It has been hot and humid for weeks already. The heat is so overwhelming that the only place cool enough is at the jetty where there are some breeze. Generally temperatures above 30s and with humidity above 75% is considered too hot. Avoid the western side of Ubin where there are less tree cover.
Excessive sweating can be a problem. I remember the legs cramps and the worry of not being able to get home the last time while cycling the furthest reach of Ubin. This time I make sure I have a tube of muscle balm with me.
Prevention would a better idea. Other than isotonic drinks like 100 plus, pocari sweat, H-Two-O, you can try sugar free alternatives such as diet coke added with salt. Its my favorite drink. I would order from Ali’s coffeeshop at Ubin jetty before starting my day’s adventure. Then there are coconuts. Nature’s healthy isotonic drink. Click on their links for its nutrition value compared to isotonic drinks.
The coconuts sold in Ubin are imported from Thailand and from Malaysia. Thai coconuts are sold for $2.50 each. They are very sweet and contain less coconut water. You can find cheaper Ubin coconuts too. Ubin coconuts are huge with enough water for 2 persons. It may not be sweet but I prefer them for it’s natural taste. Of course, the coconuts are prepared fresh before your very eyes.
Due to the danger of falling coconuts, Nparks goes around Ubin and harvest them. But sometimes they go too far and chopped the trees down. Their fears are misplaced. A scholarly article on “Injuries Due to Falling Coconuts” by Peter Barss estimated that estimates that over a four-year period five deaths in his hospital’s service area were related to coconut palm trees (including climbers falling out of them -Source). The coconut trees at Marman beach have already been cleared. No more trees to tie hammocks by the beach now.
If you are in Ubin taking snapshots remember to take souvenir shots of coconuts trees in Ubin. I do that every chance I got. They are so beautiful. And worthy of heritage status.
Additional Coconut bibliography
