A Camping Experience

I couldn’t sleep the night before. I was just too excited. This was my first time on a
camping trip. I had packed my backpack 3 days ago. There was a list of things that
were required from everyone such as sleeping bags, torchlight, matches, Mars
Energy Bars and not forgetting mosquito repellants.

Around 8am the following day, we arrived in our school bus at the foothills of Gunung
Ledang which is famous for its many myths and also beautiful camping spots. There
were 20 of us. We were all in our school scouts team accompanied by two teachers
and our guide, an Orang Asli man called Adun. First we went to register ourselves at
the rangers office before starting our hike. It was a wonderful, cool morning. Adun
pointed out to us various types of edible wild plants and told us to 'respect the jungle'
by not littering or thinking bad thoughts. 2 hours later we reached a waterfall. It was a
perfect spot to set up our tents. By the time we finished setting up the tents, it was
lunch time. Adun showed us how to gather firewood and lit up a fire. He made a
makeshift stand over the fire and hung a pot of icy water from the waterfall to boil.
While waiting to cook rice, our teachers said we could all go for a quick swim in the
waterfall. We had so much fun together! After a simple of rice and sardines, we
rested for a while. In the evening, our teachers took us exploring around the area
and gather more firewood before nightfall.

At night, after dinner, we lit a big fire and sat around it. Our teachers talked about
jungle survival tips and later we played games. Then Adun told us a few mystical
stories about Gunung Ledang. Some were scary and a few of us kept looking behind
our backs at the dark jungle. By 10pm our teachers asked us to go to sleep. Some of
us couldn’t sleep so ended up chatting quietly in our tents till wee hours of the
morning.
We went home the next morning, tired but happy.

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Hari Raya Celebrations
Every year, after one month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa which
falls in the month of Syawal. All Muslims celebrate the day with great joy. In the
morning, they go to the mosque to pray. Then, on returning home, they receive
guests and relatives who come to pay them a call.

Days before, the women folk make many varieties of cakes, cookies and sweet
meats.They also cook 'rendang' curries and prepare 'satay' to go with the
'ketupat'. Homes are decorated with many coloured lights all over the garden. Small
lamps are lit and placed along the driveway.

On Hari Raya Day, many Malaysians visit their Muslim friends to share their joy.
They receive warm hospitality and are entertained to a feast of specially prepared
food. Boys and girls wear new clothes and shoes. Girls wear jewellery and boys new
'songkoks'.

The town is usually crowded with Muslims dressed gaily and going about. They visit
their friends and relatives while some go to the cinemas or to the Lake Gardens.
Many,however, go back to their 'kampungs' to celebrate the festival with their
parents. It is also a time for family reunions. Everyone rejoices during this festive
season.