PASIR GUDANG KITE MUSEUM

Pasir Gudang Kite Museum or Muzium Layang-Layang Pasir Gudang is the first of it’s kind in Malaysia. It was built as an appreciation towards the contribution of Malaysian and International kite flyers. Opening it’s door for the first time in February 2002 during the 7th Pasir Gudang Kite Festival, it houses a collection of more than 200 kites which once roam the skies of Bukit Layang-Layang as well as hundreds of the traditional kite heritage of Malaysia known as Wau. In Malaysia, another definition for "Layang-layang" is "Wau". Much was said about origin of the word "wau", while most reliable is that it derives from Thai vocabulary which means kites. "Wau" enthusiasts however suggest that the word "Wau" originated from the sound derived from the "hammer" of the kite when in flight, forming sound of "wau,wau,wau" in rythmic pattern.The main features of the "Wau" are mainly characterised by its head, wing and tail sections.The different types of traditional Wau in Malaysia in is Wau Bulan, Wau Kucing and Wau JalaBudi. Apart from this three mentioned, there are other types of wau proclaimed for a few of the penisular Malaysia states ;


State ------Official Wau
Kelantan --Wau Puyuh
Melaka ----Wau Kikik
Pahang ----Wau Pungguk
Perak -----Wau Seri Bulan
Perlis -----Wau Helang
Pulau Pinang -Wau Kotak
Selangor ------Wau Kapal
Terengganu ---Wau Dodo Helang
Negeri Sembilan -Wau Seri Negeri
Kedah ------------Wau Kangkang


Wau Bulan is originated from the Sri Wijaya Empire. It symbolises the reunification of the empire by Dewa Muda. The Design of Wau Bulan as depicted by Dewa Muda was conceptualized based on the form of their forefathers, a saint or a renowned ancient figure deemed as the father of all cultures. Wau Bulan consist of three different sections comprising the head and neck which represent the upper section of the wau, the chest and waist representing the middle section of the wau whereas the hand and feet relate to the bottom section of the wau.
Wau Kucing is identified more for its synonymous existence with Malaysian Airlines System (MAS). The airline corporate logo based on Wau Kucing, which is said to have originated from Kelantan when it was first introduced in 1967.The design of Wau Kucing resembles the cat and is most apparent when seen from the back, beginning with the head, body and tail. The specialty of Wau Kucing is its ‘hummer’ releasing a screeching, high-pitched sound, similar to the sound made by cats. The ‘hummer’ is also used to frighten away evil spirits and to forecast the following day’s weather. The floral and plant motifs of the ‘sobek’ carving on Wau Kucing are decorated in the same way with other traditional Malay wau which incorporated the flower and plants motifs.


Wau Jala Budi is derived from a leaf found in Kedah called the ‘budi’ leaf. The tail of the wau is similar to the ‘budi’ leaf and the word ‘jala’ (net) refers to the structure of the tail of the Wau Jala Budi. However, the basic shape and design is inspired by the shape of a woman’s body. It is viewed from the back where the hands of the women is extended followed by the body, towards the waist and the bottom. When flown, the kite produces a medium buzzing drone emitted from the ‘hummer’ located at the head of the kite. Wau Jala Budi is also similar in appearance to the ‘Chula Kite’ originated from Thailand.

Wau Merak is believed to have originated from Sulawesi, Indonesia and is flown mainly by the Bugis people. It is mainly flown by them after the paddy harvesting season. The design of Wau Merak assimilates the characteristic of a peacock, normally this wau consist of a ‘balong’ (Crest of a fowl) like a peacock and the length of the tail is four times the size of its body. The tail is made of wool thread. The specialty of Wau Merak is its hummer, it is able to produce seven different melodies or sounds. This is possible as the wau is originally played at night.

AGRICULTURE (OIL PALM)

Agriculture is the production of food and goods through farming. Agriculture was the key development that led to the rise of human population, with the cultivation and production of edible crops and animals for food, creating food supplies that enabled the development of more densely populated societies. Agriculture compromise of a wide variety of specialties and techniques, including ways to expand the lands suitable for plant rising, by digging water-channels and other forms of irrigation. Cultivation of crops on arable land and the land for herding of livestock for agriculture. Modern agronomy, plant breeding, pesticides and fertilizers, and technological improvements have increased yields from cultivation, and at the same time, it caused widespread ecological damage and negative human health effects. Selective breeding and modern practices in animal husbandry such as intensive pig farming (and similar practices applied to the chicken) have increased the output of meat, but it also raised concerns about animal cruelty and the health effects of the antibiotics and other chemicals used in industrial meat production. Oil palm is part of agriculture. The oil palms comprise two species of the Arecaceae, or palm family. They are used in commercial agriculture in the production of palm oil. Mature trees are single-stemmed, and grow to 20 m tall. The leaves reach between 3-5 m long. A young tree produces about 30 leaves a year. Established trees produce 20 leaves a year over 10 years. The flowers are produced in dense clusters, with three sepals and three petals. The palm fruit takes five to six months to mature. Each fruit is made up of oily, fleshy outer layer with a single seed, kernel, also rich in oil. When ripe, each bunch of fruit weigh 40-50kg. The palm fruit is reddish and it grows in large bunches. Each fruit contains a palm kernel surrounded by a soft oily pulp. Oil is extracted from both the pulp of the fruit and the kernel. For every 100 kilograms of fruit bunches, typically 22 kilograms of palm oil and 1.6 kilograms of palm kernel oil can be extracted. For each hectare of oil palm,the annual production averages 10 tonnes of fruit, which yields 3,000 kg of pericarp oil, and 750 kg of seed kernels, which yield 250 kg of high quality palm kernel oil as well as 500 kg of kernel meal.

SULTAN ABU BAKAR ROYAL MUSEUM

"The museum occupies the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) which was specially commissioned in 1864 by the Father of Modern Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar."
The museum occupies the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) which was specially commissioned in 1864 by the Father of Modern Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar. Completed in 1866, the Grand Palace incorporated some of the Sultan's creative ideas in its architecture.
In the early 1990s, Johor's present ruler, His Majesty Sultan Iskandar, decided that members of the public should be given the opportunity to view the Royal Family's collection in a proper museum setting. His Majesty consented for the Grand Palace to be converted into a museum but concurrently it still serves the traditional royal and state ceremonial functions. Sultan Iskandar officially declared the museum open on May 11, 1990.
Housed within the museum are vast arrays of treasures, works of art, antiquities and furniture belonging to the Royal Family. The picture gallery features past and present rulers of the Sultanate and their consorts. There is also a large collection of their personal memorabilia, an impressive array of Orders, Decorations and Medals in the gallery.
Other rooms within the Grand Palace display silverware, crystalware, gold and silver jewelry, priceless vases, furniture, traditional Malay weapons, the State Regalia, a numismatic collection, silver trophies and other family treasures within their natural setting.

The Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Johor is one of the major and popular attractions of the city. It is the best place to get information about Sultan Abu Bakar and his family.Known as the Grand Palace and Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, the museum is actually located on the northern wings of the Grand Palace, or Istana Besar, of the sultan. The palace was built in the year 1866 and is a grand example of Anglo-Malay architecture.
His Majesty, Sultan Iskandar converted the palace into the museum., which was opened to the public on May 11th , 1991. The museum has an extensive display of rare artefacts and treasures collected by and belonging to the Royal family.
One can see the furniture that was used by the sultan and his family. The Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum has an extensive collection of works of art owned by the Royal family. There is a huge picture gallery, which has pictures and portraits of past as well as present kings and their queens. One can also check out the huge collection of the king's personal records and memorabilia. One can also find medals, decorations and royal documents displayed in the museum's picture gallery.
The 'Throne Room' consist of a large number of banquets, ceremonies, festivals and royal parties were held. There is a huge collection of crystalware, silverware, gold and silver ornaments and beautiful vases in the other rooms of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Johor. There are also traditional Malaysian weapons, State Regalia, coin collection and silver trophies in this museum.
The Royal Abu Bakar Museum is a major tourist attraction, and is the perfect place to get to know about Sultan Abu Bakar and his family in a better manner.

UPDATE II (Edited on 6July)

Task: to create a blog using blogger to showcase what you have learnt in the Learning Journey. created!

1) Creative title and introduction for the trip (Group effort) - 10m done!

2) Description of group members, roles, class (reported by group leader) - 5m done!

For EACH entry on ONE destination:Write a 100 word reflection (total of 3 entries) -10m for each entry; total of 30m done!

For EACH entry on ONE destination:

Research to show the agricultural type/industry and its characteristics (total of 3 entries)

-10m for each entry; total of 30m done!

For EACH entry on ONE destination:

Capture relevant pictures to show learning (total of 3 entries) - 5m done!

Present to subject teacher a song/rap/video written by the group to show one of the key learning points for ONE of the destinations.

Have to upload onto Youtube and embed it onto blogger.

-20m

Total: 100marks.

Reflection on 1st Destination: Museum Diraja Abu Bakar

 On our trip to Johor, the first place that we visited was the Museum Diraja Abu Bakar (Sultan Royal Palace Museum).

Here are a few pictures of the museum from the outside:

(That's our tour guide :D)

Unfortunately, pictures weren't allowed to be taken inside the museum :(

I was taken aback by the number of rooms that were in the Palace! 

With the tour guide leading us, we winded in and out of each and every room.

It made me wonder how easily it would've been for us to get lost if the tour guide wasn't present.

In each room, 

the furniture looked brand new, entrancingly designed and were well matched with one another.

It's definitely the Sultan's palace alright!

The rooms that I saw were: drawing room, anter room, children room, reception room, dinner services and cutlery room, traditional Malay handarma, Silver collection room, throne room, Gold and Silver gift collection room, State Regalia and Gold collection, the hunting room. 

There is also a gorgeous Banqueting Hall where it looked like it was from a movie set!

In the Throne Room, 

there were two elegantly designed chairs, where the King sits on the larger one and the Queen sits on the smaller one.

Awards are usually presented to soldiers in the room.

In the Gold and Silver Gift Collection room,

 lies the 'Centerpiece: Perhatian tengah meja.'

According to the ____ at the museum, that was the item that the Indian government gave it to the British. 

However, the British king did not accept the gift as he was afraid that he would upset the Queen.

The Indian Government then decided to give it to the Queen instead, and the Queen then gave it to Malaysia.

In the State Regalia and Gold Collection room, 

sacred-looking spears of different lengths were displayed.

On its description, it wrote: 'Mace of the universe symbolizes temporal power in a form of a star and crescent with Arabic inscriptions."

Many of the rooms displayed cutleries made with different materials and designs. 

Personally, I felt that the craftsmanship for the cutleries is very detailed and with one look, anyone could tell that 101% effort was put in.

In the Hunting room, 

displays of ivory trunks, Waste buckets (made from elephant feet), numerous antlers, tortoise shells, tigers (where the tallest was 9 feet & longest was11 inches), birds, alligators, Smoker's set of 3 tiger skulls could be seen.

The Royal team took part in many hunting competitions.

When we realised that we could take pics in the hunting room, we only managed to take 3 pictures:

First edtion of stamps

Closer look

Daphne, what is this arh???

Help me edit this part if you know, thanks!

This museum was indeed interesting and beautiful. I learnt many things too.

Reflection on 2nd destination: Oil Palm Plantation & Harvest fruit factory

Oil palm fruit

After visiting the Oil Palm Plantation,

I realised that palm oil can only be obtained after much hard work.

We should not waste it or take it for granted.

I've learnt many things there,

such as the four different stages for processing the extraction of palm oil.

Another thing that I'd learnt was only twenty percent of palm oil can be extracted from each fruit.

The tour guide taught us many things as well. Such as how to differentiate between the male, female and unisex plants.

She told us that the leftover fruit can be used as fertilisers and to generate electricity.

Personally, I feel that the people who work in the plantation are very hardworking.

This is because regardless of rain or shine, they still carry out their work.

Without them, we would not have palm oil to cook up delicious food that fill up our stomaches. We all should be grateful to them for their selfless devotion, and to the fact that they had made our lives easier with palm oil being readily available in our neighbourhood's supermarket.

Although a stench could be whiffed, these workers put up with it and continued their work.

That is really admirable to me.


Here are some pictures that we took:

Before visiting the oil palm plantation,

I always wondered how oil was produced and I had no idea about it.
However, after this trip, I was able to find the answer to my question and gain beneficial knowledge (eg. History of oil).

This trip to the oil palm plantation was a really profitable one.

Reflection on 3rd Destination: Layang Layang Museum Reflection T^T

When I saw that a kite museum was included in the itinerary for the learning journey, I was puzzled. I didn't understand what kites has got to do with Malaysian culture. I was not too excited about visiting it either, as the word "musuem" made me think that it was uninteresting.

However, upon entering the museum, I was greeted by a sea of colours from a multitude of kites.

There were so many kites on the walls, and even some hanging from the ceilings. Before I visited the Layang Layang Museum, the first thing that came to my mind whenever the word "kite" is mentioned would be diamond-shaped pieces of paper with ribbons hanging from them. But the trip to the museum really opened my eyes to the world of kites and also how it plays a big part in Malaysian culture. There were kites shaped like birds, rectangular kites, and kites that looked more like paintings instead.

To be honest, I never really imagined kites as a part of Malaysian culture. I never even knew that there was a "wau bulan" on the back of a Malaysian fifty cents coin! Whenever I travelled to Malaysia, I go there only for holidays and sightseeing. I never did learn about Malaysian culture until I went for this learning jouney. It's pretty obvious as I only discovered the kite on the coin after I went for the learning journey.

Instructions

Task: to create a blog using blogger to showcase what you have learnt in the Learning Journey.


1) Creative title and introduction for the trip (Group effort) - 10m
2) Description of group members, roles, class (reported by group leader) - 5m done!


For EACH entry on ONE destination: Write a 100 word reflection (total of 3 entries) -10m for each entry; total of 30m


For EACH entry on ONE destination:
Research to show the agricultural type/industry and its characteristics (total of 3 entries) 
-10m for each entry; total of 30m 


For EACH entry on ONE destination:
Capture relevant pictures to show learning (total of 3 entries) - 5m 


Present to subject teacher a song/rap/video written by the group to show one of the key learning points for ONE of the destinations. 
Have to upload onto Youtube and embed it onto blogger.
-20m


Total: 100marks.