Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle

“Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle” is a virtual reality journey through Penang’s shifting ecosystems—told from the perspective of its crabs. Guided by native and invasive species, visitors journey from the rainforest of Penang Hill to coastal sands and underground tunnels—encountering stories of biodiversity, disruption, and resilience. Inspired by fieldwork with local fisherfolk, this immersive project offers a powerful reflection on environmental change and the fragile balance between human development and marine life.

Programme Details

“Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle” is a virtual reality project that transcends traditional human-centric narratives to offer a poignant exploration of Penang, through the lens of its often-overlooked inhabitants: the crabs. Inspired by fieldwork conducted among local fisherfolk, the project delves into themes such as biodiversity, land reclamation and the livelihoods of fishermen. The VR experience features iconic crab species from Penang, guiding visitors through a journey across diverse ecological zones. The narrative begins in the lush rainforest of Penang Hill, where the Penang Hill Vampire Crab makes its appearance. From there, visitors descend to a coastal sandy terrain, accompanied by the Ketam Pasir (Sand Crab), before entering a tunnel inhabited by the Fiddler Crab. The journey culminates with the Sri Lanka Crab—an invasive species—disrupting the habitat of the native Ketam Batu (Rock Crab), highlighting ongoing ecological tensions.

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