The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats. Source: Tembusu, Wikipedia
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Sail to the Anambas Islands

(Tembusu STEER Sailing Voyage)

21 May 2019 | 8:00 am |
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Stressed by school? Need something to look forward to after exams? We suggest a boat trip. Inspired by the lonely island, Shamraz Anver and A/P Martin Henz are collaborating to co-lead a Tembusu STEER sailing voyage. It’s a pretty unique opportunity – you’ll be out at sea for 10 days sailing to and around the remote Indonesian Anambas islands. You will learn about their nature, economy, and culture, while kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. You’ll also experience the beauty of wind propulsion.

You can find pictures and videos from previous voyages here that will give you a sense of what your trip will be like:

https://www.facebook.com/nusseafarers/

see also a blog created by students from a recent voyage here: https://blog.nus.edu.sg/borneoduewest/.

This trip will cost about $885 for most of you. The full price is ~$2185 but most students can get $1300 in subsidies*: $500 for NUS undergrads and an extra $800 for Singaporeans and PRs not in their final semester, meaning you only pay 40% of the cost.

Dates are 21st May to 2nd June. If you are interested, drop Shamraz an email asap via shamraz@nus.edu.sg

*Subsidies are subject to eligibility.

Learning Objectives:

The voyage offers unique learning opportunities and insights into communities that live in relative geographical isolation. You will learn how island geography affects the economies, social life and politics of their inhabitants. Degrees of remoteness and connectedness and the effect of technologies such as wireless communication and high-speed ferries can be studied using examples ranging from the regional capital Tanjungpinang to isolated island communities. 

Using the vast archipelago of the Anambas Islands as an example, you will study the opportunities and obstacles for tourism in the Natuna Sea. You will experience the unique ecology of coral reefs, and mangrove forests via snorkelling, kayak excursions and amphibious landings on islands, and gain insights into the challenges to conservation of vulnerable and endangered species such as sea turtles. On the Northernmost island of the Anambas Islands, Pulau Matak, you will see first hand the impact of natural gas exploration in the region.