Mountain Biking Pulau Ubin, Singapore | Is Ketam 2023 still legit fun?

It's 2023 and Ketam - on the island of Pulau Ubin - has been revamped and re-opened after a 6-month hiatus. It now boasts more flow, more focus, and more... gravel?
We took the ferry across on a weekday to do a 'deep dive' ride on the trail loop that everyone is discussing currently, inspecting and hitting single and double black line options, and figuring out if the rumours that Ketam had been 'dumbed down' and made easier were true.
Spoiler alert: those rumours are false. Just respect the closure of the 'C-lines' ('C' for chicken, that is), perhaps pick the 'A-line' options... and you'll agree too. Sure, the climbs are still there and still physically demanding, but they are smoother allow better focus on technique. The descents have retained the flavour and heritage of its granite-based origins but again, have been made safer and yet able to carry speed more through exit corners and traverses. Major trail realignments now avoid tree root damage as well as steer riders away from danger spots (such as the infamous landslide section of 'Razorback'), or are simply wider.
Are there inherent problems with this renewed Ketam? Sure there are: the gravel top layers on inclines and bermed corners look suspiciously vulnerable to wet weather and high-density ridership. Shortcuts and easy 'C-line' bypasses - though obviously closed off - still exist and might tempt certain types of riders.
But overall, we think this trail is now much more conducive to safety, rider enjoyment, and possibly PR lap times! A definite improvement to an already brilliantly designed and resilient technical trail loop. And this is only phase 1 of the build. We look forward to Ketam's phase 2 completion when the 'blue trail' segments are re-opened as well.
#sgpov #singapore #rawepics
--------------
Useful Links
__________
NParks Ketam MTB Trail Map | bit.ly/3Gh4GMf
Ketam MTB Trail (Trailforks) | www.trailforks.com/trails/ket...
Mission
__________
RAW Epics' mission is to create mountain biking content that engages and inspires. Hit the 'SUBSCRIBE' button and join this mission.
RAW Epics | www.rawepics.com | [e-mail]
- Mountain Bike Guided Trips
- Mountain Bike Skills Training
- Mountain Bike Events Consulting
__________
Socialize
__________
INSTAGRAM | / wilson.low.raw
FACEBOOK | / raw.epics
LINKEDIN | / rawe. .
TIKTOK | vt.tiktok.com/JUp3sh/
PODCAST | anchor.fm/raw-epics-audio

[@RawEpics]

Tell us - is this trail now easier, harder, or still the same to ride compared to pre-renovation?

[@AlUyami]

It looks the same to me, the flow seems to be better gaining some more speed. What i can say is if the rider is not in good physical condition, Ketam would always be a difficult trail to ride to.

[@klinstories]

For non familiar with the trail, it might still be tiring and difficult. For regular goers, the difficulty difference can be very obvious.

[@c-beam3670]

I'm going to try this Black trail later this month. The Trail was closed when I was last in Palua Ubin couple of years ago.

[@SoGoMTB]

watching bro! Blue trail and black trail riding to these part of the world are just what there are, enjoy as we can. To give an insight as to why some or most of the root sections were smoothen out is because the preserve the trees that are along the trail. I find it logical and a must thing to do. Good review bro, keep it up!

[@RawEpics]

we must take care of our forested land and trails. ❤

[@karloberas]

First comment! Been looking forward to your new video for a while 😊

[@wongbo75]

You deserve more thumbs up. Thanks for the trail update.

[@RawEpics]

thank you!

[@nigelhagley8942]

Thank You Wilson, proper good clear video of the repaired trail. Looks so much better now.

[@RawEpics]

you’re most welcome Nigel

[@awfully.average]

wahhh! HARDTAIL!!!! whats with the recent hardtail parties ?

[@ssurplus3549]

Thank you for this very good review 👍

[@RawEpics]

My pleasure!

[@TheRealDocHolliday]

Thanks for the video man, I'm American and my girlfriend is Singaporean and I visit Singapore to see her a lot. I am trying to get her into Cycling and maybe MTB a little. Looks like a super dope trail for a new person, and for someone with less experience like me to learn on. Thanks for the preview!

[@RawEpics]

You’re very welcome! hope we get a chance to ride together when you get a chance some day… 👌🏼

[@stevencheah6270]

Solid stuff bro! Im gng to check it out after watching ur review!! Thanks heaps!

[@RawEpics]

Hope you enjoy it! thanks❤

[@bikevlogadventure3263]

Nice...! Ka Adventure..😊

[@alankc6831]

Waited 9 good months for another video from you 😊 will visit Ubin soon

[@RawEpics]

thanks for being patient 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@KirkShan.Rommel]

Really informative’Wilson… Thanks for the update👍

[@RawEpics]

you’re welcome!

[@ADVENTUREAROUNDTHEBEND]

Wilson, great to see another video. I hope to ride with you again some day. Stay safe and have a great new year!

[@RawEpics]

thanks, happy 2023 to you too!

[@mackymixtv8658]

It's incredibly exciting for me to visit there. I appreciate you sharing this video.

[@RawEpics]

you’re welcome!

[@_jsrvn.008]

a little more like T15 with small sections of Chestnut south. will add more joy to riding :)

[@mohamedbactiarmohamedali4399]

Think its more xc now,and indeed looks fun with a hardtail.cant wait to try and thanks for a very good review.ride safe😎🤘

[@RawEpics]

yea hardtails = life 😂

[@RRJ2010]

I still love this trail.😁

[@RadityaPerdana]

Good video bro! Def will try this new track. What time were you coming, why so quiet?

[@RawEpics]

was i quiet? haha i’m quite chatty on trail ya know

[@wana.zainal]

It was my first time ever in ketam yday and after viewing your video gave me some insights and pre empt my ride of what to expect. Took note of the tips you shared here, really helped! Plus the full blown rain, it was rather exciting 😁😁 Rode blind a few sections and "safe" enough for ketam noob like me. I'm already looking forward to my next ketam ride. Happy CNY!

[@RawEpics]

you’re very welcome! glad you found it helpful

[@awfully.average]

how was it for you ? i heard its scary

[@infernoah4059]

Awesome bro. I don't know how you can talk while climbing lol. I would have died.

[@RawEpics]

remember: 50-60% pace, bro ✌🏼

[@chamithchathuka1]

always scared of this point 9:33

[@vgorous]

Hey how are the rentals there? I’m visiting Singapore so I won’t have a bike with me. Im from Canada and I’ve ridden hard blue trails (maybe black there) with a hybrid bike.

[@RawEpics]

hi there! welcome to Singapore. you can definitely find rental bikes on Ubin island. they are inexpensive and perhaps not the best maintained though. You should try the GoBike app as it provides decent bike and also transport to/from Changi Village

[@vgorous]

@@RawEpics thanks! How about helmets?

[@karloberas]

Compared to what we went through at Selantai, this is really just a blue trail 😅

[@RawEpics]

😅😅😅

[@gilvillamor5066]

Im from Hongkong! but i really love mountain biking. I move to Australia just to have a better life and more trails. Hong kong trails same as singapore become more boring and become repititive.

[@karloberas]

13:36 I scratched a fork stanchion there previously 🥲

[@RawEpics]

🥲