Thanks to three cohorts of guides for 12 years of fine work!
Raffles Museum Toddycats: Pedal Ubin
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are you from and why do you conduct these rides?
A: Raffles Museum Toddycats are a group of volunteer guides with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at the National University of Singapore. The programme is managed by N. Sivasothi, a Research Associate of the museum who started this series of rides in 1998. In 2001, we realised that many of the people who flocked to visit Chek Jawa had not visited Pulau Ubin before. So the programme, which was about to end, was continued and replenished with two new cohorts of enthusiastic guides. They hailed from a variety of backgrounds and delight in sharing with you our joy in nature and heritage, and the interesting history and places of Pulau Ubin.
Q: I am not an NUS student or I am a foreigner. Can I join the ride?
A: Definitely! Our rides are open to the public - this means anyone.
Q: Are the rides free?
A: Yes indeed, they are absolutely free! You will have a good time with us and we ENCOURAGE you to contribute to Pulau Ubin by donating to the Green Volunteers Network Pulau Ubin Fund - they have requested for food donations for the elderly and also for the many strays on Ubin. We end our rides at the GVN Green House. Otherwise we suggest you donate to one of the many animal welfare groups in Singapore that are doing excellent work, e.g. Cat Welfare Society (get their T-shirts!)
Q: Where do we meet? What time to meet? What if it rains?
A: We meet at the Pulau Ubin Volunteer Hub at 8.30 am - we will meet rain or shine! If there is no apparent threat of lightning we will ride in the rain, so bring a poncho! Note that you have to take the Ubin ferry from Changi Ferry Terminal at 8.00 am latest in order to have enough time to pick out a bicycle and meet us in front of the Ubin Volunteer Centre.
Q: How do I get to Changi Ferry Terminal?
A: Changi Ferry Terminal is at Changi Village: SBS Bus No. 2 from Tanah Merah MRT ends at Changi Village Bus Terminal. SBS No. 29 travels from Tampines Bus Interchange and passes through Changi Village - the bus driver can tell you where to alight. Walk down Lorong Bekukong - the road behind the bus interchange/hawker centre.
For a map and links to bus services in the area, see Singeo's Singapore Bus Stops webpage
If you are driving, parking is available at Lorong Bekukong.
Q: What are the transport and rental costs like?
The bum boat ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin costs $2.50 per person abd $2 per bike per trip. Whole-day rental of bicycles cost between $3-$8. There are many bicycle kiosks between the jetty and the village center. make sue you ask them what to do if your bicycle breaks down!
Q: Is there anyone I can inform if I am unable to attend the event?
A: Yes, please let us know at toddycats@gmail.com
A: Bring the following:
- Enough water – about 1 to 2 litres per person (it can get quite hot).
- Snacks - in case you get hungry or weak while on the ride.
- Shoes – a must, as it is safer to ride and walk around with.
- A cap, sunblock and a raincoat – The sun can get quite intense, so a it is a very good idea to have one. On a rainy day, we will continue (Puddle Ubin), so always be prepared for showers.
- Insect repellant.
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Have a GOOD breakfast before the ride (at Changi Village or Pulau Ubin).
Q: Must I wear a helmet?
A: We strongly recommend you wear a helmet. Some of the bike kiosks have them for rental.
We also ride slowly (if you want to sprint around the island, you will find this very boing), so that keeps the rides safe.
- There are several bicycle kiosks between the jetty and the village center.
- Whole-day rental costs between $3-$5.
- Check the brakes, gears, saddle height and general fit of the bike.
- Cycle around the village square and check if you feel comfortable - remember, you will be on this bicycle for the next three hours at least.
- Get help from the shop owner if needed.
- Get a number to call for help if your bicycle breaks down - some do offer this service!
Q: Is there food and drinks on the island?
- There is one Muslim stall and four Chinese restaurants in Ubin Village.
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There is a provision shop at the village.
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Canned drinks are on sale at the "Why You So Like That?" stall after the Sungei Jelutong bridge and also at the old Orchid Farm next to Maman Beach.
- Coconut water is sold at Sg Jelutong Bridge on late morning weekends.
Q: Is Ubin actually free of rules?
A: Sorry, you are still in Singapore. In fact we suggest you help police yourself - be careful and considerate on Pulau Ubin
- Bring your trash to the mainland.
- Patronise the shops you take shelter at.
- If you stop, park your bicycle by the side of the road or trail to allow others to pass.
- Keep left when cycling - be careful on any paved road, vans ply the island!
- Give way to pedestrians; be hospitable even if they are in the wrong place!
- Speed injures, so cycle slowly. You may have heard stories of broken bones and teeth - well they were all going too fast!
- Do not bring your bicycles on to the Chek Jawa boardwalk - they are not allowed.
Q: Is a map available? Can I wander around on my own?
A: Yes, you can get a map from NParks Visitor Kiosk at Pulau Ubin Village (or download this map(2500 x 1538)). You can leave us at any point as you are responsible for yourself - but please let the guide know as we do head counts from time to time. If you want to continue after the ride, we encourage you to do so as the ride only provides a first glimmer of introduction to the island but there is lots more to see.
Q: I’m late. What should I do?
A: Find us in Pulau Ubin if you can. We leave on time to be fair to those who came on time (half your guides live in the west, so no excuses!)
We start early to enjoy the crisp morning air and the cool day before it gets hot and busy on Pulau Ubin.
Q: Are they any other rides available?
A: Our rides are held every 1st Saturday every three months (March, June, September and December) subject to change - check our calendar and no other days or timings, sorry!
Q: I am organizing a cycling trip at Pulau Ubin for my company. Can we join you?
A: Sorry, we do not provide guiding services to companies or large groups. We only have enough energy to do this four times a year so generally we do not take on additional rides.
Q: What is the ride like?
A: We ride to various points of interests of Pulau Ubin. Along the way we will dismount form our bicycles to share stories with you about Pulau Ubin. See participants comments and blog posts about the ride in the webpage.
Q: What is the duration of the ride?
A: Between 3.5 to 4 hours; we begin at 8.30am and usually end by 12.30pm latest if the weather is good.
Q: What is the terrain like during the ride?
A: The routes we are taking are mostly paved, with the occasional off-roads. You will manage as long as you can cycle!
We do not allow tandem bikes to tag along, sorry.
A: Well, we can only tell you that we will be cycling around Ubin. There is no prediction to the route your guides will choose to bring you to that morning! Possible routes include:
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1. Northern Routes (relatively easy; 2 hours)
Village leads to left and right loops which are no longer connected, after reaching northen coastline, double back and link to second loop via Jalan Batu Ubin.
1a. Noordin Trail
1b. Maman Loop
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2. Western Ubin (longer routes to German Girl Shrine and former Thai temple; 3 hours)
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3. Eastern Ubin - has offroad and hilly parts (toughest routes, requires some skill; 3 hours)
3a. Sensory Trail Loop
3b. Chek Jawa Route (cont'd from 1a)
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