At the end of term, our students in Year 10 upwards left in high anticipation for their Malaysia tour where they participated in netball, running and swimming with local students, as well as exploring the local sights.
Day 1 and 2:
Following their 13 hour trip to Singapore, and then a short flight north to Kuala Lumpar, the squad took a quick dip in the hotel pool to wake themselves up. After a buffet lunch, they then travelled to their first netball fixture v Titiwangsa School, a specialist sports college in Kuala Lumpar. Despite tiredness from the travel, our students all stepped up and gave it their all. The A team took a while to settle and adapt to the Malaysian style of play, but despite losing overall, they won the second half quite convincingly. Our touring B team put up a brave fight against a strong opposition, and some lovely netball was enjoyed by all involved.
Day 3:
On day three, our students had the incredible opportunity to spend a full day immersed in the beauty of Kuala Gandah, the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia. The experience was nothing short of amazing as they learned about the conservation efforts being made to protect the elephants and even had the chance to interact with them up close. It was a truly unforgettable day.
Day 4:
A day full of culture, starting with a 272 step hike up to the sacred Batu Caves. The group then visited a local Batik workshop, where they used their artistic skills to help create a silk masterpiece. Later, a visit to the top viewing platform of the iconic Petronas Towers. Standing at 452 metres and with 88 floors, these twin towers are the tallest pair in the world.
Day 5:
Day 5 our students made their way up to Ipoh for their second netball game. The U15s faced off against the Raja Perempuan Sports School U16/17 teams at the impressive JPN Sports Facility in Ipoh Perek. The A team put on a fantastic performance, narrowly losing with a final score of 12-18 in a hard-fought match. As for the B team, they showed improvement throughout the game, with a 4-0 win in the third quarter. Their final score was 9-23. Both teams bonded over some social time post-game and were then getting ready for their Aquathlon today!
Day 6:
The day of the Aquathlon Challenge! After an early start, and a slightly unorthodox journey, the girls arrived at the Kampar River and the site of the swim-run event organised by the Riverbug Perak Outdoor Adventure Centre. Everyone rose to the challenges of an open water swim amongst the rapids, followed by a 5k run through the surrounding jungle! It was an amazing experience and achievement for all concerned, and certainly a day not to be forgotten.
Following swiftly on from the Aquathlon, the group travelled back to Ipoh city and visited the Salvation Army girl's orphanage. In the build-up to the tour, our netballers had been learning and practising their coaching skills, and now it was their time to shine! After meeting the residents, whose ages ranged from 4 to 19 years, the Leweston girls soon had them playing netball themed games, after introducing them to the basic skills of the sport. Leweston then presented the orphanage with some netball kits, balls and other equipment. Our students exchanged some personal gifts and contact details. It was hard to leave, but after nearly 3 hours, they said their goodbyes. A poignant and very special part of the tour for all.
Following swiftly on from the Aquathlon, the group travelled back to Ipoh city and visited the Salvation Army girl's orphanage. In the build-up to the tour, our netballers had been learning and practising their coaching skills, and now it was their time to shine! After meeting the residents, whose ages ranged from 4 to 19 years, the Leweston girls soon had them playing netball themed games, after introducing them to the basic skills of the sport. Leweston then presented the orphanage with some netball kits, balls and other equipment. Our students exchanged some personal gifts and contact details. It was hard to leave, but after nearly 3 hours, they said their goodbyes. A poignant and very special part of the tour for all.
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Day 7:
On the morning of day 7, our students said farewell to Ipoh and travelled further north, crossing the Malacca Strait via the 13km road bridge to the island of Penang.
After a few hours spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, with its famous wall murals, the girls arrived at their final hotel of the tour, situated on the north east coast of Penang Island.
They spent some time helping with a beach clear-up conservation project nearby, before settling in for the evening!
After a few hours spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, with its famous wall murals, the girls arrived at their final hotel of the tour, situated on the north east coast of Penang Island.
They spent some time helping with a beach clear-up conservation project nearby, before settling in for the evening!
Day 8:
An early departure found the tour group travelling to Penang Hill, via the steepest funicular railway line in the world! They visited 'The Habitat' rainforest discovery centre, where they were lucky enough to witness an amazing range of flora and fauna, and also spot some Spectacled Langur monkeys and a Black Giant Squirrel.
After conquering the rainforest, the girls had a short hop back across to the mainland from Penang Island for their final netball fixture of the tour, with the Mutiara Impian School. The tour B team played some great netball, but their opponents took the victory in some style. The tour A team started slowly, giving away too many unforced errors and struggling against a dominant shooting pair. They found themselves 13-6 down at half time, but after much soul searching, they rallied, dominated the second half and came away with a very well deserved and satisfying 18-18 draw.
After conquering the rainforest, the girls had a short hop back across to the mainland from Penang Island for their final netball fixture of the tour, with the Mutiara Impian School. The tour B team played some great netball, but their opponents took the victory in some style. The tour A team started slowly, giving away too many unforced errors and struggling against a dominant shooting pair. They found themselves 13-6 down at half time, but after much soul searching, they rallied, dominated the second half and came away with a very well deserved and satisfying 18-18 draw.
Day 9:
A final walk along the beach and swim in the Indian Ocean before heading off to the airport, with a Malaysian tea and coffee tasting tour on the way. Day 9 brought the end to a wonderful tour, with memories that will last a lifetime, and with students who were amazing ambassadors for Leweston School throughout.
Thank you to all of our amazing hosts who we met along the way and who made the group feel so welcome.
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