Supporting Staff Wellbeing: A Day of Adventure and Fun at Pulau Ubin

Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing well and staying healthy. As part of our wellness week at Objective Experience Singapore, we recently embarked on a fantastic wellbeing group exercise that allowed us to reconnect with nature and experience new adventures. Our destination? The beautiful Pulau Ubin, a hidden gem right here in Singapore.

Exploring Pulau Ubin: A Glimpse into History and Nature

Pulau Ubin, also known as "Granite Island," holds a rich history that adds to its allure. Here are some fascinating facts about the island's past:

• Early settlements: Pulau Ubin was home to indigenous Malay communities as early as the 16th century. These communities relied on fishing, farming, and quarrying for their livelihoods.
• Granite mining: In the early 20th century, Pulau Ubin became a significant source of granite for Singapore's construction industry. The island's granite quarries played a vital role in building some of Singapore's iconic structures, including the Causeway that connects Singapore to Malaysia.

As you explore the island, you'll come across numerous Muslim graves and water wells. These remnants of the past provide a glimpse into the island's history and the communities that once thrived here. The presence of these tombstones and wells adds a sense of mystery and cultural significance to Pulau Ubin.

Over time, as Singapore's economy evolved, granite mining on Pulau Ubin gradually declined. In the 1970s, the government recognized the island's ecological value and designated it as a nature reserve. This decision aimed to preserve its unique biodiversity and protect its cultural heritage. Today, Pulau Ubin stands as a testament to the island's past, with its lush forests, traditional villages, and remnants of its granite mining history. Exploring the island allows us to appreciate its rich heritage while immersing ourselves in its natural beauty.

New Experiences: Mountain Biking and More!

One of the highlights of our trip was the exhilarating mountain biking adventure. For many of us, it was our first time riding on a dirt track, and let me tell you, it was a ride to remember! We tackled the challenging terrain with enthusiasm and determination, pushing ourselves to new limits. The thrill of riding offroad down the hills brought out the childlike joy in all of us.

A Rainy Interruption and a Fun Filipino Game

As luck would have it, the weather took a turn, and it started pouring heavily for about 45 minutes. However, we didn't let the rain dampen our spirits. We sought shelter in a hut and decided to make the most of the time by playing a Filipino game, recommended by Meryl, called "Pinipig" It was a hilarious experience, with one person trying to guess a word by asking yes or no questions. Laughter filled the air as we bonded over this unexpected rain delay.

Serenity in the Mangroves, Ghosts, and a Delicious Feast

Once the rain subsided, we continued our bike ride and found ourselves on a mesmerizing boardwalk through the mangroves. The lush green moss on the rocks added a touch of enchantment to the scenery, and we couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of nature surrounding us.

As we were riding down a hill after the boardwalk, one of my staff members leading the crowd yelled out, "I see someone waving to us!" I was cruising pretty fast and didn't see anything. Wondering why someone would be standing there between the track and the water's edge in a grove of trees, we jokingly convinced ourselves it was a ghost! Oh, the mysteries of Pulau Ubin!

After our adventure, we indulged in a Singaporean feast, savouring delicious steamed fish and Salted Egg Chicken, a favourite dish among us all.

Laughter, Police Encounters, and Teamwork

While our day was filled with joy and laughter, we did encounter a slight hiccup when a police officer kindly reminded us to be careful on the roads. It seemed that Steph's fearless downhill riding had caught the officer's attention! Nevertheless, it was all in good spirits, and we appreciated the reminder to prioritize safety. Our team's bond grew stronger as we supported and encouraged each other throughout the day, especially when helping weaker members get comfortable with riding bikes with gears.

Conclusion: Gratitude, Fatigue, and Happiness

"Tired and muscle aches but Happy! I had fun especially gliding down the hills, feeling the wind in my hair." - Steph

As I reflect on our day at Pulau Ubin, I can't help but feel immense gratitude for this experience. It was a day filled with adventure, laughter, and new friendships. Despite the tired muscles and occasional aches, we all left with smiles on our faces and a sense of fulfilment. I couldn't help but appreciate the simple joys of life.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our wellbeing group exercise. Your enthusiasm and positive energy made the day truly unforgettable. Let's continue to support each other's wellbeing and create more memorable experiences together.

Remember, life is an adventure, and it's up to us to make the most of it!