Jointly by:
Ng Choon Hau (Sr1A)
Yee Wen Shuen (Sr1C)
Ming Xuen Amelia (Sr1A – Photography)
To create awareness on protection of natural resources, beauty of our homeland among our students, a field trip has been carried out to Perak State from 25 to 26 May 2019. A group of 132 students, formed by three Senior One Arts and Commerce Class, Sr1ScA and Sr1ScB, was under the guidance of Ms. Gue Soi Ling, Ms. Loo Kah Jiuan, Ms. Chong Suh Ping, Mr. Ng Sui Thye, Ms. Chan Mei Jye and 4 other teachers.
Day 1 – Deprived From Nature
After a painstakingly long bus journey and an early lunch, the tour group arrived at their first stop – the charcoal factory at half past 2 in the afternoon. Students cleansed their ears for an explanation regarding the colourful variations of mangrove trees and the way of survival in their swampy habitats. Though it was drizzling and ants were ingesting the area, everyone still listened attentively and recorded the information required for the assignment given. The conclusion of the mangrove segment led to the beginning of the next continent, which was the tour through the factory itself. Students were permitted to enter dormant furnaces as the tour proceeds. After an informative 2 hours, the tour group bid the factory farewell as they set off to Kuala Sangga, their next stop for the day.
The clock struck half past 5 when the tour group reached Kuala Sepetang. We arrived to our respective boats after a brief walk and set off our trip to the isolated village located in the middle of the sea. The windy boat trip was accompanied by the enthusiastic tour guide’s explanation of the humble village’s history and customs. Two pit stops were made before arriving at the village; the first was an aquatic farm where students were gifted the experience of feeding fish and holding live horseshoe crabs and pufferfishes. The second destination was in the middle of the sea where eagle feedings occurred. Once students arrived at the village, they travelled through a narrow bridge as well as tried their local delicacy which was a beverage created by rainwater. The journey through the antique village was a short but meaningful one. Students were able to grasp the concept of living in isolation and a new perspective of different worlds.
As the sun was setting at 7.30pm, the sky portrayed a mesmerizing sunset, contrasting the students seated in their boats, entering the site of the fireflies. Students were given piping hot sweet potatoes each as the excursion proceeded. As the sun set in a distance, colonies of fireflies were visible among the trees. Students spectated in awe as the fireflies illuminated trees like stars, creating a mystical aura as well as capturing students’ hearts simultaneously. After a sumptuous dinner, students were exhausted as the trip towards the hotel was made.
Day 2 – Beauty of Water
Day 2 was a day packed with the wonders of structures and sceneries regarding water. The group arrived at Taiping Lake after a quick breakfast. A man-made lake formed from the aftermath of tin extracting, which served as a tourist attraction even after retirement. Students enjoyed intaking the natural breath-taking scenery as they completed their assignments according to their grouping. Some students goofed around for about 2 hours before taking a group photo and leaving Taiping Lake in satisfaction in both mind and soul.
After Taiping Lake, it was lunch and the new goal of our journey, to.Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5, the only surviving tin dredge in Malaysia that’s open to visitors. This tin dredge possesses the history of tin mining in Malaysia. Students and teachers alike were mandatory to wear helmets as they explored the tin dredge, listening tentatively to the guide explaining details of inner workings in the historical tin dredge. As the tour came to an end, students were able to witness the process of mendulang, which was a tradition method of acquiring tin with a pan and water. Though certain historical sites can be commonly bland, this site surely did not disappoint with its enthusiastic guide and opportunity to experience the term mendulang individually.
After the lake, the tin dredge and lunch, the trip was concluded to the final destination, which was the Felda Residence Hot Springs located in Sungkai. The most anticipated stop of the trip due to the excitement of enjoying a waterpark and a hot springs alike, students were able to loosen up and have fun such as enjoying warm soaks or water slides. Students were granted an opportunity to boil eggs at the very core of the springs, and reviews regarding the taste were spontaneously positive. Eventually everyone cleaned themselves up, headed off for dinner then reached Kuen Cheng at around 11pm, bringing the journey to an end.
The field trip was a total success with zero mishaps. The experience of this field trip strengthened the bond between fellow classmates and created new relationships. Many everlasting memories were created in this field trip, and students were satisfied with their experiences and they reminisced about the journey alongside their friends.
