Excursion to Jurong Island

So Suaku.. Today's the very FIRST time i step foot on Jurong Island... to visit our plant there. Jurong Island is a highly integrated and self-contained petrochemicals hub. Heard about the stringent checks, and how ulu it is... but could never picture it in my brain.
Checkpoint
Jurong Island was gazetted as a Protected Area in 2001. Following this, an integrated and comprehensive security framework was put in place and a dedicated security checkpoint was set up to screen all vehicles and personnel entering the island. The Jurong Island Checkpoint employs the latest security technologies and trained security personnel to allow for swift clearance and effective screening. It's exactly like you are clearing the customs @ Woodlands checkpoint, except that instead of a passport, you are only allowed to enter the island if you work in one of the companies on the island or if you have a Visitor Pass that's sponsored by one of the companies. However, i'm puzzled why i wasn't screened.. maybe they've installed some hi-tech scanning cameras that were scanning our belongings and bodies while we are queuing to collect the Visitors Pass!? The traffic can be very heavy in the morning with trucks and tankers.. thank goodness i had the common sense to take a cab instead of volunteering to drive there. :P
The neighborhood
After the customs, you see nothing but chemical plants with Clusters of gigantic cylindrical tanks amid a maze of pipelines everywhere! Apparently, the taxi drivers do not have access to maps on their online system, they have to rely on their memories on where is where on the island. On my way back, the taxi driver kept reminding me that i'm very lucky to have met both cabbies today who know their way around the island... and then he missed the building where i hafta return the Visitor Pass and collect my NRIC.. hehe. :P