Please read this notice for the use of shared bicycles, personal mobility devices and motorised bicycles on pulau ubin. Video producer hubab and i cycling the mountain trails of pulau ubin. A 15minute walk from the jetty, head west past the butterfly hill and stop by pekan quarry, a picturesque area thats been visited by many. Natural history news for the busy singaporean highlighting talks, books, events and issues, in nature, biology and the. But with its significant history, untouched nature, lush greenery, rich and preserved wildlife, visitors had increased over the years. Pulau ubin is an island located on the northeastern coast of singapore, with selat. Every now and again, to stop from exploding, the valve has to be released. As part of the pulau ubin cultural mapping project, the national heritage board has produced a 25minute documentary titled life on ubin, which presents the memories and experiences of current and former residents of pulau ubin. Pekan quarry, pulau ubin granite island, singapore ubin is largely of a series of undulating, granite hills. In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousand settlers. Pulau ubin lies on the straits of johor off the northeastern coast of mainland singapore, separated by serangoon harbour.
Heres the lowdown from pulau ubin first time around click to ping back to previous post. Pulau ubin jetty, chek jawa, ketam quarry, keket quarry. Pekan quarry, pulau ubin, singapore pekan quarry, pulau ub. A complete contrast to the main island of singapore, pulau ubin ubin island brings a rustic 1960s feel to a group of islands that were once a cluster of five, separated by tidal rivers. Pekan quarry the site had two quarry pits that merged into one as the pits filled up with rainwater.
The name ubin means granite in malay, as pulau ubin is once famous for. Oct 30, 2019 something else hikers should strike off their list is puaka hill. A late afternoon at ubin s pekan quarry proved a good spot for birdwatching. Anyone who failed to reach johor would be turned to stone. In the 1850s, government quarries were established and convicts were deployed to quarry granite for the construction of horsburgh lighthouse on pedra branca 1851, raffles lighthouse 1855, the causeway 1923. Escape singapore and embark on an enjoyable bike tour around the beautiful rural island of pulau ubin on this guided bike adventure. It was reported that about 3,300 tons of granite were shipped from pulau ubin to mainland singapore in 1910. With the building of bunds for prawn farming, all five islands have thus united into a 1020 hectare getaway for those seeking a day trip of adventure. The islands first quarrying might have started as early as the 19th century. The four kids thoroughly enjoyed the 10minute bumboat ride to pulau ubin. Pulau ubin resident chye leng keng, 74, reveals that worshippers from as far as thailand and myanmar have come to pay homage as well, over the years.
Many sites on pulau ubin have historical significance and have. The granite quarries had supported the construction of the causeway and the horsburgh lighthouse. The name ubin means granite in malay, as pulau ubin is once famous for its granite quarries, although most of these quarries had ceased operations in the sixties and seventies. Up until the 1970s, the island was a quarry for granite to build many of the citys most iconic structures including the causeway linking singapore and malaysia. From 1964 to 1999, aik hwa quarry was supplying about 30 to 40% of singapores granite demand for construction works. The islands name can be translated from malay to mean granite island because it was known for its granite quarries until the 1960s and 1970s. A day trip to pulau ubin is a great way to unwind and escape the city.
Birdwatching at pulau ubin my wild life with nature. Pulau ubin, also simply known as ubin, is an island situated in the north east of singapore, to the west of pulau tekong. Pulau ubin is a charming island 10 minutes off east coast and one of singapores last remaining rural areas where you can still witness the old kampong malay for village lifestyle. The islands name derived from a shortened or corrupted form of jubin to ubin. I have compared the contours of the hills on the islands in this collage against photographs of pulau ubin and they do match. Little guilin and the former granite quarries of singapore. The quarry is located west of ubins main village and only a 15minute walk away from the jetty.
Unlike the biking trails of singapores wellmanicured paths, cycling in ubin is a real adventure. Check out my pulau ubin guide for the solo traveller to see how you can truly. Walking in ubin is part of the sound map project i made as artists in residence for month, invited by the artists village tav, on pulau ubin an island near singapore, the rest of the project is a listening sites map of pulau ubin and a three screen audio visual installation. Georgina, mum to minnie, willa and ted when my welltravelled friend, her husband and their three kids visited singapore recently i wanted to show them a different side to the place not just the bright, shiny version. There is so much more that pulau ubin has to offer as a nature area the variety of ecosystems and biodiversity, the shores, the forests, the mangroves and its history. Pulau ubin stories was started partly as an effort to archive the stories of ubin as a future resource for students and researchers, or simply as a good read for the interested public and maybe even to create more awareness for some of the hidden treasures on the island. Pulau ubin hosts a fiveweek open house, lifestyle news. Throughout his entire life, the old man and his wife have been living in a corrugatediron hut, stapled together with. May, 2016 take a boat tour through the secret mangroves of ubin, kayak in the calm waters of the ubin quarry and embark on a night walk to spot the nocturnal creatures of the island read more at. The numerous granite quarries on the island supply the local construction industry. Pulau ubin has a long and rich history, therein lies its uniqueness as it retains much of its old rustic charm and biodiversity. Pulau ubin, located off the northeastern coast of the island, is singapores second largest natural island after pulau tekong.
There are also temples and shrines rich in history. We arrived to charming kampong scenery and pick up a free map at the nparks information kiosk near ubin jetty. Pulau ubin is one of our natural gems how to ace pulau ubin with kids. A forested route in pulau ubin that is the dwelling of poisonous snakes and wild boars leads to a mangrove swamp that mr quek kim kiang frequents daily to catch crabs. Near singapores concrete, an oasis of nature the new. Take a boat tour through the secret mangroves of ubin, kayak in the calm waters of the ubin quarry and embark on a night walk to spot the nocturnal creatures of the island read more at. Originally a granite quarry, pulau ubin is known today for its abundant and varied forest and marine life, and is home to projects for hornbill conservation and seahorse monitoring. With the building of bunds for prawn farming, all five islands have thus united into a 1020 hectare getaway for those seeking a day trip of adventure located just off the northeastern corner of mainland. Shaped like a boomerang, pulau ubin is situated just off the northeastern. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque relics of ubin s history. The complete guide for exploring pulau ubin, singapore.
Pekan quarry was previously known as ho man choo quarry but was renamed to reflect its proximity to the main village pekan is malay for town of pulau ubin. This article on pulau ubin was first published in june 2019 and updated in january 2020. There is a sad story about a german girl who lost her life on the island. First indepth archaeological study on pulau ubin begins. Visitors can also book minibuses to tour around the island.
Pulau ubin, one of singapores better known islands after sentosa and arguably tekong, is the second largest island the result of the merging of five islands off singapores shores. During the mid 1840s, the chinese began settling in pulau ubin and started to quarry granite. The 5 best things to do in pulau ubin 2020 with photos. With a focus on the sensory trail, participants will get to make use of their senses to take in the various. The five quarries in pulau ubin are balai quarry, kekek quarry, ketam quarry, pekan quarry and ubin quarry. Beyond the village, after years of recovery and natural succession, pulau ubin has become a veritable patchwork of viable habitats. I have compared the contours of the hills on the islands in this collage against photographs of. Pulau ubin is a tranquil island in the johor straits. Ubins granite was used to build the horsburgh lighthouse and raffles lighthouse, the two extreme points of singapores territory. We saw quite a few eateries and make a mental note on where we want to go for dinner. If you use public transportations, alight at tanah merah mrt station, then take the bus 2 to changi bus interchange.
The second largest island of singapore after pulau tekong not including the reclaimed jurong island, ubin largely retains the looks of a rural singapore. Footprints on an island rediscover pulau ubin books books. Aug 30, 2014 pulau ubin has a long and rich history, therein lies its uniqueness as it retains much of its old rustic charm and biodiversity. Just a 15minute bumboat ride from changi point ferry terminal, this tranquil island sanctuary is a popular haunt of nature lovers and day trippers unwinding from the bustle of the city. A grey headed fish eagle, storkbilled kingfisher, two common kingfishers, a dollarbird, barn swallows, beeeaters, a flock of asian glossy starlings, a white bellied seaeagle, a couple of brahminy kites, a pair of straw headed bulbuls, two oriental magpie robins, an oriental pied. Nature and history intertwine on pulau ubin, located off singapores northeastern coast. Pulau ubin is underutilised, some of its former residents say. Feb 03, 20 it was a great day birding at pulau ubin sighting over 20 species of birds and learning more about these birds from each other. Cycle on dirt trails, kayak through mangroves and hike to a quarry here is our ultimate pulau ubin guide for a back to nature day trip singapores second largest island, pulau ubin is reminiscent of what singapore was like in the 1960s dont expect to find malls or skyscrapers on this side of singapore. An intrepid day trip to pulau ubin more than fit the.
The pulau ubin guide for the solo traveller in singapore the. At a later time, the quarries were of significance in providing aggregate for roads and concrete during the intensive government building programme of the 1960s. Granite quarrying was once a major industry on ubin. This heritage is captured through the histories of the. Enjoy the sights of singapore and of pulau ubin from the water on this 10minute ride. The pekan quarry viewpoint is closed to facilitate habitat enhancement works at pekan quarry from 1 july 2019 to june 2020. Instagramworthy spots in pulau ubin time out singapore. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in pulau ubin, singapore on tripadvisor. Pulau ubin, one of singapores better known islands after sentosa and arguably tekong, is the second largest island the result of. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque relics of ubins history, while. There were once five quarries at pulau ubin the kekek quarry, balai quarry, ubin quarry, pekan quarry and ketam quarry. The ubin quarry by nt it was the strikes of singapores quarry workers that persuaded the housing development board hdb to open their own quarries in ubin so that they could be. Noordin campsite is closed until further notice due to erosion of the shoreline. Granite quarries provided the initial draw for early local settlement, and much of.
Trekking the sensory trail at pulau ubin travel and beyond. In the danny wallace book yes man, danny visits pulau ubin after it is suggested to. As part of the pulau ubin cultural mapping project, the national heritage board has also produced a 25minute documentary titled life on ubin, which presents the memories and experiences of current and former residents of pulau ubin. Upon arrival at pulau ubin, to the left of the jetty is the pulau ubin taxi kiosk. Apr 27, 2018 the quarry is located west of ubin s main village and only a 15minute walk away from the jetty. A late afternoon at ubins pekan quarry proved a good spot for birdwatching. Singapore researchers are on their latest quest to uncover another slice of singapores history, with the start of an inaugural series of indepth archaeological surveys on pulau ubin. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque relics of ubins history. This place has energy, a stirfried charm that clings to your skin and makes you feel alive and exhausted at the same time.
Located at the west of pulau ubin, ketam quarry used to be called aik hwa quarry, which was the last quarry closed in may 1999. Sep 24, 2011 a complete contrast to the main island of singapore, pulau ubin ubin island brings a rustic 1960s feel to a group of islands that were once a cluster of five, separated by tidal rivers. On the island of pulau ubin, northeast of singapore, there was a coffee plantation managed by a german who lived on the island with his family. Bicycles are available for hire at the village and are the best way to enjoy pulau ubin s sights and history. Pulau ubin guide a locals guide to exploring this hidden gem. Things to do in pulau ubin visit singapore official site.
Pulau ubin far from a dying town 03 october 2015 the straits times. Read our guide to discover lush nature and rich history on pulau ubin, your perfect. The history of pulau ubin in 1 minute culture trip. What to do in pulau ubin singapores favourite island. Exresidents memories of ubin captured in book, singapore news. Opening fire on mainlands northeast coast, they gave the impression of an impending attack from that direction. The name pulau ubin means granite island in malay, which should give a pretty good indication of the islands past use. It was known as granite island chieo suar, as granite from the island was used to make floor tiles or jubin in malay. The history of pulau ubin starts with a quaint legend. Houses, residents, history and heritagea symposium for the heritage track of architecture studies, department of architecture, national university of singapore nusa public presentation on pulau ubin as a cultural and historical landscape in relation to its past and present plans and transformation, through converstaions. The site had two quarry pits that merged into one as the pits filled up with rainwater. The island in the background is probably pulau ubin. The resource development corporation rdc quarry closed down, shortly followed by aik hwa quarry, which was the last quarry to close in 1999.
The rustic beauty of pulau ubin tips for a family visit posted by summer on august 26, 2015 in familyfriendly places in singapore, funfilled family outings there are days when we feel like escaping from the bustle of the city and finding a quiet spot in the countryside so as to. To book facilities at ull, please read and fill in the form and submit a. Singapore had retained its culture and preserved the island from urban development thus making it the countrys last frontier. Ubin in world war ii pulau ubin was the first point of landing by the japanese on 7 feb 1942. The water at pekan quarry overflows at a drainage point that leads to the sea. Pekan quarry, pulau ubin, singapore pekan quarry, pulau. It was a great day birding at pulau ubin sighting over 20 species of birds and learning more about these birds from each other. During this 3hour programme, participants will walk through the sensory trails plantations, prawn ponds and some mangroves. The granite quarry used to be supported by a few thousand settlers on pulau.
Thats what we were thinking of went we thought of spending a day at pulau ubin, an island about 15 minutes away from singapore mainland. As of this time, few people are now living on pulau ubin. Hi, may i know what is the price of a bike to rent at pulau ubin. Nestled in the lalang grass of pulau ubin, a tiny island off the coast of singapore, is a small mysterious yellow hut that houses the centuryold german girl shrine. The granite quarry used to be supported by a few thousand settlers on pulau ubin in the 1960s, but only about 38 villagers remains as of 2012. From singapore, make your own way to pulau ubin on a short and inexpensive approx. An unkempt jungle of an island, pulau ubin offers a forest full of weird and wonderful creatures, dusty village streets and, best of all, the chance to explore it all by bicycle. Singapore bike adventure around pulau ubin singapore. Throughout his entire life, the old man and his wife have been living in a corrugatediron hut, stapled together with age and dust, only footsteps away from the temple. Cycle on dirt trails, kayak through mangroves and hike to a quarry here is our ultimate pulau ubin guide for a back to nature day trip. Rent from one of the bike rental shops in the village and follow the signs to ubins main attraction. Most singaporeans are familiar with pulau ubin, having visited the island during school excursions or childhood times.
All three animals struggled with the current and were eventually drowned. Accessible, cheap and peaceful, pulau ubin is a favourite among many singaporeans. Its nice to get away from the big city and out into some of singapores best nature. And, by some accounts, the causeway linking singapore and malaysia as well.
A few of the most popular hotels near pulau ubin nature and kampong walk are changi cove, raintr33 hotel singapore, and village hotel changi by far east hospitality. With the closure of granite quarrying, the number of people living on ubin dwindled, to about 1,200 in 1980 to 400 by 1995. Pulau ubin brings one back to the kampong days, showcasing what singapore was like in the 1970s. Three headstrong animals, an elephant, a frog and a pig, challenged each other to see who would be the fastest to reach the shores of johor. Be careful, as the trail is steep especially when youre going downhill, but the peak will grant you breathtaking quarry views and even distant cbd views of singapore. Pulau ubin, a small island where fewer than 50 people live, offers an antidote to singapores crowded urban experience. Using a hook attached to a pole, the 63yearold fishes out the edible crustaceans from the mud. This book documents the natural and cultural heritage of one of singapores best kept secrets, pulau ubin. Much of the original vegetation was also cleared for the cultivation of rubber crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut and jasmine. Explore pulau ubin holidays and discover the best time and places to visit.
989 1189 645 1303 378 97 874 311 1011 116 115 175 818 1523 273 1242 1578 752 1018 968 478 76 805 386 1056 1112 1515 166 695 1179 1370 681 1001 933 467 642 1270 322 1161 876 690