Places Food Tours & Trails

Roots & Flavours: A Pulau Ubin Discovery

by Otter Tours
2 - 3, 9 - 10, 16 - 17, 23 - 24 May • 08:30am

Travel by bumboat to Pulau Ubin and uncover its rich maritime past. Once sustained by granite trade and coastal fishing, island villagers relied on tides and kelongs for livelihood before migrating to mainland Singapore, leaving behind kampungs that reflect the nation’s seafaring heritage.

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Saturday (2, 9, 16 & 23 May): 8.30am - 12.30pm
Sunday (3, 10, 17 & 24 May): 8.30am - 12.30pm

Meeting Point: Basement of Changi Ferry Point

Travel by traditional bumboat across waters that once carried traders, fishermen, and migrants through the Straits of Johor and Singapore. Pulau Ubin was part of a vibrant maritime network linking Malay kampongs and Chinese settlers, with granite quarries supplying stone for early Singapore’s roads and buildings — all transported by sea.

The island’s coastal villages depended on fishing for survival. Fishermen set out in wooden sampans, operating kelongs and using nets and traps to harvest fish, crabs and prawns according to tides and monsoon seasons. The sea shaped daily routines, livelihoods, and community bonds.

As Singapore industrialised in the 1970s and 1980s, many residents migrated to the mainland for new opportunities, leaving behind quiet kampongs and fading maritime trades.

Today, Pulau Ubin remains a living reminder of Singapore’s coastal heritage. Together with a visit to Chek Jawa’s rich intertidal ecosystems and a seafood lunch celebrating the bounty of local waters, this programme offers a meaningful exploration of Singapore’s seafaring roots.

This programme is Culture Pass eligible.

Otter Tours

Otter Tours is a Singapore-based tour agency dedicated to creating meaningful and memorable travel experiences. We specialize in curated local and cross-border tours, blending culture, heritage, food, and bonding activities for schools, corporate groups, and families. With thoughtful planning and personalized service, Otter Tours ensures every journey is smooth, enriching, and enjoyable—turning simple outings into lasting memories.

Website: www.ottertours.com.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Otter-Tours
Instagram: @ottertourssingapore





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