Pulau Ubin

[kdash]

The Big Read: The Ubin boatmen, and a trade stuck in time 

 

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-be-transported-back-time-ubin-boatmen

 

spotlight on Ubin boatmen due to the recent attempted escape by someone... 

[inlinesix]

The Big Read: The Ubin boatmen, and a trade stuck in time 

 

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-be-transported-back-time-ubin-boatmen

 

spotlight on Ubin boatmen due to the recent attempted escape by someone... 

 

 

A lot of ppl forget about them.

 

[BanCoe]

Anyone here got any idea what time the bicycle rental shops open in Pulau Ubin on Sundays .... can’t seem to be able to get info

[Heartlander]

Anyone here got any idea what time the bicycle rental shops open in Pulau Ubin on Sundays .... can’t seem to be able to get info

Using google map, only the first shop listed 8 to 6pm. I assume is 8am to 6pm. The rest should be similar. What I remember the shops open quite early. There are phone numbers to call.

 

Two weekends ago where I cycled to Changi Village, I spotted a family of otters munching on big fishes and rolling on the sandy beach just opposite the Ubin jetty. See if you got luck when there.

[BanCoe]

tks bro, have contacted by FB one of them... finally one chap whom says he opens at 7.30-8am on the main road there

Wanted to start early like before 7am as the sun is really unforgiving this few days and want to leave Ubin by around 10am 

 

I've seen otters just sunbathing on the coast just near the entrance to cargo complex side, was like 3 of them    

 

Using google map, only the first shop listed 8 to 6pm. I assume is 8am to 6pm. The rest should be similar. What I remember the shops open quite early. There are phone numbers to call.

 

Two weekends ago where I cycled to Changi Village, I spotted a family of otters munching on big fishes and rolling on the sandy beach just opposite the Ubin jetty. See if you got luck when there.

 

[Heartlander]

tks bro, have contacted by FB one of them... finally one chap whom says he opens at 7.30-8am on the main road there

Wanted to start early like before 7am as the sun is really unforgiving this few days and want to leave Ubin by around 10am 

 

I've seen otters just sunbathing on the coast just near the entrance to cargo complex side, was like 3 of them    

From what I can remember, Ubin cycling generally on tar road surrounding by trees, so will not be very hot unless you go to areas without trees like quarry area, so not really going to be scorched very badly. 

 

I am not sure you are aware of this Sensory Trail just  right of the jetty. Worth to spend some time cycling along the trail to get to know about the floral and fauna. You could pluck rambutans if in season as got rambutan trees there, think should be legit haha.

 

And perhaps can aim for low tide when exploring the Chek Java walk circuit to see more marine staff. If going during high tide, the area is just a body of water.

 

Enjoy your trip. 

[BanCoe]

From what I can remember, Ubin cycling generally on tar road surrounding by trees, so will not be very hot unless you go to areas without trees like quarry area, so not really going to be scorched very badly.

 

I am not sure you are aware of this Sensory Trail just right of the jetty. Worth to spend some time cycling along the trail to get to know about the floral and fauna. You could pluck rambutans if in season as got rambutan trees there, think should be legit haha.

 

And perhaps can aim for low tide when exploring the Chek Java walk circuit to see more marine staff. If going during high tide, the area is just a body of water.

 

Enjoy your trip.

Tks for heads up Edited July 27, 2019 by BanCoe

[Heartlander]

Tks for heads up

[mersaylee]

I intend to transplant my 2018 wzw durian plant there when it grows bigger. Mainlander take must also give back mah...even though I didn’t take any but had seen some who took...

 

Hope to go back there to cycle with my boy after his exams this November

[Xers007]

Once you get out of the boat onto the jetty, the Sensory Trail is on the right side of the jetty. But you have to go left side to rent the bicycles then cycle back.

 

I remember there are also a few durian trees along the trail. Can try to look for drop durians. Legit to take as it was announced already the durians do not belong to islanders. Good luck haha.

All fruits that dont belong to the islander belongs to ah gong NParks, cannot take legally. Anyway dont think anyone there to enforce.

[BanCoe]

Hee Hee Hee.... i tried my boomerang skills... got some by throwing some sticks... many people doing it too ...

 

All fruits that dont belong to the islander belongs to ah gong NParks, cannot take legally. Anyway dont think anyone there to enforce.

 

[Atonchia]

From China?

The stranded guy and the boatman both uses Hanyu Pin Yin name🤔... especially a 52 yr old with Hanyu Pin Yin name....

https://mothership.sg/2025/09/man-who-refused-to-pay-increased-s5-pulau-ubin-boat-fare-stranded-for-an-hour-charters-another-boat-for-s48/?fbclid=IwdGRleAMnsDNjbGNrAyevY2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeXoii31g8gpRG5Mfws7bvi-qTkKuhRReowCOeamQGoBFrmMygFLi-4-JXhNI_aem_86XV8zs5IZADYuPBOwc6Fw

 

A man, who refused to pay S$5 per pax — S$1 more than the usual price — for the boat fare from Pulau Ubin to mainland Singapore, ended up paying S$48 to charter a boat for his trip.

This was after he and his wife were left stranded for an hour on the island.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shin Min Daily News reported that the original fare would have been S$5 each, had the man, surnamed Xie, and his wife accepted it.

The couple visited Pulau Ubin on Aug. 22.

Increased boat fare

Xie, 52, told Shin Min that he arrived at Pulau Ubin with his wife at around 3pm that day.

At around 6pm, the couple were ready to return to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

"After half an hour of waiting, there were 10 passengers in total. The fare was supposed to be S$4 each, but the boatman asked the last four passengers to pay S$5 each. Later, he said all 10 must pay S$5 each,” Xie said.

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He and his wife refused as they found this unreasonable since they paid S$4 each for their trip to Pulau Ubin.

This was despite the boat ferrying fewer than 12 passengers.

Xie said he felt that the boatman was taking advantage of passengers who wanted to leave quickly.

He added that the boatman then asked the remaining eight passengers to pay S$6 each to fulfil the S$48 potential earnings he usually makes per boat ride.

A typical 12-person boat trip, with each person paying S$4, will see the boatman earn S$48.

Since Xie and his wife were backing out of the boat ride, the boatman raised the fare to S$6 per passenger for the remaining eight passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stranded for an hour

Xie and his wife decided to wait for the next boat, but none came after an hour.

He said: "Some islanders said the island security officers would leave at 7 pm, and we could ride with them. The security officer also agreed to help us."

However, the boat that came for the security officer was operated by the same boatman as before.

That boatman only allowed the security officer on board.

"We had no choice but to call NParks, who told us to contact another operator," Xie said.

"Eventually, we found another boatman and had to pay S$48 to charter the boat."

ADVERTISEMENT

Must collect S$48 per trip

The first boatman, Jie Guoyuan, gave his take on how fares worked.

He denied overcharging and said he has to collect S$48 per trip to make his business worthwhile.

Jie said: "That evening, there were only 10 passengers. To make S$48, I asked each to add S$1. The couple refused and wanted to wait. I explained it was late and unlikely more passengers would show up, but they didn’t listen."

He added that when he went back to Pulau Ubin to pick up the security officer, Xie and his wife tried to board.

Jie added: "But the officer had already chartered the boat, so I refused. Usually, I make sure the price is agreed upon before departure. I don’t extort passengers."

ADVERTISEMENT

No fixed schedule

However, Xie said he felt that the fares were not transparent and should be clearly displayed.

He added that the boat service should run on a fixed schedule rather than depend on the number of passengers.

"They only accept cash and not even PayNow, which made it very inconvenient," said Xie.

NParks website rates

The NParks website stated that the boat fare is S$4 per person for each trip.

Passengers bringing a bicycle have to pay an additional S$2 per person.

According to the website, there are no scheduled departure time to and from Pulau Ubin as bumboats set off only when there are 12 passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The website added that passengers should confirm the fare with the bumboat operator.

They are also advised to make prior arrangements with boat operators should they plan to leave Pulau Ubin after 6pm.

If there are no boats available at Pulau Ubin jetty for their return trip, passengers are advised to call the NParks hotline at 1800-471 7300 for assistance.

 

[Lala81]

On 9/5/2025 at 8:06 PM, Atonchia said:

From China?

The stranded guy and the boatman both uses Hanyu Pin Yin name🤔... especially a 52 yr old with Hanyu Pin Yin name....

https://mothership.sg/2025/09/man-who-refused-to-pay-increased-s5-pulau-ubin-boat-fare-stranded-for-an-hour-charters-another-boat-for-s48/?fbclid=IwdGRleAMnsDNjbGNrAyevY2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeXoii31g8gpRG5Mfws7bvi-qTkKuhRReowCOeamQGoBFrmMygFLi-4-JXhNI_aem_86XV8zs5IZADYuPBOwc6Fw

 

A man, who refused to pay S$5 per pax — S$1 more than the usual price — for the boat fare from Pulau Ubin to mainland Singapore, ended up paying S$48 to charter a boat for his trip.

This was after he and his wife were left stranded for an hour on the island.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shin Min Daily News reported that the original fare would have been S$5 each, had the man, surnamed Xie, and his wife accepted it.

The couple visited Pulau Ubin on Aug. 22.

Increased boat fare

Xie, 52, told Shin Min that he arrived at Pulau Ubin with his wife at around 3pm that day.

At around 6pm, the couple were ready to return to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

"After half an hour of waiting, there were 10 passengers in total. The fare was supposed to be S$4 each, but the boatman asked the last four passengers to pay S$5 each. Later, he said all 10 must pay S$5 each,” Xie said.

ADVERTISEMENT

He and his wife refused as they found this unreasonable since they paid S$4 each for their trip to Pulau Ubin.

This was despite the boat ferrying fewer than 12 passengers.

Xie said he felt that the boatman was taking advantage of passengers who wanted to leave quickly.

He added that the boatman then asked the remaining eight passengers to pay S$6 each to fulfil the S$48 potential earnings he usually makes per boat ride.

A typical 12-person boat trip, with each person paying S$4, will see the boatman earn S$48.

Since Xie and his wife were backing out of the boat ride, the boatman raised the fare to S$6 per passenger for the remaining eight passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stranded for an hour

Xie and his wife decided to wait for the next boat, but none came after an hour.

He said: "Some islanders said the island security officers would leave at 7 pm, and we could ride with them. The security officer also agreed to help us."

However, the boat that came for the security officer was operated by the same boatman as before.

That boatman only allowed the security officer on board.

"We had no choice but to call NParks, who told us to contact another operator," Xie said.

"Eventually, we found another boatman and had to pay S$48 to charter the boat."

ADVERTISEMENT

Must collect S$48 per trip

The first boatman, Jie Guoyuan, gave his take on how fares worked.

He denied overcharging and said he has to collect S$48 per trip to make his business worthwhile.

Jie said: "That evening, there were only 10 passengers. To make S$48, I asked each to add S$1. The couple refused and wanted to wait. I explained it was late and unlikely more passengers would show up, but they didn’t listen."

He added that when he went back to Pulau Ubin to pick up the security officer, Xie and his wife tried to board.

Jie added: "But the officer had already chartered the boat, so I refused. Usually, I make sure the price is agreed upon before departure. I don’t extort passengers."

ADVERTISEMENT

No fixed schedule

However, Xie said he felt that the fares were not transparent and should be clearly displayed.

He added that the boat service should run on a fixed schedule rather than depend on the number of passengers.

"They only accept cash and not even PayNow, which made it very inconvenient," said Xie.

NParks website rates

The NParks website stated that the boat fare is S$4 per person for each trip.

Passengers bringing a bicycle have to pay an additional S$2 per person.

According to the website, there are no scheduled departure time to and from Pulau Ubin as bumboats set off only when there are 12 passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The website added that passengers should confirm the fare with the bumboat operator.

They are also advised to make prior arrangements with boat operators should they plan to leave Pulau Ubin after 6pm.

If there are no boats available at Pulau Ubin jetty for their return trip, passengers are advised to call the NParks hotline at 1800-471 7300 for assistance.

 

Penny wise pound foolish. 

Or think can 赚吃 from principles alone. 

Are you negotiating from a position of strength or vulnerability? 

 

[Sturtles]

On 9/5/2025 at 8:16 PM, Lala81 said:

Penny wise pound foolish. 

Or think can 赚吃 from principles alone. 

Are you negotiating from a position of strength or vulnerability? 

 

Probably a poor negotiator, previously getting by off pity and kindness of others 

[13177]

The boatman and the stranded man both one kind. The boatman take advantage of the situation to 'lion open big mouth' to ask for more fare, and the stranded man principles over and refuse to pay the extra. 🙄

[Ender]

On 9/5/2025 at 8:16 PM, Lala81 said:

Penny wise pound foolish. 

Or think can 赚吃 from principles alone. 

Are you negotiating from a position of strength or vulnerability? 

 

Jin funny was they managed to nego to ride with the security team who chartered the ride at 7pm. But they jin suay, that ride was the same boat man they rejected. LOL.

By right since the security already chartered the boat they should have the final say to allow the couple on board not the boatman.

Edited September 5, 2025 by Ender

[Tohto]

On 9/5/2025 at 9:55 PM, 13177 said:

The boatman and the stranded man both one kind. The boatman take advantage of the situation to 'lion open big mouth' to ask for more fare, and the stranded man principles over and refuse to pay the extra. 🙄

I thought this is quite standard practice. If it did not meet min occupancy,  others need to top up the balance. Not something new. 

That's why don't wait till last mins than want to leave the island.

[Sosaria]

On 9/5/2025 at 8:06 PM, Atonchia said:

From China?

The stranded guy and the boatman both uses Hanyu Pin Yin name🤔... especially a 52 yr old with Hanyu Pin Yin name....

https://mothership.sg/2025/09/man-who-refused-to-pay-increased-s5-pulau-ubin-boat-fare-stranded-for-an-hour-charters-another-boat-for-s48/?fbclid=IwdGRleAMnsDNjbGNrAyevY2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeXoii31g8gpRG5Mfws7bvi-qTkKuhRReowCOeamQGoBFrmMygFLi-4-JXhNI_aem_86XV8zs5IZADYuPBOwc6Fw

 

A man, who refused to pay S$5 per pax — S$1 more than the usual price — for the boat fare from Pulau Ubin to mainland Singapore, ended up paying S$48 to charter a boat for his trip.

This was after he and his wife were left stranded for an hour on the island.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shin Min Daily News reported that the original fare would have been S$5 each, had the man, surnamed Xie, and his wife accepted it.

The couple visited Pulau Ubin on Aug. 22.

Increased boat fare

Xie, 52, told Shin Min that he arrived at Pulau Ubin with his wife at around 3pm that day.

At around 6pm, the couple were ready to return to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

"After half an hour of waiting, there were 10 passengers in total. The fare was supposed to be S$4 each, but the boatman asked the last four passengers to pay S$5 each. Later, he said all 10 must pay S$5 each,” Xie said.

ADVERTISEMENT

He and his wife refused as they found this unreasonable since they paid S$4 each for their trip to Pulau Ubin.

This was despite the boat ferrying fewer than 12 passengers.

Xie said he felt that the boatman was taking advantage of passengers who wanted to leave quickly.

He added that the boatman then asked the remaining eight passengers to pay S$6 each to fulfil the S$48 potential earnings he usually makes per boat ride.

A typical 12-person boat trip, with each person paying S$4, will see the boatman earn S$48.

Since Xie and his wife were backing out of the boat ride, the boatman raised the fare to S$6 per passenger for the remaining eight passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stranded for an hour

Xie and his wife decided to wait for the next boat, but none came after an hour.

He said: "Some islanders said the island security officers would leave at 7 pm, and we could ride with them. The security officer also agreed to help us."

However, the boat that came for the security officer was operated by the same boatman as before.

That boatman only allowed the security officer on board.

"We had no choice but to call NParks, who told us to contact another operator," Xie said.

"Eventually, we found another boatman and had to pay S$48 to charter the boat."

ADVERTISEMENT

Must collect S$48 per trip

The first boatman, Jie Guoyuan, gave his take on how fares worked.

He denied overcharging and said he has to collect S$48 per trip to make his business worthwhile.

Jie said: "That evening, there were only 10 passengers. To make S$48, I asked each to add S$1. The couple refused and wanted to wait. I explained it was late and unlikely more passengers would show up, but they didn’t listen."

He added that when he went back to Pulau Ubin to pick up the security officer, Xie and his wife tried to board.

Jie added: "But the officer had already chartered the boat, so I refused. Usually, I make sure the price is agreed upon before departure. I don’t extort passengers."

ADVERTISEMENT

No fixed schedule

However, Xie said he felt that the fares were not transparent and should be clearly displayed.

He added that the boat service should run on a fixed schedule rather than depend on the number of passengers.

"They only accept cash and not even PayNow, which made it very inconvenient," said Xie.

NParks website rates

The NParks website stated that the boat fare is S$4 per person for each trip.

Passengers bringing a bicycle have to pay an additional S$2 per person.

According to the website, there are no scheduled departure time to and from Pulau Ubin as bumboats set off only when there are 12 passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The website added that passengers should confirm the fare with the bumboat operator.

They are also advised to make prior arrangements with boat operators should they plan to leave Pulau Ubin after 6pm.

If there are no boats available at Pulau Ubin jetty for their return trip, passengers are advised to call the NParks hotline at 1800-471 7300 for assistance.

 

Pinyin name because the original interview and article is by shin min daily news.