From Shield to Sustainability: The Strategic Role of the Northern Dragon in Singapore

Published: 29 Aug 2025

Lying off the northeastern coast of mainland, Singapore’s largest outlying island was once home to small villages with sleepy roads and a handful of schools. Today, just mentioning “Pulau Tekong” conjures images of marching soldiers in their green digital camouflage uniforms. 

Yet, Tekong is more than just a military training ground. Under the influence of the Northern Dragon, this shield supports Singapore’s growth, resilience, and balance. Wondering where else the elusive Northern Dragon covers and its impacts on Singapore. The answer lies below. 

Scratching your head in confusion? Read this to learn more about the hidden dragons in Singapore first. Alternatively, fast-track your fengshui journey here!

Discovering the Northern Dragon’s Fengshui Influence

Dragon landform: What is it?

Since prehistoric China, the practice of selecting favourable sites for settlement has always involved the observation of natural landscapes amongst other factors. In fengshui, a dragon landform refers to the shape and arrangement of land features such as mountains, rivers, and valleys, and their influence on the flow of “qi” or energy, which can influence various aspects of life.

Key elements of a dragon landform:

Dragon’s Head [龙头]: This is the landform’s most prominent feature, symbolising wisdom, vitality, and authority. It is ideal for significant structures or individuals with strong Bazi. Wondering where the Northern Dragon’s head lies? We’ve been talking about it, but read on to confirm!

Dragon’s Body [龙身]: Featuring undulating terrain such as hills or rivers, this segment ensures smooth qi flow, which is key for stability and good fortune.

Dragon’s Tail [龙尾]: Referring to the landform’s tapering end, where qi dissipates. A smooth, unobstructed, and gentle transition into water or plains gathers wealth and stability, while sharp cuts or blockages (e.g. tunnels, skyscrapers) disrupt energy flow.

Note that the dragon’s tail should also be balanced with the dragon’s head. Overdevelopment at either end will cause instability. Residents staying near the dragon’s tail must be resilient and determined as energy here can be unstable. 

Curious to learn more about dragon landforms? Don’t miss our strategic  fengshui  course!

Singapore’s Northern Dragon: Dragon of the Defence

Cruising the straits between Singapore and Malaysia, the Northern Dragon reflects the shortest dragon vein amongst the five dragons. Its back surfaces at Pulau Ubin and its head has been spotted at Pulau Tekong. Being the “Dragon of Defence”, it carries the responsibility of stabilising the dragon qi. Hence, there are limitations to developing sections of the Northern Dragon.

In case you were wondering, dragon qi [龙气] refers to dynamic energy that flows through landforms that resemble dragons’ parts. These formations are part of the dragon veins [龙脉] also identified as the Earth’s energetic circulatory system, which is the fundamentals of fengshui.

Location of Dragon’s Head: Pulau Tekong

Credits: Google Map

Did you know? Before Pulau Tekong became the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC), it was a busy commercial centre with shophouses. In fact, Pulau Tekong was labelled as Po. Tukang, which means “merchant” in the early 19th century because it used to be a trading station for Pulau Ubin and the state of Johor!

Some of you may be aware that  Pulau Tekong comprised two islands, which were merged in the mid-1990s, thereby making it the largest offshore island of Singapore. Today, this is where all male Singaporean citizens begin their National Service. We can’t help but wonder if this has anything to do with the Northern Dragon.

Credits: Basic Military Training Centre Media Team

As shared earlier, a Dragon’s Head is considered ideal for significant structures, often associated with leadership, vision, and powerful destiny. Pulau Tekong, exclusively occupied by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for military purposes, complements the fengshui requirements.

This is in line with the Northern Dragon’s special abilities to stabilise and safeguard the region! This situation also bears resemblance to that of the Eastern Dragon, whereby Changi Airport ignited the prosperous developments of the entire dragon.

Through land reclamation, Pulau Tekong will be expanded to stretch 10km in distance, enabling facilitation of amphibious, heliborne and urban combat training, along with an enhanced field camp site for Basic Military Training. Wondering if there’s a chance to tap into the Dragon’s energy to survive BMT (just joking!)?

Seriously though, if you’re interested to learn more about fengshui and strategic usage to flourish in various aspects of life, check out our strategic  fengshui  course here.

In fengshui, Pulau Tekong is also part of the strategic formation known as “Giant Python Patrolling the River”, which we will share more in the following segment.

Locations at Dragon’s Body: Pulau Ubin

Credits: Pesta Ubin

Looking for a rustic weekend getaway in Singapore? Ask any Singaporean, you’d most likely be recommended to go on a hike at Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa.  Once known as Pulau Batu Jubin or “Granite Stone Island,” this northeastern island earned its name from the light-blue granite quarried from its seven hills.

Interestingly, Ubin was originally a cluster of five smaller islands separated by tidal rivers, which was gradually unified through natural sedimentation and human activity. Today, it is nearly the size of Sengkang town with about 30+ residents. Its undulating terrain mirrors the dragon’s sinuous body, representing a stable core that is ideal for growth, education, and innovation.

Back in 2014, The Ubin Project was initiated to conserve the island’s rustic charm, natural environment, biodiversity and heritage. This resonates with the dragon’s landform, which spells healthy growth and sustainability in the long term.

Utilising solar power at Ubin. Credits: Nparks

Fast forward to a decade later, the next bound of The Ubin Project continues to ensure that Pulau Ubin’s natural and cultural heritage are conserved through species recovery efforts, reforestation, kampung house restoration, and environmental education programmes.

Since last year (2024), more than 4,500 trees of over 150 native species are being planted progressively across 18 sites on Ubin, and five vacant kampung houses are being restored amongst other conservation and education efforts.

In fengshui (风水), time plays an important role, categorised by fengshui cycles and periods. At present, we are in the fengshui Period 9 (year 2024 to 2044), which spells a time for positive transformation and growth. The year 2024 seems a significant year, doesn’t it?

Our 2014 publication, “Hidden Dragons in an Urban City” suggested that Singapore and Malaysia may consider building a third causeway near Pulau Ubin after the year 2024 to benefit both parties. Interestingly, the idea of a third causeway between Singapore and Johor has been raised from time to time in recent years.

Now, let’s go back to the strategic formation of the “Giant Python Patrolling the River”, which we mentioned earlier. Both Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin belong to this fengshui formation.

The Giant Python can churn waves and overturn boats. Caution is advised, as the deceptively calm waters between Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin belie dangers. One should refrain from playing in this sea!

Restraining the Giant Python shall help in ensuring safety and peaceful living for the people. That requires careful planning and developments on these two islands. To enhance fengshui benefits, water bodies on the islands should be replete and kept clean. As for residents of Pulau Ubin, staying near the Dragon’s body indicates stable qi flow, which is ideal for long-term residence or business.

Do you also stay near a dragon’s body? Read more about the fengshui landforms in your vicinity here or delve right into a strategic  fengshui  course for practical knowledge to navigate life!

Locations at Dragon’s Tail?

Submerged underwater, the location of the Northern Dragon’s tail is presently unidentified.

Which areas does the Northern Dragon cover?

Representing the Water element, the mysteriously formidable Northern Dragon symbolises stability, defence and protection. Being an amphibian, parts of the dragon are underwater with unidentified locations.

Nevertheless, the two islands under its tutelage resonate with its characteristics, promoting stability and sustainability through defence. Coincidence or fengshui in action? We’ll let you decide.

Here’s what we know of the Northern Dragon that plays a quiet yet powerful role in stabilising our nation’s energy:

Do you stay in Pulau Ubin or are you working on either of the two northeastern offshore islands? Perhaps you have family or friends training on Tekong currently? Well, don’t forget to share this article with them!

Curious about your district’s unique fengshui landform? Learn how to harness favourable energies in our strategic fengshui course with Master Goh Guan Leong, and decode hidden qi flows to optimise your living spaces!

Singapore’s fengshui in Period 9

Last but not least, you may have come across the term, Period 9, which is a new fengshui 20-year period from 2024 to 2043. In fengshui, we believe in the philosophy of Tian Di Ren (天地人), which essentially means being at the right place, with the right person, at the right time.

Located at Earth’s Southern tip and favoured by the Nine Purple Star, our island city is well-positioned for growth. In addition, Singapore’s landform energy moves as one in the new fengshui period, meaning when one prospers, all benefit!

Are you ready to master your destiny? Don’t miss our strategic  fengshui  course to learn more about how fengshui can play a part in your daily life to transform your future!

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