September 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Does the thought of canoeing down a mighty river ever catch your fancy? Ever wanted to try out a new type of outdoor activity, but never seem to be able to find the time for it? Well, if you are currently looking for something new to try or just a different way of spending your vacation, then do make a date with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) towards the end of September 2011. MNS will be organising a trip to the historic Baram Regatta and the Baram, which is Malaysia’s second longest river in Sarawak.
One of the activities that the participants will be doing is a visit to the Penan settlements and the Kenyah and Kayan longhouses. For those who have yet to experience staying in a longhouse, this is the perfect opportunity as members of this trip will be given a chance to do so now. The MNS Nature Guides will also be organising a visit to the native tribe’s animist longhouse and the spirit house before spending some quality time with their hosts through music, songs and dances.
Sunset by the Baram River
This trip also presents the participants with an opportunity to familiarise themselves and discuss the impact of the proposed Baram Dam with the local communities. One result that is hopefully achieved is to give the locals a stronger voice that will be heard by more people. One of the threats that comes with the building of the dam is the destruction of the cultural sites and homes of these people, and in due time the disappearance of their culture as they migrate to towns and cities. It is feared that in a few years time, trips such as this will no longer be possible. So grab this chance and join the trip to the Baram regatta and the Baram river. The trip will cost RM 1,300 per person and it is recommended that one books early as arranging flights to the upper Baram requires advanced planning. The dates of the trip are scheduled on 24th – 25th and 27th September to 2nd October 2011. For more information, please drop an email to Ashleigh at a.kivilaakso@gmail.com or log on to Malaysian Nature Society’s website here.
Photo (c) Malaysian Nature Society
Tags: Baram Regatta, Baram River, Environmental Conservation, Sarawak
