Field Trip: Sarang Buaya and Muzium Layang-Layang
Date: 8th May 2010
Time: 8:30am- 3pm

On the above date, children from REAL Kids Permas Jaya embarked on a field trip to ‘Sarang Buaya’ and ‘Muzium Layang-Layang’. They were accompanied by 10 teachers as well as several former students of the centre. The group travelled by bus and arrived early at their first destination, the ‘Sarang Buaya’, or crocodile farm.

Upon arrival, the group were warmly greeted by the person-in-charge, En. Hapiza. He was assisted by a few male employees who were assigned to guide us around. En. Hapiza was very accommodating with the children. During the crocodile-feeding session, he gave a brief and simple description of the reptiles to the excited children. Among the information disclosed was that crocodiles were once part of the dinosaur family and as such, have been in existence since the age of the dinosaurs. The crocodiles found in the farm were primarily from Perak and are of the ‘Buaya Tembaga’ or saltwater variety. There were a total of about 250 crocodiles on exhibit.

En. Hapiza then went on to explain the anatomy of the animal while holding a baby crocodile in his hands. He also explained about their feeding habits and habitat. All along, the curious children were listening intently, focusing their eyes on the baby crocodiles that were on show. Soon after, the children were allowed to touch the baby reptiles under the supervision of En. Hapiza. Those who did were then advised to wash their hands and practise good hygiene. At the end, the group thanked En. Hapiza and proceeded to their second destination, the ‘Muzium Layang-Layang’ or Kite Museum.

Upon arrival at ‘Muzium Layang-Layang’, the children were greeted by officer-in-charge, En. Waifi. They then posed for a group photograph in front of the building before entering inside. The children’s tour began with a brief explanation on the history of International kites as well as the pride of Malaysia - the traditional ‘wau’. The children were truly amazed by the various types of kites, with their many colours and unique designs. They also had the opportunity to experience the precision and art of wau-making. A workshop on ‘making your own kite’ was also arranged for the children. Upon completion of the workshop, the group were then ushered to an exhibition where one could view a display of all the kites.

After leaving the museum, the children were brought to the Masai McDonald’s outlet for lunch, where a special seating area was arranged for the group. The children were told to wash their hands before being seated and were served Happy Meals (with toys) shortly after. The hungry kids really enjoyed their meals and after lunch, duly boarded the bus back to school. The group arrived back as scheduled but upon arrival, it started to rain. Waiting parents however, were kind enough to help bring the children into the school one by one.

Overall, the children may have gone home tired but really happy and safe in the knowledge that they had just spent their day on two fun and educational field trips.