Joint Fellowship Trip to Bako

20th-21st May 2006

A joint fellowship trip to Bako National Park was organized together with the Explorers Club and Photomedia & Design Club of Swinburne. A total of 27 students and advisors from all 3 clubs participated in the trip. The journey started with a short bus trip from Swinburne to Kampung Bako, a small fishing village. A refreshing 20-minute speedboat ride brought everyone from Bako River, through the South China Sea and to the doorstep of the park.

Just before setting off

King Kong's Skull Island in Kuching?

After checking-in and stowing the luggage, the participants then set off on the Teluk Pandan Kecil trail, one of the most popular trails, with a distance of roughly 2.5-3km away from the Park Headquarters. The 3 hour trek was like being in different countries with different climates, as the type of forestation changed along the way. From beach vegetation, mangrove trees, mixed Dipterocarp forest, the scenery gradually moved to heath and cliff vegetation. At times, it was easy for one to feel that they were in Africa or in the highlands somewhere. The long journey was worth it, when the trail ended at a steep cliff, where a spectacular sight met us. A small, secluded and pristine beach lay beneath the cliff, with the blue-green waters of the South China Sea gently lapping at the cliffs. The famous Sea Stack, a free-standing giant rock carved out by the waves over time, stood just off to the side.

Are we in Australia?

The spectacular view literally at our feet

Leaving our giant mark in Paradise, as seen from the cliff top

The participants eagerly went for a dip in the cool waters, after a long and sweaty trek. Some were busy leaving their marks in the sand, while others ate a late lunch. After a short rest, it was time to leave paradise and head back to headquarters. It was a fairly uneventful trip back, except for getting slightly lost once, a few headaches and one club president slipping and falling turtle-style. Upon reaching the hostels the clubs had booked, there were even more adventures. Long-tailed macaques(monkeys) eyed us (or our belongings) with keen interest. Good-natured Borneo bearded pigs looked for food outside our rooms, while waving their tails at the excited members.

A friendly Mr. Tongs, one of the resident bearded pigs

Beautiful sunset from the main beach of Bako

Dinner was a simple affair, either taken at the canteen or self-made sandwiches and cup noodles. Members were free to relax and many took the chance to walk down to the beach where they were greeted by a breathtaking sunset view. The nighttime sky was equally majestic with thousands of twinkling stars and fireflies. There was even a sighting of a shooting star.

The beach telematch in the morning was postponed due to heavy rain, but once it got underway, there was plenty of laughter. There was a sack race where everyone looked awkward jumping and ended up covered with leftover flour from the sacks. A water balloon throw-and-catch was the highlight, where most participants seemed more eager to get their friends wet rather than winning. The telematch ended with a water fight with the organizers running for cover from the rampaging participants.

Water balloons away!

After packing quickly and cleaning up, the members were ready for the return boat trip. A slight diversion was caused by a naughty monkey who carried out a Mission-Impossible type heist and carried off a new jar of peanut butter and chocolate spread. It then proceeded to taunt the members by opening and eating it in front of them, while sitting safely on the roof. Leaving the monkey to it, the members then headed for the jetty and boarded the boats for the journey home. It had been a tiring but memorable trip, with lots of sweat and laughter. There were eye-opening views and new experiences that would always be thought of fondly.

Mission accomplished: Peanut butter and chocolate spread acquired