A Trip to Pulau Ubin Series I : Welcome Aboard !

Last Saturday i went to a exotic shoot at Ubin with my SPN gang. This is my first trip to Ubin, needless to day, i'm filled with excitement and joy. Changi Point Ferry Terminal is rather new and well-furnished, in contrast with the old bumboat that is going to ferry us to the island. Our international gang of 10 left the terminal around 9am. The ferry service cost only $2 Ubin currency. Knowing the boat is only going to take a mere 5-8 minutes, i took every oppourtinity to shoot whatever i can see. From the captain of the boat, to the lizard hitching a free-ride,i caught them all.

Upon reaching the shore of Ubin, i was greeted with old tatooed uncles who were sitting at the harbour, chatting, relaxing and watching trippers like us walking past. Looking across the sheltered harbour, i see wooden houses which we rarely get to see in Singapore. Boats were lying lazily on the shore, with no signs of activites. I spent quite a great deal of time shooting wooden houses, old motorcycle with cracked instrumental panel lying motionlessly on the bridge, and a few other abstract shots.

When i set my foot on the mainland of Ubin, it felt like i've been transported couple of decades back in time. It felt retro, yet very nice, something very different from the urban Singapore. The first coffee shop that i've met was filled with wooden chairs and tables. It was rather dim, lit up with only rays of sunshine. It was a far cry if you are to compare with the popular S-11 coffeeshops with brightly lit neon signboards. I didn't check out what food they served, i only saw colourful canned drinks laying out neatly in two rows across the counter. Just beside the coffeeshop, there lies the sand, swamp and lazy boat which i've witnessed moments ago when i was at the harbour. Somehow, the boat with the sea in the background seems promising enough for me to capture a few shots. Though i advanced with careful steps, i almost slipped and fell on a huge rock enveloped with slippery slimy algae. "Click Click" went my camera as i took a few shots of the boat. On my left, i saw an old man sitting by the wooden house, quietly trimming his fingernails. As i took out my long lens, he lifted his head and looked at me for a brief moment before continuing his nail-clipping. I took three shots of him and left.

My SPN members were already far ahead of me, i quickened my pace and caught up with them. Along the way, i passed by at least 3 bicycle rental shops. Cycling is the main mode of transport in Ubin. Most of the trippers would rent bicycles to explore the beauty of the island.

Throughout the shoot, my legs is my only mode of transport for three reasons. Firstly, it's more convenient to shoot while walking,secondly, i can't cycle . Last but not least,noone volunteered to piggy-back me.

Walking through the paved paths of Ubin with vegetation by my side makes me feel that i'm serving my third ICT in Lim Chu Kang. Army can never escape from my mind whenever greenery and vegetation is in sight. I'm just a typical male Singaporean.

In conclusion, the trip has been mosquitoes-infested but extremely fun. More experienced ubin tripper like Martin brought along insect-repellent spray which proved extremely useful in times of ambush by the mosquito battalion.

I took a lot of pictures from this trip and i'm going to divide them into 8 series. I'm probably going to post one or two series every couple of days. Just check my blog every few days and you'll see new pictures of Ubin greeting you. Hope you like them.

For more information about Ubin, please call their Information Kiosk at 65424180 between 8.30am - 5.00pm.

More information can also be found at http://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparks_cms/display_park.asp?parkid=6

#1 - Welcome Aboard : On the boat, there lies a float that doesnt float, but tells the time of the day.

#2 - Stuck Onto You : Mr Lizzie gets a free ride on the boat by pretending to be dead on the window.

#3 Black & White : My first coloured 'black & white' photo. =)