Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin (North)

Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin-Giant Python Patrolling the River

Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong are the two important islands forming the sections of the Northern Water Dragon that are visible above the water surface. Stretched out between Singapore and Malaysia, the Northern Dragon, also called the Guardian Dragon, contains the qi of each side so that the qi will not leak.

Since Malaysia and Singapore form the carp spewing a pearl formation, with Singapore the pearl spewed out from Johor's carp's mouth, the relationship between these two countries is very close.

This is a mutually beneficial situation because if the carp is without its pearl, it will not prosper, and if the pearl is without power, the carp will not be so highly prized. In fact, Johor has become one of the fastest developing zones in the Malaysian peninsula due to the reciprocal display of gratitude on the part of Singapore as its pearl. If the qi is cut off, it will not benefit either side.

The first causeway linking Singapore and Malaysia is mutually beneficial and complementary for both sides. The second causeway was constructed under the aegis of both countries. Unfortunately, it was completed just when Southeast Asia experienced a hot weather spell, causing the carp to feel trapped. The recent economic recession saw the second causeway being under-utilised. That is the result of a bad luck cycle.

After 2004, the second causeway will be as heavily utilised as the first causeway. If by then there are plans to build a third causeway, the best location is somewhere near Pulau Ubin, ie, from Singapore's Changi beach to Malaysia's Kota Tinggi. But we might see this plan being realised only after 2004.

Merrymakers have to be extremely careful when swimming or engaging in other sea sports in the vicinity of Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin, because the waters between these two islands face the mouth of Kota Tinggi River. The surface might appear peaceful, but the undercurrents can be strong, especially on the side facing Malaysia. In feng shui this region is known as the assembly of snakes.

Another example is Kallang River, where the undercurrents are strong and cases of drowning are rather frequent. Since natural phenomenons like these cannot be stamped out or avoided, we have to be careful.

The government's plan to link up Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong is favourable where feng shui is concerned. However, bridges should be built to link the two islands rather than reclaiming the area between them, which will cut off the water flow and affect the qi.

The reason is because the giant python in this area needs to surface every now and then, but it must not be made to float on the water surface permanently, for then it will not be able to display its prowess.

The area between Pulau Ubin and Changi Beach can be converted into a lagoon, while high-class residential buildings, leisure-cum-physical training centres can be built near it. Pulau Tekong should remain a military ground to guide the giant python. This will be similar to the Eastern Dragon's situation, where important facilities are built on the dragon's head so that the dragon's power will be magnified, which is in harmony with feng shui principles.

Singapore is a small island with limited natural resources. Her defence and aerospace industries are extremely important. Developing Pulau Tekong into a military base will activate the power of the Northern Dragon (the giant python) and propel Singapore's defence arm into the league of the internationally renowned which already includes Singapore's airport and seaport. On the other hand, as the giant python is capable of churning waves and overturning vessels, it needs to be restrained to ensure Singapore's internal and external security and enable the populace to live in peace and harmony.

The giant python is most fearful of pagoda-shaped structures. This has to be taken into consideration when building houses here. If there is a need to build a pagoda-shaped structure, the design must not look like a nail. The ponds in the island must be well-maintained to stay clean and full.

In 1997, Southeast Asia experienced the El Nino effect, sending temperatures soaring. This was accompanied by forest fires. This disaster thrusts two prospering countries, Indonesia and Malaysia, into an economic crisis.

Fortunately, Singapore survived the crisis as her government had worked hard all these years to protect and open up water sources and had also put an emphasis on environmental protection.

Feng shui and protection of the environment are intertwined. In fact, feng shui is the ancient precursor of environmental studies. It involves the study of the whole universe, including astronomy, geography and the harmonious coexistence of the human race with the environment. Even after acquiring a house with a good feng shui, we still need to protect and look after it in order to reap the positive effects.

Hence, in the development of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong, which are located on top of the Northern Dragon, we have to protect the natural environment so as to support the giant python in its duty as the guardian of Singapore's feng shui.