The metropolitan island of Singapore is not widely known for its natural beauty. But hidden in the north eastern regions off its shores, the island of Pulau Ubin has managed to remain a far cry from the concrete jungles that Singapore city is so famous for. As one of the least populated areas in the country, the serene landscape gives a much deserved break from the worries of city life to all who visit.
As many locations in Asia, this quiet land has a legend behind its existence as well. According to stories, three animals from the mainland challenged each other to swim to the Malaysian cost of Johor. The frog, pig and elephant tried their best amidst many obstacles, but none reached the shore and were turned into stone. As the pig and elephant turned into Pulau Ubin, the frog turned into the nearby island of Pulau Sekudu.
But the literal meaning of Pulau Ubin, ‘stone islands’, comes from the granite rocks it was known for. During British times, several quarries have been in operation and gave rise to the island’s human population. Granite from these quarries was used to for the Horsburgh Lighthouse and Singapore-Johor Causeway. Now, with many quarries out of operation, the remaining few villages also rely on fishing and farming to support their lives.
Left alone on its own, Pulau Ubin is slowly returning to its natural state as it was several centuries ago. To help in conserving this habitat, it has been marked off from urban development. Local villages now resemble a Singapore before the modern development, and they have gladly hosted many mainlanders coming in for camping and biking. Hornbill and seahorse breeding projects are also based here.
So leave the skyscrapers of the city for a change to visit this island that is accessible from any hotel Singapore has a rather efficient transport system that turns any location in the city into a convenient one. But to make your stay more memorable choose Orchard Hotel Singapore. The style and sophistication of its location in the city’s premier shopping district is reflected in this Orchard Road hotel Singapore.
