G5 Expedition
Pulau Sibu, this September
Our Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 1st September
We depart from the High School reception at 0730 and travel to Tanjong Leman for our ferry crossing to Sibu. We arrive by Midday and enjoy a welcome speech and drink from the Sea Gypsy team.
After lunch we split into “tribes” and enjoy an afternoon of team building activities. There is also some time to prepare for a tribal performance at the evening camp fire!
After dinner we enjoy camp fire singing, games and performances, before bedtime journal writing and reflection with lights out at 9pm.
Day 2 - Wednesday 2nd September
After a hearty breakfast we visit a school in Kampung village, building relationships with the island community. The children play together and take part in a cultural exchange, through music and literature.
During this afternoon we learn a variety of survival skills; lighting fires without matches; collecting coconuts and building shelters; making utensils, catching, cleaning and cooking a fish.
After dinner we have our usual campfire activities, reflection and journal writing.
Day 3 – Thursday 3rd September
After breakfast we head for a great adventure on Stingray Island, including our survivor game. We have lunch on the beach and return to Sea Gypsy in time for “The Great Banana Obstacle Race” and a barbecue. We spend our last evening with a reflection on how we have all grown along over our three days on the island, campfire songs and activities and a prize giving.
Day 4 – Friday 4th September
We leave the island just after breakfast and head back to Coconut Village and board the ferry. We arrive at Tanjong Leman just after 9 and journey down to school, arriving around 1pm.
Frequently asked questions
This expedition is to the Sea Gipsy Village Resort on Pilau Sibu, in Johor, Malaysia. The resort is on a five acre site facing the South China Sea. It is a 3 hour drive from Singapore to Tanjung Leman jetty, from there the group will take two 50 seater ferries to the island, the crossing is around 30 minutes. The children will undertake a range of activities on the island, both in their allocated “tribes” and as a whole group. We will have more information about activities during our expedition briefing.
What are the food and lodging arrangements?
All meals are prepared on Sibu. They can cater for a wide range of dietary needs including vegetarian, nut and gluten free. The students will sleep in wooden chalets, with atap roofs and fans, for between 2-4 people. All beds have mosquito nets. Students will organise their chalet groups with their class teachers before the expedition.
Are there water activities or swimming?
Yes, the students will be taking place in water activities and must come prepared. All swimming activities will be supervised by staff in shallow water. We will snorkel in deep water, in small groups of four and a lifejacket must be worn at all times.
What if my child requires first aid?
Qualified first aiders who will be with the group at all times. If a student requires further medical attention, Sea Gypsy have a full evacuation plan in place from all venues. A member of SJI staff would accompany our student for medical care, having notified the parent.
Safety on board?
Children are required to wear seat belts on the coach and a life jacket on the ferry and on the smaller boats when we visit the island. Lifejackets must also be worn by all children when snorkelling.
What is the ratio of adults to children?
We have 88 students on this trip with 6 staff from SJIIES. There are approximately 8
team leaders at Sibu, adult to child ratio is therefore around 1:6.
Which border crossing will we be using?
We will use the Woodlands border crossing.
What happens when the children get off the ferry?
Sea Gypsy Village staff will meet us on the island’s arrival jetty at Coconut Village and take the bags to the Campsite. Students and SJIIES teaching staff will be accompanied in a short walk to the campsite with their daypacks.
Who will we expect to see at the camp?
Our children spend all their time with resort team leaders and SJIIES teaching staff. There are other resort staff to accommodate our stay.
Will there be any other guests at the resort?
As we are a big group, we will have the resort to ourselves, no other guests.
What happens to the passports once on the island?
Teachers look after the passports after the students have passed through the security checkpoint. These are then collected by the SJIIES Staff and locked safely in the reception office at Sibu Resort. We will safeguard the passports at all times, students will only have responsibility for them as we proceed through immigration control.
Does my child require a visa to visit Malaysia?
This will depend upon your passport, nationals of certain countries will require a visa. As mentioned overleaf, please ensure that your paperwork is in order, The Visa application must be made at one of twenty appointed travel agents. Please allow plenty of time and ensure that your child has six months validity on his/her passport at the time of the expedition. For more information see our earlier email, click here.
Payment information and important dates
Payment
The final cost for this expedition will be $620. This includes boat transfers, buses, insurance, trained personnel in attendance, instruction and activities and all meals and accommodation at Sea Gypsy Resort.
Please register online using the links in this newsletter.
Important dates for this expedition:
Online registration is now open
Please note that we have moved to online registration for expeditions.
Expedition Briefing: Tuesday 2nd June at 0745, ES Hall.
Registration closes: Friday 5th June.
Payment due: $620 due by Friday 14th August
Medication due: Friday 28th August
We will send a document to gain permission to administer medication nearer the time.
Departure: Tuesday 1st September