Tag: cycling

Cycle to Malaysia – Pekan Nanas and Legoland

Cycle to Malaysia and your playground upsized from 700km2 to 330,000km2. Yes, Malaysia is 400x bigger than Singapore!

The idea of cycling to Malaysia never crossed my mind. Primary reason could be road safety concerns.

Image credit FB “Cycling SG to Malaysia”
Image credit FB “Cycling SG to Malaysia”
Strava Pekan nanas on 20220507

I will be sharing my cycling experiences from Pekan Nanas and Legoland in this post. And I can confirm Malaysian drivers (motorbikes, cars and even trucks) are more accommodating towards the vulnerable cyclists!

*Do go to the end for video of my JB eat and see (in 3 hours)

For those interested to explore Malaysia cycling itinerary, pop over to Facebook group β€˜Cycling SG to Malaysia’. They are organising free cycling events, with volunteer leaders and sweepers, but event slots are always in hot demand!

Carry bicycle over to motorbike lanes

My virgin trip brought me to the town of pineapples “Pekan Nanas“.

Bicycles can only use Booth 1 for manual passport processing

In case you are wondering, Tuas Causeway is off-limits to bicycles as both ends are expressway and highway.

The 1st assembly spot is at the middle of causeway. You can take EPIC Sunrise photos here!

Cycle to Malaysia

After the photos, team can climb up the bridge towards Malaysian Customs.

Cyclists with slim tyres have to watch out for the drain cover gaps. Do follow the red marking (photo below) to enter the “manual” booths.

Image credit FB “Cycling SG to Malaysia”

Second assembly spot would be after Malaysia custom, somewhere here (GPS 1.466946, 103.768354).

This is where the real Fun starts πŸ™‚

We took the coastal loop towards Danga Bay. And the dark clouds chased us for a good 20 minutes!

I wish Singapore’s Shell 95 price will dip below $3 in the near future πŸ™

Breakfast was at Skudai area, near Sutera Mall (popular spot with Singaporeans). We normally drive here for brunch, but two wheels are much cooler.

Not sure whether you are ready for Johor ride? We share a few tips:

1) Road confidence (You must have some road experience in Singapore)

2) Recommend cyclists covered at least 80km before (Johor has more slopes and bridges)

You will notice that Malaysian motorists are more accommodating and patient than Singapore drivers.

Malaysian motorists will wait (or slow down) for cyclists to clear junctions, change lanes or even roundabouts!

Kudos and thank you Malaysians for your patience.

Let us carry on with our Pekan Nanas pineapple adventure πŸ™‚

Only tourists will do the pineapple pose haha (pineapple landmark infront of Public Bank).

Image credit FB “Cycling SG to Malaysia”

As you cycle Westward, Pontian and Kukup (SEAFOOD!) is beckoning. And Tuas Causeway is so much nearer than Woodlands Causeway.

Cycle to Malaysia, today Johor, tomorrow Melaka and Desaru.

Map below indicates estimated km from Bukit Indah. These spots are on my wishlist, example Forest City and Southernmost Tip of Mainland Asia (not Sentosa).

Delicious dim sum lunch at Tasixi ε€§ε››ε–œ and we met Chef Eric too.

Image credit FB “Cycling SG to Malaysia”

I would recommend newbies to ride along Danga Bay coast (ie follow directions to Hospital Aminah, then route 52, J1). Road is wider and there is less traffic.

*The stretch along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Route or Highway 1)back to Woodlands custom is sandy, narrow and packed with vehicles (ie Stress!)

Group is ready to roll back to Singapore. Our Pekan Nanas group consists of 30 cyclists, split into two groups.

Lots of fun and novelty for the cyclists, we went through two showers too. Many in the group were newbies at custom, but we brought back fond memories.

Just follow the motorcycle lane.

~~Sharing some photos from my Legoland trip 28May2022 ~~

This was the first time I led a cycling group into Johor. I was quite apprehensive but felt a huge sense of accomplishment too.

You have to ensure that everyone can keep pace and hopefully not bring them go “Holland”.

The actual distance in Malaysia (to & fro) from customs to Legoland is about 60km (This is peanuts for those who have completed RTI in Singapore).

Crossing both Singapore and Malaysia customs on our bikes is worth a toast! A novelty for most of the kakis.

Credit kakis
Credit kakis ( Part of the Crius foldie family)

Imagine the excitement when we spot Legoland Hotel over the horizon. Mission achieved πŸ™‚

I cannot remember when was the last time I brought my kids here. They have since outgrown Lego bricks. Revisiting this epic hotel on two wheels, brings back a sense of dejavu!

Credit kakis

Artistic sculptures at Puteri Harbour (we did not visit Hello Kitty).

Do expect puncture/s among the group. Touch wood, but the probability is too high to ignore! Bring tube for your own tyre size.

Credit kakis

Khass Bicycles seems to be a popular pit stop for shopping. I have no idea about price comparison between Singapore and Malaysia.

Cold dessert at Yong Yong Dessert, which is 100m from Khass Bicycles.

Credit kakis

Always Safety first. We strive to enter and leave Malaysia as a group, looking out for each other. This trip has given me the confidence to explore more of Malaysia.

Should I cycle to Malaysia? where should I start?

For those interested to explore Johor on two wheels, do join Facebook group “Cycling SG to Malaysia” first. Do look out for future events to Desaru, Pontian, Melaka! Link up with friendly and helpful community for peer to peer knowledge sharing.

Like-minded cyclists are only interested to cycle, chill and eat (maybe share “poisons” too).Β  You might find buddies to embark on the next multi-day cycling adventure.

For newbies, your team will have a leader/captain and a sweeper. Leader will navigate and pull the team along, while sweeper ensures no one is left behind.

SHOUTOUT to sweepers Alan and Kiara for ensuring no one is left behind. Our ride would not be successful and safe without the hardworking sweepers !

*1) Step by step tips to cross Singapore Malaysia custom, refer Richard’s link (Take note no photography and video inside customs area)

*2)YouTube crossing Singapore Malaysia customs (Clips from Rueben and Alan). This will help you visualise the next turns and boost your confidence (I still hate the humps!)

3)Reference my cycling planning itinerary Gsheet here (Many items were first shared from Facebook group)

4) Open my Legoland Gpx (Google Map), and just follow turn by turn to Nusajaya

5) Updated 11 June 2022 – 3 Hours in JB. Eat, see and Experience

YouTube: Chill at Pontian 笨珍

YouTube :Cycling to Forest City and boat ride (my best Johor trip yet)

YouTube: Cycling to Elephant Rock (Bukit Batu Gajeh)

YouTube: cycling to Malacca

YouTube:Cycling to Putuo Village

YouTube:2023 Cycle to KL (5D4N)

Cycle to Desaru and Sedili

Cycle East Coast Kuantan, Kelantan, Titiwangsa, Betong, Penang (preview)

Cycling In Taiwan (250km from Hualien to Taitung)

 

Additional tips:
– Always SAFETY first! Take care of each other

– My Sejahtera app (similar to SG’s traceTogether) is no longer needed, but do print out hardcopy vaccination status from https://www.notarise.gov.sg or HealthHub (just in case)

– Bicycles no need to pay toll, and Touch & Go cards are optional

– Not everyone might wish to cycle to start point at Woodlands custom. The nearest carpark could be at Marsiling Blk 22Β  (S730022)

– After your JB spin, cyclists can take the train from Kranji MRT

Meanwhile, you may read about other cycling trips below:
– Cycle to Pekan Nanas and Legoland
– JB food hunt (3 hours 30km)
– Cycle to Forest City
– Cycle to Pontian (笨珍)
– Cycle to Elephant Rock (Bukit Batu Gajah)
– Cycling to Malacca (3D2N)
– Cycle to KL (2023 5D4N)
–2018 Cycling Hualien to TaitungΒ (with two kiddos)

*Do follow our cycling adventures here ->Β https://sengkangbabies.com/tag/cycling

*Do follow our cycling adventures here -> https://sengkangbabies.com/tag/cycling

RIR cycling map

This post covers the full route of RIR (Round Island Route) 75km, I have added in our Strava RIR cycling map too.

Refer to our first post for more details and GPS.

Our YouTube video is at this link.

Tip 1.
Our latest RIR cycling map is at this Strava map . Just open link in Google Map and follow turn by turn.Β  (You may browse our first Strava map, showing half of 75km, for points of interest).

The 75km route should take you 5 to 6 hours easily, including breaks, navigation and photo stops.

Group of four (E, A and J) started at Rower’s Bay.Β  Nice weather to start the ride, but it quickly turn warm.

Do cover RIR during daytime to admire all the sights and amenities (slap on generous sunscreen!). Otherwise, you will only see darkness at night :p

(Image credit friend)

Stake this Jalan Kayu spot (GPS 1.405991, 103.872001) to enjoy a mist carpet at 0700. When we returned at 0730, the Sun was raising higher, and mist has started to dissipate.

The new PC (Park Connector) is wide and I love the bridge at the end. You no longer need to cycle on the road and avoid buses or pedestrians (bus stop).

Tip 2.
Take note the segment along Jalan Kayu (food area) is very narrow, and packed with pedestrians. Go slow. (Optional. My Strava map has a shortcut)

This new bridge is appearing too frequently in Facebook and Instagram (GPS added in previous post).

Notice the identical bridge designs, be it at Jalan Kayu, Sengkang or Changi. Wide, functional and aesthetic.

Tip 3 to 6. Refer to Nparks map.
-After Lorong Halus Bridge (PCN), turn into Pasir Ris via new pavementΒ 

-Official Pasir Ris (RIR) exit is after Downtown East (GPS 1.377841, 103.956147) but we exit at Car Park A to avoid the crowds

-We took shortcut (before Mosque) and cut behind Tua Pek Kong temple. Official track is to CLIMB Pasir Ris Drive 3 and Loyang Ave.

-Nparks map indicate left-turn into Hendon camp road and connect to Changi Beach Park. Most will actually cycle straight towards Changi Village. (If comfortable, cycle on the road along Netheravon Rd as pavement is narrow and bumpy.)

If you follow my RIR YouTube below, the description timestamp will show the clips of shortcuts and entry points.

We did noticed significantly more walkers and cyclists on our second trip along Changi Bay PC. Round Island Route is gaining more followers πŸ™‚

Tip 7. Do take note of dogs.
They mostly leave humans alone, but we saw a black dog ambushing and chasing a lone cyclist :p (Just stay calm and slow down)

New bridge Changi Bay PC (Image credit friend)

Do take note that it is more scenic and shady to reach Changi Bay PC from Changi Village (instead of through East Coast Park and TMCR).

Spotted starfish under the bench. Go find octopus, squid and Jellyfish too.

Tip 8.
Along TMCR (Tanah Merah Coastal Road), remember to turn left and head towards Coastal PN. If you are cycling on road, you might miss the entrance.

After TMCR and ECP, we had a lunch pitstop at East Coast Hawker Centre. Avoid the popular duck rice if you are rushing for time. (Expect to wait up to 30min. Duck rice is tasty though).

Passed by Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay then photo-op at Arts Museum before we crossed Helix Bridge.

Follow Singapore River West along Alexandra Park Connector (official name is Alexandra Canal Linear Park)

This 6km segment follows the canal, and stretched from Clarke Quay to Queenstown MRT (refer Google Map). First timers will need to slow down at junctions and execute some tight turns to join the PCN segments. And Clarke Quay is always crowded.

Alexandra Park Connector canal
Alexandra PCN

Loves the green “curtain” along the canal. Really gives a touch of nature to the concreate surroundings.

From here, we navigated narrow PCN from Queenstown to Alexandra road before we reach Labrador Park. Refer our Strava map for reference navigation.

Tip 9. We would recommend that you take the pavement and PC (Park Connector) opposite of Alexandra Hospital.

Cycling to Labrador Park

We travelled on the side of Alexandra Hospital, and road was narrow and so much minor roads, bustops and junctions.

Although Labrador Park (Berlayer Creek) is the end point. We could not find any RIR navigational signs. #NoCongratsSigns :p

We are just Happy to complete the full Round Island Route.

Passed by Merlion Singapore on the way home (Image credit friend)

Tip 10.
Do refer to our full RIR cycling map (Strava map here). It will help you to identify and maybe pinpoint the turns along Round Island Route.

Additional tips for new riders:

– No need to stick 100% to Nparks map. It is ok to detour a bit, for a more relaxed cycling experience or sidetrack to photograph nearby attraction

– Research more PCN (Park Connectors ) at Nparks website
– We love Coast to Coast trail too (40km)

Let me share a few toilet points (and water coolers) along the route: (clockwise direction)
–Rower’s Bay
–Sengkang Riverside Park
–Punggol Waterfront
–Lorong Halus
-Many Toilets in Pasir Ris Park
-Changi Point Ferry Terminal
–Changi Bay PC (last one before TMCR)
–Changi Coastal (toilet only no water cooler)
–East Coast Park
–Marina Barrage
-I am not familiar with the restroom locations from Clarke Quay towards the end

-If you love cycling RIR, you will love our Taiwan cycling experience
(Click for 4D3N Hualien to Taitung)


ps.. in case you prefer walking to cycling, there is another RIR Route (150km).

Crafted by SGTrek, do find the materials and map here. A few of us #DaddyMatters had completed the first segment from Kranji to Canberra MRT. Do PM/email me if you need more details.