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Monday, 13 July 2009, Saka Bakti Husada Ranting Sambas is back in actions again, with the activity called Travel Surviving; conducted along the Sambas river bank and also the main river path.
The meaning of the activity itself is a survival activity, and it’s usually carried out in the forest or a very far and remote area, and it’s a basic military training activity. Because this activity is for a school age scouts, surely it’s not suitable for them, and to increase the sweet contents of the activities it self, then traveling is the perfect choices.
The activity route are taking along the river path, because the river is the source of living of the villagers, it can be ascertained almost all rivers there is a Hamlet or Villages that will be passed one by one. And beside, there are other purposes, to see the village growth that left behind by the lost main transportation routes, such as health care, education, communication, transportation and other public services intended for the village community.
Back to the main story, participants who participate in this activity is gathered at Sunsung Hamlet, Saing Rambi Village, before 01.00 PM, on one of the Saka Bakti Husada member house as the start and finish line.
After all gathered, and all the equipment already in the checking list, right at 01:57 PM, participants start the journey.
We feel a little disappointed, because the number of participants beyond the allegations, very few, that is only 8 participants, 3 of them are girl scout, and 4 of them is boy scout, and including me, so there is 8 in total. I thought to cancel this event, but it’s against my policies, and also afraid of disappointing those who participate, so I choose to continue, no matter what happen, just let the times shows it.
With a little disappointment, make me almost forgot to pray, then I put the command, formed the line, and pray to the God that protected us along in this journey until the end. After finished, I cheered up them to continue their journey in the blazing afternoon.
As times goes by, and travel has begun, at 02:24 PM, now we were through Sumber Djantin.Co.Ltd at Rambi Village. While we passing this villages, there’s a short message arrived about the other of 2 boys members who want to participate in this journey, they are from the 13th legacy, so now the number of participants are 9 people in total, there are 1 girl from 9th legacy, 3 boys from the 13th legacy, 3 boys from the 14th legacy, and 1 girl from the 14th legacy plus one girl from newest member of the 15th legacy.
After heard the news, we feel quite happy, then I decided to waiting for their arrival in Rambi Hamlet, take a rest for a while and prepare some stock that are quite necessary.
At 03.17 PM, they arrived, and then the groups continue the journey directly by following the rural roads with happy feelings along the way, and then we arrived in the Setambah village, still in the Sambas District, the village consists of 2 hamlet, Setambah A Hamlet, which is located on the left side of the river bank and Setambah B Hamlet on the other side, we across the river using the local boat to Setambah B Hamlet.
When we’re arrived at the crossing stations, we directly move the boat and cross the river, and now the time is 04:08 PM, without wasting any more times, we continue the journey through this hamlet. In my opinion, this hamlet is far enough left behind from village’s development from any side, including educations. From one house to another we passed, a very nice and warm welcome from the local villagers greeted us. Some just asking about our purpose or destiny, while some others were surprised and confused, because their places had never been being an object of any activity such this, not even from the local authorities.
As the clock’s ticking, apparently we’re on the boundary between the Sebawi District and Sambas District, and now we’re entering into the Sebawi District work of government, which is in the Tebing Rubuh Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village at Sebawi District.
The journey is getting far and far away, and so does the sun goes down, almost changed the day to the night. The times is 05:02 PM, the journey almost stopped, because this Hamlet is separated with the other Hamlet, and if would like to continue, we must cross back onto the main road. Because it’s against our rule, never using the main road, then I decided to stay on this Hamlet, Tebing Rubuh, and my idea was greeted by the local people, and luckily, I met with one of the Scouts Leader, Mr. Suhartono from the Saka Bhayangkara, and he’s originally from Semarang, Central Java.
Because of our understanding, for his advice and guidance, then I decided to stay posted on the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah AL WUSTHO Private school yard, but before that happen, we must first ask permission to the Principal M.I.S AL WUSTHO itself, Mr. Zulkifli. I ordered my group to break on that school yard and build a tent. While me and Suhartono go to the Mr. Zulkifli house, asking for permission. While we’re meet and talk about our activities and the local people, I’ve got a valuable guide for the trip tomorrow, that we can continue the trip without having to cross over to the main road, feel confident with the information, finally I decided to follow the route suggested by Mr. Zulkifli, the route follow through the rice field and plantation owned by the local people.
Finished visit and get permission, we return to the site posted on the school, the time is 05:23 PM, tents have been established, the kitchen stove is whiff of smoke, all the members busy setting up the tents and preparing food .The local Hamlet people feel quite happy because they get a visit from us, do not forget the children, they are joyfully play in tents, because this is their first experience of witnessing events such as this, at their own homeland. We choose this school yard as our first Rest Point.
According from my opinion, this village growth is quite impressive, such as from economic, education, and hygiene. Just one thing that is difficult to get here is health service such as clinics or private doctor. The conditions worsened again by the mercury releasing on the river from the wild gold mining who works on the Seminis small river branch, the complain doesn’t seems to be ignored by the government officials nor the authorities, until now!!!
Because of the wild mining activities are still in progress, without fear or guilty over their activities, while people feel quite restless over their health because of this problems.
Day turns to night and the time is 06:02 PM, rice already been cooked, and the other meal included. While preparing dinner and drink, we all rest in the open field, enjoying the bright sky night and how clean the field that we stayed. When the cooking was finished, right at 07:36 PM, we eat our dinner together. After finishing dinner and cleaning, we were resting and waiting until we’re tired.
The night’s getting late, the cold air shroud under our skin, one by one my fellow began to fall asleep, as the time enter 12.00 AM, I decided to sleep, so I can manage to restore energy for the next day journey.
A new day has come, as the morning greet our sleep, one by one of my fellow awake, as they already know very well with each of their own task, they start their activity.
Finished with their private matter, don’t forget to prepare for the trip, the morning breakfast, me and the three girl scout shopping for the kitchen needs at the stalls nearby, such as vegetables and our favorite food, the paddak (special food, especially for Sambas Malay peoples, or West Kalimantan peoples in general, it’s made from prawns fermentation).
Return from the shopping, kitchens work is began, starting from cooking rice, dish, and beverages such as coffee and the morning tea. The time is 07.39 AM, because the food is ready, we eating our breakfast on the mats and accompanied by the warm morning sun.
After breakfast is finish, cleaning job’s started, all the kitchen equipment washed to the river, and other equipment such as tents and mats was packed. As time entered at 08.24 AM, all work is completed. I and other member change our clothes with the Scout uniform for the morning rally, and at 08.30 AM, rally began, about 20 minutes and then finished.
The most challenging journey started, right at 08.58 AM we leave to the rubber plantation area, followed the small paths that are usually used by the farmers. Why it’s the most challenging!
Because almost all the people we met there said that there is no way to go to other Hamlet, only the forest area and it’s very rarely passed by the people, and the worst is, all the people advised us to turn back and follow the main road routes. How surprised I’m after heard that information, because it plainly breaks my optimistic about this trip journey. I looked at the face of my fellow, I see there is no doubt on their mind, and they may already believe to my decisions and then trusted me as their leader without any doubt, even one bit.
While thinking and choosing whether this decision is good or bad, a new problem arise, I forgot to bring the compass, what a fools!?
The journey rested for a moment, while thinking and make important decisions, whether to turn back or keep it up, because the more we move away, the more frustrating it seems. I tried to remember Mr. Zulkifli advice: "If would like to continue to another Hamlet, usually people take advantage of water transportation or land via main road, but if you still want to go through without both options, the journey can be continues by crossing through plantation and rice field, but maybe because it never been passed again, the path is gone, so you must cross towards to the west direction, don’t ever leads to another directions, when you see a lime (citrus) plantations, that means you are in Rantau Panjang Hamlet, and you already on the right path. "
Be sure about that information, I decided to continue the journey, just after a few step,
We asked the rubber farmers again, and their answers remain the same, there is no way to go there. The choice already been made, the journey is getting far, by following the sun as a compass, the journey routes is getting difficult, hard, and far more challenging. As the journey is getting far and deep, my faith is getting dull to continue the journey.
But we’re saved, when I’m met with the rice farmer who is far enough from the existence from earlier, that we are not far from Rantau Panjang Hamlet, just simply cut through this path and there you go. Got a new hope, our spirit revived, when we entered into the rubber plantation that had not been treated by their owners, we confused, the route that we want to follow is so many, and the worst is many of the route is a dead path, doesn’t want to loosing any ideas, I ordered my fellow to track a route, after heard the report about the route, we continue the journey back.
Just about a few meters step, we again find a dead-end, and then they spread out again to search for more paths, when they find it, the journey started over again. But there still only an another dead-end, I’ve got to think harder, because the risk is very high, if not, we can lost in the middle of nowhere. While resting, then I decided to walk in frontline as Convoy Leader, one by one I followed the trail, finding the perfect options from some of the options, and make a difficult decisions and also dangerous, but because of my experience is enough in the world of Trekking and Adventure, I think the forest here is not a really big problem to me.
After finished resting, finally I made decision not to follow any of the paths, because it can make us lost. This idea is quite surprising, because almost half of the members feel uneasy with this idea, because it’s quite mad, that is we must create an alternative way by making our own path and cross through the thickness of sharp and itchy bushes. Because of my faith, and I’m here as their Leader, surely they need a perfect solutions for this mess. The new strategy is set, as previously my position as Leader Convoy is now turning back to the Sweeper position. I pick one of my team to be a pioneer, and without any doubt he is ready, he spontaneously prepared with anything he can use as an equipment and clothing. Why we called him pioneer, because in fact we do not have the special equipment for this trip, such as a compass or the others, even equipment such as chopping knife or machete we don’t have, just enough with a bamboo that used by Saka Bakti Husada flag, and a Surveyor as a replacement for the compass, who climb on a tree to show the direction that should be followed and crossed by the pioneer.
The time is 09.40 AM, and the blazing sun began to feel over our skin. And my opinions are correct, according to a Surveyor report, isn’t that far to the west there is a lime (citrus) plantations. Heard the reports, without any command at all, the pioneer had already started working like Bulldozer, crushing every hurdle and make a way out for the group, overwhelmed enough by the hurdle, eventually the pioneer is also assisted by an another member (girl) and successfully penetrate the thickness of the bushes we passed.
Surveyor and Pioneer
How happy we are, as this exciting journey that successfully continued, without having to feel the disappointment and frustration. After came out from the bushes before, we continue the journey through the rubber plantations and lime (citrus).Less then 10 minutes, then we arrive at a route that I think is passed often by the farmers. Then the group rested for a moment to restore their energy. A few minutes later, 3 farmers passed us and want to go home, and then I try to ask them about the route that we should go and the place that we are now rested. Depend on their information, we are now in Rantau Panjang Hamlet, to continue the journey, simply just point to the west directions, approximately 2 km longer then we can arrive at the Sebatuk Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village. The boundary between the two Hamlets is a small river, when passed through the river, there will be a sago plantation, and then not far from there we can arrive at the villages. But previously, we will go through the brick road that connects between the Rantau Panjang Village and Perasak Village.
After hearing this information, we continue the journey that sound’s like doesn’t really far away. The time is 10:00 AM, one by one we passed the rice field, citrus plantations, and rubber plantations, 24 minutes later, we finally arrived in the brick road that connect the Rantau Panjang Village and Perasak village. The groups take a rest, while waiting for restoring our energy; I make a new strategy for the next paths. I offered an option for the next route to my fellow, the first route is cross through the plantation according to the information that we have from the farmers earlier, or the second option is following through the paths of the brick road to the Rantau Panjang Hamlet, then using the river transportation to Sebatuk Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village, at Sebawi District.
However, because there’s still a route on the land that still can be cross, and less efficient if we use the river transportation service, the group decided to follow the route of the first option. After the break, we continue the journey and we started from the rubber plantation, by following the trench boundaries of land, approximately 10 minutes later, at 10:50 AM, we found a small river that the farmer mentioned before. Because the journey is still quite far away, I didn’t allowed my fellow to cross the river by foot, because I’m afraid they will severe their feet because of their wet shoes, we must arranged to build an emergency bridge that consists from woods. After getting instructions from me, they move out to collect the wood that strong enough to be used as bridges. After built it, we crossed the river and enter Sebatuk Hamlet through the sago plantation, and pursue to find the paths through the rubber and lime plantation. My feeling tell me we are close to the village, and then we take a short break in a small creek that passed before. After rest, the journey continues, and finally we found the village, we are precisely in Sebatuk Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village, at Sebawi District, and the time is 11:38 AM.
After finding the Hamlet, we explored the Hamlet and try to find a small shop or stalls as a place for rested, and also for bathed. The time is 11:44 AM, stalls have been found, and then we rest while buying some ice for drink and also snack, while the others are changing their clothes to swim in the river. They got instructions from me to rest for 1 hour, because the rest time is quite enough, now it’s my turn to join them, take a bath on the river and remove the sickness and uneasiness during the trip.
The time’s ticking, while we sharing with the local community about our activities and about the famous Sebatuk Hamlet myth stories, we preparing to continue our journey towards the Sebawi city located across the river. Because in this Hamlet there is one of the historical objects in the form of an old ship sinking because it hit a stone that is located under the river, then we try to find complete information about the existence of this ship. After getting the photos, we greeted by the local community elder who the house happened to be right in front of the ship that was sinking.
remaining wreck
After welcomed to his house, and get some drink, we started asking the stories that we want to hear. The story starts from the sinking ship, the story of rock in the river, to the grave that been sacred by the local. Based on their story, as the natives from this Hamlet, the ship is already there hundreds of years ago, before the settlement was established, and the kingdom of Sambas still not build bunker along the river. Based on the stories by their elders, that the ship is owned by the European (Spanish) who doing exploration to the inland Kalimantan. Because didn’t know about the existence of the stones in the bottom of the river, the ship crash onto it and broken, leaving the ruins that can be seen until now and still exists.
Based from the tale of the local community, the stone actually is a fraction of the hill that was destroyed by their first community because lost competes in the race to create a mountain. Is this true or not, it’s depend to each of our logic mind.
And which is considered as a sacred tomb by the older society is a grave of Datuk Sakti, a powerful man, and it’s a native from Sebatuk Hamlet's.
Finished hearing the stories and information about this village, then we leave to continue our journey, followed by their suggestions, we are advised to contact the Leader of Sebatuk Hamlet then chartered an engine boat (bangkung) to transit us to the Sebawi market. Along with the travel planning, we contacted the Hamlet leader, and then he is willing to take us to the Sebawi market using the bangkung.
And now the time is 01:57 PM, we began to aboard to the bangkung, and slowly began to leave the location and go to market of the Sebawi city. During this trip, there’s a nice view of the beautiful river bank along of this small Sambas River. When we started entering the market area, a view of economic development in Sebawi District is quite impressive, such as passenger ships or trader ships that docked on the river bank, to the development of markets and warehouses. When we arrived, we spread and searched an important thing such as mineral water, food, alkaline Battery, and others stuff. Before that I already have contacted one of my colleagues to meet in the market, because he is actually from this city. After we met, talked about our activities, he eventually decided to participate in this journey. We rested quite long here, because we want to borrow cooking
equipment to one of the member who came from this city. Considering this member is in the tebas city, we don’t have a choice but have to wait for her. When she arrived, and has borrowed the equipment, we started the journey back to the route that has been defined; it’s to Sebawi B Hamlet and using water transportation service to crossing the river to the other side of river bank.
The time show at 03:38 PM, we finally arrived in Sebawi B Hamlet, the journey continues, and become more easy than before because we just followed the brick road to get to our destination in Sebataan Hamlet, Tempatan Village, at Sebawi District .But the journey doesn’t seem so easy as it looks, because some members of the group have abrasions on the feet, including myself, so couldn’t be denied again, the travel is getting slower because of that. Although the journey takes quite a lot of rest, but we still continue the journey without having any feeling that we started entering the Sebataan Hamlet entry. Along the way there’s a lot of midding vegetables (a kind of fern vegetable, typically from Kalimantan), doesn’t want to lose the opportunity, I instructed the group to pluck as much as possible for the dinner tonight. Finished picking and seems it’s enough, we immediately moving again because the time is now 04:55 PM.
20 minutes later, slow but sure, we finally arrived at the junction that goes to Sebataan Hamlet, about 200 m again then we eventually arrived on the Sekolah Dasar Negeri 7 Sebataan yard (elementary school), Tempatan village, at Sebawi District, as the second place for the Rest Point and we arrived precisely at 05:24 PM
Me and my partner immediately asking for permission about our arrival, starting from the RT (local neighborhood), then to the Village Leader, and then to the Elementary School Principal, but due to the Principal's house was far from this village, so our initiative is just asking permission from the leader of the Village only. After had the permission, we immediately establish a tent and prepare for the other stuffs such as stove, firewood, water, kitchen needs and any other information that supported our activities.
Establishing the tent start at 05:41 PM, but there’s something wrong, my sense already started uneasy when I started surveying the school environment, behind the left side of the school complex there is the Muslim cemetery and the right side is an area of sago plantation that isn’t well managed. I hope that this feeling doesn’t mean to anything and doesn’t cause fatal consequences, because when the adzan came, some of my fellow was in the Muslim cemetery to search for firewood, while according to the local peoples believe, it’s not allowed and prohibited in the forest or bush if the adzan come. Fortunately they are familiar with it and understand the conditions that I felt, and soon they finished their work there.
Done with all the work, some of them rested, some to the Mosque for praying and some help cooking for dinner. After waiting for a long time, finally the cooking has been finished, and then prepared over the mats, while waiting for the other members gathered; we take our time to tell about the journey today, crossing through the obstacles and obstruction to get to our destination tonight.
The time is 07:35 PM, and all already gathered, we began to eat our dinner together, while filled with funny laughter and joke stories from my partner, we finished our dinner and cleaning our dishes and start to the river, bathing. The river that we are now heading for is Sambas main river, and not just by a name, the river is really-really big, it can turn our spirit down just for only a bath, what more if we taking a swim !!??
I don’t think so!!!!
Fortunately we had borrowed a bucket from the local people, if not, it may be some of my fellow didn’t want to go down the river and take a bath, even me and my partner that quite dare enough was surprised and frightened, and the cause is quite simple!!
I’m surprised because of the water splashing, I pick the water using gentong (mini bucket) and taking a bath over the foundation, because of my position is higher from the surface of the water, the waters down and create a strong splashing voices, I jumped back and take a flashlight, I though that was crocodile or large fish creating a splashing, of course I’m frightened!!
While I finished the bath, now it’s my partner turn to go down to take a bath to the surface of the river, so he set his foot on the foot step that are available under the water, make it easy for him to take a bath, but every time he took water, the gentong (mini bucket) touch "something "!!!!
He was just totally surprised, jump and ride back taking a flashlight, after he seeking it, that "something" is nothing, only an another foot step that the positions is deeper than the other ones and blurred by the water, spontaneously all of us laughing over our own foolishness.
For the rest of the members, they taking a bath from the foundation, using a bucket equipped with a rope to retrieve the water from the river. When finished everything, we return back to the location of the camp to take a rest for the journey on the next day.
Once we’re on the camp location, we have decreased our activity, just laying down in the open field while looking to the bright sky and beautiful stars that scattered all over the sky and also the Milky Way galaxy that extend along the skyway and then accompanied by the warm campfire that we make.
However, that night is not as good as beautiful sky that we enjoyed, because of my suspicious to the home office schools that are left empty, has started the supernatural activity. Furthermore the village is so quiet and seems to give a message to be careful tonight. But I easily ignored that, because I think that supernatural activities are common and usually occur every camping activity that we do, no matter where we doing it, so I though this is just a usual activity. Eventually the time still shows at 11:00 PM, so not a big deal, even though there are some members who have started nervous and suspicious about something that night, as long as I’m stay calm, they are certainly calm.
Once the time shows at 11:15 PM, my partner and one of the senior members recently returned home from attending at his friend house which is from the neighborhood and actually working as teachers in that school. They get an uncomfortable story about that home office for the school, because according to their explanation, who lived in that home office before, they are often disturbed by the supernatural things, because they can’t hold it, they finally decided to move out and build a house in a location not far from the school, so that until now there is no one dares to stay in that home.
A few months ago, not long before we stayed there, there are workers who are working to build the Volley Ball field for the school and stayed there, but they can’t hold out anymore and run in the middle of the night because they got disturbed by supernatural beings. Until now that home office is still "haunted".
Knowing that information, I keep my guard, I ordered my subordinate to sleep as soon as possible, while the "supernatural" activity has increased drastically. Then two girl members want to go to the toilet, then I allowed them go, but not even one minute they came back again because of they are afraid, then I move on and accompanied them. In that trip the atmosphere already changed drastically and wasn’t really friendly, but I still continued; and then we arrived on the toilet, "What the heck, it’s closed!
Before that on afternoon I already checked and the door is open, there’s something fishy going on here!!!????.....
I tried to open the lock by force, but “something” tells me not to do that, and ordered me immediately to return to the camp and back to sleep, suddenly I feel afraid after hear that whisper. In our way home, I peek at the back of the home office, and then I’m stupefied, My face turn to pale, and I hardly to breath, I move as soon as possible and leave that place and to try to calm down my mind on the camp. And then both the girl members already inside the tent, they may not know what happened, or vice versa, but I’m not in the mood to ask, I’m afraid they feel the same fear as much as I do.
While lying and calm my mind, I reminded that incident again, what on earth is going on, why do "they" very much appeared tonight, even some of them are among the "strong!" type, and rarely appeared in the situations like this.
I looked at the time on my Cell phone, and it’s 12.02 AM already, not long after I saw the time, I heard that whisper again and ordered me to go inside the tent as soon as possible because the activity is reached the limit and unable to be guarded again, I immediately ordered my fellow to fold the carpet and move into the tent, sleep as soon as possible, it doesn’t matter if they feel sleepy or not.
Apparently my partner already knew that not far from the school, there are people who are sick and dying!!!???
It seems that is the reason why "they" are so many, and also make the "strong type" to come to misleading the spirits who want to be separated from the body of the dying. I’m really scared, and starting too nervous, looks like half of my members already know about my situations, and spontaneously it make them fell scared too. I try to calm my mind by hearing the songs from my cell phone, and then following the rhythm of the music and the song lyrics. The idea was successful, but doesn’t close the possibility it will recur again if I lose my spirit.
Finally I fall asleep, and then greeted by the morning already, but for the rest of the members and my partner, most of them can’t sleep quietly, because they are afraid of something. Based on their own explanation, the tent seems to have been surrounded by a hundreds of people and the dogs barking continuously and it seems is waiting for something to come. They are so afraid and hardly to sleep. They estimated the incident happen at around 03.00 AM; and then at 04.00 AM, they heard the screaming and crying because of the dying people near the school is already death!!!!......
Greet by the morning, clearly I see exhaustion from my partner face, and seem he didn’t sleep all night, when I asked, and correctly, he really can’t sleep with that interference, with a big machete near him, he guarding; afraid of something might come like bad peoples, dogs or “something”. What a long-long night and quite tiring for us all, hopefully in the future we can be more cautious for the things that are not desired such as this.
The morning activities started, and most of them doing their own private things. Some are boiling the waters for the morning drinks, some goes to the river, while me and a girl member shopping at the nearly stalls for the kitchen needs. After finished the shopping, and then the cooking jobs is starting. Because of died people near us, my partner and I went to that house to show our sympathy for the grief.
After finished the kitchen stuffs, then we repacking all the equipments starting from the kitchen equipments and tent; once all finished, we now have to wait for the girls finished bathing, it really takes a very long time indeed; when looking at the time, it was already close to 11.00 AM, with a little haste, I force them to moves.
Right at 11:05 AM, the journey continues again, this time the travel is easy, because we just need to follow the brick road paths that connected between Hamlets and the Villages. The only problem in this journey is the sun; the heat keeps following us as far as we go on this journey, when there’s an opportunity to get rest, we rest, then resume the journey and sometimes greet the people who watch us and teasing each other along the way. From one Hamlet to another Hamlet have been passed, then village to village, and now finally we enter the Sambas District again, precisely at Perasak Hamlet. The journey is getting closer, while resting and gather some energy, the travel is estimated around 7 km to go to the third rest point at Segarau Hamlet, the Gapura Village, at Sambas District.
Without wasting anymore time, we continue the journey towards our goal for the third rest point. When we’ve been at Sui Puguk Hamlet, I met with my friend who lives in the Segarau Hamlet, after telling the purpose of our activities, I finally get a ride on his bike to grant the permission from the Village, Hamlet and the RT (Local Neighborhood) leader as we plan to spend the night at their places. As arrived on village leader house, I explained all the purpose, and granted the permit, then we go on to the home of hamlet leader to obtain the same permission, just a few more step, then my companion apparently arrived, and rested; while me still need to go to the hamlet leader house to ask for the permission, after granted, I returned alone to meet my companion then lead them to the next destinations, The Sacred Birds pits which is located not far from the location of the Rest Point. Then I met with the RT leader (Local Neighborhood) and asked for permission; once approved, then commend all goods left at his home.
In here we also separated with two members because they have an urgent needs for the next day at Pontianak city, with a little run towards they head to the village of Kartiasa that are estimated around 4 km. While we still continue our journey towards The Sacred Birds pits that is estimated 700 m from our location. Then we met the owner, we are pleased to go toward to the Sacred Birds pits. While entering the rubber plantation area, approximately 300 m, we finally can see the Sacred Birds pits with the pit itself contain salty water.
In here, again I’m experiencing strange thing, personally I don’t believe the myth and superstition which is developed in community life.
My digital camera seems not working, when I switched it on, then it’s off, I tried many times to turn it on but it didn’t work. I feel confused because the alkaline battery the was used are still new, and purchased in the market yesterday at Sebawi District, I tried disassemble the battery and put it back again, but it still doesn’t want to switch on. Then I decided to changes the new alkaline battery with the used and empty alkaline battery. Two new batteries mixed together with another two old batteries. Then the owner said peoples here are usually can’t take the photos of this places, if could, sometimes the result doesn’t match as we expected or even fails; except if we are truly sincere, and with the good purpose for this place, maybe it can be taken.
Because of my purpose for this place is to introducing it to the world through my website, so this place can be developed into tourist attractions that will certainly increase the economic for the surrounding community and make this place had a good management; and then I turned my camera back on, I’m surprised, the camera does work like a normal and even can take quite a lot of pictures, here’s the following results:
The owner and participant
wide view
Close view
How this can happen, Wallahualam ........
For the complete story about the origins of this place, just click here.
Done looking, then we immediately return to the camp site and before that, I command my members to collect some dry wood for camp fire. When arrived at Rest Point, immediately we established a tent, made a camping stove, then me and a girl member shopping for the kitchen needs at nearest stall. Finished shopping and we again prepared everything, girl’s member is cooking, the boys establish a tent, and also take the water, all this routines are usual as in every camping activity.
The time show at 05:47 PM, then the adzan sound reverb, the day switch with the night, some members doing their own private matter and some go to the Mosque. In that leisure time, I go to the river for a bath together with my partner, because I feel uneasy all over the body. After finished the bath, the fresh feeling spreading all over the body, then we arrived in the tent, and the cooking is also complete, then all the members gathered for the dinner together. As the time goes by, all of us take a rest for tomorrow preparation to complete our journey to come home. In that lazy time, we shared our ideas about the Saka Bakti Husada in the future.
The morning greeted all of us, and this is the fourth day of our activities, and this time we will return to the Sambas city. The day is Thursday, 16th July 2009; we left our Rest Point and soon will follow the new route to the Sambas city. The time show at 07.39 AM, all already have been packed, including the tent and kitchen equipment. Slowly but certainly sure we follow the way through the rubber plantation owned by the local residents, the distance is quite far enough, estimated about 4 km then we can find a new road; when we were on it, we move directly towards to the Rambi bridge, then descend back down from the bridge and move on to the finish line in Sunsung Hamlet. Under the heat of the sun, the time shows at 11:13 AM, when we enter the Sunsung Hamlet, the excitement decorate all of our worn-out faces, with a little rush to the finish line; we reach the spot, and ending the long and exhausted journey, right at 11:35 AM.
Extended True Story:
Following is an additional story, known the day after we returned from the Travel Surviving. The accident itself happened in the sacred bird’s area, because the place is sacred, then any kind of visitor must be in clean condition, but 2 of the girls members still in the dirty shape (Menstruations), and I as their leader didn’t know at all.
When we visiting, one of the boys members hits "something", and based on the stories from my partner, he was ever get ill because of such things. After being hit, that "something" doesn’t want to go, and continue to follow him, with anger “it” tell about 2 girls member who is in dirty conditions; he felt very guilty, that would make him seems so down with that incident.
Since the incident, he becomes very withdrawn and morose, even though he still doing other activities, but clearly visible on his face that he worries about something that we can’t understand.
Some friends have tried wanting to know what is actually happened, but still he remain silent.
So the night became late, I felt less comfortable with the supernatural activity around us. He sleeps near me, clearly visible that he seems to have a bad dream. It’s make me feels uneasy, but I can’t do anything, except one thing, guarded on the night, until I’m tired and falls asleep. I want to communicate with "them", but what can I do, it’s out of my capability as a human being. So I guarded while watching "their" movement, hope not to disrupt us.
Next day in the morning, finally he talks to my partner about the story: "Long, aku ndak nyaman tok, mane kenak ikutek tok be oleh orang dari telage, die marah-marah barang biak e ngotorek tampatnye."(*1)
Then my partner advised him that it shouldn’t be considered again, because soon we will go home, after that he was speechless. When we finished the trips, he immediately wanted to go home; what happened, why he was so terrified!
Then on the Friday, 17 July 2009, at 06:32 PM my partner came to notify the subject about him, he hasn’t seen since the journey ended, because sometimes he usually went out to play or something. After knowing that, I decided to make a special meeting, afraid of something that might happened to him, everyone from all that participated in the Travel Surviving Journey gathered on M'Bargo Sabbok Cafeteria; once gathered, I told the main problem to all of them, and all understand what is actually happened. One of the girls who triggered the problem also came. We gathered to set the plan, coincidently my partners married on Saturday, so we planning to help at my partners home.
Then one of the members who are close enough with him were tried to contact him via short messages, but didn’t get respond. Then, a few minutes later, he called the numbers, and the information’s is that the cell phone is with his friends, he told him to bring that phone to the person that we tried to call. After a moment, apparently there is no response at all, then we tried to call again, but the numbers is unreachable, maybe it’s turned off.
The time shows at 09.00 PM, the girl members want to leave to attend at silat practice, once permitted, she moved. While waiting the news from the member (who is sick), and then the girl members came back again. To put a joke on her, we made up the story as though the parents of a sick member called and angry about how their son got sick.
Once the girl members was sitting around us, one of the members who is close to him started telling about that made up story, but it’s turned out of our plan; the story seems to put a blame on her, even worse is that she’s totally torn apart, and she’s feels heavily guilty.
This is out of the limit, it must be stopped, and then I force him to be quiet, and he remains silent. And then an another problem appears again, right now there are many of the "spirits" gathered around us, I tried to search the cause, but I can’t find it; even now "they" try to possessed her, I tried to expelled it, but I can’t.
To solve the problems, I try putting her mind and focusing on our conversations, to prevent "the spirits" to possessed her mind and souls.
After a quiet moment started, I dismissed all of the members and then bringing home the girl. After she arrived at her home, then I spoke again with the member who talks to her before, after I’m asking about the reason why he talks such way, then he said he didn’t know anything and he didn’t realized it all. “So, who is talking before, aren’t you!!” I said; then he said;” no, I didn’t remembered anything except a blank field!!”
Clearly I confused, because this member is always reckless and dumb when speaking, he may not speak as good and well as that, he certainly beyond of the capability.
I suggested him to return immediately and ask for help to his grandfather who is the elders of the Boy Scout and also a Paranormal. Then I met with other senior members, he didn’t know anything about the accident before, after I told him, then he understand the situations. Then I call a member who is quite close to that girl member and asked about her conditions, according to him she is not her anymore.
Then I told him to come to market where I eating to discuss the situations seriously. When we call her, seems like that’s not her, her voice changed, and the tone she speak to us is so rough. Then we send short messages, and my feeling is correct, she’s already possessed, even just half of her body. Every message that we send she replied and tell us to stay out of this situations, don’t interfering “his” possessing.
Then I consulted with the member who has grandfather as a paranormal, according to him she is already transferred the supernatural fence, and then I told him the situation is out of control, she is already possessed completely. When the situations is turned to chaos, could we took the grandfather to settle this problem, according to him surely he can.
Then back to her, every rough messages that we receive from her, finally I try to find out more about her, Alhamdulillah and thanks God, she already consciousness and replied every messages that we send normally. Finally I relieved, I hope this problem didn’t worsened again. For now, she’s already recovered, with no more problem, but I didn’t know about an another boy members who is sick because of this situations, from the last messages that we received from him, he is got a fever, hopefully it just a normal fever, because we feared based on the story earlier from" them" through my dumb member that “they” tried to hurt him again.
(*1)Local Languages, Sambas Malay.
Sir, I’m afraid, because I’ve been followed by the spirits from the sacred birds, they are really angry about the girls entering their places in dirty conditions.
The meaning of the activity itself is a survival activity, and it’s usually carried out in the forest or a very far and remote area, and it’s a basic military training activity. Because this activity is for a school age scouts, surely it’s not suitable for them, and to increase the sweet contents of the activities it self, then traveling is the perfect choices.
The activity route are taking along the river path, because the river is the source of living of the villagers, it can be ascertained almost all rivers there is a Hamlet or Villages that will be passed one by one. And beside, there are other purposes, to see the village growth that left behind by the lost main transportation routes, such as health care, education, communication, transportation and other public services intended for the village community.
Back to the main story, participants who participate in this activity is gathered at Sunsung Hamlet, Saing Rambi Village, before 01.00 PM, on one of the Saka Bakti Husada member house as the start and finish line.
After all gathered, and all the equipment already in the checking list, right at 01:57 PM, participants start the journey.
We feel a little disappointed, because the number of participants beyond the allegations, very few, that is only 8 participants, 3 of them are girl scout, and 4 of them is boy scout, and including me, so there is 8 in total. I thought to cancel this event, but it’s against my policies, and also afraid of disappointing those who participate, so I choose to continue, no matter what happen, just let the times shows it.
With a little disappointment, make me almost forgot to pray, then I put the command, formed the line, and pray to the God that protected us along in this journey until the end. After finished, I cheered up them to continue their journey in the blazing afternoon.
As times goes by, and travel has begun, at 02:24 PM, now we were through Sumber Djantin.Co.Ltd at Rambi Village. While we passing this villages, there’s a short message arrived about the other of 2 boys members who want to participate in this journey, they are from the 13th legacy, so now the number of participants are 9 people in total, there are 1 girl from 9th legacy, 3 boys from the 13th legacy, 3 boys from the 14th legacy, and 1 girl from the 14th legacy plus one girl from newest member of the 15th legacy.
After heard the news, we feel quite happy, then I decided to waiting for their arrival in Rambi Hamlet, take a rest for a while and prepare some stock that are quite necessary.
At 03.17 PM, they arrived, and then the groups continue the journey directly by following the rural roads with happy feelings along the way, and then we arrived in the Setambah village, still in the Sambas District, the village consists of 2 hamlet, Setambah A Hamlet, which is located on the left side of the river bank and Setambah B Hamlet on the other side, we across the river using the local boat to Setambah B Hamlet.
When we’re arrived at the crossing stations, we directly move the boat and cross the river, and now the time is 04:08 PM, without wasting any more times, we continue the journey through this hamlet. In my opinion, this hamlet is far enough left behind from village’s development from any side, including educations. From one house to another we passed, a very nice and warm welcome from the local villagers greeted us. Some just asking about our purpose or destiny, while some others were surprised and confused, because their places had never been being an object of any activity such this, not even from the local authorities.
As the clock’s ticking, apparently we’re on the boundary between the Sebawi District and Sambas District, and now we’re entering into the Sebawi District work of government, which is in the Tebing Rubuh Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village at Sebawi District.
The journey is getting far and far away, and so does the sun goes down, almost changed the day to the night. The times is 05:02 PM, the journey almost stopped, because this Hamlet is separated with the other Hamlet, and if would like to continue, we must cross back onto the main road. Because it’s against our rule, never using the main road, then I decided to stay on this Hamlet, Tebing Rubuh, and my idea was greeted by the local people, and luckily, I met with one of the Scouts Leader, Mr. Suhartono from the Saka Bhayangkara, and he’s originally from Semarang, Central Java.
Because of our understanding, for his advice and guidance, then I decided to stay posted on the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah AL WUSTHO Private school yard, but before that happen, we must first ask permission to the Principal M.I.S AL WUSTHO itself, Mr. Zulkifli. I ordered my group to break on that school yard and build a tent. While me and Suhartono go to the Mr. Zulkifli house, asking for permission. While we’re meet and talk about our activities and the local people, I’ve got a valuable guide for the trip tomorrow, that we can continue the trip without having to cross over to the main road, feel confident with the information, finally I decided to follow the route suggested by Mr. Zulkifli, the route follow through the rice field and plantation owned by the local people.
Finished visit and get permission, we return to the site posted on the school, the time is 05:23 PM, tents have been established, the kitchen stove is whiff of smoke, all the members busy setting up the tents and preparing food .The local Hamlet people feel quite happy because they get a visit from us, do not forget the children, they are joyfully play in tents, because this is their first experience of witnessing events such as this, at their own homeland. We choose this school yard as our first Rest Point.
According from my opinion, this village growth is quite impressive, such as from economic, education, and hygiene. Just one thing that is difficult to get here is health service such as clinics or private doctor. The conditions worsened again by the mercury releasing on the river from the wild gold mining who works on the Seminis small river branch, the complain doesn’t seems to be ignored by the government officials nor the authorities, until now!!!
Because of the wild mining activities are still in progress, without fear or guilty over their activities, while people feel quite restless over their health because of this problems.
Day turns to night and the time is 06:02 PM, rice already been cooked, and the other meal included. While preparing dinner and drink, we all rest in the open field, enjoying the bright sky night and how clean the field that we stayed. When the cooking was finished, right at 07:36 PM, we eat our dinner together. After finishing dinner and cleaning, we were resting and waiting until we’re tired.
The night’s getting late, the cold air shroud under our skin, one by one my fellow began to fall asleep, as the time enter 12.00 AM, I decided to sleep, so I can manage to restore energy for the next day journey.
A new day has come, as the morning greet our sleep, one by one of my fellow awake, as they already know very well with each of their own task, they start their activity.
Finished with their private matter, don’t forget to prepare for the trip, the morning breakfast, me and the three girl scout shopping for the kitchen needs at the stalls nearby, such as vegetables and our favorite food, the paddak (special food, especially for Sambas Malay peoples, or West Kalimantan peoples in general, it’s made from prawns fermentation).
Return from the shopping, kitchens work is began, starting from cooking rice, dish, and beverages such as coffee and the morning tea. The time is 07.39 AM, because the food is ready, we eating our breakfast on the mats and accompanied by the warm morning sun.
After breakfast is finish, cleaning job’s started, all the kitchen equipment washed to the river, and other equipment such as tents and mats was packed. As time entered at 08.24 AM, all work is completed. I and other member change our clothes with the Scout uniform for the morning rally, and at 08.30 AM, rally began, about 20 minutes and then finished.
The most challenging journey started, right at 08.58 AM we leave to the rubber plantation area, followed the small paths that are usually used by the farmers. Why it’s the most challenging!
Because almost all the people we met there said that there is no way to go to other Hamlet, only the forest area and it’s very rarely passed by the people, and the worst is, all the people advised us to turn back and follow the main road routes. How surprised I’m after heard that information, because it plainly breaks my optimistic about this trip journey. I looked at the face of my fellow, I see there is no doubt on their mind, and they may already believe to my decisions and then trusted me as their leader without any doubt, even one bit.
While thinking and choosing whether this decision is good or bad, a new problem arise, I forgot to bring the compass, what a fools!?
The journey rested for a moment, while thinking and make important decisions, whether to turn back or keep it up, because the more we move away, the more frustrating it seems. I tried to remember Mr. Zulkifli advice: "If would like to continue to another Hamlet, usually people take advantage of water transportation or land via main road, but if you still want to go through without both options, the journey can be continues by crossing through plantation and rice field, but maybe because it never been passed again, the path is gone, so you must cross towards to the west direction, don’t ever leads to another directions, when you see a lime (citrus) plantations, that means you are in Rantau Panjang Hamlet, and you already on the right path. "
Be sure about that information, I decided to continue the journey, just after a few step,
We asked the rubber farmers again, and their answers remain the same, there is no way to go there. The choice already been made, the journey is getting far, by following the sun as a compass, the journey routes is getting difficult, hard, and far more challenging. As the journey is getting far and deep, my faith is getting dull to continue the journey.
But we’re saved, when I’m met with the rice farmer who is far enough from the existence from earlier, that we are not far from Rantau Panjang Hamlet, just simply cut through this path and there you go. Got a new hope, our spirit revived, when we entered into the rubber plantation that had not been treated by their owners, we confused, the route that we want to follow is so many, and the worst is many of the route is a dead path, doesn’t want to loosing any ideas, I ordered my fellow to track a route, after heard the report about the route, we continue the journey back.
Just about a few meters step, we again find a dead-end, and then they spread out again to search for more paths, when they find it, the journey started over again. But there still only an another dead-end, I’ve got to think harder, because the risk is very high, if not, we can lost in the middle of nowhere. While resting, then I decided to walk in frontline as Convoy Leader, one by one I followed the trail, finding the perfect options from some of the options, and make a difficult decisions and also dangerous, but because of my experience is enough in the world of Trekking and Adventure, I think the forest here is not a really big problem to me.
After finished resting, finally I made decision not to follow any of the paths, because it can make us lost. This idea is quite surprising, because almost half of the members feel uneasy with this idea, because it’s quite mad, that is we must create an alternative way by making our own path and cross through the thickness of sharp and itchy bushes. Because of my faith, and I’m here as their Leader, surely they need a perfect solutions for this mess. The new strategy is set, as previously my position as Leader Convoy is now turning back to the Sweeper position. I pick one of my team to be a pioneer, and without any doubt he is ready, he spontaneously prepared with anything he can use as an equipment and clothing. Why we called him pioneer, because in fact we do not have the special equipment for this trip, such as a compass or the others, even equipment such as chopping knife or machete we don’t have, just enough with a bamboo that used by Saka Bakti Husada flag, and a Surveyor as a replacement for the compass, who climb on a tree to show the direction that should be followed and crossed by the pioneer.
The time is 09.40 AM, and the blazing sun began to feel over our skin. And my opinions are correct, according to a Surveyor report, isn’t that far to the west there is a lime (citrus) plantations. Heard the reports, without any command at all, the pioneer had already started working like Bulldozer, crushing every hurdle and make a way out for the group, overwhelmed enough by the hurdle, eventually the pioneer is also assisted by an another member (girl) and successfully penetrate the thickness of the bushes we passed.
Surveyor and Pioneer
After hearing this information, we continue the journey that sound’s like doesn’t really far away. The time is 10:00 AM, one by one we passed the rice field, citrus plantations, and rubber plantations, 24 minutes later, we finally arrived in the brick road that connect the Rantau Panjang Village and Perasak village. The groups take a rest, while waiting for restoring our energy; I make a new strategy for the next paths. I offered an option for the next route to my fellow, the first route is cross through the plantation according to the information that we have from the farmers earlier, or the second option is following through the paths of the brick road to the Rantau Panjang Hamlet, then using the river transportation to Sebatuk Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village, at Sebawi District.
However, because there’s still a route on the land that still can be cross, and less efficient if we use the river transportation service, the group decided to follow the route of the first option. After the break, we continue the journey and we started from the rubber plantation, by following the trench boundaries of land, approximately 10 minutes later, at 10:50 AM, we found a small river that the farmer mentioned before. Because the journey is still quite far away, I didn’t allowed my fellow to cross the river by foot, because I’m afraid they will severe their feet because of their wet shoes, we must arranged to build an emergency bridge that consists from woods. After getting instructions from me, they move out to collect the wood that strong enough to be used as bridges. After built it, we crossed the river and enter Sebatuk Hamlet through the sago plantation, and pursue to find the paths through the rubber and lime plantation. My feeling tell me we are close to the village, and then we take a short break in a small creek that passed before. After rest, the journey continues, and finally we found the village, we are precisely in Sebatuk Hamlet, Tebing Batu Village, at Sebawi District, and the time is 11:38 AM.
After finding the Hamlet, we explored the Hamlet and try to find a small shop or stalls as a place for rested, and also for bathed. The time is 11:44 AM, stalls have been found, and then we rest while buying some ice for drink and also snack, while the others are changing their clothes to swim in the river. They got instructions from me to rest for 1 hour, because the rest time is quite enough, now it’s my turn to join them, take a bath on the river and remove the sickness and uneasiness during the trip.
The time’s ticking, while we sharing with the local community about our activities and about the famous Sebatuk Hamlet myth stories, we preparing to continue our journey towards the Sebawi city located across the river. Because in this Hamlet there is one of the historical objects in the form of an old ship sinking because it hit a stone that is located under the river, then we try to find complete information about the existence of this ship. After getting the photos, we greeted by the local community elder who the house happened to be right in front of the ship that was sinking.
remaining wreckBased from the tale of the local community, the stone actually is a fraction of the hill that was destroyed by their first community because lost competes in the race to create a mountain. Is this true or not, it’s depend to each of our logic mind.
And which is considered as a sacred tomb by the older society is a grave of Datuk Sakti, a powerful man, and it’s a native from Sebatuk Hamlet's.
Finished hearing the stories and information about this village, then we leave to continue our journey, followed by their suggestions, we are advised to contact the Leader of Sebatuk Hamlet then chartered an engine boat (bangkung) to transit us to the Sebawi market. Along with the travel planning, we contacted the Hamlet leader, and then he is willing to take us to the Sebawi market using the bangkung.
And now the time is 01:57 PM, we began to aboard to the bangkung, and slowly began to leave the location and go to market of the Sebawi city. During this trip, there’s a nice view of the beautiful river bank along of this small Sambas River. When we started entering the market area, a view of economic development in Sebawi District is quite impressive, such as passenger ships or trader ships that docked on the river bank, to the development of markets and warehouses. When we arrived, we spread and searched an important thing such as mineral water, food, alkaline Battery, and others stuff. Before that I already have contacted one of my colleagues to meet in the market, because he is actually from this city. After we met, talked about our activities, he eventually decided to participate in this journey. We rested quite long here, because we want to borrow cooking
equipment to one of the member who came from this city. Considering this member is in the tebas city, we don’t have a choice but have to wait for her. When she arrived, and has borrowed the equipment, we started the journey back to the route that has been defined; it’s to Sebawi B Hamlet and using water transportation service to crossing the river to the other side of river bank.
The time show at 03:38 PM, we finally arrived in Sebawi B Hamlet, the journey continues, and become more easy than before because we just followed the brick road to get to our destination in Sebataan Hamlet, Tempatan Village, at Sebawi District .But the journey doesn’t seem so easy as it looks, because some members of the group have abrasions on the feet, including myself, so couldn’t be denied again, the travel is getting slower because of that. Although the journey takes quite a lot of rest, but we still continue the journey without having any feeling that we started entering the Sebataan Hamlet entry. Along the way there’s a lot of midding vegetables (a kind of fern vegetable, typically from Kalimantan), doesn’t want to lose the opportunity, I instructed the group to pluck as much as possible for the dinner tonight. Finished picking and seems it’s enough, we immediately moving again because the time is now 04:55 PM.
20 minutes later, slow but sure, we finally arrived at the junction that goes to Sebataan Hamlet, about 200 m again then we eventually arrived on the Sekolah Dasar Negeri 7 Sebataan yard (elementary school), Tempatan village, at Sebawi District, as the second place for the Rest Point and we arrived precisely at 05:24 PM
Me and my partner immediately asking for permission about our arrival, starting from the RT (local neighborhood), then to the Village Leader, and then to the Elementary School Principal, but due to the Principal's house was far from this village, so our initiative is just asking permission from the leader of the Village only. After had the permission, we immediately establish a tent and prepare for the other stuffs such as stove, firewood, water, kitchen needs and any other information that supported our activities.
Establishing the tent start at 05:41 PM, but there’s something wrong, my sense already started uneasy when I started surveying the school environment, behind the left side of the school complex there is the Muslim cemetery and the right side is an area of sago plantation that isn’t well managed. I hope that this feeling doesn’t mean to anything and doesn’t cause fatal consequences, because when the adzan came, some of my fellow was in the Muslim cemetery to search for firewood, while according to the local peoples believe, it’s not allowed and prohibited in the forest or bush if the adzan come. Fortunately they are familiar with it and understand the conditions that I felt, and soon they finished their work there.
Done with all the work, some of them rested, some to the Mosque for praying and some help cooking for dinner. After waiting for a long time, finally the cooking has been finished, and then prepared over the mats, while waiting for the other members gathered; we take our time to tell about the journey today, crossing through the obstacles and obstruction to get to our destination tonight.
The time is 07:35 PM, and all already gathered, we began to eat our dinner together, while filled with funny laughter and joke stories from my partner, we finished our dinner and cleaning our dishes and start to the river, bathing. The river that we are now heading for is Sambas main river, and not just by a name, the river is really-really big, it can turn our spirit down just for only a bath, what more if we taking a swim !!??
I don’t think so!!!!
Fortunately we had borrowed a bucket from the local people, if not, it may be some of my fellow didn’t want to go down the river and take a bath, even me and my partner that quite dare enough was surprised and frightened, and the cause is quite simple!!
I’m surprised because of the water splashing, I pick the water using gentong (mini bucket) and taking a bath over the foundation, because of my position is higher from the surface of the water, the waters down and create a strong splashing voices, I jumped back and take a flashlight, I though that was crocodile or large fish creating a splashing, of course I’m frightened!!
While I finished the bath, now it’s my partner turn to go down to take a bath to the surface of the river, so he set his foot on the foot step that are available under the water, make it easy for him to take a bath, but every time he took water, the gentong (mini bucket) touch "something "!!!!
He was just totally surprised, jump and ride back taking a flashlight, after he seeking it, that "something" is nothing, only an another foot step that the positions is deeper than the other ones and blurred by the water, spontaneously all of us laughing over our own foolishness.
For the rest of the members, they taking a bath from the foundation, using a bucket equipped with a rope to retrieve the water from the river. When finished everything, we return back to the location of the camp to take a rest for the journey on the next day.
Once we’re on the camp location, we have decreased our activity, just laying down in the open field while looking to the bright sky and beautiful stars that scattered all over the sky and also the Milky Way galaxy that extend along the skyway and then accompanied by the warm campfire that we make.
However, that night is not as good as beautiful sky that we enjoyed, because of my suspicious to the home office schools that are left empty, has started the supernatural activity. Furthermore the village is so quiet and seems to give a message to be careful tonight. But I easily ignored that, because I think that supernatural activities are common and usually occur every camping activity that we do, no matter where we doing it, so I though this is just a usual activity. Eventually the time still shows at 11:00 PM, so not a big deal, even though there are some members who have started nervous and suspicious about something that night, as long as I’m stay calm, they are certainly calm.
Once the time shows at 11:15 PM, my partner and one of the senior members recently returned home from attending at his friend house which is from the neighborhood and actually working as teachers in that school. They get an uncomfortable story about that home office for the school, because according to their explanation, who lived in that home office before, they are often disturbed by the supernatural things, because they can’t hold it, they finally decided to move out and build a house in a location not far from the school, so that until now there is no one dares to stay in that home.
A few months ago, not long before we stayed there, there are workers who are working to build the Volley Ball field for the school and stayed there, but they can’t hold out anymore and run in the middle of the night because they got disturbed by supernatural beings. Until now that home office is still "haunted".
Knowing that information, I keep my guard, I ordered my subordinate to sleep as soon as possible, while the "supernatural" activity has increased drastically. Then two girl members want to go to the toilet, then I allowed them go, but not even one minute they came back again because of they are afraid, then I move on and accompanied them. In that trip the atmosphere already changed drastically and wasn’t really friendly, but I still continued; and then we arrived on the toilet, "What the heck, it’s closed!
Before that on afternoon I already checked and the door is open, there’s something fishy going on here!!!????.....
I tried to open the lock by force, but “something” tells me not to do that, and ordered me immediately to return to the camp and back to sleep, suddenly I feel afraid after hear that whisper. In our way home, I peek at the back of the home office, and then I’m stupefied, My face turn to pale, and I hardly to breath, I move as soon as possible and leave that place and to try to calm down my mind on the camp. And then both the girl members already inside the tent, they may not know what happened, or vice versa, but I’m not in the mood to ask, I’m afraid they feel the same fear as much as I do.
While lying and calm my mind, I reminded that incident again, what on earth is going on, why do "they" very much appeared tonight, even some of them are among the "strong!" type, and rarely appeared in the situations like this.
I looked at the time on my Cell phone, and it’s 12.02 AM already, not long after I saw the time, I heard that whisper again and ordered me to go inside the tent as soon as possible because the activity is reached the limit and unable to be guarded again, I immediately ordered my fellow to fold the carpet and move into the tent, sleep as soon as possible, it doesn’t matter if they feel sleepy or not.
Apparently my partner already knew that not far from the school, there are people who are sick and dying!!!???
It seems that is the reason why "they" are so many, and also make the "strong type" to come to misleading the spirits who want to be separated from the body of the dying. I’m really scared, and starting too nervous, looks like half of my members already know about my situations, and spontaneously it make them fell scared too. I try to calm my mind by hearing the songs from my cell phone, and then following the rhythm of the music and the song lyrics. The idea was successful, but doesn’t close the possibility it will recur again if I lose my spirit.
Finally I fall asleep, and then greeted by the morning already, but for the rest of the members and my partner, most of them can’t sleep quietly, because they are afraid of something. Based on their own explanation, the tent seems to have been surrounded by a hundreds of people and the dogs barking continuously and it seems is waiting for something to come. They are so afraid and hardly to sleep. They estimated the incident happen at around 03.00 AM; and then at 04.00 AM, they heard the screaming and crying because of the dying people near the school is already death!!!!......
Greet by the morning, clearly I see exhaustion from my partner face, and seem he didn’t sleep all night, when I asked, and correctly, he really can’t sleep with that interference, with a big machete near him, he guarding; afraid of something might come like bad peoples, dogs or “something”. What a long-long night and quite tiring for us all, hopefully in the future we can be more cautious for the things that are not desired such as this.
The morning activities started, and most of them doing their own private things. Some are boiling the waters for the morning drinks, some goes to the river, while me and a girl member shopping at the nearly stalls for the kitchen needs. After finished the shopping, and then the cooking jobs is starting. Because of died people near us, my partner and I went to that house to show our sympathy for the grief.
After finished the kitchen stuffs, then we repacking all the equipments starting from the kitchen equipments and tent; once all finished, we now have to wait for the girls finished bathing, it really takes a very long time indeed; when looking at the time, it was already close to 11.00 AM, with a little haste, I force them to moves.
Right at 11:05 AM, the journey continues again, this time the travel is easy, because we just need to follow the brick road paths that connected between Hamlets and the Villages. The only problem in this journey is the sun; the heat keeps following us as far as we go on this journey, when there’s an opportunity to get rest, we rest, then resume the journey and sometimes greet the people who watch us and teasing each other along the way. From one Hamlet to another Hamlet have been passed, then village to village, and now finally we enter the Sambas District again, precisely at Perasak Hamlet. The journey is getting closer, while resting and gather some energy, the travel is estimated around 7 km to go to the third rest point at Segarau Hamlet, the Gapura Village, at Sambas District.
Without wasting anymore time, we continue the journey towards our goal for the third rest point. When we’ve been at Sui Puguk Hamlet, I met with my friend who lives in the Segarau Hamlet, after telling the purpose of our activities, I finally get a ride on his bike to grant the permission from the Village, Hamlet and the RT (Local Neighborhood) leader as we plan to spend the night at their places. As arrived on village leader house, I explained all the purpose, and granted the permit, then we go on to the home of hamlet leader to obtain the same permission, just a few more step, then my companion apparently arrived, and rested; while me still need to go to the hamlet leader house to ask for the permission, after granted, I returned alone to meet my companion then lead them to the next destinations, The Sacred Birds pits which is located not far from the location of the Rest Point. Then I met with the RT leader (Local Neighborhood) and asked for permission; once approved, then commend all goods left at his home.
In here we also separated with two members because they have an urgent needs for the next day at Pontianak city, with a little run towards they head to the village of Kartiasa that are estimated around 4 km. While we still continue our journey towards The Sacred Birds pits that is estimated 700 m from our location. Then we met the owner, we are pleased to go toward to the Sacred Birds pits. While entering the rubber plantation area, approximately 300 m, we finally can see the Sacred Birds pits with the pit itself contain salty water.
In here, again I’m experiencing strange thing, personally I don’t believe the myth and superstition which is developed in community life.
My digital camera seems not working, when I switched it on, then it’s off, I tried many times to turn it on but it didn’t work. I feel confused because the alkaline battery the was used are still new, and purchased in the market yesterday at Sebawi District, I tried disassemble the battery and put it back again, but it still doesn’t want to switch on. Then I decided to changes the new alkaline battery with the used and empty alkaline battery. Two new batteries mixed together with another two old batteries. Then the owner said peoples here are usually can’t take the photos of this places, if could, sometimes the result doesn’t match as we expected or even fails; except if we are truly sincere, and with the good purpose for this place, maybe it can be taken.
Because of my purpose for this place is to introducing it to the world through my website, so this place can be developed into tourist attractions that will certainly increase the economic for the surrounding community and make this place had a good management; and then I turned my camera back on, I’m surprised, the camera does work like a normal and even can take quite a lot of pictures, here’s the following results:
The owner and participant
wide view
Close viewFor the complete story about the origins of this place, just click here.
Done looking, then we immediately return to the camp site and before that, I command my members to collect some dry wood for camp fire. When arrived at Rest Point, immediately we established a tent, made a camping stove, then me and a girl member shopping for the kitchen needs at nearest stall. Finished shopping and we again prepared everything, girl’s member is cooking, the boys establish a tent, and also take the water, all this routines are usual as in every camping activity.
The time show at 05:47 PM, then the adzan sound reverb, the day switch with the night, some members doing their own private matter and some go to the Mosque. In that leisure time, I go to the river for a bath together with my partner, because I feel uneasy all over the body. After finished the bath, the fresh feeling spreading all over the body, then we arrived in the tent, and the cooking is also complete, then all the members gathered for the dinner together. As the time goes by, all of us take a rest for tomorrow preparation to complete our journey to come home. In that lazy time, we shared our ideas about the Saka Bakti Husada in the future.
The morning greeted all of us, and this is the fourth day of our activities, and this time we will return to the Sambas city. The day is Thursday, 16th July 2009; we left our Rest Point and soon will follow the new route to the Sambas city. The time show at 07.39 AM, all already have been packed, including the tent and kitchen equipment. Slowly but certainly sure we follow the way through the rubber plantation owned by the local residents, the distance is quite far enough, estimated about 4 km then we can find a new road; when we were on it, we move directly towards to the Rambi bridge, then descend back down from the bridge and move on to the finish line in Sunsung Hamlet. Under the heat of the sun, the time shows at 11:13 AM, when we enter the Sunsung Hamlet, the excitement decorate all of our worn-out faces, with a little rush to the finish line; we reach the spot, and ending the long and exhausted journey, right at 11:35 AM.
End of Story
Extended True Story:
Following is an additional story, known the day after we returned from the Travel Surviving. The accident itself happened in the sacred bird’s area, because the place is sacred, then any kind of visitor must be in clean condition, but 2 of the girls members still in the dirty shape (Menstruations), and I as their leader didn’t know at all.
When we visiting, one of the boys members hits "something", and based on the stories from my partner, he was ever get ill because of such things. After being hit, that "something" doesn’t want to go, and continue to follow him, with anger “it” tell about 2 girls member who is in dirty conditions; he felt very guilty, that would make him seems so down with that incident.
Since the incident, he becomes very withdrawn and morose, even though he still doing other activities, but clearly visible on his face that he worries about something that we can’t understand.
Some friends have tried wanting to know what is actually happened, but still he remain silent.
So the night became late, I felt less comfortable with the supernatural activity around us. He sleeps near me, clearly visible that he seems to have a bad dream. It’s make me feels uneasy, but I can’t do anything, except one thing, guarded on the night, until I’m tired and falls asleep. I want to communicate with "them", but what can I do, it’s out of my capability as a human being. So I guarded while watching "their" movement, hope not to disrupt us.
Next day in the morning, finally he talks to my partner about the story: "Long, aku ndak nyaman tok, mane kenak ikutek tok be oleh orang dari telage, die marah-marah barang biak e ngotorek tampatnye."(*1)
Then my partner advised him that it shouldn’t be considered again, because soon we will go home, after that he was speechless. When we finished the trips, he immediately wanted to go home; what happened, why he was so terrified!
Then on the Friday, 17 July 2009, at 06:32 PM my partner came to notify the subject about him, he hasn’t seen since the journey ended, because sometimes he usually went out to play or something. After knowing that, I decided to make a special meeting, afraid of something that might happened to him, everyone from all that participated in the Travel Surviving Journey gathered on M'Bargo Sabbok Cafeteria; once gathered, I told the main problem to all of them, and all understand what is actually happened. One of the girls who triggered the problem also came. We gathered to set the plan, coincidently my partners married on Saturday, so we planning to help at my partners home.
Then one of the members who are close enough with him were tried to contact him via short messages, but didn’t get respond. Then, a few minutes later, he called the numbers, and the information’s is that the cell phone is with his friends, he told him to bring that phone to the person that we tried to call. After a moment, apparently there is no response at all, then we tried to call again, but the numbers is unreachable, maybe it’s turned off.
The time shows at 09.00 PM, the girl members want to leave to attend at silat practice, once permitted, she moved. While waiting the news from the member (who is sick), and then the girl members came back again. To put a joke on her, we made up the story as though the parents of a sick member called and angry about how their son got sick.
Once the girl members was sitting around us, one of the members who is close to him started telling about that made up story, but it’s turned out of our plan; the story seems to put a blame on her, even worse is that she’s totally torn apart, and she’s feels heavily guilty.
This is out of the limit, it must be stopped, and then I force him to be quiet, and he remains silent. And then an another problem appears again, right now there are many of the "spirits" gathered around us, I tried to search the cause, but I can’t find it; even now "they" try to possessed her, I tried to expelled it, but I can’t.
To solve the problems, I try putting her mind and focusing on our conversations, to prevent "the spirits" to possessed her mind and souls.
After a quiet moment started, I dismissed all of the members and then bringing home the girl. After she arrived at her home, then I spoke again with the member who talks to her before, after I’m asking about the reason why he talks such way, then he said he didn’t know anything and he didn’t realized it all. “So, who is talking before, aren’t you!!” I said; then he said;” no, I didn’t remembered anything except a blank field!!”
Clearly I confused, because this member is always reckless and dumb when speaking, he may not speak as good and well as that, he certainly beyond of the capability.
I suggested him to return immediately and ask for help to his grandfather who is the elders of the Boy Scout and also a Paranormal. Then I met with other senior members, he didn’t know anything about the accident before, after I told him, then he understand the situations. Then I call a member who is quite close to that girl member and asked about her conditions, according to him she is not her anymore.
Then I told him to come to market where I eating to discuss the situations seriously. When we call her, seems like that’s not her, her voice changed, and the tone she speak to us is so rough. Then we send short messages, and my feeling is correct, she’s already possessed, even just half of her body. Every message that we send she replied and tell us to stay out of this situations, don’t interfering “his” possessing.
Then I consulted with the member who has grandfather as a paranormal, according to him she is already transferred the supernatural fence, and then I told him the situation is out of control, she is already possessed completely. When the situations is turned to chaos, could we took the grandfather to settle this problem, according to him surely he can.
Then back to her, every rough messages that we receive from her, finally I try to find out more about her, Alhamdulillah and thanks God, she already consciousness and replied every messages that we send normally. Finally I relieved, I hope this problem didn’t worsened again. For now, she’s already recovered, with no more problem, but I didn’t know about an another boy members who is sick because of this situations, from the last messages that we received from him, he is got a fever, hopefully it just a normal fever, because we feared based on the story earlier from" them" through my dumb member that “they” tried to hurt him again.
(*1)Local Languages, Sambas Malay.
Sir, I’m afraid, because I’ve been followed by the spirits from the sacred birds, they are really angry about the girls entering their places in dirty conditions.
