ONEdot TIMES

“Singapore Hell”. That’s how most Singaporeans describe this island. Pulau Tekong is the first place that Singapore men will visit when they are officially a soldier. The “amateur” soldier will have to spend at least nine weeks on this island to complete the BMT, Basic Military Training. On top of that, the “amateur” solider will also need to pass the IPPT, pass the shooting test and have at least 75% attendance (I don’t know that the hell is that).

So today I will set foot on this (hell) island for the first time in my life. But before that, I’d to take a ride on the fastcraft (what a beautiful name for a ferry ride…). Actually, I’m extremely excited about going to Pulau Tekong. Not because I like to go there a lot but I’d got the chance to feel what it will be like when I’m undergoing the BMT two years later. Furthermore, I’ve got the chance to take a ferry ride (its been almost a year since I’ve last taken a ferry ride).

Upon reaching the island, we’re first led to a not-so-fantastic AIR-CONDITIONED auditorium for a briefing (the usual boring briefing). Well, the most interesting part of the briefing is the “propaganda” video about National Service. Because the NS Men all seemed so happy in the video.

First station: To “experience” living in Pulau Tekong. Was surprised by that the place is so clean and tidy.
Second station To “experience” the food in Pulau Tekong. The looks of the food is already yucky! So dare not taste the so-called Nyona curry chicken rice.
Third station: To visit the actual training centre. Quite informative… (the fitness coach gave us some ways to improve chin-up and standing broadjump).

Ate some sausage buns and cream puffs that were offered to us before going back to Singapore island. Glad that I’ve got the chance to experience it before actually going for NS. (if not i will definitey panic or think lotsa horrible stuff when I reach that age…..)