Pedal Ubin 2023 – explore Pulau Ubin with NUS Toddycats! (10th & 18th June)

Pedal Ubin returns for for Pesta Ubin 2023!

Join us for a relaxing ride around Pulau Ubin and explore highlights of the island's nature, landmarks, scenery and way of life with NUS Toddycats who are veteran guides of over two decades. 

You must get to Changi Village Ferry Terminal by 7.30am to take a bumboat ferry across to Pulau Ubin ($4/person) to be on time. Rent a bicycle from one of the many bike rental shops in the village ($6 – $15 per rental; or bring your own) and join us at the Wayang Stage in the Village.

We will do a bicycle check and then visit old plantations, kampongs, forest, quarries and mangroves, stop for a coconut drink or two and enjoy the stories of Ubin’s wildlife, heritage and ongoing conservation efforts. 

Please register individually for the limited spaces, which are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. There will be a waiting list, and if unable to make the ride, it is important that you cancel your registration. This release spaces for people on the precious 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. While it is a relatively slow ride, there are slopes and dirt trails on Pulau Ubin to enjoy. Rent a bicycle on Pulau Ubin (and you are encouraged 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 ($8 two way) and bike hire ($6 – $15) from one of the many bicycle rental shops there. The simplest mountain bicycle type will do. You can try bargaining! 

Q: Where and when to meet?

Take the Ubin ferry from Changi Ferry Terminal at 7:30 am latest. First visit? View the NParks 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 dissipate within the hour. And if there is no threat of lightning, we will ride in a drizzle, so bring a poncho! 

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

A: It is important to immediately 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).
• PROTECT Pulau Ubin – limit the trash you generate, use reuseables and be sensitive to the environment (See The 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; while it can get very hot, it may also rain a lot.
• Being INSECT REPELLENT, especially if you are vulnerable to insect bites (especially in ex-plantation area).
• A CHANGE of clothes if you perspire 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, slippers or any open-toed footwear.
• 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, a set of 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 comprised of 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, Airani, Ivan Khong, Lim Cheng Puay 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. 

Safety is our priority.

On the day of the event,

• You must be FREE OF FLU symptoms: DO NOT TURN UP if you are experiencing elevated temperature, sniffing, a sore throat, cough or shortness of breath on the morning of the activity - instead visit a GP if you have any of these symptoms.
• When in doubt, remember that safety is our priority.