Pulau Ubin

is the island where my mom grew up on;

where my roots took hold.

This is our story.

Celebrate Ubin Day 2026 with Wan on his

5th Annual

Malay Kampung Heritage Tour!

🗓️ Sat, 20 Jun

🕓 10.30 AM - 1.30 PM

📍 Pulau Ubin Assembly Area (Meeting Point 1)

🏷️ Pay-as-you-wish (yes, including $0!)

Sign up now (and pay-as-you-wish) here!

Your donation helps sustain our long-term efforts in preserving and sharing our Ubin Orang Pulau cultural heritage.

Registration ends 19th June or when maximum capacity has been reached, whichever comes first.

since DECEMBER 2025

Find out more

The next Ketupat Election should be held by Mar 9th, 2027.

Weave an informed decision by learning more about the parties and their candidates, as well as previous ketupat election results, here.

Coming Soon

A house in Kampung Sungei Durian, Pulau Ubin, is about to be restored.

Here's our story of #restoring6j into Ambin Ubin.

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All Posts

SEAS The Day 2025

On 7 Sep, we had a splashing good time running our Ambin Ubin booth at the Punggol Regional Library in celebration of SEAS The Day 2025!...

Sep 17, 2025

Our first Ambin Ubin exhibit outside of Pulau Ubin! TIYA Conference 2025 Gallery Walk

Hey! Here's wan more blogpost! On Sunday, 24 Aug, Ambin Ubin had its first booth outside of Pulau Ubin at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth...

Aug 29, 2025

"Where Have U-bin?" Storytelling at Central Public Library

Hey! It's been a while since the last blog post here, several months actually. Before I go on to talk about today's topic, thought I'd do...

Aug 29, 2025

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Coming down to celebrate Ubin Day 2026 tomorrow, or joining me on my Malay Kampung Heritage Tour? Keep a look out for signs like this Wan.

I regret to inform that the Malay KamPUng Heritage Walk is no longer offered on weekdays w.e.f. 1 July 2026 due to increasingly unpredictable waiting times for bumboats as a result of declining visitor numbers to Pulau Ubin.

This decision was made given how it could still take nearly an hour or more to fill up a bumboat with 12 passengers, even though it's the June school holidays—traditionally considered a peak period for visitorship to Pulau Ubin.

Footfall to the island has certainly declined, and it is no longer feasible nor sustainable for me to continue my weekday sessions so as to respect my participants' time, comfort, and convenience.

I thank those who have joined me in previous weekday sessions, and for their patience, understanding and patronage. The walk is still offered on weekends and Public Holidays—subject to availability—and claimable with SG Culture Pass.

When you have a World Cities Summit to attend at 4pm but some plants to water and chickens to feed at 5pm.

Thank you for standing in solidarity with me, Singapore. May we continue protecting our multiculturalism that makes us strong.

Animation by me, deeply influenced by Ramdaram's "Soda City Funk"
Song by Tim Legend

Yesterday, I performed my Friday prayers at Masjid An-Nahdhah as I was invited by the asatizahs at the mosque's @harmonycentre.sg , who reached out to offer their support and solidarity after learning of my recent encounter with racist, Islamophobic remarks—of which I'm thankful for.

I am also heartened to learn of the Harmony Centre's efforts in championing and strengthening inter faith relations among Singaporeans of different religions. Since its inception in 2006, the Harmony Centre—which is under the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)—also offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about Islam, serving an essential role in clearing misconceptions and countering Islamophobia within our society.

The asatizahs wondered if my encounter with Islamophobia suggests a massive setback in their two decades' work, of which I reassured them it shouldn't be seen as one. This is because Singaporeans of all religions, and lack thereof, rallied massively behind me in the face of all this hate targeted towards me, and in extension, our Malay-Muslim identity—of which again, I am deeply grateful for.

As I take the time to reflect, unknowingly, this whole 'azan controversy' was not just a test for me, but I believe for our nation as well. It was a test of our principles; our values of multiculturalism, and the kind of society we envision ourselves to be. And I believe we are passing that test.

We condemned wholeheartedly those who truly wish to sow social discord within our country, and I believe we will continue to do so as our sacred duty as Singaporeans in preserving the peace and harmony that we have been building upon all these years.

It's never easy to have become a victim of hate speech, but empty vessels make the most noise. This Hari Raya Haji, I reflect on what this whole experience during the first ten days of Zulhijjah is teaching me.

Truthfully, I feel that my identity as a Singaporean Malay-Muslim, and my agency to share my culture, heritage and identity in a safe and respectful manner as an Ubin Orang Pulau descendant, and as a newly licensed Singapore tourist guide, has been attacked.

I have been trying my best to ignore the growing hate that has been directed at me in the past few days, but I think my mental health has finally started taking its toll, especially if online users can comfortably make a mockery of my culture and religion.

Whatever happened to regardless of race, language or religion?
What has become of our home?

I feel sick. I'm very hurt. I'm sorry.

(The screenshots are taken from the comments section on the AsiaOne headline post)

IMPORTANT: I wish to remind and clarify that a call for investigation has been made, but was concluded briefly after the relevant authorities and parties have been clarified of the context and intention.

I was made aware that a call for investigation had been made towards me for performing the Muslim call to prayer at my Malay Kampung Heritage Tour. I wish to make clear that I will continue performing the azan.

FINAL RESULTS for KETUPAT ELECTION 2026:
Mak (KPP): 52 ketupats (50.49%)
Wan (KBP): 51 ketupats (49.51%)
Total ketupats weaved: 103 ketupats

Mak from the Ketupat Pasar Party is re-elected for the 5th term, with a very narrow victory margin of 0.98%. Wan from the Ketupat Bawang Party concedes and congratulates his mother on her mandate, while encouraged by his strongest electoral performance in three years.

The Writ of Ketupat Elections for 2026 has been issued—with Weaving Day slated for Friday, 20 March.

KE26 will witness a contest between incumbent Mak from the Ketupat Pasar Party (KPP) and opposition Wan from the Ketupat Bawang Party (KBP). The KPP has won in three of the previous elections, and another through a weave-over as the Ketupat By-Election 2025 was uncontested. The KBP has yet to win in any election. Mak won with 57.38% of total ketupats weaved in KE25.

Who are you weaving for this #KE26?

📢 The Malay KamPUng Heritage Walk is now on SG Culture Pass!
📢 Weekday sessions are discontinued from 1 Jul 2026 onwards.

Join me as I bring you on a guided walk through Ketuk Batu (Pekan Ubin), Kampung Sungei Durian and Kampung Surau and share with you stories through the lens of an Ubin Orang Pulau descendant! For more info, visit wansubinjournal.com/heritagewalk (link in bio)!

Thank you for your time and attention, and I look forward to your continued support!

What if I build a kampung house on Minecraft instead? It should be easy, right? There won't be any regulations that could restrict me from doing that, right?

In 2025, there were nine recorded deaths within the Ubin Orang Pulau community—making it the year with the second-highest number of deaths since systematic documentation of passings began in 2020.

We remember those who left us.

There are fewer Ubin Orang Pulau left. AL-FATIHAH

Hj. Ahamad Bin Kassim passed away last Saturday, on December 13th, 2025, aged 90.

To most, he was known as Pak Ahmad—the pakcik who sold coconuts and cold drinks at his stall. To me, he was Tok Mat—a dear neighbour and family friend and a grandfather in my own grandfather's absence.

This is my memory of Tok Mat—a gem that Pulau Ubin has now lost forever.

Today I celebrate the end of my four-year academic journey at SUSS, but more than anything, I celebrate my parents.

I celebrate my dad, who is illiterate, and has spent the past five decades of his life as a cleaner to provide for our family. I celebrate my mom, who only completed primary education at the Sekolah Melayu Pulau Ubin, and has spent her life raising her children at home. It is with their love, prayers, sacrifices and set of noble values that this son of theirs was able to pursue a higher education and graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours). Thus, I dedicate my degree solely to them.

To the best of my knowledge as well, I am the first among Awang Minyak's grandchildren to be conferred a degree in a local university. I now join a growing list of descendants of the Ubin Orang Pulau who have attained a higher education. Moving forward, I shall hold firmly to the Malay proverb:

"Jadilah seperti padi, makin berisi makin rendah. Jangan seperti lalang, makin lama makin tinggi."

"Be like the rice stalk—the more it ripens, the lower it bows; don't be like the wild grass—the older it grows the taller it stands."

With this newly found academic achievement, of which God has blessed me with, I hope to make my family and community proud and to be a valuable member of society.

"Kalau tinggi, untung jadi bintang; kalau rendah, masih jadi intan"
"If raised high, one's fate is to be a star; if kept low, still a diamond of worth"

Alhamdulillah, I am humbled to be named a finalist in the President's Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA) 2025, under the People of Good (Open) category.

I am heartened that my contributions to the Ubin Orang Pulau community—particularly through the @ambin.ubin project—have been recognised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and considered for such a prestigious national award, among more than 400 nominees. This recognition motivates me to continue my heartwork in keeping our Ubin Orang Pulau identity alive and relevant today.

My sincere thanks to SUSS for nominating me for the PVPA, to the judging committee convened by NVPC for their time and thoughtful consideration, and to all of you who have believed in and supported me throughout my giving journey over the years.

My heartiest congratulations to the winners and fellow finalists, whose unwavering dedication and passion for giving back to their communities serve as an inspiration to us all. I hope this serves as a gentle reminder that each of us, in our own ways, regardless of age and background, can contribute to a more caring and compassionate Singapore—one where the kampung spirit continues to guide us toward being a City of Good, together.

Had a cosy storytelling session with some wonderful folks last Friday night (22 Aug) at the Central Public Library as part of All Things Singapore 2025!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Q&A session we had after the talk and I'm heartened to receive much commendation from the participants as they learned more about @ambin.ubin and our efforts in giving the Ubin Orang Pulau community a platform to keep our islander stories and cultural practises alive.

Special thanks to @nationallibrarysg for the opportunity; Ashif for being a wonderful emcee, Aqilah for the logistics and this photo, and everyone who came down!

(Also, now you know why they say people with large foreheads have a 'bright' future heh)

Last Saturday, I did my first-ever cooking demonstration in my life in front of a live audience to finally answer the age-old question: Can Wan cook or is Wan cooked? It was fun and nerve-wracking having to cook by my mom's side as I learned and carried on my family's heritage through our Betik & Kepah Masak Lemak (Papaya & Clam Coconut Stew) recipe. Special thanks to @kebon.dapor for hosting and to everyone who joined us for allowing us to share our family recipe with you!
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Photos by Raja Mohd Fairuz

I'd like to thank Hwa Chong Institution for having me today! I was invited to give a talk on the Ubin Malay identity as part of the school's SG60 National Day and Racial Harmony Day celebrations. This was also my largest live audience to date—close to 400 Secondary 3 boys and their teachers—so you could imagine my stage fright!

A special shout-out to Mr Daniel as well, who extended the invite and hosted me for the morning celebrations. We met earlier at the MPP Active Citizenry Forum a while ago at the school across the street, Nanyang Girls' High School.

In all, I hope my sharing has educated and inspired our boys a little more on the Malay culture as we celebrate our multiracial nation's 60th birthday, together. Have a wonderful red-and-white weekend ahead and Happy National Day, Singapore!

My mom was asked, "Do you hope to pass down all these traditional recipes?" In which she replied, "I don't know if the younger ones are still interested in our heritage—"
—
Photo by @nomies.co

Thank you for celebrating Ubin Day 2025 with me!
—
Photos by Nicholas Kok (@nicekomalas)

I'm sorry. This year's Malay kampung heritage tour felt especially heavy for me to carry out—so much so that I often found myself breaking into tears toward the end of the tour.

Photo by Nicholas Kok

WUJ was proud to be one of the many community booths set up in celebrating Hari Orang Pulau on the 14th of June. This inaugural festival—through the hard (and heart!) work of @oranglautsg —is a celebration of Singapore's Orang Pulau and Orang Laut communities—whose indigenous histories, skills, stories, and knowledge were on full display at the various booths, performances, talks and workshops held at West Coast Park, a coast which holds a very special, important and valuable place for Singapore's Southern Islander communities.

Hari Orang Pulau also goes beyond celebration. It is a reflection of the ongoing advocacy by the Orang Pulau and Orang Laut communities and their descendants, in reclaiming the narratives of their ancestral islands. It was an opportunity for us as Singaporeans to reflect on our shared maritime history, and in also recognising the cultural significance of our islander communities in Singapore.

Indeed, Singapore is not just an island nation. It is a nation of islands; some of which have been inhabited and on them, unique cultures and traditions which have shaped, and shall continue to shape, our diverse multicultural landscape here.

Congratulations once again to Firdaus and his team for a successful and historic moment in Singapore's history, and for our shared Orang Pulau heritage!

Photos by @brashmonki

On 3rd June 2025, I had a wonderful time sharing with students from both National University of Singapore (NUS) and University of British Columbia (UBC), which is based in Vancouver, Canada.

They are having a summer exposition programme together under NUS Cities, where they would travel between Singapore and Vancouver to learn more about urban planning within the two cities, with their key focus on living with water. My sharing helped to shed light on the sustainable practices of the Ubin Orang Pulau and our relationship with the seas around us.

I will not forget the warmth I received toward the end of my sharing, where staff and students expressed their gratitude and sincere encouragement for the work that I've been doing; especially our Canadian friends—who resonated deeply and drew some parallels on the lived experiences of their indigenous peoples with ours.

I thank Rosita and @nuscities for giving me this opportunity to share our Ubin identity with them. I wish the students every success in their academic and professional endeavours, and may the knowledge they acquire inspire them to plan toward a more equitable society.

I humbly urge the Singapore government to approach the modernisation of Pulau Ubin with care, sensitivity, and respect—and to include us meaningfully in shaping the future of our ancestral island home.

UPDATE [19 Jun, 9pm]: REGISTRATION IS CLOSED as maximum capacity has been reached! Thank you for your support and I look forward to celebrating Ubin Day 2025 with you!

🌴 The annual WUJ Pesta Ubin Malay Kampung Heritage Tour is back for its 4th season! 🥳 Come celebrate Ubin Day 2025 with me and experience Pulau Ubin through the eyes of the Ubin Orang Pulau. 💛🌊

Discover why this rustic island still holds a special place in the hearts of its people. 🏝️✨

🗓️ Sat, 28 June 2025
⌚ 10am - 1pm
📍Pulau Ubin Assembly Area

🎟️ Registration is FREE — so jom, let’s go!
🔗 Link in bio!

Dear Minister @desmond.lee

I wish to thank you for believing in me and in the heart work I’ve done for the Ubin Orang Pulau community during your tenure as Minister for National Development. I vividly remember the first time we met on Ubin Day 2018, when you and Minister Chan Chun Sing visited the booth set up by the Singapore Heritage Society, which showcased my journey in tracing my grandparents' kampung house. I was (and still am) a little embarrassed that I left your hand hanging when you reached out for a handshake—oops.

Since then, you invited me to join the Friends of Ubin Network (FUN), where I felt my ideas and input on celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Pulau Ubin were heard, recognised, and appreciated—such as in the Pesta Raya@Ubin 2019 celebrations and our ongoing "Ambin Ubin" sociocultural community space in the Malay kampung. Your invitation paved the way for me to grow and develop into a more capable Singaporean, better able to serve my community.

Through the many discussions, engagements (and selfies) we’ve shared, I’ve come to sense your deep dedication and passion for our kampungs, their people, and their culture—even as Singapore continues its necessary path of urbanisation. You saw the intangible value in preserving them, and that’s something I’m truly grateful for. Your leadership has inspired me—and many others—and I’m confident it will continue to do so as you take on your new role and responsibilities as Minister for Education.

Congratulations, Sir, and I wish you the very best in your future endeavours. You will be dearly missed.

A special thanks to everyone who joined me around Kampung Sungei Durian over the past two weekends in celebration of Singapore HeritageFest 2025!

I'd like to also thank the @sgheritagefest for this repeated opportunity in sharing our Ubin Orang Pulau stories and intangible cultural heritage for a second year running; as well as to the Festival Assistants for their support in making the (almost back-to-back) tours smooth and successful.
—
Photos courtesy of the various participants and SHF FAs.

[UPDATE (2 May, 8pm): All slots for all dates have been sold out! Thank you for your overwhelmingly positive response! I look forward to showing you around, cheers!]

I'm delighted to announce that I'll be leading FOUR heritage tours in May as part of Singapore HeritageFest 2025! If you've been wanting to join me around Kampung Sungei Durian to learn about the intangible cultural heritage of the Ubin Orang Pulau community with me for some time, then here's four opportunities to do so, hehe!

🗓️ 10, 11, 17, 18 May 2025
⌚ 10 am - 11.30 am
📍Changi Point Ferry Terminal (51, Lor Bekukong, Singapore 499172)

More details and registration are found in the bio! These tours are supported by heritagesg and the National Heritage Board.

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@wansubinjournal

Malay KamPUng Heritage Walk

Join Wan (now a licenced Singapore tourist guide!) in this descendant-led journey through the Malay kampung and learn about the cultural and natural heritage behind the Ubin Orang Pulau community!

This walk was previously known as WUJ Heritage Hike from 2020 - 2025.

Project Gotong Royong

Show off your gotong-royong spirit as you assist our community in upkeeping their beautiful kampung houses and courtyards!

In Memoriam

We remember the Ubin Orang Pulau who have left us.

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