Trip 6: Kg. Padnunok, Lamunin, Tutong

Three things happened here that I considered the most challenging for this last trip this semester. The first one was we had to pass by a herd of buffaloes, where one of them was a mother with its cubs, so scary. As what Jeff Corwin said in one of his show in Animal Planet, “…mammals are unpredictable…” But we did pass by them eventually; they looked like they were tame enough not to hurt us. The second challenge was to go (slide was a more correct term) down a very steep slope. It was slippery with only nearby small trees to hold onto. One good advice here was, “Don’t worry getting dirty, safety first…” Yeah, we were getting muddy alright! And the last one was this was the first time that we completed the trekking till about 7 o’clock in the evening. It was really, really late and really, really dark and we didn’t bring any torchlight. Well, for a last trip, it was challenging enough. I hope I’ll see you guys next semester. GO BEAP!!!

Trip 5: Taman Rekreasi Markuching

This place, once you reached at the top of one of the hills (there were a lot of hills there with their own name at each hill), it had a nice view, and I felt the ‘abode of peace’ of Brunei…haha. That’s my opinion. There were a lot of hills that we had to conquered here than the last time but we didn’t have to rush this time. This place should have a rubbish bin on top of each hill (just like the ones in Bukit Shahbandar) so that the visitors would not just throw away their rubbish (especially plastic bottles) on the ground anywhere they felt like throwing. Maybe they were too tired to hold the plastic bottles to bring it to the bottom of the hill. Overall, it was a great experience and I hope I would be able to come back here in the future!

Trip 4: Kg. Serdang, The Big Tree

We had been to Serdang area last semester and it was a challenging trek with its steep slope. But this one was twice as challenging as that one. We walked very briskly that I felt like I was running but it was too hard to do that because it was not a flat, horizontal road, it was a slope and sometimes it was really steep. When we got to the Big Tree, I felt it was worth it to rush it there. Altogether, it took 17 of us holding hands to embrace the Big Tree (that was our own record). It was really dark by the time we return to the starting point.

Trip 3: Jln Mentiri

It took us nearly two hours to complete this trekking. The trek was not hard to walk on but it looked like there was no end to it. It was a good place to jog though. There were a few people that we encountered just doing that. All I could say was it was a very long…long…long walk…it was fun!

Trip 2: Rimba Area

This place was what Dr. Irene called a “young forest”. Once you stepped inside it, you would realise that it was too quiet except the noise that you made. There were no birds chirping, no insects buzzing…simply quiet. One of my friend realise also that there was no tree fruit in there. So this forest could be preserved to be the ‘old forest’ in many, many years to come for the next generation to enjoy...hehe…

Trip 1: Residential Area

After a long break from last semester last trip to Bukit Patoi, it felt good to be back again, hiking and exploring the environment. This first trip was a good ‘warm-up’ for the upcoming trekking. One sad thing I found here was there were a lot of empty plastic bottles left behind. The empty plastic bottles looked like they were left there a long…long…long time ago. Well it was part of our responsibility as the BEAP members to clean them up!

Kg Padnunok, Lamunin Tutong (25/4/07)

This was our last trekking and it was challenging especially to our leaders as there were no trails, they just depend on the ribbon that they tied on Sunday. I know it was confusing as our leader has lost the track twice. However, I really like the teamwork and spirit of all our leaders as well as the member as they work together to find the way out of the jungle at the end of our trekking. Salute! We’ve also encountered some cows and buffalos. At first, we really felt scared but Thank God nothing bad happened. During the trekking, I’ve slipped twice as some of the paths were quite slippery. We had across 3 streams too. The best part was when all of us need to climb down the steepest slope. Dr. Irene advised us that it’s better for us to get dirty rather than injured ourselves. So most of us just slide down the steep and as a result our pants get dirty but it’s OK as long as we were safe and happy. Overall, the trekking was enjoyable and adventurous. Good job peeps! Hope to see you all next semester. Good Luck for the coming Exam yeah! Bye! (o^_^o)

Hafizah (Bukit Markucing, Kg. Subok, 18th April, 2007)

Jack & Jill went up the hill…

The trekking this time was done in a leisurely manner, no rush – no hush either. Well, at least in the beginning. When the walk just began, there was a strange sound that filled the air. It was some sort of a creaking sound, which, I had no idea where it originated from. Then, after some time… ah… I see… It was from the pinwheels that were erected at Bukit Cerangin (the name says it all). The trek was basically about going up and down the hill. Unfortunately enough, though, I couldn’t take many photos because the camera’s batteries died. Oh well, looking on the bright side of it, I could in a way or another appreciate the beauty of nature more. When the eyes aren’t looking through the lens of a camera, without anything that comes between them and the things in the environment, you’ll find more beauty in everything that you see. Sometimes, I must admit, when one is too engrossed in taking pictures, s/he unfortunately misses the genuine magnificence of nature. The beauty that is perceived by the eyes is at times, if not all the time, more stunning than any photos captured by cameras. ; )

Hafizah (Kampong Padnunok, Tutong, 25th April, 2007)

Slip, Sink, Slide

Our last trekking location, Kg. Padnunok was nothing like what I’ve seen and been to before. The landscape was rather different. The moment I arrived at the village, I felt as though I was in some faraway traditional kampong. I could feel the tranquillity of it all… The cattle, mud lake, vast green land, narrow sandy paths, small hills, barbed wire fencing, the bubu that was left on the side of the lake, and … that smell that occasionally wafted through the air… All of these created the village life atmosphere.(--,)

After about half-an-hour walk on the scenic route, we reached and ventured into the forest. According to Dr. Irene, we were the pioneers to trek this forest, and hence the trail was much less trodden than our previous trekking locations. This was one of the reasons why this trek was a tad harder than what we’ve experienced before. Every so often, roots, the damp, slippery soil, and hanging lianas almost made me slip. In addition to that, there was barbed wire fencing juxtaposing the path that we took in the forest. Every time, I felt I was loosing my footing, my reflex would tell me to hold onto something, but as soon as my eyes saw the barbed fence, No, not that one! The greatest challenge was however, the very steep gradient that we had to climb (and slide) down. Not only was it steep, but it was slippery. The experience was nevertheless adventurous and fun! d('',)

When we finally emerged into civilisation, it was already dusk. We continued on our journey back to the starting point resolutely. Although it was getting darker, I’d rather it be that way – without using torchlight. It became increasingly peaceful by the minute. The night sky strewn with stars, the moonlight that provided some luminosity, the orchestrating insects in the background and silhouettes of trees against the twilight sky… Such is the beauty of nature…! Another BEAP successfully completed; looking forward to its continuation next semester. Congratulations to everyone! ; )

Bukit Markucing Recreational Park, Subok – 18/4/07

Just like Bukit Shahbandar, there are number of hills (which I didn’t count hehe ;p). Some of the slopes are quite steep but the surrounding is so nice and pleasure. The scenery from the top hill is so beautiful. We can see and smell the nature. There are huts at each stopping point for people to take rest. However, I would like to suggest that they provide rubbish bin at each stopping point. We could see people littering bottles. The only rubbish bin that they provided is at the starting point. Overall, the trekking is OK.

p/s: To all the members, I've created a blog for us to share pictures that we've taken during the trekking. Hope to see your feedback. Just type the username: beap_ubd@hotmail.com; password: beapubd2007. Invite yourself then you can post your pictures. This is the link if you wanna see it. I've posted some of the pictures. So enjoy it k. <http://beapubd2007gallery.blogspot.com/>

Summary of my trekking

This is the first trip. I’ve been to Bukit Shahbandar and Hutan Simpan Berakas and the place was ordinary but going to this new trekking site, it was a total different. I never when to such place which is very interesting like going into forest without any damages to the surrounding and it was peaceful. It was a superb place to go with your friends and family.

The second trip was to Rimba. The trip is fun and I learn something new there…most of the trees are small and using one of my sense, I can here that there is no like no living things living there. Hardly hear the sound of the birds and the small insects.

The third trip was near Mentiri. Over there, it was fun. Over there, I feel like I was really in the forest because the sound of the nature is all over me…hearing the sound of the birds and insects and also learning the different types of flora and fauna that are available there.

On 11 April, we went to Serdang. Over there, I see a giant tree. A week before we go, the lecturer involve have told us that the trail will be long and it will probably takes us 1.5 to 2 hours. Because of the long trail, I get very tired and exhausted. Not even reaching ¼ of journey I already feel very tired and exhausted. I wanted to return back to the starting point. But then because I wanted to see the giant tree, I continued on with the journey and I mange to finish it although I was exhausted! Maybe next time if they were to go there, I don’t think I might want to join again.

Yesterday, 18 April, we went to Bukit Markucing. It was totally nice but then Iwas very tired. Can see the view clearly from the top. Before reaching the windmill area, I thought it was the sound of chicken but when reaching to the top then I know what sound is that. The use is to chase away birds since they are planting fruits. I can go there again I think but not to Serdang!

Hafizah (Jalan Mentiri, 11th April, 2007)

Sage, Old Tree

This trekking was by far the most challenging – not due to the distance, but more because of the gradient and the speed at which we had to go. Nevertheless, it was definitely worth all that effort, as we were later “rewarded” by the huge tree encounter. When I saw the tree and stood before it, I thought to myself, How long have you been here? You certainly have witnessed a lot of happenings and changes. I wonder who have passed you by. If you could utter words, or if I could listen to what’s in you, I’m sure that you have a lot to tell... Standing in front of it, I felt rather small. These old, big trees truly serve as a reminder that we’re not the only ones inhabiting this planet, and that… Sorry, I’ve lost my train of thoughts. It’s quite difficult to express what I have in mind. Hopefully, you can relate to what is on my mind. : )

Hafizah (Sg. Tilong, 4th April, 2007)

A Second Chance

This was the second time that I trekked in this forest. However, this time around, we took a different entry route, and I could actually see and appreciate more of the forest environment this time. The last time I trekked here, we had to practically run as it was getting rather late. Generally, nothing much has changed on the inside of the forest, except for the fact that, it seemed there were more variety of plants growing in the forest.

11/04/07, Kg. Serdang.

well just as i though last week trekking was challenging. this week was even more than what i have expected. the slope was very steep and slippery as well. the pathway was very narrow and there were many branches and thorns that caught onto my attire. it was not until halfway that i started to feel a little out of breath. i drink my water and it still didn't help. nevertherless we have to keep going before it gets dark. our main aim is to see the big tree.

After one hour walk or so, i finally got to see the big tree myself. just like people has described it "big", it was really not a joke. i can say that it's a really huge and gigantic tree and it looks very old too.it took about 17 people holding hands to surround the tree and this is how big it is. just a bit further up, there is another big tree but we ignored it and continue our journey since it is getting late. the next one and a half hour walk was really agonizing and tiring.there were many ferns and thorny branches not to mention the steep slope that we have to walk on.many people suffer minor injuries too. i was glad that we were finally out of the forest. this is by far the most challenging trek i have been so far.

Mentiri highway, 4/4/07

Our third trekking site is somewhere near the mentiri highway area. this trek was quite challenging compared to the last one. we have to walk a long way just to reach the entry of the forest. now this is where the challenging part comes, the slope was a bit steep and i have difficulty in balancing myself.At some point along the way, there was a small bridge which took me all the courage to cross it since i am afraid of height. there were also ferns which are thick and bushy on both sides and it just make my hand very itchy whenever i walk past it. inside, the trek was very stable and the walk was quite smooth. i was very happy when we were finally out of the forest. everyone was heading for the drinks that is provided. overall, the trekking was fun and challenging.

Rimba housing area,28/03/07

Well, this is where we were heading for our second trip. the trek was not that hard and you might just call it a "relax' trek. from what i observed from my surrounding, i can see that the trees are not very big and tall. perhaps it is a secondory growth or that the soil is just lacking of nutrients. along the way, we find some flora and fauna species which is quite common such as termite nests and so on.nevertherless, when we were about the reach the exit, i saw a lot of abandoned houses. it was such a waste to leave it like that. i think someone should do something about it. overall the trekking was fun and enjoyable.

Fakhriah (Kg. Serdang - 11/04/2007)

Now it is the time that I can really say... the trekking was fairly HARD! I think most of the BEAP members that came on that day will tend to agree with me. Even on the starting point, I could see that some of us had already panted ( I was also breathing hard though...).

It was really challenging. I was relieved when I completed the trekking and I was happy that all of us made it to the end.. (Congratulations everyone!!). But it was quite sad that I did not really have the chance to appreciate the nature this time. We were walking quite fast but I think that was a reasonable thing to do since we did not want to stay in the forest till dark.

It was fascinating to see the big tree! I'm just wondering... can anyone identify the tree? It will be nice to learn what tree can grow to such enormous diameter. By the way, the 'rock climbing' which came immediately after the big tree was really torturing my legs. It took my breath away for a while.

There is one thing I want to comment. I really like the spirit of TEAMWORK on that day. Everyone took care of each other especially when one hurt himself/herself after falling, got a hit on the head by the branch and etc. Sure enough, I think everyone got his/her shares that day! ([I got one too, =).]

11/4/2007 - Kg. Serdang spg.702

An excellent trekking! This week is more challenging than last week, very challenging especially those steep slopes. Our aim for this week is to see the biggest tree and we did it. Congratulation people! (^_^) However, we did not have a chance to really see and appreciate the surrounding since we have to walk fast. But nothing can be done since we have to get out from the jungle before it's getting too dark. Yet, I still felt happy for abled to see and circle around the biggest tree. If anyone of you got that picture, please post it here or the gallery. I would love to see it. Overall, this trekking was a good one.

p/s: To all the members, I've created a blog for us to share pictures that we've taken during the trekking. Hope to see your feedback. Just type the username:beap_ubd@hotmail.com; password: beapubd2007. Invite yourself then you can post your pictures. This is the link if you wanna see it. I've posted some of the pictures. So enjoy it k. http://beapubd2007gallery.blogspot.com/

11/04/2007 Mentiri

Apart from walking like a drunken person along the trekking due to my fatigue legs climbing up the tracherous steep slopes and leaves kept getting into my mouth as I was breathing hard through my mouth, I considered the trekking was alright. Yes, I admit the trekking was a bit challenging than the last trekking activity. But nevertheless, it was quiet an exciting feeling to reached the top. Other than that, I also enjoyed seeing the beautiful sceneries.

4/4/2007 - Mentiri Highway Area

Superb! That was I felt when I've just finished our 3rd trekking. Amongst all of our trekking so far, this is the most challenging. We have encountered some slope but not too steep. There were two small bridges that we have crossed. The scenery is also nice from the beginning till the end. I never thought such a place exist beside the Mentiri highway. I mean from the road I can't see that there is inside the bushes, a place for people to jog. Anyway, I'm looking forward for the next trip.

28/3/07 - Rimba Executive Housing Area

This is our second trekking area. Along the way we can hardly heard any sound. It was very quiet forest. Neither hissing sound of insect nor chirping sound of bird is heard. However, there was an evidence for the existence of the wild boar (picture above show some trace of wild boar but it is not so clear) and thank God! we didn't meet it while walking in the jungle. From our observation, the forest is categorized as "young". This can be seen from the plant around the forest itself. The leaves are light green in colour and the trunk of the trees are very thin. Overall the trekking is fine.

21/03/2007 - Diplomatic Residence Area, Jln. Kebangsaan

Our first trekking for this semester was at Diplomatic Residence Area, Jln. Kebangsaan. We have gone to this area last year but on the other side of the jungle. Since this is our first jungle trekking for this semester so it was quite leisure. We started our walked around 5.15pm. It took us about half an hour to finish the whole journey. Along the way, we have encountered a few streams and different kind of fungus such as fern and mushroom. Moreover, we also have seen other plants like pitcher plant and a tree with a big trunk as well as termite’s nest. As we walked through the path, we also picked up some rubbish that lying along the way. We could see a few trees fell down too which might be caused by human activities. We leaved the location around 6.20pm after having some refreshment and discussing about next week jobs. Consequently, overall the location for this week trekking was a good beginning especially for the new members of this course. So I would love to rate it 7/10. Let us appreciate our environment, chiayo! (o^_^o)

Rimba Executive Housing areas

This week jungle trekking took us nears Rimba Executive Housing areas. We left UBD around 4.40 pm on Wednesday and arrive at our trekking area 10 minutes afterwards. I led a group of 12 students and left 5 minutes after the 2^nd group set out their venture all the while managing to complete the whole journey approximately 1hour 30 minutes soon after.

I have to admit that I was pretty anxious before we set out, but after stumbling onto our marker (polka dot pink ribbon) one after the other my confidence began to build up. Our track this time, I supposed was a bit more interesting as we came across animal track and plants that was not part of our trail last time.

The one that was still imprinted in my mind was the one where we found wild boar and its infant hoofs mark, I was amazed how strong it was judging from the clearing it dug out. In addition to that we were privileged to come across its home, a depression made on elevated hillside framed by tree roots.

Plants that I remembered were kudup-kudup (professed to have healing property), sage (natural alternatives for water treatment), halia and simpur (traditionally and perhaps still used for packaging food).

Overall, I think the trip was educational plus my role as a leader had trained me to be more focus to my surrounding in the near future.

Sungai Tilong Jungle <4th April>

The trekking was well organized. The site was good, you will really appreciate the beauty of environment.

Sg.Tilong, 04th April, Siew noy

It was quite ok and I am satisfied with the trekking organized. Overall, I enjoyed trekking into the forest, seeing interesting plants, hearing birds' singing and observing small fishes in small ponds.

3rd trekking

I joined the first trekking but did not come for the second trekking. So i already had this expectation in my head that the trekking for this time would be a bit hard. Yet, after the trekking ended, I personally feel that it was not that hard. Yes, it was a bit tiring but I still had fun. With a help from a friend, i got to learn some interesting facts of the nature. I saw an interesting insect (called 'Tangil' in malay? I'm not sure though...). The scenery was beautiful and eye-catching.

Trekking No 3

The trekking was interesting. There are interesting sceneries and it was more tiring than the last trekking. But it was fun!!

Hafizah (Rimba, Gadong - 28th March, 2007)

Do You Care?

I was glad with the performance of BEAP this week. There was definitely teamwork and cooperation. Many of the members helped in keeping the jungle clean by picking up the pieces of papers, plastic bottles, plastic pipes, etc. that were littered around the trekking site. Apparently, the previous trekkers were not responsible enough towards the environment. The strips of papers that they used as trail markers were unnecessarily excessive. Every few meters, piles of paper strips could be seen dumped on the forest floor. Whole book pages were also used. Although they were only papers, which means that will naturally decompose, doing so is very unsightly, and it destroys the beauty of nature.

One of the things that were littered at the trekking site that is worth noting was a plastic plier set container that was labelled “ENVIRONMENTAL GREEN PACK.” On the back side of it, it says: “THIS TRAY IS CODED FOR RECYCLING WHERE AVAILABLE. AVOID DISCARDING.” Hm… Isn’t that ironic?

Come on… Please be responsible trekkers. If one truly loves and cares for the environment, please observe cleanliness of the natural environment. Enter the forest with interest and enthusiasm, observe and appreciate what you encounter in it, emerge with greater understanding of nature and the desire to know more about the environment, and leave nothing behind but footprints…

Hafizah (Diplomatic Residence Area - 21st March, 2007)

A Bittersweet Experience

First of all, I’m very glad for the return of BEAP this semester. In my point of view, learning about the natural environment has to take place in nature itself. Only in this way can we truly understand and appreciate nature.

As much as I was pleased to be able to venture out into the forest again, sad to say, I felt rather disappointed due to the fact that the trekking still had a number of drawbacks. Again, this time, the speed at which the trekking was done was not slow enough to enable the trekkers, especially the new ones to look around. Yes, I agree that the pace was reduced compared to the previous ones (last semester), and we did stop a few times, but many of the trekkers were not explained about the forest and the things that were found in it. However, I’m not saying that the trekking lacked educational values. I believe that by going into the forest, and by exploring it, there are still a lot of valuable lessons that can be gained. Watching documentaries on rainforests and wildlife, no matter how realistic they may seem, is not the same as being in the forest itself. There’s nothing like experience; experience is the best teacher!

One of the aspects of this trekking that I was really glad about is that the bin managers collected the rubbish that were littered in the forest. The lecturers and some of the other trekkers also helped in keeping the forest clean by picking up the pieces of papers that went unnoticed, and by removing the tracking ribbons that were used for this trekking and the ones that were used previously by other trekkers. In addition, the bin managers also collected the litter outside the forest after the trekking. A job well done! It is very important that we observe cleanliness of the natural environment. A responsible trekker leaves nothing behind, except footprints.

*I would like to apologize for the delayed posting of the first trekking's blog entry. I didn't know about this new blog.