When you arrive at the jetty you will most likely be stopped by touts handing out leaflets for package deals for bike hire plus fish spa or kayak hire, offered by the resort there. We bypassed these and headed towards the numerous bike shops with an endless choice of bikes for hire. The local villagers have capitalised on the tourists that come here... but perhaps need to scale back a little, as I can't imagine all these bikes ever being out and about at the same time. 
 
Bikes will vary in price and quality, we settled for the S$15 options and headed off round the island.
 
It's easy enough to navigate your way around using the map boards and following signs that clearly mark the popular routes and sights. If you are like me and enjoy geocaching, there are enough here to keep you occupied as well as help you find your way. 
 
I particularly enjoyed the Chek Jawa wetlands board walks along the coast and through the mangroves. The latter was a bit smelly, with stagnant water and seaweed smells which encouraged the already excitable mosquito inhabitants.
That is one issue on this island, but if you come prepared, with bug spray it won't pose a problem.
 
There's also a refurbished Tudor style property in the wetlands area, worth a quick stop to puzzle over and read about why it is here and also find out a little more about the island.
 
The Singapore government had Pulau Ubin on the list for development and land reclamation. That was until they identified the extensive wildlife there and the media coverage created a significant amount of interest. This resulted in an increase in visitors and has since become a tourist attraction, albeit a less known one.
 
The plans for undersea MRT lines to the island remain the subject of debate, as does the future development of public housing here. Recent government action has been limited to widening the paths for bicycles, building shelters for trekkers and other facilities. The increase in tourists is retaining the islands chance of survival in its current state. However, the limited development is subtly changing things rather than keeping them untouched and perhaps this will eventually result in something very different to what we see here today.