Flora and Fauna of Ubin

A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity 

Pulau Ubin is a hotspot for nature lovers due to its rich wildlife. The National Parks Board (NParks) estimates that the island has over 786 native plants, 242 birds, 201 butterflies, 89 mammals, reptiles & amphibians. Many of these species are very rare and some are not found on mainland Singapore.

Pulau Ubin is also a key sanctuary for wildlife such as the Greater Mousedeer, bats like the Ashy Roundleaf Bat and Lesser False Vampire, and birds like the Straw-headed Bulbul, Mangrove Pitta, Barred Eagle Owl and Brown Wood Owl. Pulau Ubin hosts the largest mangrove areas in Singapore and almost all mangrove plant species known to Singapore can be found here, including one of the rarest mangrove species in the world, the “Eye of the Crocodile”. 

One of Pulau Ubin’s key attractions is Chek Jawa Wetlands, located on the eastern coast of the island. It has one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems, where 6 major habitats meet and mix. Each habitat is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, such as rare plants as well as local and migratory birds. The marine biodiversity here is amazing, with about 500 species, according to NParks’ records.

NParks runs a visitor centre at Chek Jawa with a viewing jetty, over 1 km of boardwalk and a 21-metre tall viewing tower. Chek Jawa is also home to Singapore’s only 2 mangrove Heritage Trees, which are listed in the Heritage Tree Register of Singapore. Known as Perepat or Mangrove Apple, they are possibly two of the biggest in Singapore.

NParks and its volunteers carry out on-going field research and monitoring studies, including plant surveys, seagrass monitoring, bird ringing and camera trapping. Habitat enhancement efforts like reforestation, restoration of mangroves and rehabilitation of freshwater ponds, as well as species recovery projects like the Singapore Hornbill Project and Butterfly Hill, are also in place.