Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Pre-retreat Trip on 6 July 2002

By Kenneth Lau

Noordin beach campsite

"Hey, there's a durian tree", exclaimed Andrew as we cycled near Noordin beach campsite. Actually, there were several, and a few rambutan and jackfruit trees as well. In my mind I wondered if they would taste as delicious as the ones we had for lunch an hour ago at a small provision store near the First Stop Ubin restaurant — probably not, I thought, consoling myself.

We decided to forgo gym and an afternoon nap respectively to scout Ubin for suitable campsites for the upcoming camping trip. It's actually possible to camp anywhere on the island, but my co-facilitator looked aghast that I could actually consider camping anywhere without access to a mirror and washbasin. This meant we had basically two choices: Noordin and Maman beach campsites. Noordin beach won our vote: it's a clean secluded beach with lots of shade. A bit like the beach at Fort Road-should bring back memories for some. :-)

The rest of the afternoon was idyllic, if pleasantly surreal. We were in Singapore, yet it felt like rural Malaysia. A wizened old man in blue shorts selling durians at the jetty. The Community Centre that actually looked like it belonged to the community. After visiting the campsites, we cycled to an abandoned orchid nursery and saw the owner's peacocks, wild boar and assorted birds. As I rested, a pigeon with beautiful emerald plumage flew across my path, filling me with wonder.

Do join us for the camping trip on 27 and 28 July. It will be simple and peaceful, a chance to get to know God, your fellow Haveners, and yourself a little better.

Map of Ubin	Curiousity shop	Heliconia
Durians	Yellow flower	Jackfruit
Community Centre	Homeward bound	Changi Point