A picturesque view of Pulau Ubin
When asked about Singapore, many people tend to associate Singapore as a concrete jungle with its perfectly manicured trees, bushes and paved roads with meticulously spaced out buildings. Few would imagine that there exists an island just 15 minutes away from the city that still retains some of its village charm. Pulau Ubin is an escape for avid mountain bikers who love taking the road less travelled-the off road trails. The small island attracts many tourists, families and couples who enjoy taking photos of the beautiful scenery especially weekends.
Our Ubin Participants
We started our day bright and early by gathering at the Changi Ferry Terminal at 8.30am. Most of the participants were regular SMUX members, but that day we had the pleasure of hosting an exchange student from Austria who was particularly delighted at venturing the lesser known places in Singapore with us. It takes 15 minutes by boat to reach the Ubin jetty.
On the bumboat to Pulau Ubin
Some of the participants bicycles sun tanning on the deck
Upon arrival at Pulau Ubin.
Renting our bicycles
After getting off our boat, we made our way to the bicycle rental shop. There are quite a few shops around with quality mountain bicycles. We used this time of trying out our bicycles to get to know each other better. For many of us, it was our first time doing mountain biking so we were really excited!
All ready to start the adventure!
As long as there’s a camera, we have to pose!
Hong Taa briefing the participants on the route
Before setting off, Hong Taa, the training IC for the event briefed everyone on the route we were about to take. Although small in size, Pulau Ubin has many interesting places to explore. Just like the efficient friendly tour guide he is, Hong Taa gave an energetic explanation on the trails we were going to explore.
Happy faces after finishing the beginner’s blue diamond trail
We started off doing the easy blue diamond route. With well beaten paths for us, it wasn’t too difficult for anyone as we went up and down the slopes. We survived!
Us with our bicycles at Ketam Quarry
At the end of the blue diamond trail which was slightly more difficult due to the steep up hill, we were rewarded with the very beautiful view of the quarry and the blue sky. As with all fences, we were meant to climb on top and take photos while sitting on it! The Ketam Quarry as its name suggests was a quarry that was converted in to a lake. Once used for industrial purposes, it is now a postcard worthy photo taking spot.
Reach for the skies!
We can conquer anything even with our funny faces.
Going down the rocky slopes of the difficult double black diamond trail for expert riders
While most of us rested, the adventurous few tried the most difficult trail in Ubin. The challenge is all part of the fun as Warren made his way down the rocky path. After resting for a little while and plenty of camwhore photos later, we made our way down the hill for lunch.
Kayakers came to join us for lunch.
We quickly made our way back to the jetty for a well deserved seafood lunch. True to the SMUX family spirit, the Kayaking team came to join us for lunch. While we were cycling in Ubin, they were kayaking around Ubin. It was quite a sight as they parked their kayaks right beneath the restaurant and walked up the stairs to join us.
Our seafood lunch was scrumptious!
Our fried sotong with sweet sauce. Yum!
Enjoying the greenery at Chek Jawa
After our lunch at the jetty, we took a walk along the mangrove swamps of Chek Jawa. The mangrove swamps are very well preserved and still teem with wildlife of all kinds.
Walking along the Chek Jawa boardwalk
Going up the Chek Jawa viewing tower.
A wonderful shot of our heads looking down from the tower
Tired but happy faces
After trying out the mountain biking trails, taking postcard worthy pictures and taking a nice long walk admiring the sea view of Chek jawa, we finally had to go home! It definitely was an adventure as we spent 5 hours in a jungle trail with great company and a delicious seafood lunch. Do join the SMUX Biking Team for more fun rides in future!
written by Melanie Tan
