After Oct 08, new articles and our latest musings will no longer populate this site. For the latest posts, articles and to keep in touch with us, please go to our new site titled “Take The Path Less Ordinary”. This “On The Far Side” blog will still function until we transfer all old files to the new one; which is a big big heap of work in the next few months. Thanks everyone for your kind support !
Ecotourism in Malaysia – A Success Story
Behind every celebration, there’s a story worth telling – and Ulu Geroh’s reads like a fairy tale.
Besides being the first native community in Malaysia to rewardingly run a self-sufficient ecotourism project, the venture shows one do not need commercial rhetoric, big budget and touristy gimmickry to stand out from the already crowded holidaymaking industry.
All one needs is the passion to conserve Malaysia’s pristine wilderness. Coupled with great countryside hospitality, it’s no surprise that the place has reeled in hundreds of eco-tourists through villagers’ community effort since 2002.
Semai natives all dolled up for the event
On 12th Oct 2008 recently, Orang Asli threw an anniversary bash to commemorate their foray into ecotourism. Showered with rich traditional fanfare, friends, associates and all parties who have helped in the past were invited and given the opportunity to share the success story. The list of distinguished guests included A.Sivanesan, the Perak state executive councillor, and the top brass and committee members of the Malaysian Nature Society. Everyone was visually feasted by the local Sewang dance troupe that came out tops during the recent Orang Asli tradition dance contest in Sri Iskandar, Perak.
Indeed, the village is full of talents. Besides carving a forte for a style of tourism that brings economical spread to rural community, the project has brought about profound effect in terms of forest conservation.
The mood was much solemn a few months back.
A. Sivanesan, the councilor in charge of environment given a rousing welcome by villagers
When a local public listed company was given concession by the previous government to clear nearby forest for oil palm cultivation, native residents knew something had to be done. Despite recognition being earmarked by United Nation Development Fund (UNDP) as “natural heritage site” and home to rare colonies of Rafflesia Cantleyi and Rajah Brooke Birdwing butterfly, the company went ahead and sent in its logging crew. Local natives staged a protest in Gopeng and the forest tract was finally saved from the saw when a land swap was arranged by councillor A.Sivanesan.
That triumphant episode was another good reason to celebrate. With community-based ecotourism, Orang Asli’s ethnic pride and fighting rainforest loss has taken a refreshing turn.
Besides being the first native community in Malaysia to rewardingly run a self-sufficient ecotourism project, the venture shows one do not need commercial rhetoric, big budget and touristy gimmickry to stand out from the already crowded holidaymaking industry.
All one needs is the passion to conserve Malaysia’s pristine wilderness. Coupled with great countryside hospitality, it’s no surprise that the place has reeled in hundreds of eco-tourists through villagers’ community effort since 2002.Semai natives all dolled up for the event
On 12th Oct 2008 recently, Orang Asli threw an anniversary bash to commemorate their foray into ecotourism. Showered with rich traditional fanfare, friends, associates and all parties who have helped in the past were invited and given the opportunity to share the success story. The list of distinguished guests included A.Sivanesan, the Perak state executive councillor, and the top brass and committee members of the Malaysian Nature Society. Everyone was visually feasted by the local Sewang dance troupe that came out tops during the recent Orang Asli tradition dance contest in Sri Iskandar, Perak.
Indeed, the village is full of talents. Besides carving a forte for a style of tourism that brings economical spread to rural community, the project has brought about profound effect in terms of forest conservation.
The mood was much solemn a few months back.A. Sivanesan, the councilor in charge of environment given a rousing welcome by villagers
When a local public listed company was given concession by the previous government to clear nearby forest for oil palm cultivation, native residents knew something had to be done. Despite recognition being earmarked by United Nation Development Fund (UNDP) as “natural heritage site” and home to rare colonies of Rafflesia Cantleyi and Rajah Brooke Birdwing butterfly, the company went ahead and sent in its logging crew. Local natives staged a protest in Gopeng and the forest tract was finally saved from the saw when a land swap was arranged by councillor A.Sivanesan.
That triumphant episode was another good reason to celebrate. With community-based ecotourism, Orang Asli’s ethnic pride and fighting rainforest loss has taken a refreshing turn.
________________________________________________________________________________
Special Notice Oct 2008 – We have finally mustered enough fund to self-host after hitching a ride from wordpress.com for 3 years. For the latest posts, articles and to keep in touch with us, please go to our new site www.outskirtoutreach.org. This “On The Far Side” blog’s contents and posts will diminish as we transfer them to the new one; which is a big big heap of work in the next few months. Thanks everyone for your kind support !
Malaysia Bird Watching, Cultural, Eco Tourism, Food, History, Heritage & Photography Holiday Packages
The main aim here is to link rural community with urbanites and compliment our fund raising drive. But what you’ll really savour is our intimate know-how that adapts to local people, culture, tradition as well as visitors who travel with us to see our side of the story.
Blowpipe learning (left) – Nothing beats hands on experience
Despite the short list, these jaunts have wowed enough participants in the past to enable Outskirt Outreach, the only one from Malaysia, to be nominated for worldwide 2008 Geotourism Challenge organised by National Geographic and Ashoka Changemaker. Read more …. .
Remember, we don’t do conveyor-belt tourism. We specialise in romps that takes one into off-the-beaten-path destinations. Jaunts like these require more time for preparation and planning. So, we cannot do last-minute-trips on the fly. Kindly give us ample notice for bookings.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Specialised Day Trips – 100% Natural homemade quality. No souvenir shops. No crowded parks. No tourism gimmickry. Just reality and a good local friend to help you soak everything in.
Find exactly what both your mind and soul need. These packages are the results of years of fine-tuning to heap participants with rare scenes, authentic countryside food, educational trails and they are scripted in such a way to incorporate safety. Read frequently asked questions.
To see overviews, detail itineraries, cost and fabulous pictures, please click on these links …..
1. Bukit Kinta Rainforest 4WD Safari & Trek
Easy going adventure that involve cave, tribal villages and a splashing time in a hidden waterfall. See details …
2. Senoi Oi Jungle Survival Learning Adventure
Learn how to identify edibles, medicines, cook your own food, rig some traps and make the jungle your friend – all in one day. See details …
3. Bagan Krian Mangrove and Firefly Night Boat Safari
Trek pass a jungle with “legs”, eat local seafood and take a night boat ride to watch how firefly colonies make trees glitter like Christmas tree. See details …
4. Mount Kledang Botanical-Learning Trek
Learn everything there is to know about rare plants and the ecology of the Malaysian rainforest. Also enjoy a breathtaking hillside view of Kinta valley. See details …
5. Malim Nawar Wetland Safari, Bird-watching & Heritage
A must go for avid birdwatchers and those interested in 19th century scenes, local culture and historical sites. Eat local specialty freshwater giant prawns. See details …
6. Rafflesia Flower Jungle Trekking Adventure
Trek into the deepest rainforest to see the world’s largest, rarest and the strangest flower with aborigine jungle experts. See details …
7. Taiping Larut Matang History & Heritage Trail
Avid historians know Larut Matang is where the frenzy was in 19th century. More than that, let us take you further back in time to a Malay kingdom that was founded in 1528 A.D. See details …
Rare sight – The “tapak hantu” plant (left), meaning devil’s footprint, gets its name for obvious reason. It is only found in unblemished rainforest.
8. Kuala Gula – Tanjung Piandang Coastal Romp
When we say “Go to hell”, we mean well because this seaside jaunt includes a visit to the interesting Hell Temple. And oh, did we mention you get to hand feed wild monkeys too ? See details …
________________________________________________________________________________
Our Signature Overnight Experience (2D/1N) If you’re looking to escape the pulsating beat of urban life, this specialty package will deliver.
We only offer “non-intrusive” and “low impact” overnight stays that preserve local character. One can expect to live, eat and play like jungle-fringed communities and connect with nature at its purest.
Teja Aboriginal Adventure & Night Trek – There are very few places in this world where one can feel so much in 2 days. A hidden jungle pocket of lyrical beauty. Of mystical tradition and ancient people. Where every color is more vivid and every sound more melodic. This is Teja, where food grows in tree and swims in the river.
Something tell us your inner child will like this. See details
________________________________________________________________________________
Personal Enrichment Outdoor Skill Learning – Apart from the above standard packages, OO can also carve personalised programs for hobbyists, couples, families, clubs, students and special interest groups.
Email us and we’ll carve an enjoyable and safe program that suits you. We have the expertise and know-how on the following activities …..
1. Teambuilding, Orienteering & Navigation Skill
2. Jungle Survival Camp
3. Jungle Trekking Skill and Know-How
4. Outdoor Photography Course and Travelogue Writing
5. Botanical, Edible and Medicinal Plant Learning Field Trip
6. Student Youth Nature and Adventure Camp
7. Jungle Food Ingredients and Cooking Lesson
________________________________________________________________________________
Showcase & Special Event If you’re organising a special event, exhibition, carnival or party and want to spice it up with some extraordinary sideshows, talk to us. We have the Orang Asli aboriginal expertise for …..
1. Traditional “Sewang” dance
2. Blowpipe Demonstration
3. Basket Weaving Using Jungle Materials
4. Aboriginal Art and Culture Show
The Sewang dance (left) is a dance ritual practiced by Orang Asli to usher in good blessing for joyful events like wedding, opening ceremony and the likes. Days of preparation are needed to collect plants and materials from the jungle for making the dance wear. During the performances, fragrant leaves and palms are distributed to guests and everyone can join in.
________________________________________________________________________________
Are the trips dangerous ? Rest assured we are not swashbuckling adventurers who do crazy things just to impress you. We are dads and moms with families too. Going home safe and sound IS definately part of the plan.
We always travel in small group to ensure we stay hands-on with every participant for safety and effective communication. All activities are fully escorted by English speaking expert and we never pass groups over to agents or the cheapest sub-contractors – we do everything ourselves.
Not all trips are rough and tough. We always plan journeys accordingly to age group and fitness level
We have years of experience under our belt with youth, families and senior participants. We are versatile and have lots of programs and activities that suit all ages. Let us know your age, special medical attention needed or if your kids are tagging along when booking your group outing. We can also custom design trail or activity that’s suitable for everyone’s fitness, pace and interests.
For those who have a tad more “anything goes” attitude and good fitness, we can arrange for deep treks to experience jungle in the raw
As precaution, if you suffer regularly from severe stomach, muscular, chest, heart or bronchial disorders, are a severe asthmatic or have high blood pressure, epileptic fits and pregnant, you are strongly advised AGAINST participating. We know the difference between adventure and recklessness. In adverse weather condition or if our trackers pick up clues of dangerous wildlife, we reserve the right to exercise our discretion and may cancel trips for safety reason.
Our Guests, Our Best Testimony (3.5 mins video clip)
Also see Guest book entries & photo album.
Blowpipe learning (left) – Nothing beats hands on experience
Despite the short list, these jaunts have wowed enough participants in the past to enable Outskirt Outreach, the only one from Malaysia, to be nominated for worldwide 2008 Geotourism Challenge organised by National Geographic and Ashoka Changemaker. Read more …. .Remember, we don’t do conveyor-belt tourism. We specialise in romps that takes one into off-the-beaten-path destinations. Jaunts like these require more time for preparation and planning. So, we cannot do last-minute-trips on the fly. Kindly give us ample notice for bookings.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Specialised Day Trips – 100% Natural homemade quality. No souvenir shops. No crowded parks. No tourism gimmickry. Just reality and a good local friend to help you soak everything in.Find exactly what both your mind and soul need. These packages are the results of years of fine-tuning to heap participants with rare scenes, authentic countryside food, educational trails and they are scripted in such a way to incorporate safety. Read frequently asked questions.
To see overviews, detail itineraries, cost and fabulous pictures, please click on these links …..
1. Bukit Kinta Rainforest 4WD Safari & Trek
Easy going adventure that involve cave, tribal villages and a splashing time in a hidden waterfall. See details …
2. Senoi Oi Jungle Survival Learning Adventure
Learn how to identify edibles, medicines, cook your own food, rig some traps and make the jungle your friend – all in one day. See details …
3. Bagan Krian Mangrove and Firefly Night Boat Safari
Trek pass a jungle with “legs”, eat local seafood and take a night boat ride to watch how firefly colonies make trees glitter like Christmas tree. See details …
4. Mount Kledang Botanical-Learning Trek
Learn everything there is to know about rare plants and the ecology of the Malaysian rainforest. Also enjoy a breathtaking hillside view of Kinta valley. See details …
5. Malim Nawar Wetland Safari, Bird-watching & HeritageA must go for avid birdwatchers and those interested in 19th century scenes, local culture and historical sites. Eat local specialty freshwater giant prawns. See details …
6. Rafflesia Flower Jungle Trekking Adventure
Trek into the deepest rainforest to see the world’s largest, rarest and the strangest flower with aborigine jungle experts. See details …
7. Taiping Larut Matang History & Heritage Trail
Avid historians know Larut Matang is where the frenzy was in 19th century. More than that, let us take you further back in time to a Malay kingdom that was founded in 1528 A.D. See details …
Rare sight – The “tapak hantu” plant (left), meaning devil’s footprint, gets its name for obvious reason. It is only found in unblemished rainforest.
8. Kuala Gula – Tanjung Piandang Coastal Romp
When we say “Go to hell”, we mean well because this seaside jaunt includes a visit to the interesting Hell Temple. And oh, did we mention you get to hand feed wild monkeys too ? See details …
________________________________________________________________________________
Our Signature Overnight Experience (2D/1N) If you’re looking to escape the pulsating beat of urban life, this specialty package will deliver.We only offer “non-intrusive” and “low impact” overnight stays that preserve local character. One can expect to live, eat and play like jungle-fringed communities and connect with nature at its purest.
Teja Aboriginal Adventure & Night Trek – There are very few places in this world where one can feel so much in 2 days. A hidden jungle pocket of lyrical beauty. Of mystical tradition and ancient people. Where every color is more vivid and every sound more melodic. This is Teja, where food grows in tree and swims in the river.
Something tell us your inner child will like this. See details
________________________________________________________________________________
Personal Enrichment Outdoor Skill Learning – Apart from the above standard packages, OO can also carve personalised programs for hobbyists, couples, families, clubs, students and special interest groups.Email us and we’ll carve an enjoyable and safe program that suits you. We have the expertise and know-how on the following activities …..
1. Teambuilding, Orienteering & Navigation Skill
2. Jungle Survival Camp
3. Jungle Trekking Skill and Know-How
4. Outdoor Photography Course and Travelogue Writing
5. Botanical, Edible and Medicinal Plant Learning Field Trip
6. Student Youth Nature and Adventure Camp
7. Jungle Food Ingredients and Cooking Lesson
________________________________________________________________________________
Showcase & Special Event If you’re organising a special event, exhibition, carnival or party and want to spice it up with some extraordinary sideshows, talk to us. We have the Orang Asli aboriginal expertise for …..1. Traditional “Sewang” dance
2. Blowpipe Demonstration
3. Basket Weaving Using Jungle Materials
4. Aboriginal Art and Culture Show
The Sewang dance (left) is a dance ritual practiced by Orang Asli to usher in good blessing for joyful events like wedding, opening ceremony and the likes. Days of preparation are needed to collect plants and materials from the jungle for making the dance wear. During the performances, fragrant leaves and palms are distributed to guests and everyone can join in.
________________________________________________________________________________
Are the trips dangerous ? Rest assured we are not swashbuckling adventurers who do crazy things just to impress you. We are dads and moms with families too. Going home safe and sound IS definately part of the plan.
We always travel in small group to ensure we stay hands-on with every participant for safety and effective communication. All activities are fully escorted by English speaking expert and we never pass groups over to agents or the cheapest sub-contractors – we do everything ourselves.Not all trips are rough and tough. We always plan journeys accordingly to age group and fitness level
We have years of experience under our belt with youth, families and senior participants. We are versatile and have lots of programs and activities that suit all ages. Let us know your age, special medical attention needed or if your kids are tagging along when booking your group outing. We can also custom design trail or activity that’s suitable for everyone’s fitness, pace and interests.For those who have a tad more “anything goes” attitude and good fitness, we can arrange for deep treks to experience jungle in the raw
As precaution, if you suffer regularly from severe stomach, muscular, chest, heart or bronchial disorders, are a severe asthmatic or have high blood pressure, epileptic fits and pregnant, you are strongly advised AGAINST participating. We know the difference between adventure and recklessness. In adverse weather condition or if our trackers pick up clues of dangerous wildlife, we reserve the right to exercise our discretion and may cancel trips for safety reason.
Our Guests, Our Best Testimony (3.5 mins video clip)
Also see Guest book entries & photo album.
________________________________________________________________________________
Special Notice Oct 2008 – We have finally mustered enough fund to self-host after hitching a ride from wordpress.com for 3 years. For the latest posts, articles and to keep in touch with us, please go to our new site www.outskirtoutreach.org. This “On The Far Side” blog’s contents and posts will diminish as we transfer them to the new one; which is a big big heap of work in the next few months. Thanks everyone for your kind support !
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Are you going green today?
Modernity is sometimes a step backward. And at the turn of 21st century, we all know Mother Nature is taking beatings like never before.
As nature lovers are supposed to do, today we pay tribute to United Nation’s World Environment Day by making personal pledges on reducing wastages and promoting conservation in our own little ways. If you didn’t know, the world’s environmentalists measure individual country’s use of natural resources against nature’s ability to supply and renew these resources in “global hectares” or gha. A footprint of 2.2 gha (Malaysia’s level in 2003), means we exhaust 2.2 hectares of land annually to feed and absorb each citizen’s waste. That’s a lot. We shouldn’t be proud of this.
OK, if the above sounds too wordy to you, for a layman, gha can be understood like this: An Orang Asli native uses very little plastics bags, buys very little commercialise products, has no aircon at home, never take a ride on fuel consuming vehicles and generally produce very little garbage or waste.
Simple life – People who waste very little are good friends of Mother Nature
Everything they use and waste goes back to nature seamlessly. On the flip side, a person who lives in KL drives to work in fuel guzzlers, eat fastfood that’s creates waste for packaging, use lots of papers and electricity in the office, can never live without aircon, shopping and buying things he/she eventually chuck aside after a few weeks, leave the tap running when shaving, wash cars …. and the bane goes on. This simply means an Orang Asli has a much lower gha than a KLite. Low gha is good – got it?
So, how do Malaysia, our home country, compared to other countries? Here’s are some examples ….
United States 9.6
Canada 7.6
Australia 6.6
United Kingdom 5.6
Japan 4.4
Mexico 2.6
Argentina 2.3
Malaysia 2.2
China 1.6
Thailand 1.4
Indonesia 1.1
Burma / Myanmar 0.9
India 0.8
Cambodia 0.7
What’s your personal promise to Mother Nature ? And we don’t mean today. How about making environment conservation a way of life – everyday.
As nature lovers are supposed to do, today we pay tribute to United Nation’s World Environment Day by making personal pledges on reducing wastages and promoting conservation in our own little ways. If you didn’t know, the world’s environmentalists measure individual country’s use of natural resources against nature’s ability to supply and renew these resources in “global hectares” or gha. A footprint of 2.2 gha (Malaysia’s level in 2003), means we exhaust 2.2 hectares of land annually to feed and absorb each citizen’s waste. That’s a lot. We shouldn’t be proud of this.
OK, if the above sounds too wordy to you, for a layman, gha can be understood like this: An Orang Asli native uses very little plastics bags, buys very little commercialise products, has no aircon at home, never take a ride on fuel consuming vehicles and generally produce very little garbage or waste.Simple life – People who waste very little are good friends of Mother Nature
Everything they use and waste goes back to nature seamlessly. On the flip side, a person who lives in KL drives to work in fuel guzzlers, eat fastfood that’s creates waste for packaging, use lots of papers and electricity in the office, can never live without aircon, shopping and buying things he/she eventually chuck aside after a few weeks, leave the tap running when shaving, wash cars …. and the bane goes on. This simply means an Orang Asli has a much lower gha than a KLite. Low gha is good – got it?
So, how do Malaysia, our home country, compared to other countries? Here’s are some examples ….
United States 9.6
Canada 7.6
Australia 6.6
United Kingdom 5.6
Japan 4.4
Mexico 2.6
Argentina 2.3
Malaysia 2.2
China 1.6
Thailand 1.4
Indonesia 1.1
Burma / Myanmar 0.9
India 0.8
Cambodia 0.7
What’s your personal promise to Mother Nature ? And we don’t mean today. How about making environment conservation a way of life – everyday.
Mont’ Kiara International School charity trek
CHARITY WORK in jungle fringed villages takes a lot of dedication – and pure grit.
Hosted by Outskirt Outreach, on 12th April 2008, a group of teachers from Mont Kiara International School, Kuala Lumpur, did their part for the less fortunate by hauling stacks of clothes on backpacks to donate to poor Orang Asli families in Pos Selim and Kampong Geruntum.
Video duration 5 minutes
On that sunny day (oh well, it rained in the afternoon, just when we started to go on foot), the teachers also got to see Orang Asli aborigines’ villagy way of life all laid out in one visit.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mont Kiara’s intrepid teachers Miriam Sutorius, Michelle Bliss, Christine Gibbins and Bonnie Lee and spouses for their effort in transfering the clothes, shoes and towels from KL and handcarrying them into the far flung villages. Also, not forgetting, a big pat on the back to all parents who have donated the items. Your kindness is much appreciated.
Cooling off in a hidden waterfall – There’s a funny story behind this picture (below). When the teachers wanted a place to change into swim suits, a local Orang Asli offered his hut. As the ladies cheerfully made a beeline into the bamboo hut, the man nonchalantly finish his small talk with, “… and oh, by the way, don’t disturb the python living on the roof” (??!!).
That parting punchline had everyone screaming and scampering out of the hut in no time. Apparently, the man and his family have been sharing house with the snake for some time. Orang Asli have great respect for wildlife and they view it as a blessing if an animal decides to hang around – in this case, literally – their hut.
Jungle survival rule no.1: Thou shall ask an Orang Asli what kind ofhousemate pet he keeps before stepping into his home.
Hosted by Outskirt Outreach, on 12th April 2008, a group of teachers from Mont Kiara International School, Kuala Lumpur, did their part for the less fortunate by hauling stacks of clothes on backpacks to donate to poor Orang Asli families in Pos Selim and Kampong Geruntum.
Video duration 5 minutes
On that sunny day (oh well, it rained in the afternoon, just when we started to go on foot), the teachers also got to see Orang Asli aborigines’ villagy way of life all laid out in one visit.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mont Kiara’s intrepid teachers Miriam Sutorius, Michelle Bliss, Christine Gibbins and Bonnie Lee and spouses for their effort in transfering the clothes, shoes and towels from KL and handcarrying them into the far flung villages. Also, not forgetting, a big pat on the back to all parents who have donated the items. Your kindness is much appreciated.Cooling off in a hidden waterfall – There’s a funny story behind this picture (below). When the teachers wanted a place to change into swim suits, a local Orang Asli offered his hut. As the ladies cheerfully made a beeline into the bamboo hut, the man nonchalantly finish his small talk with, “… and oh, by the way, don’t disturb the python living on the roof” (??!!).That parting punchline had everyone screaming and scampering out of the hut in no time. Apparently, the man and his family have been sharing house with the snake for some time. Orang Asli have great respect for wildlife and they view it as a blessing if an animal decides to hang around – in this case, literally – their hut.
Jungle survival rule no.1: Thou shall ask an Orang Asli what kind of
________________________________________________________________________________
Special Notice Oct 2008 – We have finally mustered enough fund to self-host after hitching a ride from wordpress.com for 3 years. For the latest posts, articles and to keep in touch with us, please go to our new site www.outskirtoutreach.org. This “On The Far Side” blog’s contents and posts will diminish as we transfer them to the new one; which is a big big heap of work in the next few months. Thanks everyone for your kind support !
