travel section for more free things to do in Singapore this weekend and beyond.

What Does Singapore Travel Offer Beyond The Main Island?

Pulau Ubin gives you a slower pace. Shopee’s guide describes “Ubin Town” as a small cluster of rustic buildings near the jetty, with provision shops, bicycle rental places and residents’ homes. It lists Ubin Quarry and Puaka Hill as top sights and says the island is a bird sanctuary in many ways.

Dollars and Sense notes that Puaka Hill is part of the western trail and is the highest point on the island, with a view over the former Ubin Quarry. Shopee also mentions Encik Hassan’s stall near the jetty as a local icon for over 30 years, which makes it a handy lunch stop.

The boat ride is short. Sources describe it as about 10 to 15 minutes. Before you rent a bicycle, check its condition, as Dollars and Sense advises, and ask about the brakes and gears.

Plan to carry what you need. Traveloka’s guide says card payments are not widely accepted on the island, so cash is the safer choice for food and bike rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book the Ubin bumboat? No. TravJoy says boats leave when full, with no fixed schedule. On a quiet weekday you may wait a little longer, so arrive with some time to spare.

Can I charter a whole boat? Older guides report that you can pay for the empty seats to leave sooner. Ask the operator at the terminal, because current rates may differ.

What should I bring? Cash, water, insect repellent and sun protection. Traveloka’s guide also suggests applying repellent before boarding.

Is Ubin suitable for children? Traveloka calls it family-friendly. Younger children may prefer shorter rides or a walk near the village instead of long cycling routes.

If you have an island tip to add, email us at admin@dei.com.sg.