ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Transcription

1 Know Before You Go 2014

2 We would like to thank you for your interest in protecting the rainforests surrounding Mount Korbu, Malaysia. The project is in its infancy which makes it exciting because you will be amongst the very few that have helped to collect camera trap data from these forests, with new local recordings of animals all the time. The rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia are the oldest in the world. They harbour species such as panthers, Malayan Tigers, Asian Elephants, Gibbons, Gaur, Sumatran Rhino and Tapir. The forests of Malaysia are being threatened by poachers and deforestation with many of these species almost extinct. You will be taken off the beaten track into forests which harbour some of the most beautiful waterfalls, jungle and mountain scenery in Southeast Asia. Play your part in helping these species survive another century whilst going on an ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME. AIM to collect photographic evidence of the mammals living in the rainforests around Mount Korbu and increase environmental and cultural awareness amongst the villagers and tourists. OBJECTIVES 1)to conduct camera trapping trials to help establish a scientifically thorough scientific population census of the large mammals of Mount Korbu; 2)to provide environmental awareness and english sessions for the children living in the native tribes. 3)to assist the economy of the native tribes through encouraging cultural services offered by the villagers. 4)to inspire tourists to make a difference for the rainforests after their experience. Orang Asli Orang Asli The Orang Asliare the indigenous minority peoples of Peninsular Malaysia. The name is a Malay term which transliterates as original peoples or first peoples. It is a collective term introduced by anthropologists and administrators for the (officially) 18 ethnic subgroups generally classified for official purposes under Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. They numbered 147,412 in 2003 representing a mere 0.6 per cent of the Malaysian national population (26.5 million). Of the 869 Orang Asli communities in the peninsula, 37.2 per cent are in interior/forest areas while 61.4 per cent are in forestfringe or rural areas. Only 1.4 per cent of the Orang Asli settlements are in, or close to, urban centers. Many of the communities living close to, or within forested areas including Semai, Temiar, Chewong, Jah Hut, Semelai and SemoqBeri still engage in swiddening (hill rice cultivation) and do some hunting, fishing and gathering. These communities also trade in petai, durian, rattan and resins to earn cash incomes. The poverty rate among Orang Asli is 76.9%. In addition to this high rate, the Statistics Department of Malaysia has classified 35.2% of the population as being "hardcore poor". The majority of Orang Aslilive in rural areas, while a minority have moved into urban areas. In 1991, the literacy rate for the Orang Asli was 43% compared to the national rate of 86% at that time. They have an average life expectancy of 53 years (52 for male and 54 for female). A high infant mortality rate is also evident with 51.7 deaths per 1000 births. A very small number, especially among the Negrito groups (such as Jahai and Batek) are still semi-nomadic, preferring to take advantage of the seasonal bounties of the forest. A significant number of Orang Asli also have salaried jobs or are self-employed. Nevertheless, one fact remains the same for all Orang Asli: they are the descendants of the earliest inhabitants of the peninsula and they have retained much of their identity which is distinct from the mainstream society. The Orang Asli tribes near Mount Korbu are from the Senoi group. The forest where they previous lived and hunted was flooded after the creation of a 85m high dam completed in The dam caused the forest valley to flood and now the large reservoir provides drinking water for the human population of Ipoh. To compensate the Orang Asli for losing their home the government built a small settlement for them to translocate. However like many of the Orang Asli in the area they have never settled completely in the new houses and they continue to work, hunt and gather in the surrounding forests. To find out more about the Orang Asli please visit the Centre of Orang Asli Concerns -

3 How to get here The program startsfrom Ipoh. Below are a few options on how to get to Ipoh. We have bolded the times that we prefer you to take so please adjust your travel to depart Kuala Lumpur between 10-11am depending on your mode of transport. We advise you to land in Kuala Lumpur a few days before to allow your body to adjust to the change in time zone so you are ready and prepared for your adventure. Then take the ETS train to Ipoh on the 1045 service. We will meet you at the train station at Ipoh and will hold a board with FUZE/Ecoteer on it so you know who we are. If you are taking a different mode or time of transport to Ipoh please inform us either by or phone. Below are some methods on how to travel to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur. By Train The cheapest and easiest way to travel to Ipoh is by train from KL Sentral to Ipoh. The ETS is the high speed electric train. The ticket costs RM25 Silver, RM35 Gold and RM45 Platinum service and the journey takes between 1.30 hours to 2 hours depending on the train service chosen. The ETS train leaves KL Sentral at 0900, 1100 &1300. You can easily travel to KL Sentral from KUL by following either the KLIA Express or a bus from the airports which all terminate at KL Sentral. For more info please visit By Bus The alternative way to travel to Ipoh is to take the bus either from KL Sentral or direct from the airport. From the airports the cost will be RM42 per way per person with Star Shuttle Express. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Ipoh 0900, 1030, 1215, 1430, 1630, 2130 LCCT (Air Asia Terminal) to Ipoh 0830, 1000, 1145, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2100 Code Of Conduct 1 Before you volunteer 1.1 Before you come to Malaysia you must research about traveling in Malaysia and the Malay culture. If you have any questions we are more than willing to discuss this with you before you depart; 1.2 You must buy yourself suitable travel insurance; 1.3 If you have to cancel your volunteering, for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible; 2 Whilst volunteering 2.1 Listen to, and follow, the instructions of your facilitators and the rules for thejungle trekking and Orang Asli village. 2.2 On many of the days you will be going to bed and waking up early. It is vital that you are always punctual so the group can successfully reach their intended destinations. 2.3 VERY IMPORTANT - You are volunteering in the tropics. The temperature can exceed 40c so ensure you drink plenty of water and wear sun block; 2.4 VERY IMPORTANT You will be visiting the Orang Asli village. Please respect their Islamic and animist beliefs by ensuring you are covered from neck to your knees, iewear t-shirts and long shorts; 2.5 VERY IMPORTANT Volunteers must understand some cultural differences may disturb them, but their feelings should be kept under control. If they have a significant problem they should discuss this with the facilitators who may help to explain more about the issue and act upon it; 2.6 VERY IMPORTANT do not walk away from the group or the campsites during without a member of staff as it is very easy to get lost in the rainforest. Emergency Contact Numbers: KL Contact, Daniel: On-site co-ordinator, Pavin: or asia@destinationcreators.com UK: + 44 (0) Malaysia:

4 Checklist Injections (Must have) Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Tetanus-diphtheria, Malaria- As you will be jungle trekking we recommend to take Anti-Malarial tablets but that is not a must. (The region where we are trekking there is low or no risk for malaria) To think about Japanese encephalitis, Rabies Money We recommend you budget RM200 for your time spent in Ipoh, for things such as snacks etc. What to bring Backpack (60-75 litres) with rain cover Sleepingbag (not to heavy or big) Torchlight / Headlamp plus spare batteries Penknife Day back pack (ca. 35 litres) Travel or thin towels that dry quickly Zip lock bags and tupperware to keep things dry Toiletries Toothbrush / Toothpaste Showergel / Shampoo Deodorant Repellants Sun block / after sun creme Attire Long pants (warm), thin trousers (convertible are the best) Shorts(for hiking) Socks(min. 2 pairs) Shoes (for hiking) Slippers / Sandals T-shirts (thin ones are the best, dark colour for hiking) Wooly Hat and gloves (for warmth at night at the peak) Sweater Rain jacket or Poncho Swim wear Optional Camera waterproof or with waterproof bag First Aid kit Anti-histamines, sunscreen, after sun, Diarrhoea medication and antibiotics and anti-inflammatory for ear, nose and throat problems.peroxide and anti-bacterial Dettol can both be useful for cleaning out cuts as wounds quickly become infected MAXIS (which is also called hotlink) Malaysian Sim card this network has the best coverage at the project site; we suggest you get RM30 of credit for 4 weeks Books, mp3 players or cards - to keep you occupied during time off asia@destinationcreators.com UK: + 44 (0) Malaysia:

5 Important words in Malay 1. Thank you =>Terima kasih 2. You are welcome =>Sama Sama 3. How are you? =>Apa Khabar? 4. I m good =>Khabar baik 5. I m not good =>Saya kurang sihat 6. What s your name? =>Siapa nama awak? 7. My name is =>Nama saya 8. Are you hungry? =>Adakah awak lapar? 9. I m hungry =>Saya lapar 10. I m not hungry =>Saya tidak lapar 11. Have you eaten? =>Sudah makan? 12. What do you want to eat? =>Awak nak makan apa? 13. I would like =>Saya nak makan 14. Chicken =>Ayam 15. Beef =>Daging 16. Fish =>Ikan 17. Noodle / Rice =>Mee / Nasi 18. Fruits =>buah 19. Water =>air 20. Goodmorning =>Selamat Pagi 21. Goodnight =>Selamat Malam 22. Nice to meet you =>Selamat Berkenalan 23. Yes =>Ya 24. No =>Tidak 25. Have you got? =>Kamu ada? 26. What is that? =>Apaitu? 27. Where is? =>Di mana? 28. How to address others: Brother - men below 50 years =>Abang Uncle - men above 50 years => Pak Cik Sister - woman below 50 years =>Kak Aunty - woman above 50 years => Mak Cik