2009 ODA Tahan

Months after months preparation, training and planning, finally we're back from Gunung Tahan - 120km, 14 times river crossing, 10 times crossby 5000ft' mountains, 64 hours hiking within 8 days.

Gunung Tahan, its an undescribeable mountain expedition, only hikers who went and complete the Kuala Tahan - Kuala Tahan trail know the true meaning of the expedition.

In this ODA 66th expeditions, ODA have selected 5 new members to attempt this mountain once again along with other 3 ODA seniors, each of the member had push beyond their normal strenghts, done more than what they normally can tolerate and perform in order to make sure they are ready for the expedition and be part of the expedition members.

Sian Seong and Huay Woon absent from school for whole week, Yee Jin keeps on practice on the skills he still lacking and have even decided to stay at advisor's house for final army style guidance; Andy applied unpaid leave; Miing Rueng hold on his job offer; Pang leaving to UK on 30th, tight schedule for her; FuYaw just finish his final year presentation - 你们幸苦了.

What had driven all these ODA sacrifice so much for Tahan expedition, i think they unable to give a firm answer as well. End result, after Tahan expedition, i am sure they have the same answer as everybody.... the sacrifation is worth it. Once again i truly enjoyed the expedition with each of the member. All these years, there are many good things ODA committees have done for me, they sincerly looking after me especially during the expedition. From time to time, the items in my backpack will missing in action and my backpack load will reduce gradually. But when come to the moment we need to use the items that suppose carried by me, the items will appear again from others backpack.Without you all, I won't be stepping on Gunung Tahan once again. You all have brought me revisiting this mountain again. ~~ Thanks and Appreciate It!!!!

In 2009 ODA Tahan, we have prepared more food than before, backpack load (25kg, 24KG, 23kg; 22kg; 20kg; 19kg, 18kg,15kg,12.5kg). We want to be better than before, which we want to make sure in case we meet other group who is short of food, at least ODA able to share out some food with other hikers, and i am proud to say that - ODA Did It!!!! After the trip, each of the ODA had thank me personally "Lao Shi, 谢谢你带我来."
In my heart, i say to myself, "Without you, I won't be able to complete the trip once again." But i didn't say it out loud, cause i know if i say it out, the tears will follow after the sentence. It is suppose a joyful ending, shouldn't be a full with tears ending trip.Each of us didn't say much to each other, no hugging, not much sentence when we reach National Park office, cause we know - We want to avoid the tears !!!!

Everything happen for a reason. There are lots of good things happen during the 8 days expedition:-

1)We have very fine weather, rain pour each time we settle down at campsite

2)We have more than enough good food - thanks to trip leader precise planning and each ODA strong mentality to carry the food up and down

3)We have joyful trip cause each of the ODA still remember to laugh and jokes even during suffer moment/trail

4) We have good mountain guide, Mat and his friend, Sophie cause each ODA knows to treat people well, with respect and with smiling face

5) We've responsible guide, he make sure all of us walk together and everytime when we offer him food or beverage, he will not accept it and sometimes we really have to keep on insist him to accept our offer

6)As for Mat's friend, although he has nothing to do with ODA Tahan trip, he just joined to accompany Mat for the expedition, Sophie present had brought us lots of joys
7) We truly enjoyed the trip very much, with lots of nice scenic pictures, and from time to time we will purposely slow down our speed or stop at certain area for enjoying the moment
8) We get out from the jungle in very good physical and mental condition with minimal cuts/bruise, worns and no hurry/craving for anything after 8 days expedition.
Rangers/workers at Taman Negara asked me, "why there is difference compare ODA and other groups when get out from the jungle. You all don't seems like just finish the expedition, your condition is like just about to start the expedition."
I answer to them: "Because We Are ODA"
Many put their target on finish Gunung Tahan expedition, and they always in hurry, catching up lost time due to physical and mentally not ready; ODA target is beyond than others, we prepared well, train well and planned well, and we target on how we will be after the expedition"

Gunung Tahan via Kuala Tahan - Kuala Tahan is a tough expedition. Many have tried it for ONCE in their life time and broadcast to the world bout it.
People who is brave enough to try again and again on KT-KT route understand the true meaning of this expedition, which "The Greatness is not ourselves, but is the mountain and the trail itself"; Each time when i step on this trail, I learned to be more and more humble, and i always feel thankful for the chances of finishing the expedition.

I asked the ODA once during the expedition and after the expedition "Will they revisit this mountain again? Or bring other people to visit this mountain?" All of them give me a very firm answer "YES"

On that moment onward, i know i do not need to say much more, cause they have graduated from ODA, they have learned the ultimate spirit and meaning of mountain climbing. They are a True Mountain Climbers and True ODA.

Congrates to ODAs who had sucessfully completed 2009 ODA Gunung Tahan Expedition !!!!!
I'm very PROUD to be part of the Team with You All

"Knowing is not Enough, We must Apply;"

"Willing is not Enough, We must DO IT!!!"