Looking for Kg. Endah was quite a challenge. Our leader, Kit Wan, the cute and dynamic school teacher had to ask for directions a few times. We were not lost, but it’s just to make sure we stayed on track. Kg. Endah is 3 km from the famed Pantai Morib. Our bus finally came to a halt at around 7 p.m.

The PAKAS or Environmental Awareness Activity Centre  of Kg. Endah is located behind a mosque. We were greeted by Neal and Cikgu Hanafi. The former is from M.N.S. HQ and the latter is a volunteer in the PAKAS project. We were told that the objectives of this project were to implement environment education and conservation awareness.

The Nature Activity Centre  (NAC) we stayed in comes with a hall, dormitory style accomodation with bathing facilities and an open area for camping. There are 2 bathrooms with doors in the NAC and 3 more of open style bathing outside. Insects repellent is optional as this kampung is clean and very well kept. Kg. Endah came out second in the state-level Most Beautiful Village Competition in 2000.

We had time to spare before dinner. We sat outside the NAC and had a good time watching raptors migrating. Local birds were plentiful too. We were lucky to have Yuat Wah around as she could name the birds offhand and she patiently taught us the tricks of identifying them.

We had delicious kampung food for dinner. A BBQ was thrown in as well. We were really pampered as we needn’t lift a finger for preparation or washing up as it was all catered for.

After dinner, Neal shared with us his tales of travel. His slide show depicting different countries and cultures were captivating. Many questions were asked about Bario Highlands as it was serene and the people were one with nature. With Neal’s mellow voice and the soothing instrumental ( Sapi ) music in the background, one could feel at ease. Soon… slight snoring was in the air too.

Tarik Kisa or Long Net Fishing  at Pantai Morib was next on the agenda. Armed with enthusiasm, we headed for the beach to be nocturnal fishermen. The local fishermen showed us as how to be one of them. Darkness didn’t dampen our spirits to try fishing in waist deep water and we managed to pull the net onto the beach. Small fishes were thrown back into the sea while fishes like the Todak and Bilis were taken back for BBQ. The fishermen gave us some shells for supper too. The guys had a good time trying out fresh sea food while we ladies headed for bed as the insects in the garden serenade us to sleep. 

17th March. I was up at the call of Azan Suhuh. Got myself ready and went out to have a look. With the streetlights still on , the minaret of the mosque was bathed in gold. Dew drops could be seen on leaves too. There was serenity in the air..

A sumptuous breakfast was served. Pampered again! After clearing every morsel of food, (MNS lah) we were briefed by Cikgu Hanafi about our day trip. The first was through the kampung’s 3 denai or trails and the next beach combing.

At the 3 trails, we were bird watching and absorbing the beauty of nature. Cikgu Hanafi and Neal patiently interpreted the diversity of plantations like coconut, coffee, pepper, oil palm and nipah palm. Herbal plants were also pointed out to us and their functions too. Some of these plants with medicinal value can also  be found in our own backyard . 

Ferns were growing abundantly under the canopy of  the plantation. They play a role by telling us about the environment as different species of ferns thrive  in different climates. The beautiful greenery made me feel transported back to the Mesozoic era.

Trees like Figs, Coffee and ‘Noni’ were found along the trail. Small plots of land was converted into vegetable plots where organic farming is practised.  An abandoned smoked house was also along the trail. Neal showed us a beautiful Barn Owl sleeping in the attic.

Soon we came to the nipah swamp. Fears of melioidiosis, leptospirosis or getting superficial mycoses were wiped out when I saw the swamp. It was beautiful! Totally mesmerizing. We had to slosh our way through and the feeling was fantastic.

The sea was just opposite the nipah swamp. Had a good time beach-combing. Lunch was served on the beach. The caterer came all the way by van. Tasty kampung food and a cold syrup drink was served to quench our thirst and never ending pang  of hunger.

We left the sea by noon and headed towards a fishing village. Boats were docked along the river. What a picturesque scene! Fresh sea products could be bought from the fishermen and the aroma from the restaurants nearby was heavenly.

The sun was scorching by the time we headed back for NAC. This jolted us back to reality as we were over pampered for 2 days. Overall, this trip was very educational and a good experience for a rustic atmosphere.