tiger trail merapoh corridor of taman negara...
TRANSCRIPT
TIGER TRAIL MERAPOH -
CORRIDOR OF TAMAN
NEGARA
CONSERVATION TREKKING AND
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Contact Information:
Ecoteer Project Leader
Azeeza Nasir
+6 011 2338 6489
Merapoh Intern Team
+6 012 217 3208
Ecoteer Founder
Daniel Quilter [email protected]
Inquiries and Bookings
Assistant
Amirthan x
Website
www.ecoteerresponsibletrav
el.com
Merapoh Conservation and Community Project
Know Before You Go Guide
We would like to thank you for your interest in joining the tiger conservation project located at the Sungai
Yu Wildlife Corridor on the border of Taman Negara. In collaboration with our partner organization MYCAT,
you will be amongst the few that have helped to collect wildlife data and deactivate snares from these forests,
thus reducing the number of wild animals and tigers being poached in the Tropical Malayan rainforest. The
rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia are known to be the oldest in the world and harbour species such as Malayan
Tigers, Leopards, Asian elephants, Gibbons, Gaur and Tapir. You will be taken off the beaten track into these
forests and explore beautiful rivers, jungle and caves. Play your part in helping these species survive another
century whilst going on an adventure of a lifetime!
CONTENTS
1 Beforeyou go 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
Introduction Travel arrangements Visas Insurance Healthcare What to pack
2 Whilst you are here 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9
Arrivals Your accommodation Your placement Health & Safety The weather Currency Food Local customs Language
3 After your placement 3.1 Departure
Appendix A Basic Malay terms & phrases
Appendix B Basic Batek terms & phrases
1 Before you go
1.1 Introduction
If you are reading this guide, it means that you have already confirmed your reservation and that you will be
joining us on the Tiger Trail! With that, kindly send us a copy of your passport as soon as your reservation
is confirmed on the programme. We will need these for your forest reserve permits. If we do not get your
permits in time it will most likely result in denial of access into some Forest Reserves and trekking routes.
1.2 Travel arrangements
Project location
Merapoh, Pahang. Merapoh is a less well known alternative entry point to the Taman Negara National Park
compared to the main entrance located at Kuala Tahan, Jerantut.
Arrival on Monday
You will be met at Merapoh by our Project Manager Azee or one of our Merapoh team members. You will need to
get the 10AM Transnational bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (located at Bandar Tasik Selatan) going to Kota
Bharu. You will need to prebook the ticket, please email us at [email protected] if you would like us to do this
on your behalf. Please arrive at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at least an hour before your departure
time to locate your bus at the bus terminal. If you need help finding your bus, kindly ask for the bus station staff
assistance using your bus ticket as reference. The journey takes around 4-5 hours from Kuala Lumpur and
you will arrive at Merapoh by 1-1:30PM. You will get off at a restaurant in Merapoh where the bus stops for lunch.
1.3 Visa
In Malaysia it is possible to volunteer on a tourist visa. Tourists from the following
Countries will receive a 90 day free tourist visa upon arrival:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cuba,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan,
Kirgystan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Lienchestien, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherland, Norway,
Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, St Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay,
Yemen.
1.4 Insurance
All volunteers are required to have their own travel insurance. Ecoteer does not provide insurance cover for
its volunteers and accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injuries a volunteer may
sustain during your stay with us
1.5 Healthcare
Must have injections/ inoculations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid, Measles
(MMR), Tetanus-diphtheria
Mumps
Rubella
Malaria
Malaria has been known to occur in nearby Taman Negara.
Facilities
In Merapoh there is a small clinic that can treat most injuries. This is a 10 minute walk from Ecoteer
HQ. There is also a hospital in GuaMusang, a 30 minute drive from Ecoteer HQ.
1.6 What to bring
Equipment
Sleepingbag (optional and can be rented)
Torchlight / Head lamp plus spare batteries
Penknife (optional)
Day back pack (ca. 35 litres) with rain cover
Travel or thin towels that dry quickly
Zip lock bags and Tupperware to keep things dry
(optional)
Minimum 1.5 litres water bottle (best to carry 2 litres bottle)
Hiking shoes
Toiletries
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Showergel / Shampoo
Deodorant
Repellants with DEET
Sun block / after sun creme
Tissues / face wipe
A t ti r e
Treks in the rainforest can be quite wet. Therefore we recommend you bring thin clothing items that can dry
quickly in the sun. Likewise it is recommended to wear walking shoes or old tennis shoes over walking boots.
Long pants (warm)
Thin trousers
Shorts
Swim wear
Socks
T-shirts
Sweater / fleece
Walking shoes or tennis
shoes
Flip flops / Sandals
Wool Hat and gloves (for warmth at night)
Rain jacket (optional)
Cap / hat with/without netting (for hiking)
Non-compulsory
Camera
Hammock including mosquito net
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
CELCOM Malaysian Sim card - this network has the best coverage at the project site; we suggest
you get RM30 of credit for 4 weeks.
Books and mp3 players - to keep you occupied during time off
Money
We recommend you have a minimum budget of RM200 for your time spent in Merapoh.
Rentals
If you are unable to bring any of the recommended items, you will be able to rent / buy them in
Merapoh from SGI Outdoor who sells all sorts of camping gears (located within 15 minutes
walking distance from accommodation)
All equipment rented must be cleaned and returned in good condition prior to departure from project
site. Damaged item(s) will incur additional charges.
2 Whilst you are here
2.2 Accommodation
Volunteers will stay at the Ecoteer House HQ in Merapoh. Large A/C room with choice of double or single bed.
Shops are available in the village to purchase toiletries, snacks and drinks
Laundry: Laundry service is available for MYR10 depending on load.
Note: We do not have a safe box in Merapoh.
2. 3 Your Placement
Program Itinerary
Monday
Arrival DayRest and Merapoh Night Market
Tuesday & Wednesday
CAT Walk conservation patrols (jungle trekking)
Thursday
Caving and preparing lesson plans. Malay dinner in the evening.
Friday
Foraging with the Batek ladies followed by a class. GuaMusang Night Market.
Saturday Cat Walk conservation patrol and overnight camping with the Batek
Sunday Class with the Batek and meal at sunset point
Monday Departure day or rest day
Cat Walk Conservation Patrols - Jungle trekking
A medium level of fitness is required for the Jungle walks. The walks are supposed to be slow to
enable the guides to search for tracks and animal signs howeverthis is a tropical rainforest where
humidity can reach 90-100%. It may not be hot but between the humidity and the inevitable encounters with leeches, this is not a trip for the faint-hearted!
Walks are generally 5-7 hours long depending on the group and the route chosen. MYCAT will
designate the area of forest to survey and the experienced Ecoteer leader and local guide will then
decide on a suitable route to take. These jungle walks are fascinating and will really allow you to feel
like one of the animals in the forest whilst looking out for signs of humans and poachers. If any snares
are found, the GPS locations will be recorded and the snares will be destroyed. Even old discarded snares
continue to catch animals so it is vital that they are removed to prevent any further harm.
PLEASE BE AWARE
Large animals live in these forests, but it is very rare to actually see any because they are mostly nocturnal.
Your role is to look for signs of their whereabouts and locate snares whilst acting as a deterrent to poachers.
Caving
There are over 60 limestone caves in the Merapoh region. The caves that you visit will depend
on weather, group size and group ability. The caves are fantastic - some even have rivers and
Waterfalls inside. Thesecaves are home to various animals including thousands of swifts that group together at
sunset. The Batek people have used these caves for centuries so you may spot some of their many cave
drawings on your visit.
The Batek Tribal Village
The Batek tribal people are the Malay aboriginals or “Orang Asli” meaning original people in Malay language.
Although living in villages for the last decades they are still very much a hunting and gathering people having a
deep and meaningful relationship with the surrounding jungle. A Batek guide will accompany us most of the times on
our Cat Walks. We will also spend plenty of time with the Batek women going out foraging and camping.Spending some time
with the Batek people will hopefully give you a taste of their unique culture and traditions and some new knowledge on how
the raw jungle can be so plentiful.
You will also help conduct a 2 hour lesson for the young adults and, supported by the Ecoteer staff, you will help to improve their
reading and writing skills as well as their knowledge of English.These sessions are great fun but serve an important function, as the
area has been earmarked for an increase in tourism and without being able to speak English, these tribal people will be less likely
to benefit from the industry.
2.4 Health & Safety
Malaysia is a safe and a peaceful place to visit and theft is rare in Merapoh. Nevertheless volunteers should
always keep track of their personal belongings. Common sense knowledge on safety is essential such as locking
your rooms when you leave, not wearing expensive looking jewelleries which could draw the wrong
attention, keep your important belongings in a safe box, be cautious while travelling alone at night or when
talking to strangers, etc. More travelling safety tips available here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html In any event that you hurt yourself or are feeling unwell, please inform any Ecoteer staff immediately.
2.5 The weather
Malaysia is a hot and humid country all year around. The hot season starts from March - September with
occasional heavy rain in the evening or night. The rainy season or monsoon season will be from late October -
early February with daily rain. During the peak of the monsoon season, this project will be closed (December -
February). Temperature in the day will be around 30°C or more and about 25°C at night.
2.6 Currency
Currency in Malaysia is Ringgit Malaysia (MYR or RM which is used locally). No ATM is available in Merapoh, so
volunteers will need to bring enough cash.
2.7 Food
Your programme package includes 3 meals per day.
Breakfast
We normally take breakfast in the house, cereals, toast etc. You can also try some local breakfast at the
nearby food stalls.
Lunch
You will be provided with packed lunches. The packed lunches are normally rice, with fish or chicken and some
veggies. If you have any diet restrictions please inform us.
Dinner
The team normally cook and eat at home in the evenings. You will however have plenty of opportunities to
eat out at both Merapoh (Monday) and GuaMusang (Thursday) night markets. You will also have the
pleasure of eating a traditional Malay meal with a typical Malay family on Wednesday. This is done in an
effort to provide alternative forms of income to largely poaching communities.
Camping
On Saturday you will camp out with the Batek eating bamboo-cooked rice, vegetables and chicken.
2.8 Local customs
The village of Merapoh is a Muslim village and volunteers are asked to dress appropriately whilst at the
Ecoteer HQ and in the village. Shoulders and cleavage should be covered and shorts/skirts have to
cover the knees. While swimming at any river, please put on dark coloured attire as light coloured clothing
will often be see-through when wet. Alcoholic drinks, drugs and pork are strictly forbidden at the Fuze Ecoteer HQ.
2.9 Language
Malay is the main language spoken in Merapoh. Some villagers are able to speak basic English.
The Batek villagers speak their own language as well as a little bit of Malay. Some speak very basicEnglish.
Our team leader will teach you a bit of Batek during the programme as learning the Batek'sown tribal language
is very much appreciated by them.
See Appendix A and B for some basic Malay and Batek.
3 After your placement
3.1 Departure
If you need assistance to plan your onward travels after the program ends, kindly inform our project leader on the first day of briefing. Our project leader will assist if it is possible. However it would be best if you already have a confirmed plan for your onward travels (Eg: the project leader will be able to book tickets (bus/train) if you know where you want to head to after the program ends).
Bus Volunteers will need to get to Merapoh R&R and get on the bus (coming from Kota Bharu) at 12.30pm to Kuala Lumpur.
Appendix A – Basic Malay
English
I/Me/Mine
You/Yours
Him/Her/He/She
We
They
This
That
Who
What
Where
Why
When
Greeting
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good night
How are you?
I am good
What is your name?
My name is
How old are you?
I’m 23 years old
Thank You
You are welcome
Where are we going?
What is this?
What is the name of this?
Where is the….?
Can I eat this?
Is this poisonous?
Pug Mark
River
Tree
Fruit
Path
I feel sick/have pain
Jungle
Animal
Tiger
Elephant
Bird
Bear
Tapir
Malay
Saya
Kamu
Dia
Kita
Mereka
ini
itu
Siapa
Apa
Dimana
Kenapa
Bila
Selamat
Selamatpagi
Selamattengahari
Selamatmalam
apakhabar
Khabarbaik
Siapanama?
Namasaya
Umurkamuberapa?
Umursaya 23 tahun
TerimaKasih
SamaSama
Kita perggimana?
Apaini?
Apanamaini?
Di mana…?
Bolehmakanini?
Iniracun?
Tandahaiwan
Sungai
pokok
Buah
Jalankecil
Saya rasa sakit
Hutan
Binatang
Harimau
Gajah
Burung
Beruang
Tapir
Pronunciation
Sa-ya
Ka-moo
Dee-a
Keeta
Meh-reh-ka
Eenee
Eetu
See-ah-pah
A-pah
Dee-mah-nah
K-nah-pah
Bee-lah
Se-la-Mat
Se-la-mat paggy
Se-la-mat teh-n-gahari
Se-la-mat mah-Lam
Ah-pahkah-bar
Kah-bar ba-ek
Si-ah-pah nah-mah?
Nah-ma sa-ya
Oo-more kah-moo b-rah-pah
Oo-more sa-ya 23 tah-oon
Te-ri-mahka-se
Sah-mahSah-mah
Kee-tah per-gee mah-nah?
Ah-pahee-nee
Ah-pah nah-mahee-nee?
Di mah-nah …?
Boh-leh ma-can ee-nee?
Ee-nee rah-choon?
Tan-dah hay-wahn
Soon-gai
Poh-kok
Boo-wah
Jah-lankeh-chil
Sah-yah rah-sahsah-keet
Hoo-than
Bin-tahng
Hah-rih-mau
Gah-jah
Boo-rohng
Beh-roo-ang
Tah-pir
0 kosong
1 satu
2 dua
3 tiga
4 empat
5 lima
6 enam
7 tujuh
8 lapan
9 sembilan
10 sepuluh
11 sebelas
12 duabelas
13 tigabelas
14 empatbelas
15 limabelas
16 enambelas
17 tujuhbelas
18 lapanbelas
19 sembilanbelas
20 duapuluh
30 tigapuluh
100 seratus