With the second densest population in the world, Singapore is hardly the place to go to “get away from it all.” But if the hustle and bustle of this unique Asian city state gets to be too much, you can always visit Pulau Ubin.
Pulau Ubin is located in the northeast portion of Singapore. It is one of the few places in which you can find rural life. The name means “Granite Island,” a reference to the many granite quarries that can still be seen. While granite quarrying was once the major industry on the island, it declined after the main granite supply was mined to below sea level. Once the granite mines began to close, the population dwindled until today only about a hundred people live here.
Happily, wildlife has begun taking over the abandoned landscape. Many tourists and Singapore natives enjoy hiking and cycling to catch glimpses of animals, birds and plants rarely seen elsewhere. The Ketam Mountain Bike Park has trails of varying levels of difficulty that pass through jungles, meadows, hills and valleys. Rental bikes are available, though most visitors bring their own.
Visitors also enjoy seeing a way of life that is fast disappearing. Pulau Ubin is well known for its kampongs, native villages with wooden homes and abandoned plantations. Life is indeed much quieter here than in the city. Electricity comes from diesel generators. Ancient wells still provide water.
One popular spot on Pulau Ubin is Chek Jawa, an unspoiled area teeming with octopi, starfish, sponges and a large variety of marine life. Chek Jawa developed on an ancient coral reef.
While development continues throughout the rest of Singapore, plans for Pulau Ubin reflect modern concerns for the environment. Because more people are recognizing the importance of saving green spaces, periodic plans to modernize the island have been controversial. However, in recent years there has been talk of reopening some of the granite quarries as granite from other nations becomes more expensive.
It is sometimes hard to believe that this glimpse of the past is only a 10-minute boat ride from Singapore’s main island. While many people go there on a day trip, it is possible to camp at Noordin Beach and at the Jelutong campsite. However, it is important to follow the rules. For example Noordin Beach does not allow campfires and neither site allows campers to tie tent lines to the trees or to cut branches from those trees. There are heavy fines for those who violate those rules.
While Pulau Ubin is very popular for those who need respite from city crowds, its popularity and Singapore’s need for development puts the island at risk. While government officials occasionally introduce plans to provide services to visitors, such as paved roads and shelters, those who appreciate the primitive beauty of the area argue to keep the area as is.
Pulau Ubin is a lovely glimpse of Asian life as it used to be. When visiting Singapore, be sure to set aside time to see this unique treasure.
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