Day 1: Visit to S21 and Killing Field

For many of us in the team, this is our first visit to Cambodia. There was alot of excitement in the air as we waited to check in our baggage at the airport and bade farewell to our families for the 7-day trip ahead.

Big smiles before we leave Singapore

After a good meal and rest on the flight, we met our first guide at the airport and made our way to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields in Phnom Penh to learn more about the country's history. We changed our first destination (initially we were supposed to visit the S21 Prison) as it was raining heavily in the morning and many roads were flooded and jammed with traffic.

At the Killing Fields Memorial.

A tour around the killing fields.

Speakers playing loud music were hung on the tree to drown out screams of victims.

Bones are still exposed in the ground after the rain.

The Killing Tree

Mass Grave of the Women and Children

Unearthed victims' clothings

Understanding the history of Cambodia

Reading the descriptions of how the identities of the victims were determined

After a tour around the Killing Fields, we moved on for our lunch before heading for the S21 Prison. On our way there, we saw the aftermath of the heavy rains. Although the roads were flooded, we saw many people still riding on their bicycles and scooters as a mode of transport through the waters.

On the way to S21 Prison

Visit to the S21 Prison

The S21 Prison building

One of the interrogation rooms where victims were questioned and tortured cruelly.

Visitors are to remain solemn throughout the tours around the prison.

Reflections of the day:

Max Chng 3N2

I learnt about the history of Cambodia at the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum. I also observed that the environment in Cambodia is very different from Singapore. There were no bus stops or traffic lights. People mostly have their own transport such as the motorcycle. I feel that we can all do our part to make the environment better by picking up litter and not littering. I also feel that what I learnt at the Killing Fields is related to the school value of self-respect and righteousness as after going through hard times, the Cambodians persevered.


Iswandi 3A

I wonder if I can show more self-respect as we did not behave very well as a school today and I feel that there is much room for improvement. I feel that we should be more responsible with our own behaviour as we are Sec 3 and we are coming here for with a purpose. This trip involves everyone and I believe we can improve our behaviour.