Disappearing Kelongs: Singapore Boat Tour Around Pulau Ubin

Captain Robin will meet you at the Quarterdeck Building inside SAF Yacht Club, our boarding point for the kelong boat tour. He will check everyone in and give a short safety briefing before boarding. From here, we begin the cruise into Singapore’s northern coastal waters to explore kelongs, fish farms, the waters around Pulau Ubin, and the Johor Straits.

From the water, pass the Sembawang coastline and hear stories of its naval past, including the history of Sembawang Shipyard and its role as a former British naval base area. Your guide will also share lesser-known stories of the northern shores, including past smuggling activity, sea patrols, and how this quiet coastline once played a much bigger role in Singapore’s maritime life.

From the boat, pass the waters around Seletar Island and learn about Ah Hua Kelong, one of the names connected with Singapore’s remaining fish-farming scene. Your guide will explain what kelongs used to be, how they have changed over the years, and how modern floating fish farms differ from traditional wooden kelong structures. You will also hear a brief introduction to Seletar Island and its surrounding waters, including how the area is used by Singapore’s wakeboarding community today.

Learn about our neighbouring port and how it got its name. We will make a brief stop to understand the the 2 ports in Pasir Gudang and learn how close Singapore is to the Malaysia waters.

From the boat, pass the Punggol coastline and hear how this waterfront area has changed from old coastal kampong life to today’s Northshore and Punggol waterfront developments. Your guide will also share stories of the former Punggol seafood restaurants, once popular with locals for seaside dining. Depending on the time of day and sea activity, you may also spot wild birds such as grey herons, or see Malaysian fishermen hauling nets for fresh sea prawns along the way.

Cruise along the waters around Pulau Ubin without landing on the island. You will pass a rustic kelong that is no longer in operation and learn about the challenges that led to the disappearance of many traditional kelongs. You will then see how close Singapore is to Malaysia across the Johor Straits and hear stories from the past about life along these shared coastal waters. Along the way, catch a glimpse of Outward Bound Singapore’s Pulau Ubin site, where generations of young Singaporeans have experienced outdoor learning, teamwork, and sea-based adventure in one of the country’s last rustic island settings.

Pass the quiet waters around Pulau Ketam, a small mangrove-fringed island near Pulau Ubin. From the boat, catch a glimpse of rustic wooden floating homes and fishing structures that still exist in Singapore — a rare reminder of an older coastal way of life. Enjoy a peaceful cruise through one of the area’s quieter estuary landscapes, away from the city skyline. Your guide will also share stories of Pulau Ubin’s past as a granite island, and how its resident population has fallen from more than 2,000 in the 1950s and 1960s to only a small community today.

Visit Smith Marine Floating Restaurant, a floating kelong-style seafood restaurant and fish farm in Singapore waters. Here, learn how live seafood is reared, how modern floating fish farms differ from traditional wooden kelongs, and why this coastal way of life is becoming increasingly rare. This is also a restroom stop before the return cruise. For morning departures, meals are not available, while drinks are at your own expense. For afternoon departures, meals and drinks are at your own expense. The cruise back is a relaxing time to enjoy the sea breeze, take in the coastal views, and reflect on Singapore’s disappearing kelong heritage.