2009 March | Ubin

Archive for March, 2009

Mousedeer sightings – 30. March, 2009

Picture above. The elusive Greater Mousedeer photographed at Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

With the last official sighting 80 years go, its great news to learn that Greater mousedeers were sighted on Ubin. (Another link)

Mousedeers are called Pelandok in Malay or Kancil in Bahasa Indonesia. Some Ubin villagers have seen them, but they have also spotted sun bears and gibbons in Ubin so its hard to believe what they saw. There are even reports of tiger being sighted spooking everyone. I once saw an old boar with strange gait that I almost thought I saw an orang-utan.

The reduction of people residing in Ubin has brought some unexpected benefits. The enlargement of Outward Bound School perimeter occupying nearly the whole Western side of Ubin also help create a “no man’s land” where animals have space to themselves. I am hoping to find squirrels which used to be common in Ubin many years ago.

But opposing Yin Yang forces are still at play. Contractors are indiscriminately fogging some places in Ubin killing mosquitoes, butterflies and other insects alike. They pour chemicals to kill mosquitoes larvae when there are pond fishes already feeding on them. There are huge land development going in Johore just 5 km north of Chek Jawa, potentially cutting off migrating animals like wild boars who are able to swim across to Ubin. The creation of an anti smuggling fence sealed Ubin further. There is a family of otters in Ubin itself which may not survive as a breeding population.

Pollution is problematic with tanker washings going on at Johore side, discharging oil and tar. The rivers of Johore are choked with rubbish landing on Ubin shores that some visitors declared Noordin beach as the dirtiest beach they ever saw.

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Mountain bike rental – 24. March, 2009

Renting bikes in Ubin is cheaper compared to the mainland. 7 shops vie for business and their bikes can be hired from S$5.00 to S$15.00 per day. Bike rentals at East Coast Park typically start at S$8.00 an hour.

Payment is cash upfront and no deposits or IDs are retained.

Besides ensuring his/her own safety, the onus is on the hirer to test the bike. Here are some tips.

1. Choose lighter bikes as they are generally better constructed.
2. You are allowed to test ride the bikes, check that
a) Both front and rear brakes are working
b) The gears work under load without slippage or clacking sounds
c) The tires are not bald and are firmly inflated
d) The seat are adjusted at a comfortable height and angle.

Given its uneven terrain, avoid single gear “Tokyo Lady” bikes or cumbersome tandem bikes if you are going long distances and cycling through muddy tracks. Do not over-exert yourself to avoid painful cramps.

Think twice also about renting smaller bikes for kids. They are harder to pedal and kids have a hard time catching up. They soon tire and that is when accidents happen. I have seen many occasions where family outings are cut short as a result. Hire a van or take enjoy a slow walk instead.

Tandem bikes are not safe for terrain slopes.
tandam bike for three

Wear proper footwear and comfortable clothes to avoid overheating.
Consider personal safety and rent helmets that are available for 2-3 dollars. Accidents frequently happen when people are tired and disorientated by the heat. There are other vehicles so cycle single file, do not bunch up and go at speeds you are able to control and brake well.

Picture below. Foolish way to enjoy Ubin. Kid without helmet perched on handlebars.

Never leave a kid perched on a bike unattended. The flimsy stand can slip with a nasty falll.

Bicycles with child seat are not strong enough for 2 adults

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Pulau Ubin Emergencies – 20. March, 2009

Bike crashes or bike accidents are common in Pulau Ubin

For emergencies dial 999. This may not work. Simply because our telcos do not cover Ubin fully and and you get roaming coverage from Malaysian telcos instead.

You then get a ‘free’ spam sms message from Starhub.
Starhub Welcome

Update: Jan 2012, Starhub has apparently cleaned up their act, their signals stayed locked throughout the whole day while we were trekking. My friend is able to browse and surf faster than in mainland Singapore.

For serious injuries which need professional response, here are the emergency numbers provided by NPark to call.

Emergency numbers

If it is minor scratches or abrasions, you may call van operators – Mr. Moh at +65-9731-7629/ +659084-8827 or Tien Song at +65-93468017 to drive you back to the jetty. Speak to them in Mandarin or slowly in English.

Here are the phone numbers in QR Code.
Emergency numbers

The nearest hospital is Changi General Hospital which is 10km or 15 minutes away by taxi (Googlemaps directions)

The van operators may decline to assist if the injuries are potentially serious which may involve police investigations. Our police play a important role in building confidence in order for public to come forward and help accident victims, potentially saving lives when immediate help are given.
Red Cross or St. John volunteers should set up first aid posts on Pulau Ubin.

Its probably best to bring a whistle and avoid exploring remote areas alone by yourself.

For other forms of ‘emergencies’, familiarize yourselves with the location of NParks public toilets and bring an emergency toilet roll. Once I had to dive into the quarry lake to do my business. My scout master warned not to use leaves instead of toilet papers as we might get allergic rash.

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Wet March – 16. March, 2009

The south west monsoon arrived, just in time when the grass were dying and trees began to shed leaves from lack of rain. Visitors levels fell, making it longer for the bumboats to fill up and leave. Avoid visiting Ubin late in the afternoon or leaving late at night unless you are prepared to wait or share the expense of chartering the whole boat.

Here is a typical wet day in pictures.

Weather turn ominous on way to Ubin.