A GROUP of 25 Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) students of Jerudong International School (JIS) set out on an overnight trip to the Sumbiling Eco Village in Temburong. The trip was an initiative as part of the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) component of the IB course, with the fundamental aim of being exposed to indigenous knowledge and traditions of the Iban culture.
Upon arrival, the students and staff were greeted by the local guides from Sumbiling Eco Village and were given a brief overview of the history of Temburong, including a Memorial of Remembrance for the Brunei Rebellion of December 1962. Students then visited the local tamu in Bangar where they had the chance to learn more about the 21 different species of local rice cultivated throughout the district.
At the village, students had light refreshments before embarking on an educational 10km hike through the Ulu Ulu Resort National Park as well as other activities including rock painting and fishing.
The trip to Sumbiling Eco Village provided students with the opportunity to meet and have conversations with Apai, the longhouse leader and the 103-year-old woman they met called, Nenek.
They had conversations that lasted nearly two hours on several occasions which was crucial to their perception and preconceived notions of the indigenous culture.
Their discussions flowed through topics such as technology, anthropology and the importance of tattoos within the Iban culture.
Year 12 IB students trying traditional Iban costumes
Students learn fishing the traditional way on the river banks in Temburong. – PHOTOS: JIS
Students in a group photo with their host
The post JIS students visit Temburong, get to know more about Iban culture appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.