The Best Ever Camping Trips

DAY 1:

The registration starts in the afternoon as to enable the camping instructors to brief the participants on the following programs. Most of them look excited, while others scared to death of not knowing what to expect during the camping.

The youth are expected to build their tents before getting dark. The girls are lucky as they are using the readymade tents. It took them less than an hour to install it. They have ample time to go shopping at the nearby ‘Ming Ming Super Mall’.

The instructor of each group is still thinking of where to start. Should they bother themselves building the tent or simply sneak to the building next door when nobody is watching.

Most of the hard works are done by the boys. That’s why nowadays most boys would rather be girls. Life would be whole lots easier for them. However, in the end it is expected that the hardworking boys will end up being self reliable individuals as they are used to do things on their own.

Finally, the tents managed to be built on time with guidance and curses from the instructors.

DAY 2:

The instructor trains the youths on navigation and various techniques in knotting the ropes. Hence, they are expected to be able to navigate their way out if they ever lost in the jungle and making traps to catch the wild animals.

The second group members are waiting for their turn to do the 'flying fox', which is the favorite of all.

Most of them managed to do well with guidance of qualified and experienced instructors. The ropes are tied from a three storeys building to a SUV. Hence, the task is limited to those below 100kg. They scared that the SUV might not be able to stand the weight of the obesed participants. So, people do take care of your diet in order to enjoy the best things in life.

Then, the next task is the 'abseiling'. It is the most thrilling task of all.

One of the participants has mixed feeling of excitement and fear in his first attempt.

The third group is trained on 'CPR' or 'Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation' techniques as part of the Life Saving’s component.

They are instructed by an extremely passionate instructor.

The instructors are awarded with token of appreciation for their excellent instructions. The kids loved them. The adults are also impressed.

For the 'flying fox' and 'abseiling' instructors too.

Then, lunch break for everybody.

After an hour rest that afternoon, the youths are evaluated on their survival skills. They are expected to cook whatever they are given, with whatever means that they could think of by utilizing the nature around them.

They are preparing their kitchen utensils. Pretty creative! They utilized the bamboos as their cooking utensils.

While entertained by a mysterious musician.

The foods are served. They look more luxurious than the one served by Martin Yan. Not bad for most of the first timer.

Then the tele-match among the opponent groups. Sort of 'bowling' on an uneven surfaces with coconut as the ball and half filled bottles as the pins.

At night, we have talent night show judged by mostly ladies' instructors. Men are too masculine to judge cultural show. Maybe next year, we have ‘kick boxing’ competition. It would be wilder.

Among the performances that night. Some are extremely good and deserved to be nominated for this year ‘Grammy Awards’.

DAY 3:

The marching competition is held early in the morning to avoid the hot shiny day. After all the girls need to take care of the skin. I suggest next time they apply 'sk-11's lotion' before the competition.

Then, the closing ceremony and followed by the announcement of winners for every competition.

The winner of every competition is represented by the group's leader in receiving the prizes.

One of the instructors in charge of the ‘Audio System’ is seen waiting patiently with his daughter at the back stage.

The camping program is officially ended in the afternoon. Everybody is so eager to pack up their belongings and go home.

The youth are expected to clear the camping site before going back. The clearing of the site is way faster than expected. Everybody disappeared within short period of time. I guess they missed their bed dearly.

Mother In-Law's Tongue

They are actually plants which can be seen at almost most of the Bornean garden.  The plants are believed to have the benefits in curing flu, cough, bronchitis, swollen, snake bite and as hair tonic.

 

The Bornean called it Lidah Jin which meant 'Monster's Tongue', while the English's called it 'Mother's In-Law Tongue'. Why so? The Bornean, they scared of their in laws. That's why they did not dare to name anything of their in laws. However, the English they don't care. According to an Anonymous Source, the name was given due to the nagging attitudes of the in laws. Maybe most of the English’s in laws are the nagging types. I guess the scientific names would sound better. 

The Hottest Borneo's Cranberries

Just to show the size of our 'Borneo's Canberries'.

 

Aren't they looked like the American Cranberries? Well, actually they are not. They are actually local Bornean Chilies. Round in shape, about the same size of a cranberry but it's isn't sweet, it's hot. The chillies would be suitable as decoration for a fine Asian's Delicacies, but not for the Westerner's meals. Imagine if we served them on the dining table of a Typical American's Restaurant. The customers would mistake it as the cranberries and they will be running wild for the water.

The Rock of Luck

Where should you go to and pray if you wish to strike lottery?

You have to drive all the way to Tatau, a small town between Sibu and Bintulu in order to reach 'Batu Katak'.  Batu Katak is believed to have the power to grant people wishes. The rock had become extremely popular among the lottery punters. They would bring some offerings like chicken to be slaughtered at the rock and the rice wine 'Tuak'. If you wish to go there, do not go empty handed as the rock had been so used of generous visitors. Might as well you stay at home or visit 'Paul the Octopus'. Even Paul is being bribed with lavish offerings.

A small hut had been built to shelter the rock from the sun and rain. It was souvenir by a generous visitor who had made it big after visiting the 'Batu Katak'. If the rock be moved like in Texas, it might have been sheltered in a luxurious mansion by the regular casino goers.

The rock is a must place to be for those who are ambitious and passionate in changing their less fortunate life. Good Luck Fella Gamblers.   

The Birds' Plantation Project

 

There's a jungle UP there.

Its looks like an ordinary garden, right. Well, you're damn wrong. The plants actually grew on top of the roof of a three storey building. It is believed that the birds had flown there and pooped the seeds of the plants that they have eaten on the roof. Somehow, the seeds managed to grow. It had been the sanctuary of other birds ever since.

Maybe, it would be a good idea for the environmentalist to consider using the birds in replanting trees at the places that are not reachable by human. It would cost them almost nothing as they would only need to feed the birds with the trees’ seeds and sent them to the places that they needed to replant the trees.

I'm willing to catch those birds. However, it's not going to be cheap as it's not easy to catch them. I'll be a filthy rich bird catcher.