Page 17 - CSC Newsletter

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SPORTS CIVIL SERVICE CLUB 15

On Saturday, 21 September 2013, over 100 Ms May Teo was one of the four guides tasked
Public Officers from government agencies with introducing the groups to the verdant oasis
such as Housing Development Board, Peoples that is Pulau Ubin. We took the groups on the
Association, Building Construction Authority Sensory Trail, a route that had us indulging our
and National Parks Board congregated at the fve senses, she said. As a guide, May is well-
Pulau Ubin island for a Sensory journey that versed in the characteristics of the plants. But she
not only allow them to experience the health said that the vast knowledge that the participants
benefts of walking but also the wonderful nature possessed fascinated her. As cooks themselves,
surroundings. the ladies in my group were familiar with some of
the spices we saw and they actively shared their
Led in groups by qualifed nature guides, the knowledge with the rest of the participants and
participants frst came to a garden where different me. It was two-way learning.
types of herbal plants, coffee and pomelo trees
are cultivated. The air was scented, thanks to The Sensory Trail took the participants about
the aromas emanating from the many herbs and one and a half hours to complete. At the end,
spices. Encouraged by the guides, many used their they were given some time to experience the
touch and smell senses to better understand the kampong lifestyle near the jetty. Many invigorated
healing properties of some plants. Continuing the themselves with cool coconut drinks before
journey, they passed by durian trees and clusters heading for the jetty and back to the mainland.
of Nibong palms. When submerged in saltwater, There were some that opted to stay behind to
the trunks of the Nibong plants actually become further explore the island themselves.
sturdier and are used for construction of kelongs
(offshore platforms), a fact shared by Ms May Teo, Judging by their smiles, all the participants had a
one of the nature guide. As Singaporeans, we great time. Giving two thumbs up and praising the
enjoy eating fruits such as durian. However, affordable price of the tour, Elizabeth Teo said
the trees are not so easy to fnd on the main she would defnitely sign up for another guided
island. Being able to get an up-close look was tour like this in future.
wonderful, said Elizabeth Teo from HDB. It was
indeed an eye opener for many of them.

As Singaporeans, we enjoy eating fruits

such as durian. However, the trees are
not so easy to fnd on the main island.
Being able to get an up-close look was
wonderful

FEELING ONE

WITH NATURE