Day 14 (details and photos from the students!)
Selamat pagi from Malaysia!
Yesterday we had a day full of fun activities. In the morning, we woke up early to get a tour of the palm oil plantation nearby. There, we learned it is the third biggest plantation in Malaysia. The tour was very educational and we even got to try cutting down the fruit and branches from the palm trees (it was very difficult)! We also learned about the negative effects of the palm oil industry on the environment from Andrew, our guide, when we returned. Although the industry is controversial, we heard ways to help combat the impacts such as introducing owls and snakes rather than pesticides, and adding ferns to cool off the palms while simultaneously increasing biodiversity. We also learned that the palm oil industry has regulations to prevent burning to help preserve some of the forest still left. Although sadly, only 55% of rainforest remains in Malaysia. After learning about the plantation, we had lunch as a group at Angha's and played lots of card games together. Later in the afternoon, we drove to the Dedari Village to visit a Bateq tribe. There, we got to learn about the simplicity in their way of life and even got to shoot blow darts! After, we went down to the beach to fish, make fire, and have a campfire dinner. Some groups went to grab a late night snack after. In all, it was a very fun, educational day!
See you soon,
Avery and Sienna
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