Singapore Cycling - Karimun

I have regarded Karimun for a long time as being too small to satisfy my hunger for kilometres. But curiosity drove me to this island south west of Singapore and I was surprised. Not only by the fine nature (the best within the same range from Singapore), but despite Karimun's small size, you can count almost 100 kilometres if you explore all the island's paved roads. So after all, Karimun is a good destination for a riding-day from Singapore.

Access to Karimun from Singapore, ferries depart from the Harbour Front Centre (formerly World Trade Centre). There are three companies maintaining a ferry-line, see section ferries. The terminal at Karimun is at Tanjung Balai, right in the middle of this busy, small town. Bicycle touring on Karimun On the map that I prepared (see below), you can see that there is not much choice for a 'round-tour', but you can make one loop. From this loop, there are three interesting legs, pointing west, north-west and north respectively. The west leg leads to Pantai Palawan, a beautiful beach. There is a nice small restaurant under the palm trees, overlooking the sea. On Sundays and holidays, it is a popular destination for the locals. The north-west leg ends beyond the village of Pasir Panjang, at a rock quarry (stone is the island's main export article). The attraction of this road is the fine quality of the pavement, the absence of traffic and the beautiful nature; you pass by the island's highest mountain. Yet, there is not much climbing to endure on the road. The north leg leads to a waterfall. The road is paved, but small and not very good. You pass a few tiny villages and there are good views on the moutains and the sea. In December 2003 Ben Williams adds: The road past the waterfall (listed as 7.5 km) continues a further 3 or 4 kilometres along a newly sealed section ending at the little (mangrove) bay directly north.

Latest update: 31 December, 2003.