While Batam may be better known for seafood and spa getaways, the CSC Cycling and Adventure Club members will tell you it’s also home to one of the most thrilling cycling routes in the region: the Six Bridges of Barelang that connects the islands of Batam, Rempang and Galang in Indonesia. In June 2024, club members conquered the undulating terrains connecting these bridges— rewarded at the end with a hearty seafood feast at a local resort.

The ride was just one of many overseas expeditions organised by the club — each offering members the chance to explore scenic trails, push their limits and forge strong bonds through shared adventure. Three regular riders — Ms Jasmine Ng, Mr Oei Su Cheok, and Mr Eu Pui Leong — share memorable moments from their recent journeys to Desaru, Batam and Taman Negeri Rompin.

Rolling through Desaru (26 to 27 April 2025)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Desaru, Malaysia was a favourite route among the CSC Cycling and Adventure Club members, who used to ride as far north as the coastal region of Sedili in Kota Tinggi. But after the closure of the Changi Village-Pengerang bumboat service, the destination became less accessible. “You’d have to cycle over 100 kilometres in a single day under the blazing sun with almost no shade,” says Jasmine, one of the trip’s organisers.

Thankfully, a newly discovered ferry service from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Pengelih changed that. It allowed the group to reach their old haunts — Sungai Renggit, Sebana Cove Country Club, Pantai Batu Layer and Tanjung Balau — without exhausting detours.

The April 2025 trip was a nostalgic reunion for many of the club’s long-time members. It also marked the first overseas trip for Ms Choo Sau Mei as newly elected Chairperson of the club.

Jasmine recalls a memorable moment during the BBQ dinner at Bayu Balau Beach Resort, in Kota Tinggi — the final stop on their route.  As part of a game, members had to run outside of the dining hall and shout, “I love cycling!” at the top of their lungs. “It wasn’t hard for us to do,” she says. “That simple act captured exactly how we felt deep down — and doing it together made the moment even more meaningful. It was a fun, spirited reminder of the passion we all share.”

For Su Cheok, who handles publicity for the club, the quiet stretches of road were the real highlight. “It’s mentally liberating to ride undisturbed at our own pace, while soaking in the plantation landscape and reflecting how this quieter part of Malaysia has developed over the years.”

Nature thrills at Taman Negeri Rompin (14 to 15 September 2024)

The two-day excursion at Taman Negeri Rompin (Rompin State Park) in Pahang, Malaysia turned out to be a fulfilling multi-activity getaway — even though the group had arrived later than planned due to a traffic jam. “We took a coach from Rompin town to the park instead of cycling as planned, but that actually gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery,” says Jasmine.

Once inside, the park delivered the perfect mix of challenge, adventure and flexibility. Some members tackled the steep jungle trails by bike, while others opted for a forest trek. “We spotted pitcher plants and learnt how different palms adapt to the shifting terrain,” says Jasmine. “It felt like uncovering nature’s hidden survival stories.”

Su Cheok recalls exploring four distinct forest environments, including one with carnivorous plants. While that was happening, other members opted to kayak down the river. “And later that night, we all took part in a guided forest night walk, where we spotted scorpions, snakes, owls, toads and other nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat,” he adds.

Cycling still came in handy for getting around the park — especially when it led to Seri Mahkota Waterfall. “After the ride, we couldn’t resist a refreshing dip under the falls,” says Su Cheok.

Grit, mud and glory in Batam (29 to 30 June 2024)

Beyond the steep slopes and sweltering heat of the Six Bridges of Barelang, the CSC Cycling and Adventure Club faced an unexpected challenge: a recent landslide just before the fifth of the route’s six bridges. The heavy rain had turned the 200-metre C-shaped detour into a mud-filled mess. “We all knew our gears and chains were going to get clogged,” recalls Pui Leong, the club’s Secretary. “We just had to ride slow and steady, guiding our bikes towards the drier patches.”

Pui Leong describes how the group ended up with ‘chocolate milk’ (mud) splattered all over their bikes and jerseys — with the fastest riders ironically suffering the worst of it. That evening, the cyclists banded together to hire a jet spray machine at their resort and gave their bikes a well-deserved clean-up.

Jasmine shares that another logistical challenge awaited after the ride: transporting the bicycles to the resort, since the Six Bridges route was a one-way journey. Although the team had planned ahead and researched transport options, some creative problem-solving were still needed to protect their bikes from damage. “We wrapped them in bubble wrap, foam sheets and tubes — it became an impromptu ‘bike fashion show’,” recounts Jasmine. “Working together, we built a real sense of camaraderie that set the tone for the rest of the trip.”

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Want to join the next CSC cycling adventure?
Here’s how to get started, what to expect and why so many riders keep coming back for more.

• Start local: Mr Oei recommends that newcomers join the club’s regular rides in Singapore before heading overseas. “It’s how we get to know each other socially and understand our riding styles. Plus, help is always nearby.”
• Train and bond: Ms Ng agrees that the fortnightly rides help build both fitness and friendships. “You’ll get to learn from more seasoned riders, including safety tips and bike maintenance advice.”
• Community matters: “Whether your goal is fitness, exploring new destinations or friendship, the right company can elevate every ride,” says Ms Ng. “The encouragement, shared laughs and group spirit are what keep members coming back.”

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Keen to ride with the CSC Cycling and Adventure Club? Click here and be part of the next adventure!