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A Guide to Mangrove Kayaking in Pulau Ubin, Singapore, a Workout through Waters
- Where is Pulau Ubin?
- How to Get to Pulau Ubin
- Top Mangrove Kayaking Experiences in Pulau Ubin
- Seek Sophie
- Pulau Ubin Mangrove Kayaking and Puaka Hill Hike
- Pulau Ubin Kayak Fishing
- Kayak to Ketam: Secret Island Discovery
- Mangrove Kayaking with Adventures by Asian Detours
- Hour Guided Mangrove Kayaking with UPlay
- FAQ
I’ve only recently started focusing on my upper body strength, and let me tell you, it’s a work in progress. Pull-ups and push-ups? Not my favourite, but there’s one workout that doesn’t feel like a chore: kayaking.
I had my first mangrove kayaking adventure at Pulau Ubin, and it was an absolute game-changer. I forgot about the struggle and just had a blast navigating the lush forest and spotting marine wildlife.
If you’re looking to boost your upper body strength or just escape the city, here’s a guide to mangrove kayaking in Pulau Ubin! I made sure to include child-friendly and pet-friendly experiences too.
Where is Pulau Ubin?
Pulau Ubin is a small island located in the northeast of mainland Singapore, off the coast of Changi.
How to Get to Pulau Ubin
You can reach Pulau Ubin by taking a ferry from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but some kayaking tours let you travel from Singapore to Pulau Ubin via kayak.
Ferry tickets start at $4 per one-way trip.
Top Mangrove Kayaking Experiences in Pulau Ubin
Seek Sophie
Pulau Ubin Mangrove Kayaking and Puaka Hill Hike
Media from seeksophie
Meeting Point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Start Time: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm
Duration: Up to 4 hours
Fee: Starting from $70 per person
Do you want to go mangrove kayaking but also want to bring along your furry ones? You don’t have to leave them behind because Seek Sophie offers a pet-friendly mangrove kayaking experience around the island!
This experience is beginner-friendly (no kayaking experience required) and is a great introduction to exploring the island’s mangrove forest. It’s also suitable for children ages 4 years old and up!
After rowing your way through the forests, you’ll dock your kayaks and go on a hike up to Puaka Hill, the tallest point of Pulau Ubin! So prepare your arms and legs for a full day of adventure!
Tips:
- Note that you’ll need to inform the Seek Sophie organisers that you’re bringing along a pet with you. To bring them to the island, you’ll need to carry them in an enclosed carrier from the terminal and during the ferry ride.
- You can bring up to two dogs with you on a single kayak. Just make sure you don’t mind squeezing them in (they can accommodate up to 20 kg per boat).
Pulau Ubin Kayak Fishing
Media from seeksophie
Meeting Point: 131 Pasir Ris Road, KOKOMO Beach Club, Pasir Ris Town Park
Start Time: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
Duration: Up to 6 hours
Fee: Starting from $115 per person
Do you love kayaking AND fishing? You can do both with Seek Sophie’s Pulau Ubin Kayak Fishing experience!
The experience runs for about 6 hours and includes a kayak tour around the mangrove forests of the island, then a fishing excursion. You will be taught how to catch fish while on the boat!
It sounds difficult, but in my experience, it’s actually pretty easy. Plus, you’ll get really close to where all the marine life is located in the mangroves, so it’s a big treat for anyone who loves fishing!
Tips:
- This experience is also pet-friendly, but note that since you’ll be fishing, you must be able to multitask during the whole tour.
- Always show your tour guide the fish you catch because some species may only be allowed for catch and release. If you’re unsure about the size of your catch, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance!
- Bait and an icebox to keep your catch will be provided and are included in the booking fee. If you wish to bring your own fishing gear, you are free to do so!
Kayak to Ketam: Secret Island Discovery
Media from seeksophie
Meeting Point: House No. 34, 34 Jalan Endut Senin, Jalan Endut Senin
Start Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Duration: Up to 5 hours
Fee: Starting from $81.95 per person
If you’re truly looking for a challenging mangrove kayaking experience, then Seek Sophie’s Kayak to Ketam: Secret Island Discovery tour is the one for you.
Not only will you explore the island’s mangrove forests, but you’ll also visit Ketam Island, a small hidden gem off the southern coast of Pulau Ubin.
The tour runs for 5 hours and includes a full open sea kayaking experience. You’ll get really close to the flora and fauna of both Ubin and Ketam, so prepare your waterproof cameras!
Tips:
- This experience is child-friendly, but children must be accompanied by an adult per kayak. Only adults can steer the kayak while children remain as passengers because the route takes you to the open sea. This means currents may be stronger!
- The tour will push through, rain or shine. Be prepared for any sudden rain showers during the experience. However, the tour may be cancelled if the currents are too strong!
Mangrove Kayaking with Adventures by Asian Detours
Media from adventuresbyad
Meeting Point: 34 Pulau Ubin
Contact Details: +65 9772 2071
Start Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, or 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Duration: Up to 4 hours
Fee: Starting from $98 per person
Another kayaking experience you shouldn’t sleep on is the mangrove kayaking package curated by Adventures by Asian Detours. This one isn’t pet-friendly, but it’s an experience to try if you’re searching for a tour with a little more challenge.
The tour includes a 4-hour excursion all over the mangrove forests, so expect your arms to get a little tired by the end (unless you’re an experienced kayaker!). Beginners are welcome, and you’ll likely be paired with the tour operators for this one!
Tips:
- Bookings require a minimum of two persons. If you’re coming with a child, they must be at least 7 years old to join in on the experience! Solo travellers will be paired up with other solo kayakers, but you also have the option to be paired with the tour providers if necessary (so long as you book a slot by twos!).
- I highly recommend wearing covered shoes for this experience. You won’t be hiking, but you will get wet and there’s a flotation test at the beginning of the trip. You might have to stand and float in the water, so wear covered shoes to protect your feet (no open-toed sandals!).
4-Hour Guided Mangrove Kayaking with UPlay
Media from nebosg
Meeting Point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Start Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, or 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Duration: 4 hours to 5 hours
Fee: Starting from $50 per person
UPlay is a go-to adventure provider if I want to get great discounts on experiences. One of the best deals I got was paying only about $50 for a 4-hour guided mangrove kayaking tour around the island (the original price starts at $105 per person!).
The experience includes a guided tour in English, a birdwatching session on the kayaks, and some water time. Expect to get wet on this experience, but don’t worry as equipment and life vests will be provided.
Tips:
- The discounts are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. UPlay can only accommodate up to 10 people per experience, so I highly recommend booking your slots in advance if you want to keep your discount! Note that there’s a possibility that you’ll be grouped with other participants to reach 10 participants per group.
- Unfortunately, you can only avail of the discount if it’s your first time booking on the site.
