Students from the Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) recently conducted a tour called 'Maritah Meround Brunei' (Let's Go Around Brunei), as part of their Global Campus project, and to challenge themselves through exciting outdoor activities.

Calling themselves Team Jupiter, the group comprised of team leader Dayang Noorhidayah binti Hussin, Dayang Nurbazilah binti Haji Muhd Ya'kub, Dayang Rabi'atul Nurul Zanah binti Razalli, Dayang Ummi Nur Fahani binti Haji Hasnan, Dayang Ainul Hazirah binti Shah Johan and Dayang Shaherah binti Haji Shahbudin.

The project involved a six-day tour of all four districts, with a total of 11 recreational spots and eight food stops.

During their Kampong Ayer boat ride in Bandar Seri Begawan, the team came up with a 'Proboscis Monkey Challenge', to see who could capture a clear photo of the arboreal primates.

"It was challenging and a worthwhile experience. The monkeys are definitely shy about their long noses and big bellies," said one of the team members. "To get a good shot of them was difficult."

On the Temburong leg of their trip, the team members were assisted by Awang Haji Abdul Ghani, who took them on a tour of the district and helped them to reach out to the locals.

One of the main highlights of the Temburong tour was the processing of sago starch by Awang Haji Daud bin Haji Masri, the Village Head of Kampong Batu Apoi.

Through their six-day expedition, the team found that Brunei has the potential for tourism, which should focus mainly on the local people and their traditions.

One of the Jupiter members, Nurbazilah, said that more publicity would benefit Brunei's tourism industry and local businesses, such as the Louis Mini Zoo, which is currently being forced to sell its animals due to lack of revenue.

"Sure, we have a lot to learn, compared to other countries, but how can we grow without encouragement from the local populace?" she asked.

Another issue raised during the team's project presentation was the inconvenience of the "by appointment only" booking that tourists have to undergo, in order to experience certain outdoor activities, which is hardly ideal for spontaneous travellers or backpackers.

Meanwhile, Noorhidayah wishes the project would be adopted and further developed by the next KIGS Global Campus, for more positive impact and a stronger team-building experience.

She also added that communication needs to be encouraged, for it to be effective.

"The KIGS Global Campus encourages a 'get-to-know one another' exercise, where memories were made and friendships built during the duration," said Noorhidayah.

"It's different from being in a classroom, where conversations among students are geared to just assignment-oriented topics."

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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