Saturday, September 16, 2017

Bukom Island

Pulau Bukom


Pulau Bukom or Pulau Bukum is a small island lies about 5 km to the south of the south of main island of Singapore. The actual size of the island is 1.45 sq km.


 Also known as Pulau Bukom Besar the island’s name is said to be named after Malay’s rangkek bukom a species of seashell which is wide at one end and tapers to a narrow point, the shape of the island prior to land reclamation. To its south is a smaller island known as Pulau Bukom Kechil.


The island was originally a mangrove swamp and used to be a source of fresh water by ships. To supply the water needs of the passing ship a trader named Gagino established a water company in 1884.

 Situated in Pulau Bukom is Shell’s largest oil refinery that produces 400,000 barrels a day of refined product. The association of the Shell Company with the island dates back to 1891, when the company used to store kerosene here. About 3000 people work in Bukom refinery. There is also a residential neighborhood that resembles the traditional Dutch Town. There are groups of brick buildings facing the sea that has prominent roofs of irregular profile. Work staffs that live here are provided with complete amenities and recreational facilities; however the island is restricted to the public.



 The public is off limits to the island. Visitors who wish to visit the island must obtain a security pass which will only be issued for personnel working on the island. There is also a tight security and unauthorized person is not allowed to enter the island. Penguin ferries operate the ferry service to the island free of charge.




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