Edu-Tourism Camp by UM Cares - Introduction

A week or so ago, I was privileged to join an Edu-Tourism Camp facilitated by University Malaya. The programme which was developed by a subsidiary body called UM Cares aims to provide a totally new outlook on Eco-Tourism in Malaysia.

What is the difference between the two you may ask?

Ecotourism - tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.

Edutourism - Recreational travel undertaken undertaken solely or partially for the purpose of study, self improvement or intellectual stimulation. 

In a nutshell what Edutourism means is enjoying nature from an educational perspective. Learning about our ecosystem and how every bit of flora and fauna has its own purpose.

The UM Tropical Familiarization Camp as it is called consists of a 3 days 2 nights stay at their Outdoor Research Facility and surrounding wilderness. The facility which is situated within the Selangor State Forest Reserve may not be your idea of "Bear Grills - Into The Wild" but I can assure you that it is a truly eye-opening experience.

Through out the 3 days we were not only given tasks to do along with some classroom sessions, there were also many fun yet educational activities scheduled. Here's a breakdown of what to expect during the camp. 

Biodiversity : Frogging, Animal Trapping, Stream Sampling & Survival Walk.

Indigenous Culture: Sewang Dance Show & Tell, Arts & Crafts and Blow Piping.

Extreme Sports: Waterfall Abseiling, Flying Fox, Zip Line and Archery War.

Below is a sample Itinerary:

UM Tropical Camp

Day 1.

09.00 am             Pendaftaran

09.15 am             Ice-breaking 

09.30 am              Guided Walk di Rimba Ilmu

10.30 am             Aktiviti Explorace

11.30 am              Lawatan ke Dewan Tengku Canselor (DTC)

12.30 pm             Makan tengahari & pengurusan diri

02.30 pm             Bertolak ke Ulu Gombak

03.30 pm             Persembahan “Sewang” oleh penduduk Orang Asli Gombak

04.30 pm             Permainan tradisional Orang Asli – Menyumpit 

05.00 pm             Pembuatan kraftangan tradisional Orang Asli

06.00 pm             Makan malam

08.00 pm             Frogging

10.00 pm             Mist net 

11.00 pm             Tamat hari pertama

Day 2

07.00 am             Observasi  haiwan pada mist net

08.00 am             Sarapan

08.30 am             Pemasangan cage trap dan pitfall trap

10.30 am             Archery war

12.00 pm             Makan Tengahari

02.00 pm             Stream sampling

04.30 pm             Minum petang

05.00 pm             Ecological plotting          

05.30 pm             Observasi cage trap dan pitfall trap

06.30 pm             Ekspedisi Sungai Pisang 

08.30 pm             Sesi BBQ  di Sungai Pisang

10.00 pm             Bermalam di Sungai Pisang

Day 3

07.30 am             Sarapan 

08.00 am             -Abseiling

                            -Flying Fox

                            -Zipline

1.00 pm               Rehat

2.00 pm               -Abseiling

                            -Flying Fox

                            -Zipline

5.00 pm                Program tamat. Bertolak ke Universiti Malaya 

It's a pretty packed schedule if you ask me, but it is well worth your time and energy. I certainly enjoyed my time there and definitely gained an abundance of knowledge throughout. I will be writing my take on the events and activities that took place during the camp, so stay tuned for more.

P/S: At the end of this series i'll share the entire package cost and a list of travel partners that you may acquire such packages from.

Till then...

Jean Gallyot out....

Miliki Kereta Idaman Dengan Showroom.car

Salam Sejahtera & Salam 1Malaysia.

Indahnya rasa bila hari hujan...

Cuaca panas berganti dingin dan suasana semakin sayu.

Tido syok woii!!!

Bagi mereka yang berkerja dari rumah mahupun suri rumah, ianya tidak lah menjadi masalah. Bagaimana pula dengan mereka yang keluar mencari rezeki untuk diri dan keluarga? Kelewatan dah tentu dan kesihatan juga bakal terjejas, terutamanya mereka yang menaiki motorsikal dan kenderaan awam seperti bas, teksi dan keretapi.  

Dah tentu basah lencun kan?

Hari ni Abam nak kongsikan dengan korang satu platform dan aplikasi dimana korang boleh membeli kereta BARU, RECON ataupun TERPAKAI dengan mudah dan selamat. 

Platform yang Abam maksudkan ini adalah Showroom.car di mana ia boleh digunakan melalui web atau pun dalam bentuk aplikasi mobile.

Showroom.car berfungsi sebagai perunding bagi pihak korang. 

Kenapa Abam cakap perunding? Sebab platform / aplikasi ni membolehkan korang mencari kereta idaman korang melalui pelbagai kriteria yang korang sendiri boleh tetapkan. 

Contohnya: Korang boleh "filter" pencarian korang dari segi TAHUN, JENAMA, HARGA, KAPASITI ENJIN dan macam² lagi.

Abam nak bagi korang tips sikit.

Kalau nak beli kereta TERPAKAI, memang betul kereta lama lebih murah.

Tapi korang kene ingat bahawa penjimatan dari segi kos pembelian mungkin akan meninggikan kos maintenance dan insurance.

Contohnya kalau korang pilih kereta yang sudah melebihi 20 tahun, Harga kereta tersebut memang ternyata sangat murah. Untunglah korang kan? SALAH! Sebab kadar insurance korang akan lebih tinggi disebabkan tambahan loading dan sebagainya, Insuran pun hanya parti ke 3 sahaja.

Showroom.car juga membolehkan anda berurusan dengan pemilik kenderaan tersebut secara terus. Maksudnya, korang boleh berurusan dan berjumpa dengan pemilik tersebut untuk test drive dan check kenderaan tersebut sebelum membelinya.

Kalau Abam cerita panjang² pun tak guna sebab abam pasti korang nak tengok sendiri aplikasi dan interface aplikasi tu kan? So.... Jom kita layan video pendek yang abam buat berkenaan dengan aplikasi ni dan bagaimana ia boleh mengubah hidup korang.

Kalau ada diantara korang yang ingin mencari kereta, Abam syorkan korang melawat Showroom.car. SEKARANG! hehehe...

Untuk maklumat lanjut atau memuat turun aplikasi Showroom.car sila layari:

Website Showroom.car

Facebook Showroom.car

Showroom.car App on AppStore

Showroom.car App on Playstore

Pulau Gaya - Destinasi Percutian Yang Penuh GAYA!

Salam Sejahtera & Salam 1Malaysia.

Kalau disebut tentang percutian ideal, sudah tentu banyak yang memikirkan tentang destinasi² di luar negara. Namun demikian, dengan keadaan matawang yang kian merosot Abam rasa ramai yang mungkin "cancel" pelan untuk bercuti.

Tapi.... Kenapa perlu "cancel"? 

Haaaaa... Ni Abam nak ceritakan pada korang tentang kewujudan destinasi percutian yang sangat cantik dan terletak di seberang Laut China Selatan. Bunyinya macam jauh kan? Sebenarnya tak jauh pun, masih di dalam Malaysia lagi... hehehe...

Tempat yang Abam maksudkan itu adalah Borneo!

Ye.... Sabah bah...

Di sekitar Kota Kinabalu, terdapat beberapa pulau peranginan yang kita boleh pergi dengan menaiki bot dari Jesselton Point. Antaranya adalah sebuah pulau yang penuh GAYA! hahaha...

Dekat Pulau Gaya ni, ada satu Resort yang Abam nak "recommend" dekat korang iaitu Gaya Island Resort.

Sebab utama Abam syorkan Gaya Island Resort adalah disebabkan jaraknya yang sangat dekat dengan Jesselton Point, so senang untuk korang berjalan² ke Bandar KK.

Kalau korang stay dekat sini, seelok - eloknya stay lah at least 2 malam sebab banyak aktiviti yang korang boleh buat dekat Pulau Gaya ni... Not to mention staff diorang yang sangat cheerful dan sentiasa sedia membantu with a smile on their face. Servis memang terbaik beb!

Tempat ni sangat sesuai untuk mereka yang nak relax dan enjoy bersama dengan orang yang tersayang. Especially if you have kids! Sebab Gaya Island Resort ni cater mostly untuk FAMILY. Tak kisah lah family besar ke kecik, yang penting family... kan? kan? kan?

Siap ada tempat untuk picnic and korang boleh menikmati bayu laut dan pemandangan yang sangat indah. Kalau rasa panas boleh terjun masuk kolam renang outdoor yang sedia ada, tapi dont worry sebab ada kolam renang khas untuk kanak². Abam gerenti korang dapat rasa refreshed and rejuvenated lagi² lepas enjoy the sea breeze, scenery, garden and pool kan?

Sebut pasal rejuvenated, Abam hampir lupa.... Kat sini ada SPA jugak tau untuk manjakan badan yang dah penat tu. Yelah, kerja penat² untuk sara diri dan keluarga mestilah nak kene relax and tenangkan badan and minda... Barulah boleh continue full force.

Untuk bookworm pula, boleh berkunjung ke Library yang terdapat in-house di resort ni. 

Laundry pun ada, so baju² korang tak perlu peram dengan air laut... hehehe... boleh terus basuh je! SANGAT CONVENIENT!

Kalau nak stay sini lama pun tak jadi masalah sebab semuanya ada, termasuk lah Concierge yang sentiasa sedia membantu korang untuk angkat bag "lari rumah" korang tu. Yes! staff sini memang sangat peramah dan berpengalaman, yang paling best is dorang boleh berkomunikasi dalam bermacam² bahasa.

Lepas tengok gambar² resort and pemandangan kat sini Abam pasti ramai yang plan nak buat wedding dekat Gaya Island Resort kan? (Yer! Abam pun terniat jugak...)

Impian tu bukan sekadar impian sebab Gaya Island Resort mampu menjadikan impian kita satu kenyataan! 

Yahooo!!! This resort ada provide A-Z wedding services tau! Ala² wedding bakal viral gitu...

Lepas wedding boleh terus sambung honeybulan dekat sini and jalan jalan sebab resort siap ada tour guide lagi.

Pada Abam lah kan, this is the perfect place for family, work and play sebab segala apa yang diperlukan ada. 

Even if korang nak usulkan untuk company korang buat meeting atau corporate retreat dekat sini pun boleh sebab ada facilities macam conference room dan sebagainya. Stress macam mana pun kerja, for sure morale tetap tinggi kalau boss bawak datang sini!

Pendek kata, tak perlu lah bazir duit pergi melancong keluar negara sedangkan dekat Malaysia ni pun tak habis explore lagi. Pada masa yang sama boleh juga membantu mengukuhkan ekonomi kita sekarang ni. Betul tak?

Suggestion Abam, Go to Traveloka via web or mobile app, and check out the gaya island resort packages dan jangan teragak untuk buat booking korang.

Kita sebagai rakyat Malaysia patut bangga yang kita mempunyai destinasi² yang setanding (if not better) dengan Negara  luar.

 Laut dia pun sangat cantik! Macam tak terusik langsung. Gaya Island Resort ni memang korang kene pergi at least sekali sementara masih bermaya... hehehehehe...

Bon Voyage Everyone!

BRITAIN'S LEWIS CORNISH TAKES POLE - Malaysia's Muhd Habibullah Second on Grid!

NAKHON CHAI SI, THAILAND, 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 – Gloomy Saturday morning at the renowned Thailand Circuit Motorsport Complex turned to be the main threat for riders on track. The uncertain weather created anxiety within riders as they braved through the toughest track developed for the championship.
 
In addition to the heavy overnight downpour, the rutted off-road section increases the challenges with hard and uneven dirt, creating a fierce battle even for the best riders on track.
 
Free Practice Report
Amidst the opening of the track for practice, riders and team mechanics seemed to faced complications with a slight delay in the entrance to the track. It was only five minutes after the announcement only the first rider appeared.
 

Lewis Cornish

United Kingdom’s Lewis Cornish #8 took the lead with full confidence in conquering the complicated circuit, showing excellent skills and performance that derives from his over ten-year experience on both Motocross and SuperMoto.
 

Marcel Van Drunen

Soon after his entrance, the second lap witnessed a boisterous brawl between the #8 and Dutchman Marcel Van Drunen #17. The duo put on a stunning performance despite being a free practice session. Neither made way or leaving any gap on the track, posing a brutal exchange in hope to utilise the knowledge as an advantage for the Qualifying round.
 
“The off-road’s condition was different from yesterday. It was difficult, but hopefully, the dirt will dry up before the Qualifying,” said Lewis.
 
Lewis topped the free practice with 1:21.767, followed by Marcel with 1:22.456.
 
Another team battle was witnessed between the Malaysian top duo, 2016 champion Muhd Habibullah #1 and 2013 champion Khairy Zakaria #32. The #32 kept his eyes locked to Habibullah all the time but failed to maintain his pace. Khairy’s disappointment upon his return to the paddock showed a confident look that he will defeat the 2016 champion in Qualifying.


“I am keeping a few tricks up my sleeve for Qualifying, and I will show the crowd and my rivals on my potential on track. My bike is in an optimum form, and hopefully, luck will lead me to the pole position later,” said Khairy.
 
Khairy clocked the free practice at 1:27.501, over a second behind Habibullah that clocked at 1:25.274.
 
Thailand’s ace, Trakarn Thangthong’s (#5) performance on track was a stunning show with stupendous power slides and stable jumps across the whoops. Without taking regard of other riders during the practice session, Trakarn surfed through the track elegantly, crossing lappers including Russia’s Artem Teslenko #97, Taiwan’s Lin Chin Pei #720 and Lee Wei #40, China’s Sun Tong #27 and Hong Kong’s Tsang Wai Kei #102.
 
“I am sure that I am in my best condition after the practice round today. Coming in third in the practice round, I believe that I can perform and bring the first round trophy for the country,” said Trakarn.
 
Trakarn finished the free practice clocking 1:23.079.
 
Qualifying Race Report
Fighting for one of the six entry to SuperChrono had the riders put on the best opening show for the 2017 FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship.
 
The Qualifying round that began at 2:30PM at the Thailand Circuit Motorsport Complex witnessed a change in the riders’ crave for the starting grid positioning tomorrow.
 
The scorching sun returned briefly before the start of qualifying to dry the off-road section, creating a relatively easier track for the riders.
 
While the Qualifying round does not require the riders to compete by the grid, Japan’s Takashi Sasaki #101 kicked-off the round with a tremendous performance on the track, taking advantage of the empty circuit in his attempt to secure the top spot for the race tomorrow.
 
Shortly after, top riders Lewis Cornish, Trakarn Thangthong, Muhd Habibullah, Khairy Zakaria, Marcel Van Drunen, and wild card rider, Thailand’s Natthapat Suksan Watthana entered the track and stole the show.
The battle between Lewis and Marcel was apparent that their rivalry was put on track even after the Free Practice. However, it was Lewis’ experience that aced the circuit as he blocked Marcel from leading the race. The blockage poses a threat for Marcel who ended up two seconds behind Lewis, which resulted in another graveyard battle with former champion Muhd Habibullah.
 
With Lewis securing a spot for SuperChrono, Marcel and Muhd Habibullah battled out for the second and third spot.
 
While the tracks’ condition has improved, the hairpin turn immediately after a table top jump seemed to be the toughest challenged even for the top riders.
 
Malaysia’s Muhd Habibullah and fans’ favourite, Thailand’s Trakarn Thangthong, were troubled with almost slipping off-track during the tight turn, especially when the lappers were met at the corner.
 
Both individuals with motocross experience did not put their best foot forward for the dirt section while trying to redeem their mistake with a full throttle on straight roads.
 

Trakarn Thangthong

Muhd Habibullah

Thailand’s wild card rider Natthapat Suksa Watthana shocked the audience with a favourable performance, landing him the final entry to SuperChrono. The Thailand rider faced multiple complicated mechanical issues during the free practice yesterday. With all eyes on the Thai riders, the host country is likely to secure at least a spot on the podium tomorrow. 
However, it was a struggle for Indonesia’s Farhan Hendro #162 when a mechanical issue took a toll on the bike, showing him the way out of the track earlier than expected. Despite the downturn, Farhan still secured the tenth grid spot for Moto 1 tomorrow.
  
Another eye opening rider, Philippines’ Kenneth San Andres wowed the spectators and rivals with an overwhelming performance. Steady riding across the circuit oppose his humble performance during Free Practice.
 
SuperChrono Race Report
Circuits were cleared from all riders other than the top six qualifiers, making space for full speed across the track.
 
Six riders - Lewis Cornish, Muhd Habibullah, Marcel Van Drunen, Trakarn Thangthong, Khairi Zakaria and Natthapat Suksan Watthana, competes for the pole position for Moto 1.
 
It was clear that Lewis overpowered the other riders and stole the pole position, clocking with the best time of 1:15.297. Habibullah, on the other hand, tried to fight with speed but his lack of experience and confidence in long tracks landed him second for the grid tomorrow.
 
Malaysia’s Khairy Zakaria’s performance during SuperChrono was slightly disappointing when he held back at all three off-road sections, landing him the fifth grid position.
 
The Thai duos Trakarn Thangthong and Natthapat Suksan Watthana puts on a stable race without much risk to secure the fourth and sixth grid positioning respectively.
 
Moto 1 will commence on Sunday, 3 September 2017, from 12:00PM (+7:00 GMT).
 
For more information, visit www.supermotoasia.com or watch the race live for f ree in HD on www.twenty3.tv powered by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd.
 
FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship is promoted by Asia Supersports Group, a consortium of three companies namely Bikenation Motorsports Sdn Bhd, Trade My Superbike and E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd; sanctioned by FIM Asia and FMSCT; and supported by Malaysia Major Events, a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia), Malay Mail, Kelab Blogger Ben Ashaari and TX Sports.
 
Qualifying Race Result:

Pos	No.	Name	National	Best Time
1	8	Lewis Cornish	GBR	1:15.677
2	17	Marcel Van Drunen	NED	1:17.305
3	1	Muhd Habibullah	MAS	1:17.540
4	5	Trakarn Thangthong	THA	1:17.757
5	32	Khairy Zakaria	MAS	1:19.313
6	28	Natthapat Suksan Watthana	THA	1:20.183
7	300	Naoto Takayama	JPN	1:20.436
8	101	Takashi Sasaki	JPN	1:20.917
9	12	Kenneth San Andres	PHI	1:21.539
10	162	Farhan Hendro	INA	1:21.982
11	97	Arten Teslenko	RUS	1:23.432
12	7	Pedro Wuner	INA	1:23.716
13	77	Hasroy Osman	SGP	1:26.791
14	720	Lin Chin Pei	TPE	1:26.981
15	27	Sun Tong	CHN	1:27.059
16	40	Lee Wei	TPE	1:32.497
17	102	Tsang Wai Kei	HKG	1:42.129

 
SuperChrono Race Results:

Pos	No	Name	National	Best Time
1	8	Lewis Cornish	GBR	1:15.297
2	1	Muhd Habibullah	MAS	1:16.632
3	17	Marcel Van Drunen	NED	1:16.737
4	5	Trakarn Thangthong	THA	1:17.047
5	32	Khairy Zakaria	MAS	1:19.229
6	28	Natthapat Suksan Watthana	THA	1:19.952

TRIPLE DIRT TRIPLE THREAT

2017 FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship's Riders Faces Challenging Opening Track

NAKHON CHAI SI, THAILAND, 1 SEPTEMBER 2017 – With less than 24 hours away from the curtain raiser of the 2017 FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship at the Thailand Circuit Motorsport Complex, Nakhon Chai Si, contending riders across 15 countries will face the most challenging circuit ever developed. Standing at a length of 1.4-kilometres, the track will be divided into a 4:6 ratio of dirt and tarmac.
 

Riders will peak a high speed of up to 120kmph at multiple long straights on the tarmac, especially before the finish line. However, the multiple hairpin turns on the track will test their skills in balancing and sliding, while maintaining their pace for the ultimate trophy.

The treacherous off-road section that spans a total of 540-metres will be the turning point for every rider. Eight whoops, a table top and a swivel before the final turn to a high-speed tarmac will be the real test of transition between the tarmac and off-road. Casing in any of the jumps might end the road to the championship title with a yard sale. Moreover, rider with the holeshot will stand a chance and be advantageous in the race.

“Riders and fans have always sought for excitement in this championship. Our increment in challenges and standards will play a pivotal role in enhancing the riders’ skills and ability to adapt in different circuits. Nevertheless, all safety elements were taken into consideration during the design of the track,” said Satheswaran Mayachandran, CEO of Asia Supersports Group.

For more information, visit www.supermotoasia.com. Global live stream available on www.twenty3.tv powered by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd.

FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship is promoted by Asia Supersports Group, a consortium of three companies namely Bikenation Motorsports Sdn Bhd, Trade My Superbike and E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd; sanctioned by FIM Asia and FMSCT; and supported by Malaysia Major Events, a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia), Malay Mail, Kelab Blogger Ben Ashaari and TX Sports.

Full Riders’ List:

Country	Name	Bike No.
United Kingdom	Lewis Cornish	8
Netherlands	Marcel Van Drunen	17
Malaysia	Muhd Habibullah	1
Malaysia	Khairy Zakaria	32
Taiwan	Lin Chin Pei	720
Taiwan	Lee Wei	40
Singapore	Hasroy Osman	77
Indonesia	Pedro Wuner	7
Indonesia	Farhan Hendro	162
Russia	Artem Teslenko	97
Philippines	Kenneth San Andres
China	Sun Tong	27
Japan	Takashi Sasaki	101
Japan	Naoto Takayama	300
Hong Kong	Tsang Wai Kei	102
Thailand	Trakarn Thangthong	5