An idyllic Pulau Ubin

As my nephew, Emmanuel wanted to visit Pulau Ubin, a small island northeast of mainland Singapore, we arranged to go there on my last weekend in Singapore.

The sea breeze felt good as we sat in the ferry (S$2.50 per person) and the sun was partially covered by clouds.

I had always enjoyed being in P. Ubin as it was undeveloped with no high rise building and lots of greenery. Houses were made of planks and zinc. Pace of life was slower than in Singapore. Residents used to farm and grow orchard but relied on tourism nowadays.

We rented mountain bikes and cycled towards the highest point on the island which overlooked Ubin Quarry. We had to take a forest trail to reach the summit, passing by two lower viewpoints.

The scenery was fantastic with turquoise water as backdrop. One could see Johor Bahru in the north and Singapore in the south.

Next, we proceeded towards Noordin Beach where there was a barricade in the sea to prevent entry of illegal immigrants swimming across the Straits of Johor.

We were lost in the mangrove when we wanted to take the route to Mamam Beach. Our bikes and legs were covered with smelly mud. After backtracking, we were able to get back onto the tarmac road.

We went back to Singapore around 4pm and headed to Changi Village market where I had beef noodle and ayam penyet.

Pulau Ubin pictures here.