RECREATIONAL LAND USE ON PULAU UBIN

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation of Singapore has resulted in the fast shrinking of rural landscapes commonly found in the 1960s. Pulau Ubin is the only island where traditional village lifestyle is found intact presently. The physical distance from the mainland allowed Pulau Ubin to escape the relentless developments and helped to preserve the traditional lifestyle of the islanders. Over the years, Pulau Ubin is increasing becoming a popular recreation site for Singaporeans. The existence of an authentic rural landscape coupled with rapid shrinking of nature areas in Singapore encouraged more people to visit the island. Apart from local citizens, there are also many foreigners and tourists interested to see what Singapore was like thirty years ago. This Honours Thesis studies the recreation development of Pulau Ubin overtime and space. An account is made on the evolution of recreation of Pulau Ubin from the pre-war years to the present. Existing patterns of recreation land use are determined to provide important information for recreation planning and management. Implications of recreation development on the physical landscape and the local community are also discussed.