Final Notes from a Great Island

First published in 2006, Final Notes from a Great Island sees Humphreys embarking on a valedictory tour from his home in Toa Payoh before he leaves for a new life in Australia. He explores Singapore as he did when he first arrived—a newcomer on foot and inexperienced—visiting his favourite places: the countryside around Lim Chu Kang, the serene beaches of Kusu island, Sentosa, Sembawang Park, St. John's Island, Johor Bahru, and many more. Humphreys treks, cycles and even hitchhikes his way across this great island, encountering murderous dogs, dead cats, wild crocodiles and mad cyclists. 


In 1996, Neil Humphreys arrived in Singapore for a short holiday. He stayed put on the island for 10 years during which he published three books: Notes from an even Smaller Island (2001), which became an immediate best-seller and stayed on the Singapore best-seller list for over three years; Scribbles from the Same Island (2003); and Final Notes from a Great Island (2006), which sold over 15,000 copies.

 

In 2007, Neil headed south for Victoria, Australia. While there, the omnibus Complete Notes from Singapore (2007) and Be My Baby (2008) were published. His first work of fiction, Match Fixer will debut in January 2010. He writes for several magazines and newspapers in Singapore, Australia and the UK