Singapore island hopping

Go offshore for a day, yet leave your passport at home.
Straits Times 10 Aug 08;

PULAU UBIN

Cycling: A popular choice. Full-day bike rentals are available from $2 at kiosks stationed just after the jetty.

Trekking: Check out the Sensory Trail by NParks, featuring a walk through the Chek Jawa area, famous for diverse wildlife. To get the best out of your walk, go during low tide. Tidal information available at www.nparks.gov.sg or call 6542-4108 for general inquiries.

Eco tours: On every last Sunday of the month, volunteers from nature group Naked Hermit Crabs hold free tours of Chek Jawa. For details, visit nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com

Getting there: Take a bumboat from Changi Jetty at Changi Village. Rides cost $2.50 per person, one way.

PULAU SEMAKAU

What to do: A host of activities such as fishing, inter-tidal walks, bird watching and stargazing can be done, but they are accessible to various interest groups only on approval by the National Environment Agency. For details, call 6862-0480 or visit www.nea.gov.sg

Tip: All is not lost for small groups and families. During the month of November, the agency holds an open house as part of its programme for Clean and Green Singapore www.cgs.org.sg .

Ferry transport and tour of the island will be provided free for interested parties. Look out for announcements by the end of the month on the CGS website. Online registration is available on the agency's website.

KUSU ISLAND

What to do: The island offers swimming lagoons and generally, a nice spot for a day of sun and sand. Nature-lovers can sign up for a ReefWalk with conservation group Blue Water Volunteers, during low tides once a month. The cost of the walk is $15 per participant. For details, visit www.bluewatervolunteers.org

Getting there: Take a ferry from Marina South Pier. Return tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for children aged one to 12 years old. Ticket prices may vary slightly during the annual Kusu pilgrimage season from Sept 29 to Oct 28. For details, call 1800-SENTOSA (736-8672) or visit www.sentosa.com.sg

Links to more

Visiting our shores on the wildsingapore website.

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