In the era of gadgets and internet technology, ecotourism and outdoors activities are somewhat undermined. Realizing how important it is to get the modern people to get up close and personal to nature, Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor has made plenty of effort to revive ecotourism and getting young children as well as adults to actually get out of their comfort zone and trek around to get as close as possible yo flora and fauna.
Among those program that is worth mentioning is the Wings of KKB program that includes birdwatching and bird race activities. The program is hosted annually in Kuala Kubu Bharu and my family and I have been given an opportunity to experience the whole thing.
Wings of KKB 2015 crew from Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor (MDHS). They are briefing on what the program is all about. Here’s what the bird race is all about: The bird race was organised by MDHS in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2015 and supported by Tourism Malaysia, hoping to cultivate the appreciation of nature, especially among schoolchildren. The participants of this bird race had to identify as many bird species native to the area as possible. This is probably the only bird race in the country which requires the participants to move from one altitude to another altitude to identify different species of birds.
There are 10 checkpoints, starting from KKB town and ending at the Awana Resort Genting Highlands.
Tourists often mistaken Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) as a sleepy and a boring town in Selangor, but the town located 70 km from the capital of Kuala Lumpur reveals a history that is both enriching and charming and makes a very suitable destination for an educational R&R with your loved ones.
Members of the media, moving from one checkpoint to another and trying to spot birds along the way.
Among the categories contested during this Wings of KKB 2015: Bird Race was Schools and Open category, but this year the two categories have been added to boost the program. These categories are universities / colleges and Photography and Mini Explorace for primary and secondary school students. The event also requires participants to identify the name of the birds, use leaves to make a flute to call and lure the birds, organize ‘puzzle’ where they have to find the pieces of the puzzle in the surrounding area in advance and more. Here is the pictute of participants from high school category, getting their papers validated at the first check point.
Birdwatching activities going on.
Prize giving ceremony for the school category was done on the first day after the flag off for open category which started one the second day.
There is something for everyone to be honest, and great for a family get together and bonding time. If you are not into trekking or not patient enough for birdwatching activities you may still want to be there as there is plenty of side events going on too such as colouring contest, bazaar and mini food fair.
If you missed this fabulously educational event this year, do make sure you don’t miss it next year.
For more information on the Wings of KKB program, hop over to www.mdhs.gov.my, or http://wingsofkkb.blogspot.com.