Pulau Ubin. Population: 100

Today I will do my best to take you on an adventure.

Section 1: The metro, the bus, the boats, the bikes

Traveling is fun, transportation is an adventure. Our first stop is of course, the metro, where we (my mom, dad, Allison, you, and I) eagerly wait to arrive at our stop whilst covered in sunscreen, bug spray, and gloop of all kinds. In not too long we arrive at our transfer station. From there we venture to the bus stop to wait for 8 minutes inside the equatorial oven for the next number two bus. We pass some time by talking to a man who lives in Chinatown and is also going to the island with his sister to pay respects to his father who passed away 25 years ago today. Once on the bus, we head to the upper story to grab a front seat view of the passing scenery. On the 25 minute drive we are able to see the huge air base and an enormous prison complex. Once we arrive at the Changi Point Ferry stop we hop off of the bus and take a quick bathroom / bug spray break. Ready, we all head over to the docking point for the bumboats, max capacity 12. With a short boat ride under our belts, we arrive on the incredibly cute and totally "un-urban" island of Pulau Ubin. Our first agenda item is to secure a method of transportation. Under the sweltering sky, we walked past many bike rental shops, eventually picking one to use. Bikes underfoot, we are off.

Section 2: The bikes, the breeze, the monkeys, the view

The faster you pedal, the better the breeze, at least when the rusty, squeaky, charming bike gears choose to work. You desperately need that breeze, as your pores have begun to feel the high noon heat. Water in hand, or basket I suppose, we tackle the roads. Our guidebook is spot on when describing them as jungle fringed. The road is totally shaded by lush canopy and singing birds add a soundtrack to the melody of beauty before your eyes. Palm trees dance, the sky winks, and the wild calls. Following this call, we pedal to the wetland preserve. After we dismount our bikes, a few monkeys stop by to say hello. They really do walk right up to us, in fact, even providing a show, if you know what I mean. We trade out our bikes for our good ol' walking shoes and after meeting a wild boar, head out to the "visitor center," which happens to be an English style home. Walking through leads to a patio out back and a long boardwalk. The shade of the house is the perfect venue for a cool snack break. Then, out to the true preserves we go, past a modest muslim cemetery, and down a pebbled path to yet another, much longer boardwalk. Meanwhile, every pore strains to squeeze out each drop of fluid it can find, making your sunscreen slimy. Many fish greet us as we walk past the mangroves and onto the section of the boardwalk that's truly in the ocean. The main island of Singapore, with its cement jungle is clear, but the trees are far more enticing, luring us further along the boardwalk, toward land on the other side of the circle. Here, palm canopy stands with pride and mud crabs crawl inside. Eventually, we stumble upon an observation tower, exposing the roof of the canopy to be just as beautiful from above as below.

Section 3: The bikes, the houses, the path, the quarry

Well heated and sweaty, we return to our bikes and meander our way down the road, toward a beautiful spot by the ocean with countless trees, reaching far to provide the best shade they possibly can. Uncertain of the path from here, we take off, finding a small trail going by multiple weathered houses that did nothing if not add to the island's old school charm. The path narrows to just big enough for a line of single file bikes, with countless trees on either side. Eventually, our cozy path intersects with an empty and comparatively wide road. We turn and head for a few quarries, which are meant to be the islands highlights... we'll see! We spin our squeaky gears around the island, past a campsite, beyond town, and we coast by Butterfly Hill, eventually reaching one of the cherished quarries. As we don't know its name, we'll just call it The Sky's Mirror. If the reflection coming off of the quarry isn't pure enough for the sky and stars above, then I suppose they had better close their eyes for all eternity because it couldn't be any better. The water beckons, but more quarries await (and there is a no swimming sign). We pedal a bit further down the road, past a deserted drink stand, over a river, and to a new dismount point. Here, we ready our feet again and go up a steep hill toward the Sapphire Bath Quarry, as I call it. The blue is stunning and the size is marvelous. Hiking higher to another viewpoint reveals a panoramic view of jungle, Sapphire Bath Quarry, and the city of Singapore across the straight. Walking outside the fence the view is much better and the fall much more likely, but we all manage to live with relatively little difficulty.

Section 4: The bikes, the food, the boat, the end

We retreat from the hill and return to our bikes. Ready for a reprieve from the oppressive heat and steamer of sweat, we retrace our steps towards town and locate the only open restaurant on the island. You feel pure joy as you wash your filth covered hands and put your sticky face in front of a fan. The sweetest coconuts you have ever had the privilege of indulging in join the party at the table and the coconut water and meat each harmonize with the other. Tastebuds tickling, yummy vegetables and rice arrive as a nice pre boat, bus, metro, and walking snack. The rocking boat ride back is bittersweet, as the sun glistens off of the wake of the rickety old boat. The breeze gives the impression of the island saying goodbye. Thank you Pulau Ubin, for an eternal day.