Wan's Ubin Journal

Hi all, Today I would like to dwell back onto the personal aspects of WUJ as I share my findings about my late grandfather, Sulong bin Yunos (or more affectionately known by the people of Ubin as Awang Minyak). My late grandfather worked many jobs in the past, and today I would like to share with you about his life as Pulau Ubin's betel planter. The betel ( Piper betle ) or more commonly known as 'Daun sirih' in Malay, was something my mom associated my late grandfather with if I asked her to help describe him to me. What astounded me though was when everyone on Ubin whom I have interacted with, would also echo in saying that the betel is something they remembered my late grandfather of among many others; and it wasn't too difficult to see why. On Ubin, nearly every single villager would have their own garden in their plot of land. Some are known for owning simple fruit orchards, while others would also be remembered for their beautiful flowers. My late ...

Hi All, On this day, the 13th of September, 2018, marks the 26th anniversary of my late grandmother's passing. I have yet to learn so much about her and every single time I would get to know her; her attributes, her characteristics, her values and her morals, it gives me a fresher and much deeper sense of love for her. She passed away four years before I entered the world. My brothers were blessed to have been cradled in her loving arms, fed with her tender hands and loved with her gracious heart. I could only imagine the sense of immense grief that befell on my family, especially towards my mom on that day as she had her best friend forever - whom wiped away all her tears, knew all of her fears and secrets, lent a listening ear to all her stories and poured her heart out with compassion and love for her - gone to answer God's calling. Etched deep into her memory, my mom would recall her experience 26 years ago when she received the urgent call from her brother at...

Hi All! Welcome to the first ever instalment of the new section in Wan's Ubin Journal, Mak's Memoirs where my mom will share with you guys her memories, stories and thoughts as she reminisces on her past time growing up on the island from the 1960s till the 1980s! For today's post, my mom would like to share on her memories revolving around Pulau Ubin's one and only Panggung Wayang Cina. The Panggung Wayang Cina or Chinese Opera Stage was among the only sources of entertainment for the Pulau Ubin residents back in the 1960s till 1990s.  Photo courtesy of Ria Tan via Flickr The Panggung Wayang Cina , or Chinese Opera Stage in Malay, is a prominent building in the heart of Pekan Ubin, or also known as Ubin Town. This massive wooden and zinc structure can't be missed once you set yourself on the island as its sheer size would surely keep you in awe. Facing the village's own version of a Town Square, the area surrounding the opera stage is big enough...