What's the hullabaloo about BTN?

Hear the words Biro tatanegara and I can almost hear the gasps and groans of all those affected by it! By affected, I mean all those who have to actually attend the course.

Well, I don't blame you. I was pretty clueless myself and heard all kinds of horror stories that were passing around like wildfire. Needless to say, I was scared to death. Well, not really but you get the picture.

Having said that, I'm writing this little q/a post on what I experienced there for 5 days just in case some hapless soul like myself reads this by chance.

Q : How long is this course?

A : 5 days, but if you want to get technical it's 2 half days, 3 full days and 4 nights

Q : Is it true that all electronic gadgets will be confiscated for this duration?

A : Yup! Not to worry, they will be kept safely and systematically by the officers there. They will be returned to you on the last day once you've finished your exam.So yes, there is time for your special photo op moments before you leave.

Anyhow, I would suggest limiting the amount of valuables you bring to just your handphone and wallet.

Q : What about accommodation? We've heard the conditions are deplorable!

A : Well, I can't say the amenities are the same for every camp. However, mine had several clusters of "dorms" for men and women. Each dorm-like room had 10 ( I think) double decker beds so that could easily house 20 people.

It is also furnished with cupboards and a dressing table. In this camp, we were also provided with an iron (which turned out to be very useful,really)

And then, the toilets.

As usual, the toilets are separate from the shower area ( 2 different areas in fact, but next to each other). Plenty of cubicles so no worries there. It was also extremely clean and I can say this with complete honesty as I'm pretty particular about bathrooms in general.

The only problem with the shower is that the water pressure can get pretty low when everyone's using it at the same time. That can be quite annoying especially if your standing there with soap all over your body and suddenly there's no water! So, a group of us got up slightly earlier than the others to avoid this.

Q : Tell me about the FOOD!!

A : Ahhhh...trust me, you will NOT lack food over there! Apparently, it's government policy to feed us 6 times a day! Twice in the morning, twice in the afternoon and twice at night. Come to think of it, I think we spent more time in the messing hall that anywhere else!

Now, whether you will like the food or not I cannot guarantee but it was mostly Malay cuisine which was fine by me. However at some point, I had to skip a few meals because I was just too full!

Just remember to bring at least 1 water bottle to fill up! I stocked myself with isotonic drinks as well.

Q : Is it really necessary to adhere to the dress code?

A : Yes, to be on the safe side especially for the formal events. White top, black pants/kurung and all long sleeved. For the sports activities, it was pretty lax as I wore coloured t-shirts and no one questioned me or anything. Just make sure it's modest and you should be fine.

Also, bring plenty of clothes unless you don't mind washing it. Why? You'll be sweating your butt off there and your B.O. will reach overpowering levels. Re-wearing the same clothes without washing it could be well...hazardous to the people around you!! Bringing perfume/cologne is a good idea too.

Part 2 coming up....