Amidst the relentless urban sprawl of Singapore, Pulau Ubin remains a captivating anomaly. A rustic island sanctuary, Pulau Ubin whispers tales of a bygone era. A mere ten-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal transports you to this enchanting isle. Here, time seems to slow down. Pulau Ubin, or “Granite Island” in Malay, reveals its history through the scars of abandoned quarries. These quarries, once bustling with activity, provided the granite for iconic structures like the Horsburgh Lighthouse and even the Singapore-Johor Causeway. In the 1960s, thousands of settlers called Pulau Ubin home, sustained by the granite industry. Today, only about a hundred villagers remain, preserving a traditional “kampung” lifestyle. Pulau Ubin is a sanctuary for nature lovers. It is part of the Ubin–Khatib Important Bird Area, a haven for diverse bird species. Explore the island’s lush forests and mangroves by bicycle. Discover Chek Jawa, a remarkable intertidal area teeming with marine life. Visit the vibrant Fo Shan Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple, a hub of community life. As you wander through Pulau Ubin’s rustic villages, with their wooden houses and charming jetties, imagine the frog, pig, and elephant of local legend. They raced to Johor, only to be turned to stone, forming Pulau Ubin and Pulau Sekudu (Frog Island). Pulau Ubin isn’t just a place; it’s a journey through time, a reminder of Singapore’s simpler past. As you leave Pulau Ubin, carry with you the echoes of its tranquility. Remember the resilience of its people and the whispers of its fascinating history.
Seah Eu Chin
Consider this a rags-to-riches story. Seah Eu Chin’s life is a morality tale. It is economic history. Seah Eu Chin