Why Lazarus Island Should Be Your Next Getaway Destination | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Ecology, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, ecotourism, Lazarus Island (Pulau Sakijang Pelepah), Long-tailed Macaques, Ramose Murex snail, Branching Coral, Horn-eyed Ghost Crab, Blue Bee-eaters, Masked Lapwing, Mangroves, Mudskippers, Marine Park, E-foiling, Jetboarding, Tiny House Movement, Minimalist Living, Food Waste Biodigester.

1. Lazarus Island: Past and Present

• Lazarus Island, known locally as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah (the island of one barking deer and palm trees), is located off Singapore's southern coast.
• 50 years ago, it was a lived-in island with a small, close-knit community. Fai, now in his 50s, is one of the last people who remembers living there as a child with his grandparents.
• Fai recalls a childhood filled with swimming, bird watching, and abundant seafood. He became a boat captain because of his love for nature and the peaceful sounds of the island.

2. Ecotourism and Wildlife Encounters

• Andrew and Dan conduct ecotours on Lazarus Island, blending wildlife encounters with outdoor adventure. They emphasize that they are constantly learning alongside the tour participants.
• The tours focus on uncovering the island's biodiversity and forgotten past through kayaking and hiking.
• They aim to instill a renewed sense of appreciation for nature and the efforts to protect fragile habitats and creatures.
• Examples of wildlife encountered include the Long-tailed Macaques, the Ramose Murex snail (a rare species), Branching Coral, and the Horn-eyed Ghost Crab.
• The Horn-eyed Ghost Crab is notable for its speed, capable of running 100 body lengths per second, faster than a cheetah.

3. Bird Watching and Mangrove Conservation

• Lazarus Island is a famous bird feeding spot, with sightings of Blue Bee-eaters and Masked Lapwings.
• The video captures a rare mating encounter of birds.
• Mangroves are highlighted as crucial for fighting climate change, acting as carbon absorbers and storing carbon in their roots, soil, and leaves.
• Less than 5% of mangrove forests remain compared to the past.
• Mudskippers, specifically the blue-spotted cheek ones, are abundant in the mangrove areas, indicating a healthy ecosystem. They flag their dorsal fins to appear intimidating.
• The southern peninsula of Lazarus Island is planned to be designated as Singapore’s next marine park due to its marine biodiversity.

4. Adventure and Sustainable Water Sports

• Brenda offers e-foiling and jetboarding experiences on Lazarus Island, promoting a shift from "iPad screens to sunscreen."
• Jetboarding is described as surfing without waves, using a remote control for speed.
• E-foiling allows riders to "fly" above the water.
• Brenda started the e-foil and jetboard school after Mark Zuckerberg's viral video sparked interest in the sport.
• She emphasizes the opportunity for students to see the island and learn a new sport simultaneously.

5. Tiny House Movement and Minimalist Living

• Jeff runs one of the two accommodation options on Lazarus Island, a tiny house.
• His business is part of the global tiny house movement, which promotes minimalist living and reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
• Big Tiny has set up over 500 compact homes across Australia, Asia, and Europe since 2017.
• The tiny houses are built on wheels to avoid cutting down trees or building foundations.
• They incorporate sustainable materials, solar panels, and food waste biodigesters that turn leftover food into compost within 24 hours.
• The movement aims to reduce resource consumption, waste production, and environmental footprint.

6. Conclusion

• The video emphasizes the urgency to protect the environment and highlights that change can start with individual choices in how we live, explore, and move through the world.
• The choices made today will shape the places we leave behind tomorrow.