Pulau Ubin, Singapore
Pulau Ubin is an island off the northeastern coast of
Singapore, to the west of
Pulau Tekong. The island is forested, and is open to casual visitors.
The name "ubin" is a Malay/Javanese word meaning "tiles" or "granite stone". This is due to the quarries established there by the British in the 19th century. The stones quarried there were used in the building of Horsburgh Lighthouse.
Today the government of Singapore has put in place a plan to develop and urbanize the island. However, considering it is few forested islands off Singapore that has remained largely undeveloped, the plans have been met with concern and debate, with many desiring that the island be kept pristine, and not turned into another
Sentosa.
There is a plan to urbanize the island for housing, turning it inso a sort of an extension of the
Punggol neighbourhood, complete with an undersea MRT extension. However, as the island gains popularity as a recreational destination, the plan was left for future consideration.