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Conventional classroom instruction frequently fails to maintain real world engagement. This has resulted in growing interest in novel educational approaches, such as edutourism. Conventional classroom instruction frequently fails to maintain real world engagement. This has resulted in growing interest in novel educational approaches, such as edutourism. Hence, an edutourism or academic field trip was organized by FSG, the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus to Bota Kanan Wildlife Conservation Centre (PKHL). This fieldwork is necessary for students because they able to apply the knowledge they acquire in the classroom to solve issues regarding ecology in the real life. The purpose of this fieldwork is to fulfill the BIO330 (Introduction to ecology) course learning syllabus which provides students with extracurricular exposure to conservation efforts. Furthermore, students apply fundamental ecological concepts and theories to real-world situations which can contribute to enhancement of students' understanding of the BIO330 course content.

PKHL conserve the river terrapins (Tuntung Sungai) and also marine terrapins (Tuntung Laut). After the briefing, students were entering inside the conservation centre to get to know about the wet and dry preserved specimens, went to the Interpretive room to gather information about the river and marine terrapins including methods of in-situ and ex-situ, characteristics of male and female terrapins and etc.

Next, the officers brought the students to the ponds A and B where kept the river terrapins. They’re kept river terrapins separately based on their age ranging from 3 months, 2-5 years, 8 years and 10-15 years.  Students observed the species, gathered information regarding the characteristics of the river terrapins and also got the opportunity to hold the species. Students really excited when they able to touch and hold the species. After that, students also visit the area occupied with sands for female terrapins to lay their eggs. Students interview the officers there, snap photos and record video of river terrapins useful for their assignment. 

Finally, the field trip ended with the closing speech, giving souvenir as a token of appreciation by Puan Tavasuria Elangovan, BIO330 Course Lecturer, FSG, UiTM Perak Branch Tapah Campus, to PKHL followed by photography session. Academic field trips serve as an effective pedagogical strategy within STEM instruction, as they provide learners with direct engagement in authentic scientific and technological environments. Such experiential learning enhances conceptual understanding, fosters inquiry-based thinking, and cultivates sustained interest in lifelong learning. Moreover, integrating field-based experiences into STEM-focused vocational and community programs broadens access to relevant and meaningful education, thereby supporting the development of skills necessary for learners to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex world. In conclusion, academic field trip as STEM education contributes significantly to the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDG 4): Quality Education by promoting inclusive, equitable, and high-quality realistic and experiential learning opportunities outside the conventional classrooms. This kind of edutourism or academic field trip enhance the students’ understandings of concepts in Ecology and foster a deeper connection to their learning.