Pulau Ubin & Hatu Peak: Where Time Slows Down and Nature Takes Over
In a world that rarely stops spinning, finding a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the rhythm of nature feels almost magical. Yet such places still exist—far from the neon lights and digital buzz. Two such gems are Pulau Ubin in Singapore and Hatu Peak in Himachal Pradesh, India—destinations that offer not just an escape, but a soulful return to simplicity, culture, and nature.
Pulau Ubin: Singapore’s Last True Village
Just 15 minutes from the ultra-modern skyline of Singapore lies a whole different world. Step off a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal, and you’re transported not just across water, but decades back in time. This is Pulau Ubin, a rustic island untouched by skyscrapers and shopping malls—where the roads are made of dirt, the houses are made of wood, and life flows at the pace of a bicycle.
Things to Do on Pulau Ubin
1. Cycle into the wild.
The best way to explore Pulau Ubin is by renting a bicycle right at the jetty. Ride along narrow lanes framed by towering palms and thick jungle. You’ll pass wooden houses, wild orchids, and the occasional wild boar—all under a soft canopy of birdsong and breeze.
2. Visit Fo Shan Ting Da Bo Gong Temple.
This small yet ornate Taoist temple greets visitors with its bold red columns and fluttering incense coils. Tucked into the trees, it’s a peaceful place to pause and make a wish—just as the locals have done for generations.
3. Walk the Sensory Trail.
This short but lovely walking path is designed to engage your senses with native herbs, tropical fruit trees, and flowering plants. It’s a wonderful way to learn about local flora—and smell the difference between pandan leaves and lemongrass!
4. Explore Teck Seng’s Place.
Step inside this restored 1950s village house to get a glimpse of Singapore’s past. You’ll see enamel mugs, wooden cabinets, and calendar pages from yesteryear—simple, charming, and nostalgic.
5. Climb the Jejawi Tower in Chek Jawa Wetlands.
This seven-story tower offers breathtaking views of Pulau Ubin’s most diverse natural area. Below, mangroves, seagrass lagoons, and mudflats stretch out like a canvas of biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards, mudskippers, and herons.
Food & Camping on Pulau Ubin
Simple eateries near the jetty serve comforting local meals like nasi lemak (fragrant rice with fried anchovies and sambal) and fried bee hoon. There are no big restaurants here—just home-style cooking, shared laughter, and plastic stools under the open sky.
If you want to camp overnight, bring your own gear and apply for a permit from Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks). With no light pollution and only the sound of the waves and crickets, it’s a night you won’t forget.
Hatu Peak, Himachal Pradesh
Far away from the bustle of Delhi or the touristy charm of Shimla lies a highland treasure that most maps barely mention. Rising tall at over 3,300 meters, Hatu Peak is one of Himachal Pradesh’s best-kept secrets. Here, every breath feels fresher, every view more sacred, and every silence more profound.
Getting There
Your journey begins in Fagu, a sleepy hamlet blanketed in apple orchards and thick cedar forests. From here, a winding road leads you up to Hatu Peak—and the drive itself is part of the adventure. Misty bends, chirping birds, and glimpses of snow-capped mountains make this a soul-soothing ascent.
Along the way, don’t miss a stop at dustD2’s Orchard Resort. A boutique retreat nestled in the hills, it’s known for its minimalist Thai architecture, open-air dining, and unforgettable organic Himachali meals—from spicy lentils to ghee-laced rotis and apple chutney.
What to See at Hatu Peak
1. Hatu Temple – The Divine on the Summit
At the very peak sits the Hatu Mata Temple, a quiet wooden shrine believed to be dedicated to Mandodari, wife of Ravan, though other locals say it’s Hatu Devi, a manifestation of Kali. The woodwork here is exquisite—each carving tells a tale. The silence around the temple, broken only by the wind, makes it feel otherworldly.
2. Khaddu Café in Matiana
Before or after your climb, stop by Khaddu Café, a tiny but popular spot with views for days and food that hugs your soul. Try the siddu—a local bread stuffed with poppy seeds or veggies—alongside fermented cakes and spicy green chili chutney served with Himalayan red rice.
3. Tanni Jubbar Lake
A short drive from Fagu takes you to Tanni Jubbar Lake, a quiet waterbody surrounded by pine trees and believed to be sacred to Nag Devta. Bring a book, a warm drink, and just let time pass gently.
Why These Destinations Matter More Than Ever
In an era of over-planned vacations and screen-filled days, places like Pulau Ubin and Hatu Peak remind us that real travel is about presence. It’s about riding a bike through forest shade, tasting food made by hand, listening to temple bells, and watching clouds roll by without checking the time.
Both spots are perfect for slow travelers, solo wanderers, nature lovers, and those seeking healing—not just a holiday.
Travel Tips & Essentials
For Pulau Ubin, Singapore:
- Airlines: Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, Scoot, Emirates, and Qatar Airways
- Getting There: Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (6 AM to 7 PM).
- Essentials to Carry: Cash (no ATMs on the island), sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and a power bank.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March (pleasant weather, lesser humidity).
For Hatu Peak, Himachal Pradesh:
- Airlines: Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. From Chandigarh
- Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Leh).
- Getting There: Drive 7–8 hours via Shimla to reach Fagu. The road from Fagu to Hatu Peak is narrow—hire a local driver or take a 4x4 taxi.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November for clear skies and ideal hiking weather.
There are some places that don’t scream for your attention. They whisper to your soul. Pulau Ubin and Hatu Peak are such places—unpretentious, sacred, deeply rooted in nature and tradition. They are not for rushing through, but for lingering, for rediscovering the joy of doing less and feeling more.
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