SAILING IN BRUNEI

     30th October 2009 (Friday) – BEAPCA organized a fascinating activity on “sailing in Brunei” which I experienced for the first time in my life. We were asked to gather at Serasa Beach’s parking area before 6.30am. at 6.00 am, some students and I waited at UBD SHBIE car park. Somehow, the bus we waited did not arrive on time. We waited for few more minutes before we followed our friend’s cars to go there. This affected our time management.

     I hold the position of Bin Manager for this week’s excursion. From the mistakes of the Bin Manager made on the Lucky Garden’s activity, I ensured that I brought enough plastic bags for cleaning up litters, separating the recyclable with the non recyclable trashes and throw it properly. Not only that, we also used it for putting wet clothes and as a waterproof safety to store electronic items.

     We Sailed to Pulau Pelumpong passing through Muara Harbour and local fish farms. On the map, I remembered that Pelumpong Island had an oval-liked shaped and it is located near the isle of Tiger. I heard that it was called a Tiger Island due to the numerous of people drinking Tiger beer on that area.

     During sailing, we were taught by Mrs. Aidee and Captain Peter on the basic of sailing. This included boat terminology, boating equipment and its definitions from the flyers we received such as the “Bow”, “Stern”, “Port”, “Starboard”, “Mast”, “Sail”, “Winch”, “Knot”, “Anchor”, “Cleat”, “Cockpit”, “Halyard” and “Line”. We also learned how to read maps, GPRS reading and 2 knot skills; Square knots and Bowline knots (also called King of Knots).

     In additions, we were taught self-safety and to aware of the surroundings which will cause undesirable accident. Tips that were given to us were ‘never sail alone’, ‘should know how to swim’, ‘inform people where I will be going’ and ‘what time I will be back’.

     When the ship could not go further to the mentioned Island, Dr. Irene, some students and I swam to the beach at Pelumpong Island. I was completely nervous that I almost drown. Soon, I realized that I should stay calm in any circumstances.

     According to my observation, the water was very clear; I ascertained that it had green dotted spots on the sea bed. When I told Dr Asmah that I spotted Jelly fish, she enlightened us that we can save our-self from jellyfish’s stung by rubbing beach sand on it.

     Moreover, I also learned about history. An investor wanted to invest an aluminums factory on Tiger beach. However, our government concerns about the environment and endangered species such as dugongs and turtles.

     To think about it, money can be use to make a man–made environment but compared to the original natural environment itself, it is not worthy enough as to what nature itself holds. Hence, rather than obliterating the beauty and the richness of flora and fauna found within the natural environment, it is much better if we use this opportunity towards an ecosystem tourism as this clearly shows that we, our self, care about the environment and can provides income for the government itself through a eco–friendly way.

     We certainly did not intend to finish this trip after 12.00pm but due to the sinking of the boat, overheated of the engine of the sailing ship and transport issues, we arrived late at the drop-off point.

     In conclusion, this trip caused a lot of losses but it was incredibly a memorable trip. Everyone showed their satisfaction on their faces. I would like to give suggestions for students to check their email everyday for upcoming updates so that we can fill our roles for future activity and transport organizer should be responsible for transportation. Furthermore, we should visualize the worst ‘case scenario’ that could happen and prepare for it. One thing I bear in mind is to always equip yourself with life jacket on boat.