pulau ubin - an island getaway

pulau ubin is the perfect getaway for singaporeans. to get there, you have to take a ferry and once there, you are literally cut off from the mainland. however, though overseas, you are still in your own safe and secure country.

the cost of the ferry ride has increased 100% but it is still reasonable and affordable. the place is still rustic and laid back but there are changes. i think these changes are for the better.

with proper registration, the number of vehicles has been reduced noticeably. visitors are now spared the noise from revving motor bikes. bicycles are readily for hire at $2 an hour. they provide good exercise as you make your way around the island. the roads are paved and there are information and sign boards along the way.

some of the better known landmarks are still around, like the tua pek kong temple and wayang stage. the people still draw water from wells and the electricity is provided by noisy diesel generators.

you are not charged 'sentosa' kind of prices for drinks and food. the villagers see it as a way of supplementing their income and not as a chance to fleece their affluent cousins from the mainland.

pulau ubin is in good hands. the national park board is taking good care of the place.