Our alumni and staff on the recent trip to Johor Bahru!
Our alumni recently embarked on an exciting one-day trip to Johor Bahru, experiencing the perfect mix of nature, culture, and camaraderie and had a fun-filled and memorable day. Here’s a recap of the outing and the experiences of two enthusiastic participants Ms. Ooi Lei Shi, Class of 2023 Alumna, Bachelor of Social Work and Ms. Jaibunnisa (“Nisa”), Class of 2023 Alumna, BSc Marketing.
Morning Magic: Fruits and Fun at Super Fruits Farm
The group’s adventure started with a bumpy yet enjoyable ride on a farm truck around the expansive farm area in Johor. The rain which came at short intervals during our trip did not dampen the spirits of the group. Nisa found this experience particularly refreshing: “An opportunity to get away from the busy urban lifestyle while soaking in the greenery with a fun ride on the farm truck was something I was looking forward to,” she shared.
Excitement was in the air as our journey began at the lush Super Fruits Farm, where we were each given a mini basket and a pair of scissors to harvest our own Okra. Decked in yellow knee-high boots, it was a unique “Phua Chu Kang” experience for many of us city folks.
Our tour guide also introduced us to the fascinating Abiu fruit and the unique Jaboticaba tree. The Abiu fruit, with its spherical to oval shape, boasts a creamy, jelly-like flesh that tantalises the taste buds with a sweetness akin to caramel. Its semi-transparent pulp, reminiscent of custard, adds to its allure. Meanwhile, the Jaboticaba tree stands out with its small, round berries that grow directly on the trunk. These berries, with their glossy, dark purple to black skin, offer a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess.
The fresh air and greenery provided a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lei Shi was particularly eager about the trip: “I was looking forward to meeting new people and forging new connections with other SUSS alumni,” she exclaimed with a smile. Lei Shi’s essential travel tip: “Have an open mind to explore new places and please bring your insect repellent when you are going out into nature!”
The highlight for many was harvesting honey produced by stingless bees! The process was both intriguing and educational. Lei Shi said: “Being able to harvest the honey and taste it was incredible.” Lei Shi also added that she enjoyed picking Okra to take home and cook.
Nisa echoed Lei Shi’s view that it presented a different adventure altogether: “Harvesting stingless bee honey was a different experience. It provided an opportunity to taste fresh honey without being stung!”. Nisa’s excitement was palpable as she described the process of carefully collecting the honey and savouring its fresh and unique flavour. Unlike the typical sweet honey, we found that the honey produced by the stingless bees tasted a bit tangy and citrusy. Her travel tip was practical and thoughtful: “Pack a larger bag for shopping and include an umbrella in case of rain. And get enough rest especially if it is a full-day trip.”
Afternoon Tranquillity: Serenity at Putuo Village
We took a break for lunch at the AEON Mall Kulai, followed by a visit to Putuo Village, a serene retreat that offered a peaceful contrast to our bustling morning activity. The calm ambience and beautiful gardens provided a perfect setting for some personal reflection and relaxation. It was a moment for everyone to appreciate the tranquillity and take in the beauty of the surroundings with its multiple Instagrammable art installations. Alumni were busy snapping photos, selfies and wefies for the memories.
Artistic Exploration and Farewell
After a rejuvenating visit to Putuo Village, the Group made their way to the Fat Bamboo Café. This charming café offered a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some delicious refreshments. Here, Lei Shi and Nisa, along with the rest of the group, had the chance to bond and share their experiences where Lei Shi said warmly: “I definitely enjoyed the time spent with new alumni friends I made today”.
The Group’s final destination was the vibrant Kelapa Sawit Wall Art. The colourful murals and street art provided a delightful end to the trip. Wandering through the streets, the Group admired the creativity and cultural expressions captured in the artworks.
The day’s itinerary ended with a dinner cum shopping stop at the AEON Mall Bukit Indah before the group travelled back to Singapore. Compared with the start of the trip, there was more chatter on the bus as new friends were made. Nisa encapsulated the group’s sentiment perfectly: “I enjoyed the trip greatly and was able to connect with other fellow alumni. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.”
With hearts full of joy and minds brimming with memories, our alumni participants returned home, grateful for the delightful day spent and eager for future adventures together. A truly enjoyable trip!
