Pedal Ubin returns for for Pesta Ubin 2018!

Join us for a relaxing ride around Pulau Ubin on Sunday, 24 June 2018 and explore the Island's landmarks, scenery, and way of life with NUS Toddycats, guides from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. 

We will rent a bicycle from one of the many bike rental shops in the village ($3 – $15 per rental; or bring your own) and cycle to visit old plantations, kampongs, forest, quarries and mangroves, stop for a coconut or two and listen to the guides as they share with you stories of Ubin’s wildlife, heritage and ongoing conservation efforts. 

Please register for the limited spaces, which are allocated on a first come first served basis. There will be a waiting list, and it is important that you cancel your registration if you realise you are unable to attend. This will allow people on the wait list to join the event.

You must be able to ride a bike and participants must be at least 10 years old in order to keep up with the pace. Even if it is a slow ride, there are slopes and dirt trails to enjoy. You must arrange to rent a bicycle on Pulau Ubin (and you are encourage to rent a helmet too) or bring your own bicycles from the mainland.

FAQs

Q: Is the guided nature ride free?

A: Yes the guided ride is free! You will have arrange for your own transport to Pulau Ubin ($5 two way) and bike hire ($5 – $15). The simplest bicycle type will do. 

Q: Where and when to meet?

Take the Ubin ferry from Changi Ferry Terminal at 7:30 am latest.
First visit? See the informative Pesta Ubin page about how to get to Pulau Ubin

We meet at the town square in front of the Wayang Stage on Pulau Ubin at 8:00 am with your rented bicycle. There are several bike rental shops leading to and around the square, so pick out a bicycle and meet us. We will help check your bike for its good fit and working condition.

Q: What if it rains?

A: We will meet rain or shine! Most storms this period can be waited out within an hour. And if there is no threat of lightning, we will ride in the rain, so bring a poncho! 

Q: Who do I inform if I am unable to attend the event?

A: It is important to immedaitely cancel your Eventbrite ticket – this will release your spot to someone on the waiting list.  You may also let us know at toddycats@gmail.com. 

Q: What advice do you have for participants?

DO's

• PROTECT your head – we strongly recommend that you wear a HELMET. Even though we do not travel fast, it could save your life in a freak accident.
• PROTECT your feet – wear proper SHOES (covered-toes, no gaps on sides and  and laced).
• PROTECT Pulau Ubin – limit the trash you generate, use reuseables and be sensitive to the environment (See Ubin Way below). 
• Always HYDRATE - bring at least 1.5 liters of drinking water.
• Have a GOOD breakfast before the ride.
• Bring some SNACKS, especially if tend to get hungry after three hours.
• Bring a RAINCOAT or poncho as it can get very hot, but also may rain a lot; and we may be cold in the rain.
• Being INSECT REPELLANT, especialy if you are vulnerable to insect bites (especially in ex-plantation area).
• A CHANGE of clothes if you perpire a lot - it feels great when you towel off and change your top, and it will be considerate to others on public transport.
• Come to enjoy the experience, be relaxed and help each other!

DON'T's

• DO NOT wear sandals or slippers.
• DO NOT leave laces dangling. Tuck them in.
• DO NOT leave the group during the ride without informing your guide.

Q: What is The Ubin Way?

The Ubin Way is a Code of Conduct are principles which guide responsible and sustainable practices by visitors, islanders, and businesses on Pulau Ubin. These were conceived by The Friends of Ubin Network in 2014 to promote the unique way of life on Pulau Ubin: 

1. Relive and experience the kampong lifestyle.
2. Appreciate and conserve our cultural heritage.
3. Discover and cherish the diversity of nature.
4. Respect one another and bond with the community.
5. Care for Ubin and be considerate towards its environment.

Q: Who are the organisers and guides?
A: NUS Toddycats are volunteer guides with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore. The name "Toddycats" is a common name of the Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), a wild carnivore which survived the urbanisation of terrestrial Singapore. 

We are undergraduates and working adults with a passion for taking action for nature and the environment. Your guides for Pedal Ubin are: Joelle Lai, Kenneth Pinto, Marcus Ng, Ong Say Lin, Airani S, Alvin Wong and N. Sivasothi aka Otterman.

Pesta Ubin is an annual event organised since 2014 by the Friends of Ubin Network (FUN). FUN is a ground up initiative setup by stakeholders of the island (grassroots leaders, nature lovers, Ubin operators, educators and volunteers). We invite the public to enjoy and learn about this precious and unique island which has been retained and enhanced for nature, heritage and recreation and learning.