Singapore - Excursions

For a Half Day

Pulau Ubin: The boomerang-shaped, hill-covered island with just 100 inhabitants is a very popular getaway, especially at weekends. With its thatched huts, rubber plantations, mangrove swamps and traditional fishing kelongs, Pulau Ubin, rich in granite, offers a vision of a lost Singapore, although it is gradually being developed into a nature park with trekking and camping facilities at Noordin, Mamam and Jelutong (tel: 6542 4108). On the eastern tip is Check Jawa, a beach with a great collection of marine life, which can be visited by boat during low tide, but numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem. Bookings must be made with the National Parks Board, which also has good information (tel: 6542 4108, www.nparks.gov.sg). A couple of colourful temples lie by the seashore, near seafood restaurants and cafes. The boat ride lasts 10 minutes and boats leave from sunrise to sunset (around 0600-2000), provided there are enough passengers. Visitors can charter the whole boat if they so wish. Near the pier is the information kiosk, open 0900-1700.

For a Whole Day

Riau Islands: The Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan make for a popular weekend or one-day getaway with luxury resorts, golf fairways, beaches, duty-free shopping and delicious seafood. The east coast of Batam arranges swimming with dolphins in organised tours. Ferries leave daily from the Harbour Front Centre and the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (see Getting There By Water).

Malacca: The 15th-century seat of the Malaya Sultanate, Malacca (a 3-4 hour drive from Singapore) was colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in their attempts to gain control of the region and the lucrative spice trade. Located on the western coast of Malaysia, its quiet demeanour belies its historical significance: Malay folk hero Hang Tuah wandered its streets, while St Francis Xavier preached on St Paul's Hill. Highlights include St Paul's Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, antique shops on Jonker Street and the ruins of the Portuguese fortress Port De Santiago. Transport from Singapore includes bus, train and private tour bus.