MYP 3
20-24 Oct 2019 80 students + 7 teachers
Trip Leader: Mr Sathia (KL) Assistant Leader: Mr Izzat (KL)
SAWA DEE (Hello) from
Phuket, Thailand! Students had the opportunity to learn and understand this community which mainly survived through eco-tourism, the theme of our expedition. Students also had the chance to learn how the community were able to pick up and sustain themselves even after being hit by the deadly Tsunami in December 2004. Even though Phuket is famous for its tourist spots and scenic beaches, Fairview students had the chance to explore the other side of Phuket which includes the cultural and economic aspect of the island and the community living there. Some of the significant visits were the amazing Siam Niramit Cultur-
Fairnews Travel Journal issue 20
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al Show, the unique floating village in Panyi Island and the nature Elephant Sanctuary.
The students also get to interact with the local community like the cashew nut manufacturers, the Muslim community in Panyi Island and “sea gypsies� of Rawai Beach. They got to explore and understand how these communities survived for many generations by depending on eco-tourism as their main income. Students carried out their Service & Action for the community in Phuket by planting Mangrove seedlings on one of its shores. Mangrove trees are significant for the community in Phuket as not only is it
useful for economic resources, it is also important as a natural barrier to withstand the hard waves hitting the shores. Our students had such a meaningful time by getting into the mud and planting more than 100 young mangrove plants.
Overall, it was an exciting yet meaningful trip, not only for the students but for the teachers as well. We had our fair share of brain-feeding and adrenaline- rush moments!
WRITER Sathiananthan Thavam
