~ The hike we made ~

Kerachut beach scenes

Our first hiking trip was to Kerachut beach, one of the beaches located in Penang National Park, north-east of the island. It was a beautiful morning on the 17th June when the four of us set out to conquer the little hill to reach the beach! 

Why hike there? It was more of a challenge and adventure rather than having to ride a speedboat which would take away the fun of aching limbs. And, we would have to pay for the ride, while using our legs is free! 

Along the track, we passed a path that was created by the laborers during the colonization period of the British. The track lasted for a few feet into the hiking path. 

We managed to capture a few pictures there for memory's sake. 

Picture taking along the way 

We finally arrived the beach after 1-2 hours of hiking. A breath-taking sight awaited us as we crossed the Kerachut beach bridge... the meromictic lake, where there are two distinct layers of water (fresh water fed from surrounding streams on top kept cool, and the lower layer of salt water kept warm). 

Beyond the lake, a white, sandy beach lay stretched ahead with the ocean waves lapping against it. 

Along the seaside, there were many big rocks where the hikers could take a break, have their breakfast or snacks and enjoy chatting with friends on them. There were trees as well, where we found monkeys swinging around. We had a good rest on the rocks and met another group of hikers. We asked for their help to take a group photo of the four of us. We didn't forget to go along the waves to have a stroll before heading to our next destination - the suspension bridge. 

On the suspension bridge! 

It was an exhausting journey, but this experience of visiting the national park and having first hand sights of Mother Nature, was definitely worth the tiredness. :)

                                                                                        Written by Shun Ying

                                                                                        Edited by Melanie Ann

Sun, Sand and Smoke

What more can you ask for on a clear, happy morning? J

We need great friends, food, and fun too!

Wondering why smoke?  Let’s begin the story then….

So it was a Saturday morning, 2nd of March, 2013. The clock struck 9.00 am and the ones who were gathered in IPharm were busy getting themselves into cars and sorting out drivers for the trip. 

The direction and landmark given to find the place was “a white chair beside the road”. Various drivers had their own experience in finding the place. But we managed it, and were at Tanjung Asam, Gertak Sanggul in time to see the fire starting by Qabil, with his very own personal fan.

Yes, it was our very own barbeque beach party! Well, not exactly a party, but still, we had food and drink, games, music and pictures. 

Soon after, while breakfast (Kiera’s Mum’s fried bihun) was being served, the next carload of happy people arrived. After everyone had gladly finished  with their breakfast, some went off admiring the beach, sea, clams, crabs….while others got busy wrapping potatoes and corn in aluminium foil to be barbequed… while some others busied themselves with cat-sitting and picture snapping. We also had an undeniably great team of cooks, fruit-cutters, and jokers!

Cat-sitters and barbeque-ers!

Initially, we thought there wasn’t going to be enough. But it turned out that we had too much. Food. Whatever left over BBQ-ed meat and potatoes, marshmallows, fruits, sauces, fried vermicelli were brought home by different willing people at the end of it all. No wasting happened. 

What must we do after a heavy meal, besides sleep? 

Exercise!:P

 Ms Fei Li, with her game-mistress-white-stool, instructed us very strictly into our groups of four and briefed about the game that she had prepared. We were to have super powers ! To skip the line, to untie a pair of legs, to make others freeze in their tracks… Our legs were to be tied to one another, and we were to walk as one, to stations where tasks laid awaiting.

Groups of four ready for action!

Chor Ee and Marianne were our special guests, who made great company at the site. Even though it was terribly hot, they stuck around until all the fun of watching us fall over each other (literally) in the evil witch a.k.a Fei Li’s plot to torture us during her game were over and we were out of breath. They brought us a generous amount of fruits, which we enjoyed very much, and even helped out in the fruit cutting and food foil-wrapping for the pit.

A quick group picture was taken by our very own professional photographer cum engineer, Nabil before the two VIPs had to retire to the coolness of their car and be on their way.

Group picture with Chor Ee and Marianne

There was to be a punishment for the last team to arrive for the challenge, and guess what? The monitors’ group was last. The punishment? To dance to a KPop song in front of everyone :S. Thank goodness Chor Ee had left the scene, for it would have been incredibly inappropriate for our trainer to witness the happenings that unfolded then.

Soon after all the laughs and cheek reddening, we cleared up the area as best as we could and packed all our belongings with us. The untouched watermelon was carried back and to be brought to class the following Monday to be shared. Many more pictures were taken and after many Goodbyes and waves, we drove off from there.

It was an enjoyable day, even with the few drops of rain on us, the mood wasn’t deterred one bit. This would be the last class outing we’ll have with the whole BIDP I class together.. Thank you all for joining in and contributing in all kinds of things to make it happen. 

BIDP I Beach BBQ :)

                                   

                                                                                                                      Written by: Melanie Ann