[h=1]13.07.07 Kaki Bukit division 1-Day Tangkak Durian Tour[/h]<abbr title="July 27, 2013" data-utime="1374856463">July 27</abbr> ·
Rise and Shine! Equipped with their bags and carriers, six buses full of residents from Kaki Bukit division embarked on the much-anticipated 1-Day Tangkak Durian Trip. Residents arrived at the pickup point as early as 5.30am. Though it was early in the morning, their enthusiasm was palpable. The day started with much laughter and joy as the buses made their way to the Tuas Checkpoint.
Organised and led by volunteers from the Aljunied Constituency Committee, the journey started off with a breakfast stopover before the buses proceeded to Yong Peng where the residents shopped for local products. The $1RM chinese marbled tea eggs was indeed the crowd favourite. After a brief stop at Yong Peng, the buses proceeded to a local bee farm where residents were taught the techniques of bees rearing. The residents had the opportunity to taste honey fresh from the honeycomb. At about noon, lunch was duly provided with residents tucking into local delights such as yong tau foo and the ever-savory seafood hor fun. Halal meals were specially catered for the Muslim residents who came along on the trip. It was simple meal but one spent in the company of family, friends and loved ones.
The highlight of the day was certainly the durians feast! As they entered the durian plantation, residents marveled at the mini-durians hanging from the trees lining the paths to the consumption area. This certainly was a pleasant surprise and of course, the residents took the opportunity for photos with the mini durians. The smell of the durians lingered on their fingers long after they left the plantation for Gunung Ledang National Park, the next stop on the itinerary. In the evening, the buses proceeded to the local restaurant for their dinner.
MP Faisal himself made it a point to board the different buses at different points during the trip to welcome the residents onboard and to keep them updated on the events and activities happening in Kaki Bukit. He thanked the residents for their support and understanding before the start of the dinner and from his vantage point, he recognised many familiar faces from previous grassroots activities and bus trips. Dinner was served promptly and on stage, bus leaders were giving out lucky draw prizes to lucky residents who walked away with hampers of goodies and local products. It was a heart-warming conclusion to a long but meaningful trip.
The buses proceeded back to Singapore after dinner and though there was a queue at the checkpoint, residents were patient and in no time they made it safely back to Kaki Bukit.
Residents looked satisfied with their purchases, happy with their experiences and cordial with the company. A special shout out to the bus leaders who took time off their Sunday to volunteer on this trip and serve the residents with diligence. It was a job well done. Thank you everyone!
Until the next trip to Malaysia!
Written by: Bernard Chen
Photos Credit: Ng Swee Bee