UiTM Leadership Programme 

Ecolife Basecamp, 22-24th Jan, 2013

The Basecamp have seen local Universities and Colleges, both public and private making their base for their activities the past 2 years. UiTM became the first to start the ball rolling for 2013 when they got together for an unforgettable 3-day, 2-night outing.

Water confidence exercise...

indoor session

As soon as they arrived after a delay, chicken rice was all ready for them. Half an hour later, late in the afternoon, they went straight into the river - floating about 300m down the Betau river with their life jacket provided by the basecamp, to conquer the fear of being in the water. For many, it was such a thrill that they repeated - some even jumping from a 10m bridge into the river below - for an experience of a lifetime! If the Semai can do, they can do better!

They then spent the night swaying to the tune of bamboo music that accompanied the ritual Sewang dance. They certainly had a great nite, partying with the Semai and getting to know them better, learning to play their instruments, and even serving them refreshments after the Sewang. Steamboat dinner followed.

Joy with the Semai...

After breakfast, the second day was spent on community work, sweeping the compound of the basecamp, the nearby Surau as well as the Tadika Kemas kindergarten. In the late afternoon, a blowpipe contest was held to test their marksmanship. After that, they were off to visit grandma Laila Abdullah, one of the earliest Muslim convert in Pos Betau, and into the river again for another round of fun in the river. A van full of durian from Cameron Highlands was also brought in for a mini durian celebration. Some were turned into bubur kacang durian (green pea plus durian porridge) for supper.

Durian feast...from Semai village near Cameron Highlands

The night was spent on BBQ and a movie was shown at the Sri Sewang multi-purpose hall. They also held  talks on the life of the Prophet Mohamad SAW in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Mohamad's birthday) at the Surau.

The 3rd day, after breakfast, they were all ready for the climax of their 3-day stay - the rakit ride. At 9am, 2 Toyota 4WD arrived to load them, all with life jacket and ferry them to the starting point at Jeram Tema. Even the journey to the starting point, passing thru' 3 Semai villages along winding road was an experience for all of them, shrieking with joy and laughter along the way.

As soon as they arrived to the starting point, 8 bamboo rakits awaited them. With 5 to a rakit and guided by a Semai river guide on each rakit, they were off on the river, gliding, stopping at 3 places, basking in the sun, passing thru' villages and playing in the water. They certainly had fun and a lifetime of unforgettable experience.

River crossing

The bamboo rakit ride ends at the basecamp jetty

As soon they arrived at the basecamp jetty at noon. Banana leaf rice was served to fill their hungry stomach. After a short closing ceremony followed by the national anthem, the very disciplined, patriotic and motivated students left the basecamp in 2 MPVs and the UiTM bus at 3pm. We hope to see the future leaders of our country again soon...

Banana leaf rice lunch...

Lunch on the 3rd day....mmmmmm....

One for the album....

They left with a heavy heart at 3pm