Kampong Buangkok - Singapore's Last Remaining Kampong

Singapore is a modern city, highly cosmopolitan and one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. It includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Caucasians and Asians of different origins.  Singapore prides itself on contemporary architectural designs and state of the art highrise structures.  At first glance Singapore has it all; top notch medical services, extremely (nearly nil) low crime rate, HDB housing for the citizens, and a modern lifestyle. 

You quickly realize when living in Singapore that something is missing here.  History buffs see new buildings housing historical data, modern art, contemporary designs and beautiful homes on the island.  However, upon closer examination, you note that there are no century old homes here.  In the states we have stately plantations mixed in with the newer homes and historical buildings mixed in with the new high rises.  History buffs cherish those buildings; often to the point of protesting their destruction and causing years of court battles to halt their demise.  In Singapore it is not so; progress allows destruction, older homes and buildings are destroyed and new ones rise.  Like someone swiping their arm across a table and knocking off a slew of antiques, Singapore does the same with its historical treasures.  Old making way for new.

But deep in the heart of Singapore, there remains one last kampong village, waiting for exploration, documentation and admiration.  Deep in the heart of the surrounding HDB's, lies a tiny little village called Kampong Buangkok - Singapore's last remaining kampong (village).  Currently the little village is home to 28 families (18 Chinese and 10 Malay). They pay about $13 in rent. They continue to enjoy the slower pace of life that the kampong setting offers while watching the HDB flats going up all around them.  Sadly, the Singapore government has the village slated for the chopping block, making way for new condos and HDB's.

I went with a few friends 3 days ago just to see the little village.  I don't really know what I was expecting, but upon arrival, I was surprised to see small modest homes cramped into a tiny area about the size of 2 football fields. They seemed to be haphazardly thrown into the village with no rhyme or reason to the way the 'fell'.  We wandered around looking at the homes and I took a 'few' pictures... ha!  Do I ever take a few?  I think the pictures are self explanitory, so I won't elaborate - I will just share a bit of what Singapore is about to lose.

Obviously, this little kampong will die out on its own in time, but to wipe it all off the face of the earth intentionally is so very wrong.  I am glad we took the time to wander through it.  I cannot describe the feelings tumbling around inside of me while we meandered through - I could only take pictures to remember its charm. 

This.  Is. History.  

You cannot replace it.  

You cannot bring it back.  

So.  Very.  Sad.

Prayers still being said for our oil field family.  I am sure you heard about the rig sinking yesterday.  Please remember the families of the 11 still missing; it is looking very dim for them now.  Also, send lots of prayers and thoughts for those trying to get the well and fire under control... it is serious folks.  Very serious.  My heart goes out to everyone.  

We all lost something or someone out there.  All of us.  That is not just Transocean's unit out there - it is the livelihood of the south and a cushy for you.  Think about what those rigs are all about each time you fuel up your car over the next few weeks; if it weren't for those people out there drilling, we would be riding bicycles or walking. 

Puts a different perspective on it, doesn't it?  Suddenly, it becomes 'our' disaster.