Adventure & Sports - Singapore

Pulau Ubin

An island that features a natural theme of nature as until today. It is located off the coasts of Singapore and is known to have the last kampong village in Singapore. Pulau Ubin is known to be one of the lesser few areas which were exempted from the development of the country of Singapore. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Pulau Ubin would be the ideal adventure for you!

The trip to Pulau Ubin starts at Changi Jetty where you have to take a bumboat to pulau ubin itself. Bumboat operators run from sunrise to sunset. You can make special arrangements with the operators for trips after dark. The ride lasts for 15 minutes.

After arriving at pulau ubin the laid-back, rustic, kampong setting will take you back to Singapore in the 1960's with the simpler pleasures of life. You can take your pick on what you want to do first. There are a wide range of activities that you can embark on like walking or pedaling through rustic roads under swaying coconut palms; exploring shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations and checking out secluded beaches and flourishing mangroves. There are also nature walks conducted in ubin that offers an adventurous experience. The best way to discover ubin is by joining the guided nature walks conducted by experienced volunteers. There are well-marked roads and trails to explore so it is very accessible and easy to explore.

Aside from all these, one of the must visit locations at Pulau Ubin is none other than the Chek Jawa, located at the north end of the island. at Chek Jawa, A whole other adventure awaits you, it is a coral reef formed around 5000 years ago and it is one of the most natural coral reefs found in Singapore. Around the coral reef, various marine wildlife such as sea squirts, octopuses, sand dollars and as well as cuttlefishes can be found roaming freely.

Pulau Ubin in the country of Singapore is indeed one of the many places any visitor should visit. With many interesting habitants, wildlife, historical villages, scenic views and fascinating geography, one need no other reasons in order to visit this interesting get away paradise.

Essential info

Admission to the island is free. There are no opening or closing hours, but regular services only run during daylight hours. The NParks Information Kiosk is open 8.30am-5pm. Bumboats to and from Pulau Ubin, and public transport on the island operate from sunrise to sunset.

Pulau Hantu

Ever heard of the islands Pulau Hantu? And ever heard about the legend of Pulau Hantu?

There were once two great warriors locked in a fierce battle at sea. Many people died and the blue seas slowly became polluted with human blood, upsetting the Jinns at the bottom of the ocean. In anger, one powerful Jinn created a whirlpool and sucked the 2 warriors into the deep sea to drown them. Not deterred, they continued their battle. Suddenly, the Jinn sprayed water on one of them, and the other warrior seeing his opponent blinded, thrust his sword into his abdomen. At the same time, the wounded warrior forced his sword into the other man. Both collapsed and died.

The gods felt it was wrong for the seas' spirits to interfere in human affairs, thus, the Jinn transformed the two warriors into islets so that their spirits can continue to live on them. As one of the warriors was smaller than the other, his islet was known as "Pulau Hantu Kecil" while the bigger one was called "Pulau Hantu Besar".


However, due to the advancements in technology, both islands have gone under massive reclamation. Pulau Hantu Besar used to be 2ha and P. Hantu Kechil 0.4ha, surrounded by fringing reefs with a common reef flat in between. Land reclamation from 1974 - 1975 increased land area to 12.2ha using 400,000m3 of sand, leaving a narrow strip between rock bund and edge of the reef (about 20 - 30m). The original bit that struck out above the water at high tide is marked by dirty plant growth.

In addition, it is possible to walkacross the shallow lagoon between the two island, at low tide. However, visitors are to be aware of the tides and be on the correct side when the tide comes in.

Pulau Hantu is also a favourite location to fishing and snorkeling lovers due to its sheltered beaches and inviting waters! It is also a popular spot to campers and and day-trippers who want a special outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle.

There is no ferry to these islands. However, visitors can conveniently chartered a fast work boat from West Coast Pier. There work boats operates 24 hours and service business on Jurong Island and ships in the habour.

Admission to the islands is free, but camping overnight will require a permit from Sentosa Leisure Group (SLG).

Vertical Marathon

Are you ready for the challenge to conquer one of Southeast Asia's tallest hotels - Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore? With a staggering 1,336 steps on 73-storeys, it is definitely a must-try for marathon runners who want to run vertically!

The entry entered in the Guinness Book of World Records was first set by Mr Balvinder Singh in 1989 with a timing of 6min 55secs.However in 2008, world-class stair racer, Thomas Dold, broke the 20-year-old Swissôtel Vertical Marathon record, with his winning time of 6min 52secs.

Congratulations to both Mr Thomas Dold (Men's Open Winner) and Ms Suzanne Elizabeth Walsham (Women's Open Winner), who will get the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Empire State Building Run-Up 2010, which accepts participants based on invitation only.













Are you inspired? Is the excitement growing inside you? Are you tempted to plant you feet on top of the tallest buildings made by mankind? If you are, vertical marathon is the sports for you. Be sure to follow the safety and race tips given:

· Drink lots of water before and after the race.

· Avoid consumption of alcohol, stimulants or any kind of drugs within 24 hours prior to race.

· Keep to the side of the railings.

· Encourage fellow participants.

· Do not push, shove and block other racers. Failure to maintain good sportsmanship will result in disqualification.

· Please do not block the entire width of the stairwell if you are climbing with friends. Be considerate; allow space for other racers to overtake at all times.










With professional medical stuff on standby, rest assured and race to the top in a safe state of mind. What’s more, participants are also entitled:

· Goodie Bag which will contain the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon T-Shirt and a host of other novelties.

· Finisher Medal for every participant who completes the race.

· Race Certificate with completion timings.

· So what are you waiting for? Miss this year’s event? It doesn’t matter. Train and prepare for the next year one’s. After all, you could have a shot at the Guinness Book of Record too!


Information and photos courteously of Swisshotel Vertical Marathon Official Website NOTE

Sisters' Island

Ever heard about the legend of Sister's Island? Let us share it with you!

A long time ago, there lived a pair of sisters, Minah & Lina, who shared a bond so strong that nothing could separate them. But one day, the notorious chief of the Orang Laut met and fell in love with Lina. Despite the sisters' pleas, the chief took her away and forced her into the sampan. Just then, the sky turned dark and a storm broke out. As Minah made a final attempt to save her sister from leaving the jetty, a large wave came and engulfed her. On seeing this, Lina freed herself from her captors and jumped into the sea to join Minah.

The storm subsided but nowhere could the sisters be found. Instead, two islands emerged from where they had drowned. Called Big Sister Island (Subar Laut - 3.9 ha) & Small Sister Island (Subar Darat - 1.7ha), the two small islands are now known as Sisters' Islands. It was said that every year on that very day when the sisters turned into islands, there will always be storm and rain.

The two islands are separated by a narrow but deep channel. Currents through this channel can be very dangerous. Visitors shoudl note that it is NOT possible to swim from one island to the other.

Sisters' Island have beautiful beaches and warm blue waters which make snorkeling a favourtie pastime. The islands are also a popular spot for picnics and campers due to the shady palms and trees and beach shelters.

There is no ferry to these islands. However, visitors can conveniently chartered a fast work boat from Marina South Pier. There work boats operates 24 hours, but booking is only available during office hours.

Admission to the islands is free, but camping overnight will require a permit from Sentosa Leisure Group (SLG).

Advisory Note:
Currents around Sisters' Island are strong and swimming is not advisable outside the swimming lagoons.