There is a place in Singapore that has transformed its former quarry lands while keeping its natural landscape intact. That place is Pulau Ubin.
Pulau Ubin lies off the northeast coast of mainland Singapore. The island covers an area of approximately 10.2 square kilometers. The island preserves the atmosphere of a past village while also serving as a nature conservation area and public recreation space.
The History of Pulau Ubin's Community
Human settlement on Pulau Ubin was first recorded in the 1800s. The Orang Laut were the first group to arrive, who temporarily anchored along its coastal shores.
By the 1880s, Malay communities began arriving and settling permanently after moving from the Kallang River area on the mainland.
Following their settlement, the daily lives of the residents depended on the surrounding natural environment. Most of them farmed vegetables, cultivated fruit orchards, or fished in the surrounding straits.
From the Heyday to the Decline of Mining
The name Pulau Ubin originates from a Malay term, Pulau Batu Jubin, literally meaning Granite Stone Island. The island’s name directly refers to the granite quarrying activities that once served as the livelihood for the island's residents.
Historically, Pulau Ubin served as a center for granite quarrying in Singapore from the 19th century until the late 20th century. The quarrying activities on the island centered around several main locations, including Pekan Quarry (formerly known as Ho Man Choo Quarry). Additionally, Ketam Quarry—previously known as Aik Hwa Quarry—operated from 1964 until 1999.
The golden age of Pulau Ubin’s mining industry occurred between the 1950s and 1970s, supplying granite for major infrastructure projects on the mainland. Granite extracted from the island was used to construct roads, buildings, and public facilities across Singapore.
As mining activities expanded, the population of Pulau Ubin surged. At its peak, the population exceeded 2,000 residents, who lived permanently in various villages surrounding the quarry sites.
Toward the late 20th century, mining activities on the island declined as granite reserves within the ground diminished. The Singapore government also shifted its national development focus toward modernizing the mainland.
Furthermore, environmental conservation efforts became part of the government's agenda. Eventually, the closure of all mining sites on Pulau Ubin happened in May 1999. Following the closure, residents gradually relocated to mainland Singapore.
However, a small number of residents chose to stay in Pulau Ubin. By 2012, only 40 residents remained on the island. The remaining inhabitants work as fishermen, farmers, or small business owners operating local eateries.
The Transformation of Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin underwent a shift in function to become a biodiversity conservation area and public recreation space.
For conservation, the former mining sites and their surrounding areas have been restored to support wildlife ecosystems. One notable example is the former mining site of the Pekan Quarry.
Meanwhile, the island's coastal areas are preserved as habitats for crabs, fish, and shorebirds. One protected location in the coastal area is the Chek Jawa Wetlands. It is situated at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin.
The Chek Jawa Wetlands cover an area of 100 hectares. The site functions as a natural meeting point for six distinct ecosystems.
For recreation, parts of the island are opened for public activities outside the conservation zones. The public zones give people space to explore the island's landscape directly.
A look-out point was built at the Pekan Quarry for visitors to view the former mining waters.
Away from the quarry waters, the hilly terrain of the old quarries is used for outdoor activities. The cycling trails are located at the Ketam Mountain Bike Park. It covers an area of 45 hectares around the fringe of a previously unoccupied quarry.
