Book extols rustic life on Pulau Ubin

By Sharmilpal Kaur

A DENTIST has written a book on Singapore's nature getaway, titled, Pulau Ubin - Ours To Treasure.

Dr Chua Ee Kiam, a specialist and consultant with the National Dental Centre, spent seven years researching and documenting life on the island.

The 140-page book, with 220 exquisite pictures, captures all aspects of life on Ubin - from its cultural heritage and lifestyles of the people there to its green cover and wildlife.

The pictures leave no aspect of Pulau Ubin uncovered.

There are pictures of birds catching fish, a kingfisher eating a reptile, and a man leaping off a granite quarry into the water below.

Dr Chua has also written about the environmental dilemma the island, with an area of 10.2 sq km, is undergoing.

He said the call to house some of Singapore's booming population in Pulau Ubin should be carried out carefully.

He said: 'The challenge for Singaporeans will be to balance the demands of population growth with needs for a closer association with nature.'

He added: 'Ubin is our link to the last rural retreat of Singapore.

It may eventually succumb to the pressures of population growth and economic development.

'By promoting public awareness of the natural heritage, I hope to delay if not pre-empt this process and play a role in preserving the natural treasures on this island.'

The book was launched at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday by Minister for Community Development and Sports Abdullah Tarmugi.