Hafizah (Pantai Tungku, 6th September, 2006)

Sandy Strides

As always, before every trek, I would feel excited, because we would go to a different place each week and therefore enriching our knowledge of the environment. This time around, we went to the beach (Pantai Tungku), unlike the last two treks, which were in the forest.

One of the main purposes of the trek this time was maintaining a cleaner and greener environment. Sad to say, but it is a fact that litter-strewn beaches are a common sight in Brunei. Rubbish such as plastic bottles, Styrofoam containers, and plastic bags make up a large percentage of the rubbish seen at beaches. Not only these rubbish pollute the environment, but they can also harm sea animals. For example, plastic bags that get carried away into the ocean may cause death to turtles -- thinking they are jellyfish, they eat them and get choked.

I find it quite ironic that people go to the beach to relax, find peace in the calmness of the ocean, have a good time with family members or friends, and yet, they are the ones who “help” to pollute the seashore! Rubbish bins ought to be made available, and the citizens of Brunei should be more aware and responsible of the cleanliness of their surroundings. If they don’t care, who will? They should not simply wait for others. Brunei is our home, and we are the ones who should see that it is well taken care of!

The challenge that I encountered this week involved large stacks of rocks. On one occasion, we had to climb down a steep pile of rocks, and the other, walk on them. Mind you, those boulders had gaps between them, and some weren’t really stable. I found the experience adventurous, nevertheless. : )

Again this time: minimal animal encounter. The only animal that I remember seeing was a bee. Oh yea, and lots of cocoons suspended on coniferous trees! (' ',)b