Ubin Ubin - Island of the Gods and Spirits
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Pulau Ubin is probably the last wilderness of Singapore. Just ten minutes away by ferry from Changi, this island is the only place where traces of kampong life and little known paradise of nature and Singapore’s past still linger.
Pulau Ubin, literally means ‘Granite Island’ in Malay; as the island is known for its granites that provided much needed supply to the building of the Horsburgh Lighthouse and the Singapore-Johor Causeway.
Undoubtedly granite quarrying was the main economic activity that supported a few thousands settlers in the 1960s and eventually saw its demise probably in the 1980s when the last quarry was closed and people started moving out.
Today, the island is still sparsely populated by a hundred over villagers who have adapted over the years and eke out a living renting bicycles, selling drinks, opening restaurants, operating taxi vans and only a handful still farm and fish to make ends meet.
What is interesting about this island is also the many legends, ghost stories, the fact that it used to be a hideout for secret society members and reports of animal sightings that give this island its mysterious charm. On our visit to Ubin on Friday, we paid our respect to the German Girl whose spirit is still blessing the people of Ubin even so many years after her death; we also visited many temples where Na-tu Gong (Lord Datuk, a tutelary deity of the Earth God) is worshipped; we trespassed into abandoned temples and homes; studied Chinese graves; pondering over why Chinese worship rocks and some cliff that looks like Kuanyin (Goddess of Mercy); spoke to an uncle who told us that elephants can seek revenge if disturbed as well as tigers from Johor that swam over for a holiday and fed on wild dogs…
We were glad to make the trip. Me particularly. I learnt just as much more than the guys. I learnt that Yufan can be trusted with duties as he was made to be last guy most of the time when we were cycling. Tian can be vulgar and cheeky, but harmless still. Din is an open-minded Muslim who didn’t mind stepping into a Chinese temple and smelling incense. Dorigo is loud and easily excitable, I couldn't forgive him for scaring off a wild boar thus depriving the rest of a chance to see it. Alvin is smart and funny; he was so scared when he thought he stepped on a grave. Jeran is a team player and 'careful' when it comes to the unknown as I caught him putting his hands together praying to the graves…
This oral history project has turned out to be more fun and interesting than I expected. Lastly, I am thankful that I was there and everyone went home safely accept for a few dengue-look-alike mozzie bites. Oh yes, I still have not tried ayam penyet. ; )
3 comments:
Hi Jun Kai,
It's good to have you concurring with us that Ubin is a gem. As a history person, I am just wondering, like you, what role did Ubin really play during the Japanese invasion. Was it really that significant? Or just a sideshow? Or more than that? How did the islanders cope? Did they have an easier time than the mainlanders?
To be sure, I think it would really be exciting if we could get oral accounts of witnesses who are still around so as to give us greater insight into the issue. I can't wait for the project of the six boys to be completed.
Is your name, Frankie?
Basically, the Pulau Ubin strike initiated by the Japanese was an strike that lured British resources from the northern part of Singapore which is the actual invasion site, it could be seen by one that it helped the Japanese a lot but think more, the British stilled had a division to cover the approaches from the west in spite of the drain of one division to the east, should the British fight with great courage and effort and does not give false instructions to the troops, they could still win. Nevertheless, it could still be treated as an advantage to the Japanese and Percival should not cover this sector with so many troops and he should, in my own opinion, make strong defensive lines in the inner part of Singapore and defend the border with only light troops.
The islanders subdued to the Japanese and offer virtually no resistances at all. I felt that they are given the same treatment by the Japanese as the mainlanders do. By the way, I do not have a english name and who are you???
Tan Jun Kai of Sec 2C
I felt that Pulau Ubin was really a very good place for adventures and people who really loved the nature. The Kampong spirit in the Kampongs are quite strong and I personally strongly urge all to visit Pulau Ubin and if you visit it, you would feel the charm of the island.
On a side note, tis was the place which the Imperial guards tricked Percival that the main invasion would be and moved huge reserves to this sector...Percival should cover this sector with heavy artillery only...not troops...!!!
Tan Jun Kai of sec 2C