Forum: Ubin boatmen can make private arrangements on fare with passengers
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We refer to Mr Simon Seah Sing Hon’s letter “ Boatman refused to take us from Ubin unless we paid more
Visitors to Pulau Ubin can enjoy the experience of the island’s rustic charm, natural environment, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
To better meet visitors’ needs while ensuring sustainability, an on-demand transport service is adopted instead of scheduled departures. This is because the footfall for Pulau Ubin is significantly lower than that of other tourist and lifestyle destinations like Sentosa and the Southern Islands.
The bumboats operating between Changi Point Ferry Terminal and Pulau Ubin are privately managed transport services which are not subsidised by the Government.
They usually operate on demand from 6am to 7pm daily, departing when there are 12 passengers on board. The 10-minute journey typically costs $4 per person each way, with an additional $2 for bicycles.
Operators may depart with fewer than 12 passengers, or outside of the operating hours of 6am to 7pm, at a higher fare per passenger based on private arrangements between the passengers and operators.
Advisory notices are placed at various points within Changi Point Ferry Terminal to remind visitors to check on the fare with the operators before departure.
Lim Liang Jim
Group Director, Conservation
National Parks Board
