Saturday, March 22, 2008

Palau Ubin...

It has been a while since i step foot on Palau Ubin, even though it is just a 5 minutes boat ride away. So it was a refreshing experience when i landed on Palau Ubin, a feeling of stepping into a whole new world.

And a whole new world it is. What came to my eyes is not the sight of modern high-rise buildings but houses made from wood, very much similar to those you would find in villages in neighbouring countries. It was like going back to the past of Singapore, but with streaks of modernity lurking in the background. But even so, i still enjoy the peace the island provide and the slower pace of life as compared to the mainland.

Well, what am i doing there you may ask? Cycling lor. And boy, it is a challenge to me. A big one in fact. Even though i know how to cycle, but my level is the noob level and previous bad experiences doesn't help. So, most of the time i was lagging behind and i really appreciate my friends for their patience and advice. Thanks guys. You guys rox!

Anyway, it was fun, really. Initially, we stick to the road, whereby the up slope and down slope are mostly gentle, with a few steep ones occasionally. Little did i know that they provided me with the training i need when we began the second part of our journey. We were back at the jetty after reaching the western end of Ubin when it began to rain. The rain went from shower to downpour. Sitting at a restaurant, we were deciding whether to go back to the mainland or continue to cycle, in the rain. Looking at the crowded jetty and looking at the rain, a decision was made.

We shall continue to cycle and this time, it is destination Chek Jawa.

The trip to Chek Jawa is the most memorable journey. Cycling in the downpour, we were all drenched and dripping water whenever we took a rest at the shelters along the way. Than, halfway through, the only way to Chek Jawa changed from normal road to dirt road. Wah piang, the terrain is, to me, simply mad. I am navigating through a road made of mud with steep slopes in the heavy rain. You must be there to really understand how is it like and i am lucky enough to go through all these without falling to my death or sustaining heavy injuries.

Chek Jawa is awesome. Totally. But too bad it was raining and we were kind of in a rush. If only we can appreciate the beauty of Chek Jawa with time to spare and wearing clothes that don't have water dripping...


On the way there...


Ubin itself...


Note: They are out in the rain.


Chek Jawa