Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin was once five smaller islands separated by tidal rivers, later joined by bunds built for prawn farming. Its name comes from the Malay for granite stone, and granite shaped its story. The earliest inhabitants were Orang Laut and Malay communities; by the mid-1800s a large Chinese community had arrived to work the quarries, whose stone helped build Horsburgh Lighthouse, Fort Canning and the Johor Causeway.

Villagers also farmed rubber, coffee, coconut, durian and other crops, fished and reared prawns, and the population exceeded 2,000 from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Quarrying declined from the 1970s and the last quarry closed in 1999, leaving the flooded pits seen today. Chek Jawa was slated for reclamation in 1992, but after its rich marine life drew public attention in 2000, the government deferred the plans in 2001. Only a few dozen residents remain, and the island is managed by the National Parks Board.

Ubin is treasured by Singaporeans as one of the last places where kampong life can still be seen, with wells, generators and wooden houses. Weekend visitors from the mainland, cycling clubs and nature volunteers have become part of the island's community. The colourful Chinese temple in the village, built in 1969, and the old wayang stage for Chinese opera reflect the island's traditions.