A Tour Of Singapore’s Most Remote Neighborhood | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Vintage Cycling Community: A group of individuals passionate about vintage bicycles and cycling culture.
• Ciclo e Caffè: A bicycle cafe in Changi Village, Singapore, catering to cyclists and featuring vintage bicycle collections.
• Changi Village: A laid-back coastal town in Singapore known for its unique attractions, including fishing, Pulau Ubin access, and unique staycations.
• Pulau Ubin: A neighboring island to Singapore, popular for its rustic nature trails, biodiversity, traditional kampong houses, and a small remaining population.
• Brahminy Kite: A bird of prey with chestnut coloring and a white head, often spotted in Pulau Ubin.
• Kampung Houses: Traditional Malay wooden houses, offering a glimpse into past island life.
• Nasi Lemak: A traditional Malay dish consisting of steamed coconut rice, chicken wings, and sambal.
• The Bus Collective: A unique accommodation concept in Changi Village where old buses are converted into hotel rooms, promoting sustainability.
• Angler: A person who fishes.

Changi Village: A Hub for Cyclists and Community

This video highlights Changi Village as a multifaceted destination, particularly for cyclists and those seeking a connection with nature and community. The narrative follows Ahmad Yusak (Amos Senior) and his son Heirul, members of the vintage cycling community, as they explore the area and its offerings.

Ciclo e Caffè: A Cyclist's Haven

• Establishment: Ciclo e Caffè was founded five years prior to the video by Ahmad Yusak and his son, inspired by Ahmad's lifelong passion for cycling and his father's extensive global cycling tours.
• Motivation: The cafe was established to fill a gap in Singapore's market, as there were no existing coffee establishments specifically catering to cyclists.
• Location: Changi Village was chosen as the location due to its appeal to cyclists and its laid-back coastal atmosphere.
• Offerings: The cafe serves Italian espresso, with Colombian dark roast beans being a popular choice among patrons.
• Unique Collection: The cafe showcases a collection of unique vintage bicycles, including a particularly prized Colnago Mexico Oro.
  • Colnago Mexico Oro: This bicycle is 24-karat gold-plated, with only 100 made worldwide. The specific bike featured is number 86, and it is noted that the first one was gifted to Pope John Paul II. It is stated to be the only one of its kind in Singapore.

Changi Village: More Than Just Cycling Routes

Changi Village is presented as a place with diverse attractions beyond its appeal to cyclists:

• Coastal Cycling Routes: The village offers numerous scenic coastal cycling routes, making it a favored destination for cyclists.
• Ferry Terminal: Changi Village has its own ferry terminal, providing access to the neighboring island of Pulau Ubin.
• Fishing: The area is known for fishing, with recent reports of a significant catch, including a 20kg stingray.
• Unique Staycations: The village offers unconventional accommodation options, such as staying in converted buses.

Pulau Ubin: A Step Back in Time

The journey to Pulau Ubin is a significant part of the video, showcasing its rustic charm and natural beauty.

• Ferry Journey: A 10-minute bumboat ride connects Changi Village to Pulau Ubin. The video highlights the long-standing relationships between ferry operators and locals, with one ferryman, Brother John, having known Ahmad for over 20 years and appreciating the island's natural beauty.
• Island Characteristics: Pulau Ubin is a small island, approximately 10 square kilometers, popular with both locals and tourists. It is described as a haven for cycling and hiking, featuring rustic nature trails through mangroves and forests.
• Biodiversity and Wildlife: The island is a "treasure trove of biodiversity."
  • Ketam Quarry: An area visited for birdwatching.
  • Brahminy Kite: A specific bird spotted, described as chestnut-colored with a white head.
• Unique Inhabitation: Pulau Ubin is unique in Singapore as it is the only place where people still reside within a natural area.
• Conservation Efforts: The video mentions advocacy efforts over the past 70 years to protect these spaces, acknowledging individuals like Ningxin from the Nature Society for their work.
• Traditional Lifestyle: The island offers a glimpse into the past with its traditional wooden homes and a slower pace of life, contrasting with modern urban development.
  • Coconut Stall: A landmark stall where an 87-year-old woman, Ah Ma, expertly chops coconuts for cooling drinks, a testament to her lifelong island living.
  • Kampung Houses: The video visits one of the last remaining traditional kampung houses.
    • Layout: A typical Malay home has separate entrances for men (front) and women (back), with the back area designated for feast preparations.
    • Preservation: The National Parks Board is involved in repairing and preserving these village houses.
• Community and Memories: The video emphasizes the strong sense of community and the nostalgic memories associated with Pulau Ubin, such as children playing in the rain.
• Current Population: Fewer than 50 residents currently live on Pulau Ubin.

Culinary Delights and Activities

The video also touches upon the culinary experiences and activities available in Changi Village.

• Changi Village Hawker Centre: A popular spot for food.
  • Nasi Lemak: The focus of the meal, described as a traditional Malay dish of steamed coconut rice served with chicken wings and sambal.
  • Vendor Longevity: One Nasi Lemak vendor has been operating at the hawker centre for over 20 years, since 2005.
• Fishing:
  • Rod Servicing: Ahmad's fishing rod was sent for servicing.
  • Popularity: Fishing is popular due to the potential for large catches, exemplified by a recent 20kg stingray.
  • Bonding Activity: Fishing by the shore is a long-standing tradition for Ahmad and his son, a way to relax and bond for over 20 years.
  • Challenges: Despite efforts, the fishing trip depicted results in no catch, with a lot of seaweed present, indicating it's "in season."
• The Bus Collective:
  • Concept: An initiative focused on sustainability, converting old buses into hotel rooms located near the beaches.
  • Uniqueness: Described as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
  • Accommodation: The rooms are spacious enough for families, with multiple beds and seating areas.
• Shared Meal: To compensate for the unsuccessful fishing trip, a grouper bought from another angler is grilled outside the bus.

Conclusion: The Essence of Changi Village

The video concludes by reiterating the core appeal of Changi Village:

• Community and Connection: It's a place where simple pleasures like coffee, conversation, and the sea breeze create lasting memories.
• Sense of Home: The presence of family and friends in this environment evokes a feeling of home, characterized by warmth, stories, and togetherness.
• Beyond a Gateway: Changi Village is more than just a transit point to Pulau Ubin; it's a vibrant community in itself.