Pulau Ubin, Singapore

A young boy watches the passing scene on a bumboat. The small, wooden bumboats are Singapore’s signature transport, but whereas the bumboats plying the Singapore River through the city center appear spit-shined and plush, the ones to Pulau Ubin are all business, hauling people and cargo on hard seats.  (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

A bumboat docks at Pulau Ubin.  (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

The taxi stand at the dock is simple but is open for business if you don’t want to bike your way around the island.   (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

Seeing the island by bike is a popular activity.  (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

Just like in the U.S., different waste goes to different recycling bins.  (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

Small shops stock supplies for day-trippers and campers.  (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

Corrugated-tin-roof homes are common on Pulau Ubin.   (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

Chek Jawa Wetlands National Park, the island’s main attraction on Pulau Ubin’s southeastern end. The park is made up of six ecosystems, from coastal hills to sand bars and a mangrove forest, nature all but unknown to Singaporean urbanites.   (Andrew Bender / For The Times)

These “doctor fish” at the Celestial Pulau Ubin Resort foot spa nibble away at dead skin and leave your feet feeling smooth and invigorated.  (Andrew Bender / For The Times)