2012 June 22nd – 27th: 1st Gunung Tahan Expedition with ODA

It’s been a month return from Gunung Tahan and is time to write feedback. Hehe!!! A pain feels on my foot about 3 weeks and fever about 1 week after Tahan Expedition. Anyway, I felt very happy that finally ODA Gunung Tahan Expedition was completed with everyone return in safe. Congratulations to 11 of us. Gunung Tahan is a highest point in Penisular Malaysia with 2187m and located at Taman Negara national forest. This is my first Tahan trip with 64km within 5 days via Merapoh – Merapoh. 

For this Gunung Tahan, many stories and experiences had been shared by Laosi and ODA senior that how tough for this trip? How many foods need to prepare for KT to KT? How cold of the weather? How was their training and preparation before the trip?  And how was their physically and mentality during the trip? In my mind this is the mountain that needs to do a lot of training and a very tough mountain. Question been appear in my mind that don’t know I got chance to join? Since last year, I told myself that I must join no matter what had happened. I must experience it once in my lifetime. This trip should be held on after Chinese New Year but due to the reason of bad weather, the trip postponed to mid of June and I have been chosen to join. Thank you ODA.

Before a week of Tahan trip, trip planning had been sent to our mail and I start to feel nervous and excitement until I sleeplessness on that night. Nervous is because of time is near to Tahan and I am worried about my physical that not strong enough to Tahan. I ask myself that can I success to reach peak? I believe I can do it. Excitement is can enjoy the hiking experience with step by step until peak. Start to imagine I reach peak with cold weather, a sea of clouds, standing in highest point and so many… 

However, there was a preparation of checking equipment and do the task assigned on weekend before a week too. I had been assigned to purchase gas, pre fried ikan bilis, pre fried hard tofu and tou gan. The most headache was I don’t know what is the different between the hard tofu and tou gan. Many question been asked to laosi. I have been told that it can buy from Banting Pasar or tofu shop near Maybank there. She also suggested me to ask aunty. Then, I asked Pang, Chian Nii, Bee Suan and failed to ask aunty due to consider of healthy problem that she faced. After asking them, I can’t get what is hard tofu and tou gan also. So that, I decided to find it at Balakong Pasar on Saturday morning since I not go back office on Friday. Early of morning, OPY called me and told me she saw tou gan at Kota Kemuning Pasar but sold out. She explained and gave me a draw on my mind how was the tou gan look like. I tried to find it at Balakong and can’t get it. Finally, task assigned can’t complete on time. Anyway, thanks to OPY for helping me. From this un-success of task assigned, I learnt that every single thing given in the trip planning have the purpose and need seriousness toward everything no matter it is small task. It will affect to everyone because of doing thing lately.  

First and second day, most of the trails were ascending or steep climb and need to cross 5 rivers. Luckily, there was nice weather during this 5 days and lead us cross the river with safe. Thanks god... Most of the time Pang and I walked at back. I didn’t walk fast or hard during these two days since I didn’t push myself. I stopped and rest when I felt my body can’t sustain. This is the situation that happened in these 1^st and 2^nd days. Luckily I still can reach planned camp site on time. I felt happy too that I still can reach on time and have a fun time with everyone. The most scare and worry during day 1 and 2 was across the river. Thanks to Laosi, Pang, Sim Mei for lending me your hand during river crossing. During these 2 days, I was thinking that the trail just starting only, when I can reach peak? In my mind, I found many reasons support me continue to walk even thought feel tough. I think of the questions that have been asked by Laosi. Why you go along this time? What you want from this Tahan trip? The answer was very simple. I am giving chance to experience significant trip, I must perform the best and from this trip, I wish to learn from Laosi, Pang, Pek Hiong, Miing Rueng and Fu Yaw of their way toward perform task, get task done, their attitude and behavior, their positive mindset and strong mentality all the time. I like the way ODA perform the task with effective and efficiency. I told myself I must make a change on myself after this tough trip especially threw away all the bad habits and negative thinking. I believe that it can make quality people after significant trip. Thanks ODA for giving me chance to experience it. 

On day 3 to 5, the trails were up and down. I have been force to walk fast. No chance to rest a while even felt tired and drink water. It can be do during take 5 only. Suddenly, I felt that hiking is very difficult compare to work. At this time, I truly understand what is called mountain hiking. I wonder to ODA senior still can speed up themselves and non-stop walking with so many years of doing this hard activity and heavy bagpack. My mentality dropped to the lowest during day 3, I no longer have the power to walk due to very tired of the force and felt hard to move the next step. I promise to myself I must work hard and put effort to my job after this significant trip. I want to be success people in short time. Nothing is impossible if we really want to achieve it. Am I right? 

I like the trails which almost reach Camp Botak although we walk under hot sun. The scenery was very nice and I felt that Gunung Tahan is just beside me only. Yeah, yeahJ…I almost achieve my destination and target. I can see everybody is walking when I looked down from up – nice viewing…. When reached Camp Botak, Miing Rueng and Fu Yaw start to set up flysheet immediately although feel tired on their legs. Everybody also keep smiling on their face and doing what they expert to do when reach Camp Site. One thing I can’t forget is the feeling of how cool when bath naked at Camp Botak. This is what laosi advise us must do one time when we at Gunung Tahan. Really unforgettable scenario and luckily I got try it once…  

Early morning of day 4 when sky still in dark, we need to ascend to Tahan Peak. This is time we are waiting for so many days. Although it is simple Peak, it very nice feels when see the blue cloudy and view while standing at the highest point. Full of satisfaction and appreciation in my heart during this time since I completed my journey or achieve my goal. I wish to stay long time at here to enjoy the nice scenery with cool weather. After that, we need to descend and it is time to going back home. This is the main reason to motivate me walk fast, so that I can reach home fast. 

A very special thanks to ODA adviser, with your support, encourage and advice, finally I completed Tahan trip. Appreciate a lot and your advice will be keeps in my mind forever and forever. You are good example to all of us and your spirit is awesome. Thanks also for preparation of the pre-tahan trip to Tahan trip. Although before trip, you are busy with your work and family members but you still done a good trip planning with good schedule and meal plan. The meal plan for these 5 days was very delicious and yummy. Laosi, will you bring us to Tahan again next year or next next year? 

Thanks to Pang too, you are strong people no matter from physical or mentality. You always give me positive energy and encourage when I at lowest point, share your experience and knowledge. Besides that, you are the people who always help everyone when river crossing, heavy loads on bagpack without any complaint. You are play good role during the trips and we must learn from you. For ODA senior - Pek Hiong, Miing Rueng and Fu Yaw, thanks to you all too. The way they perform task and quicklyness of doing things are good example that I should learn from them. Thanks to all of you return to this Tahan trip. You all brought us a lot of fun and laugh. I fully enjoy in this trip and remain good memory in my mind. It is meaningful trip for me and the beauty of Tahan view keep in my mind forever. Finally, thanks to Chian Nii, Bee Suan, OPY, Sim Mei and Chok Ping for lending me your hand, to return carry my bagpack, hike together with me. A very special thanks to Chok Ping for bring DSLR camera and shoot all those pretty photo, it can leave a good memory to us in future.

At last, hopefully this is not my last time to Gunung Tahan. I will join for 2^nd times if got chance. I miss this mountain very much. Experiences different mountains have different feeling. Completion of G7 occurs after this trip. Let create our own miracle and change yourself – nothing is impossible, insist yourself until end. Let meet again in next trip. Have a nice day J J J  

 ~~Jeanette Liew ~~

2012 ODA Tahan Trip

Many stories about Gunung Tahan been hears from Lao Shi and seniors since years ago... The pre-trip preparations, the incidents, the jokes, the beauty, the quotes for last few Tahan trip have been told along the years I am in ODA. But no matter how many things happen during the trips, there are only good memory been memorize, good lessons been learnt. I saw the impact of Tahan to one people, but somehow, I not dare to dream about it.

Since year 2009 when Gunung Tahan trip been announced, I dare to dream about it that I can stand on Tahan one day. During the same year, the goal to complete G7 had been sets too! I am happy and I am glad that I am here in ODA. I participate in each trip when I am allowed to do so… to walk nearer to Tahan.

But at last I am not qualified as I’ve been told that I am not ready for Gunung Tahan yet. I am actually sad with it. I want to go, but I cannot go! I had attends all the trips I can go, I had done so many thing but I cannot go. I starts silent myself, just silently watch ODAs prepare for the trip. I don’t know what I can do for them although I want to contribute something, I put myself outside from the trip, I think I am a outsider. I watch drama everyday until late nights, I run out from the situation, I just run away! I didn’t ask why I am not qualify, I just can’t accept, I don’t want to know the truth, I scare I cannot afford to know the truth. But at the end, Bee Suan and I still appear on the night they depart to Gunung Tahan, as we know, although we cannot go, but we still wish them a good and safe trip. We know its Gunung Tahan, don’t play play…

Very soon, I appreciate and glad with the decision. I know I am not ready myself for Gunung Tahan. The first day ODA depart to Gunung Tahan, I knew it! I am here not with ODA, no any news from them, but I just suddenly knew it. During that 8 days, everyday I read the trip schedule and meal plan, thinking where are them, today suppose to had what breakfast, today have to walk how many km, today have river crossing or not, what are they doing now, what’s the view they are enjoying now, is it everybody still in good condition…… At the same time, I think back myself, why am I sitting here reading all this but not there with them? No matter from the physical readiness, mentality readiness, my skills, my react to sudden situation, my decision making, what to do at what situation, the 默契with teammate, I am not ready at all!!! This is all that I can see myself already at that moment. This little thing, I still can see by myself, but sure there are more reasons behind this which I didn’t know about it. I not dare to ask about it. At that moment, I feel very appreciate that advisor and seniors had done a great decision and also feel very amazing that ODA advisor and seniors are really know about me but I didn’t really know about it.

During that period, I am pretty sure I feel lucky that I meet Lao Shi, meet ODA, I have a great advisor and seniors who take good care of us and guide us in the proper and good way no matter in our life or in mountain. But also since then, Gunung Tahan was put aside…

The dream to stand on Gunung Tahan is due to I believe, Gunung Tahan can see a real someone, deep into it. Along the year, I can’t see a real me in this real world. I hide myself very good in reality. I wish I can see my deep inside me during the Tahan trip. I believe Gunung Tahan can bring changes to someone, either to extremely bad or extremely good. After all this while, I heard the story about it, and I saw the changes myself during year 2009 Gunung Tahan trip. I wish there is a changes on me, either good or bad, but something!

Until last year, the topic of Gunung Tahan has been rise again. The Tahan dream been find out somewhere inside my hearts. But still not very sure whether can ready myself or not. Along the training trips, many things happen… Each trip every ODA do their own homework before trip and perform their best during each trip. Everyone finds out the weak places, learn from mistake, learn new knowledge, new skills, practicing all the skills become to more skillful. We ask each other, we help each other, we learn from each other…. Every one prepare themselves for the trips, me too. I start training at Jugra, cycling around nearby my house, jogging, do sit up. I start training myself, learn and practise all the skills, during pre-Tahan training, I do self talk to myself, talks a lot, remind myself about Tahan, think of what situation will we face during Tahan, what shall I do at this moment, at that moment. But at last, will I overcome all the difficult along the way? I doubt. I just do what I can do no matter at last I can go to Gunung Tahan or not. At least, I do something compare to year 2009.

And finally Gunung Tahan dates had been sets! This year, we are going in through Merapoh route. Every one keep saying Merapoh is the easy way… I agree with the statement, compare to 8 days trail of Kuala Tahan, 4 days trail of Merapoh definitely easier than Kuala Tahan. But they forget something, this is Gunung Tahan! I believe, Gunung Tahan will never be an easy trip with the good enough preparation. Everything is just like normal for me prior trips until the moment I stand in Lao Shi house doing final checking. I start asking myself that is it I am dreaming? I am nervous. I am worried with myself.

With everyone’s blessing, we had a good weather along the trips except some rain pour out during us are having a good night sleep for the first few days….. Everyday, we had a great start, reaching each checkpoint on time and most of the time reach earlier than predict. We had a good take 5 session, having snacks and luxury juice. Although we have to stay 5 days in this forest, but our food is not limited to canned food only…. Every meal, we have different delicious meal. Everyone is enjoying the loads which provide us a good and full meal. Although every one is tired, but I can see every one still put their smiles on the face, giving out positive energy to each other!

On Day 3 during the last hour to Camp Botak, the journey of scenery viewing starts, at the same time, we exposed to the red hot sun too... This is the craziest moment. Walking on the rocks under the sun, we can see the mountain range is just beside us. I couldn’t stop myself for not looking at it. It is just so nice... I hope I can stay longer to enjoy the view, but the weather force me to continue walking… During this time, when I look at front and turns behind, I saw every teammate is moving their legs too… I don’t know why, I have feel with the scene where I saw we all walking in a line, although with the distance… But I like this scene. Something like everybody is carrying their own life walking towards the goal, why are you standing there?

During day 5, we have to descend from Camp Botak to Camp Kor, all the way down. With the increase of walking time, I have many free spaces in my brain which makes me easily think this and that and then make me EL! I keep remind myself to avoid self talk session as I know I will EL during that moment. I sing to myself avoid of thinking bitch, I think of our advisor, seniors who are there still behind, with the knee and loads. I think of one sentence which advisor said before. I told myself I have to continue… and with the smiling face, as ODA said before, face expression is important! And we are going back soon, I told myself to see all I can see, to hear all I can hear before I go out from this rainforest … The trees, the sky, the river, the wind, the sun, the mountain, the birds and insects sounds…. And I continue walking.

Chok Ping and Sim Mei who are the only non-ODA in this trip had brought us lots of fun too. Thanks to Chok Ping for the pro-camera, pro-porter, pro-prince scout, pro-kekwa, cabbage…. You had brought us lots of good memory and lots of fun topic along the trip! Good to have you together in this trip. As for Sim Mei who have slim down herself, everyday will do things automatically. Sim Mei, you are fast, you know!!! I am so tired chasing you behind. Thanks for taking care of me along the trip, wait for me, help me….

Thanks to OPY, Bee Suan and Jeanette too…. From pre-Tahan training, until Tahan preparation, until Tahan trip and after trip, finally, we all did it! Thanks for the help, the advice, the spirit, the hand, the support along the way… Also thanks to the ODAs who couldn’t come along during this trip, but their spirits and wishes came along. Not forget all the friends’ blessing when they know we are going to Gunung Tahan. Thank you!!!

With the return of ODA seniors Miing Rueng, Fu Yaw and Pek Hiong, plus Pang and Lao Shi, our trips become more laughable and more meaningful. They are so called to be seniors had the reasons, but not only simply they are senior, but also with their attitude, their experience, their knowledge, their skills, their thinking, their response to each situation, their capable, their connection with each other…. had brought them to be our seniors. And I am very thankful and feel great that although they have been to Tahan trip before, samo not only once, but they all still spent their times during the busy schedule, going to Tahan. Thanks for giving me a chance to hike with you all and bring me to Tahan. Thanks for the return and I love the feels when ODA is together in mountain.

Thanks to Lao Shi for the all while preparation. From pre-Tahan training trip to Tahan trip planning to all the guidance and supports before and after trips. Although you are not feeling well before trips and have a tight schedule of working task, but still done a perfect planning which let us have a more than enough good and safe trip schedule and meal plan, reminds us for the preparation tasks, to ensure all of us have a safe and nice trip! All these years, many things and knowledge, advices been given out from you, but nothing much I can do for you. Very thank you for bringing us to Gunung Tahan again although been there for many times, thank you for not hesitate to share us the beauty of hiking, thank you for let me see the Tahan, than you for the advise all these years…. Thanks for everything!!

On Day 5 when I reach peak, I take off my jackets and my long pants, I let myself to feel the cold wind on the Tahan peak. I want my body part to memorize this feel, to memorize the part I had walk through to reach here. I am lucky, I meet Lim family. I am lucky, I meet Lao Shi. I am lucky, I meet ODA. I am lucky, I have chance to go to so many mountains and now Gunung Tahan with all the teammates. I am lucky enough, to have all these things happen around me…. And I am lucky, to have the chance to view the beauty of this Mother Nature. I am a lucky person. Standing on the Gunung Tahan’s peak, we seem to be so small surrounded by the trees, mountains, sky and river. Although we are so small, but we still able to reach here using all the sources. Once you had set the goal there, whether you will reach or not, is just the matter of you want or not, how big is your wish to reach the goal. After all, I realise that the changes which I wants, is not come from Gunung Tahan itself, is not about you reach Gunung Tahan, then you change! I found out that all the changes I wants, is come and accumulate from the little thingy things from pre-Tahan Training trips, Tahan preparation, Tahan trips and after that.

After this Gunung Tahan trip, something been reached. But definately it is not the final trip in my hiking life but a new chapter, with different view, more feel. Also, there is another dream been created, which is I want to really taste the real part of Gunung Tahan.

At last, thanks for all the teammates once again, and let's meet again in the next trip!!!

Gunung Tahan Expedition 2012

Gunung Tahan, is one that been heard of many times, chapters of stories, experiences been shared in these years.

Somehow, the feeling towards this mountain was virtual.
We were nervous because we knew, it is a tough mountain, but how tough would it be?
How cold should we expect for the extreme weather?
What's the difficulty that would be our challenges, not just to the physical, but also mentality as well?
It's all way beyond we could imagine.

We heard a lot about this mountain.
The stories that’ve been told is not just about stories, the lessons behind been taught too, we’ve been given expectation on how’s the trip going to be cause it definitely not going to be the same.

Nerves-racking prior trip, excitements overwhelmed as the day grew nearer.

Each time after listening to relevant stories from adviser and seniors, I always have the urge to ask further, curious to know besides miraculous scenery, what is it that made this mountain so amazing??

I always get the return of answer that said: it can hardly described, you have to taste it yourself, feel it with your true heart.

And today, I am actually sitting in down here writing about my Gunung Tahan trip.
11 in total of us. We went and we came back safely.
It’s been a week after returning from the trip, and I believe the taste of that day lingers in our mind like a fine wine on the back of one’s palate.

Where to begin? Back on trails again have bring nothing sort of amazing.
I am so full of emotion and I am struggling with finding the words that will bring you into my world for a brief moment.
Its been quite awhile with hot weather and the city covered by haze. Forecasted weather been checked by Pek Hiong and we’re told to expect for the bad weather, but the weather for this 5 days turned out to be positively lovely besides some rain did hit us in a few night. Overall we were so blessed with the kindness.

First and second day, a blue sky followed us, the sun drenched us, and warm air blanketed our every step. There aren’t a lot of views. it’s mostly about hiking through a dense, shady and lush forest that feels secluded, it’s not about views or streams or waterfalls, but it’s a very nice place which has wooded, hilly trails as hikers can hike on an old logging trails with pretty good elevations which brings out our aggression, good enough to get ourself in shape.

The way going up to the peak on the early morning when the sky is still dark, but as the day goes lighter, the rock formation trail was like a paradise. Each step it gives a feeling of refreshing tranquility.I felt energized and at peace with the world. When all of us reaching the peak, the break of dawn welcoming us. It was indeed a delicious day.

Each hiking trip with ODA is best described as a unique voyage and I can’t help but associate it with magic.
ODA always create miracles, in every trip, in my life, and I’m sure in others life as well.

When I was writing this, I recalled that one of my post which has described how nervous I was towards Gunung Bujang Melaka in the night prior to trip.

Today, worries is there, it was due to the long off from any trainings which has brutally proven my cooled-off body system. But fear no longer appear.

They no longer hit my mind, there’s one fine statement which rhymes a rhythm, especially when tiredness has already blinded every other senses, cause the pair of soar legs so reluctant to move even just an inch further, at this point, we may easily drown i the negativity and the idea of giving up/ staying in the comfort zone will usually what win the fight- ''But one step at a time, we know we can make it.''

It’s a place that brought me confidence in believing in miracle, the power of right mindset, like that saying- where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Appreciation always there for what that brought me to where am I today, counting the blessings I was.

For the past two years I’ve had the pleasure of participation in trips, and I learnt lots of knowledge and able to pick up certain skills.

This is my twelve hiking trip, but I had not for once feel the real meaning of what it means by reaching the top signifies only half of the journey, completion meaning when one whole team reach home safely.

For the first few days of ascending, we experienced a long way of steep climb and we still able to reach each check point earlier.
The satisfaction can easily make me feel a little too over happy on hitting the planned schedule.

What shocked me was on the very last day, the last few hours climb which may be seen as the easiest part throughout the journey as we were going home, but….it was also where I found I no longer wish to walk. Each step it drained me up not merely physically but most importantly the mentality part which has hit the lowest point.
Why is it so? The going back home, the fact that it was the last few hours no longer motivate me?
And it was the day, I tasted the true colour of what it means by completion of a trip.
It was10am in the morning, we departed right after breakfast. Albeit its only just a few hours, hungriness already been felt.
Power bars- gifted from GahGee has played an important role at this point and it’s tasty!!
And i can see the reason on why there is emergency meals in our planning, why we need to cook each meal following tightly on the allocation, the reason on us carry the foods up and down, in and out, rather to have extra but never the less. So wat does it means by ‘completion’?

A lesson that hit hard in mind.

Stay longer in the jungle has big difference, tiny mistake from us can lead to big impact. Just like for example I was being careless on buying a fresh cauliflower has led to wastages, extra works needed from Miing Rueng and Fu Yaw, which what they had done for the damage control is eyes opening too, which I have never seen the way before.

Ofcause all these were just a portion of the trip, this tougher trip has made everything been cared in detailed, many things revealed.

Fourth day seems to be the longest, it’s a day that drilled everybody’s legs to the max.
The shaking of the knees happened on me after miles, and I dare not even imagine how LaoShi , Pang,&  MR feel on the pain, I just saw them carried on slowly, stably without any mourn of it. And when there's people who need help, they will not hesitate any.
Their spirit is superb!!!

There’s a moment, tears rolling in th eyes and I wish to tell these people how great they are.

For Adviser, who has been in this hard core activity for 20 years, I always wonder how’s she bear the pain on the knees, the physical tiredness, and yet, still with her fast movement and her speed.
Her extraordinary will power, as what she always tell us - Nothing is impossible.
And her insist was to make sure each of us has a chance to witness the wonders each mountain can made.

Pang, who always has the heavy loads on her back, being the one to assist everyone where there’s river crossing, the one who gives the most helping hand in leading us to make sure every task will be going smooth.

I was mouth opened when she took out the full bottles full of liquids. And even the first few days itself during ascending, her leg was twisted a little.

What is the purpose, for both of them who keeps returning to the same mountain again with new juniors.
The answer is their loves putting in ODA, in this activity.

Sometimes I feel great when there’s people finding me doing a amazing activity and they will usually ask, how do you do it?

I personally think that the real question should be how do they do it?

After all the brainstorming, sleep deprivation, the long drive, the flew over, the packing – unpacking – and repacking, the weight, how do they keep smiling though it all, day in and day out?

People say that the most beautiful people are those who have known suffering, known struggle, known defeat and loss and have found their way out of the depths.

Heart- warming concern from Yan Mun and Gah Gee.The repeated checking over, the truest concern, the sincere advices, the CONNECTED heart &the gifts to everyone, the wishes.

A very special thank to Miing Rueng and Fu Yaw, & Pek Hiong.

They have set as a good role model to me.
The way they get each tasks done, the quality behaviour and the strong will power, i am amazed.

Pek Hiong’s advice been remembered til today, to listen to adviser’s advices, experiences sharing. Bear them in mind. All of that will be useful.
Seeing how strictly they doing things, allocating and using the limited resources, the seriousness towards every single thing.
Speaking of this, from what i saw and learn, it is always the 3 E's that come along when ODA perform tasks- efficiency, effectiveness and economic and not taking things for granted.
These are all the valuable thing i can learn from here.

I hope there’s word carries a heavier weightage in meaning than THANK YOU, I always feel thankful for what they willing to give out.
This 2012 G.Tahan trip has brought some realisations in me.
11 of us,during the whole trip we worked as a team, we walked as a team, we enjoyed the joyness as a team and we shared,so we help each other during the trip.
I also realised the importance of putting ourself in others shoes, while we sign for the tiredness, when we feel that the loas behind the back is heavy, every other people is the same to.
Everything in life, we have to find a balance point.
Struggles, tiredness, suffers are there, in the end it is us who need to strive to reach a balance, how we fight against through the toughness.
And i believe this is where the mountain shaped the good quality on the people.

Thanks Adviser again for the wonderful trip planning, thanks for the advices, Hilux - the ride for every trip, the care and inspiration in helping us to find our way from within, for proving us that the limitation is actually fake, unreal.
Especially for the forgiveness, the pinpointing and the reviewing session, I know it takes times and efforts for tick explanations to sure I understand and accept it.

Thanks for the companion to walk this trails with us again.
And wish you a Happy 20th Annivesary in your precious hiking journey.

Thanks for your efforts you have put on every ODA.
Today I have been so blessed that i could get the chance to learn from these wonderful, all rounded members. What can I say more?

Sometimes you imagine that everything could have been different. I didn’t want to be one of those people who spend my whole life stuck in the labyrinth, about how you’ll escape it one day, and how amazing it will be, but you never do it?

Reaching peak often gets the glory but the hike is really about moving people.

The scenery in Tahan Range is undoubtedly heavenly nice, with the stories it could tell, just imagine that walking in the oldest tropical rainforest in the world that carries a history of 130 million years, in this 5 days,we were living the life of the most simple way for everything, but it doesn’t deserve all the credit.

It’s a thing of beauty, YES.
The ART lie in how we see things through, how we feel it and absorb it.

I’m delighted I’m being given an opportunity to experience the uniqueness, I fell refreshing, regenerated. I found out and I face my truth, my failures, my feelings, and my dreams, I’m grateful inspirations still reaches me. And I am grateful for the humility the path of this activity teaches me. Exhalation.

This is the quote once gifted by ODA Adviser, quoted by Meng Zi:

天降大任于斯人也，

必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，

空乏其身，行指乱其所为，所以动心忍性，

曾益其所不能

LOVE is a Four Letter Word.

TEAM is a Four Letter Word too.

ODA's 4th G.Tahan Expedition

ODA Milestone : 

2006 Kuala Tahan - Kuala Tahan

2007 Kuala Tahan - Merapoh

2009 Kuala Tahan - Kuala Tahan

2012 Merapoh - Merapoh

An expedition that been deffer from early 2012 till mid 2012. 

It is a first time in ODA history that Gunung Tahan trip been deffer. There're a few ODA's friends called up to confirm whether is the expedition will still be carried on as planned? 

Postponing a trip is not an ODA's culture, but can't be denied that sometimes we just have to bow with the weather rather than keeping the arrogant attitude and believe that Man can defeated nature. 

It is an official 4th ODA Gunung Tahan Expedition.  

Good news kept arriving when the official date has been set for the 2nd times - The Senior ODAs who're at Sarawak, Singapore, super busy with works are attending the expedition this year.

It is in fact the highlight of the expedition; When they are around, Gunung Tahan is no longer seems like super tough trip with their ability to jokes when everyone is showing their suffering face and the speed of get things done in every tasks when everyone is extremely tired; With their present, it always turn to be an enjoyable and unforgetable expedition.

They know, it is ODA G.Tahan Expedition, their presence and return to assist will ensure the trip is even more impactful to the juniors. Something they have learnt throughout the years in ODA - Pay It Forward. 

Of course, with their presence, the juniors ODA have added some unseen pressure; In the mean time, the juniors had an eye opening trip not just from the spectacular Tahan Range View but as well as the the juniors get to learn about the knowledge, attitudes and humility characters that each ODA seniors posses. 

It is always a bonus plus, to have each of you in any trip and I treausred the moment with you all - MR,FY,PH & PST

It is an expedition that only has 3 men in the whole team. We've been teased by another group whether will we make it with the majority of female in this expedition. Even the guide was quite worried that we might be experienced delayed on each day.  

Without the intention of racing, but ODA is in fact always arrived earlier than another group although they have 11 male and 2 female whereares ODA has 3 Male only and 8 Female.

It is proven that sometimes physical fitness is not the main reason for a team to perform, but the common understanding and complemented each other are always the keys for a team to perform well.

Out of many male hikers that we have completed lots of expeditions all these years, These Guys are a TRUE Gentlemen !!!!

Instead of trying to compete or out beat the female, they ensured they are always watching the gals' back, staying behind on whoever moving slow or return to help to carry the backpack upon reaching each checkpoint - It is something that been recalled that ODA culture used to be carried out in this way.

For years, this scene is been forgotten that the strong one will return to help out.

Merapoh-Merapoh : Is awlays been categorized as easier version of G.Tahan.

It is 50% shorter compare to Kuala Tahan trail, the distance vary, but the height doesn't change. 

There're moments, we experienced Energy Low. Stopping somewhere in between the steep climb to catch our breath and re-filled our energy with lots of snacks, even the guide is stunning with the items and food we have carried in our backpack. In the mean time, enjoying the every moment of us getting together, simply just because we enjoying each other companion and it is very rare that most of us able to get together in the mountain.  

There are hikers who will keep running in order to complete the expedition and return to tell the whole world they have "conquer" the mountain; There are hikers like ODA who loves hiking so much, which they will take their moment to enjoy the nature and enjoy each other companion, in the mean time, they make sure they arrive each destination on time.  

There is a statement made to the guide that "We are not fast hiker, but we are On Time hiker".

Instead of following old time frame, which is 4 days for the 64KM, ODA has chosen to 5 days to complete the whole expedition with the Trip objective of "Relax and Enjoy". 

Upon reaching Camp Botak on Day 3, guide had instructed us to Summit, by looking at the weather, the cloud had covered the magnificient Tahan Range View, which is normal at hour after 03:00pm in this mountain. We have refused to summit and propose to guide that we will summit the next day.

Guide had commented to us that we will not reaching the next day campsite on time.  

To keep our promise that we are On Time hiker, we really DID it the next day by reaching the campsite before 06:00pm.

Along the way, the helps from Chian Nii, Chok Ping, Sim Mei, Jeaneatte and Bee Suan to keep on returning to carry the backpack of the slower hikers have created some scene that make others curious on what is the reason and motivation that will make people who is tired still willing to squeeze out extra energy to help out???

Espcially for Chok Ping, with the big cabbge inside his backpack and extra heavy DSLR camera along, it is something that make me personally speechless and he has proven that it is definately a right decision to invite him along to this meaningful expedition.

 

2012 ODA G.Tahan, is a very personal expedition.

It has some hidden meaning behind beside It Is Once Again ODA G.Tahan.

The present of Loi along the trip, had completed the wishlist for mountain climbing.
There're some hiccup during the suppose "To Go Along" on 2007 G.Tahan trip. But everything happen for its own reason. Perhaps her return after putting her footprint on 32 countries after 5 years had made her appreciated the expedition more than others and made her became an energy giver to the whole team. 

The each night chit chat moment just hearing on some of her sharing on her backpacking experiences was something valueble to all of us.

Her present had gave all of us a lesson - Dare to Dream and Fulfill Your Dream On Time by Action.

Everything is unreal until the moment you start Doing It.

There is no word to describe on her, beside - Always Proud Of You.

Another significant person in ODA, who had completed G.Tahan for the FOURTH times. 

For years, she is always around when there is an expedition.

She is always in the scene when hands needed.

This year, although we did not have rapid river crossing, but her presence always ease the load. As days went by, our backpack load is decreasing, her backpack is always fully loaded with adds on the adviser personal items.

The last night at Camp Kor, she has taken out the reserve oil, Orange Juice, snacks, power bar, dry fried fish, reserve ration...etc.

Her ration, is more than enough for all of us to stay extra days in the jungle.

She knows, extra food is better than short of food after years of all kind of experiences with the jungle.

4th Times completed Gunung Tahan, she still remember to carry the 45kg on her back upon reaching G.Tahan Peak and expressed her appreciation on ODA with the same pose.

Hopefully there is a 5th Times G.Tahan Completion news from you in years to come. It is always a blessing to have you in ODA - PST. 

It is a Significant and Meaningful G.Tahan Expedition, as a remark of 20th Anniversary in mountain climbing activity. 

Nothing much changed along the trail, except the trail gets wider and steeper due to human step impacts and nature forces. 

It is no doubt that National Park had done a good job to preserve and protect this piece of nature heritage. 

Upon reaching Kuala Juram exits, a familiar phrase played in the brain "Its either someone turned out to be extremely great after the trip or vice verse" - Quote by C.MB @1993

Years of visiting G.Tahan repeatedly, it is in fact a true statement from teacher. 

A person can be extremely great in the jungle, but when they are off from the jungle, the egoism of completing G.Tahan expedition will drown them to extreme direction; Or the humble lesson that been picked up with brought them to next level in life.  

"Mountains Make Great People" - Quote by Chulalux Tumrongrachniti @2012

What we have became, it is irrelevant to others, but just make sure the we have answer to our sweats, muscle ache, insects bite, skin sun burn, times and energy had been invested rightfully. 

"What I Have Became After G.Tahan?"-Is something that each of us should ask ourselves repeatedly.

Millions Thanks to ODA, for once again letting me to step on Gunung Tahan Peak. 

Sincerely Thankful to the 10 Great People who has brought along ODA Banner to rise again at G.Tahan Peak, as well as the good values we have shared along the expedition; Which not just limited to 'I go to G.Tahan, I Eat Well, I Sleep Well, I Came Back" but they have shared the loads, food, camping gears, clothes, tasks, joys, challenges, knowledge and experiences together like Old School Method - Teamwork & Bonding !!!!! 

"You Don't Need To Be Important, But Be Singnificant"

 

It is a Significant Completion of ODA G.Tahan Expedtion with Significant Teamate.

With the blessing from everyone, ODA will always making sure to keep on, to allow more people to experience an "Old School" meaning/values of true mountain climbing activity and keeps on sharing the good values on a human being should posses.

It is Indeed An Honor To Complete The Expedition With Each Of You. 

My Sincere Blessing To Each Of You :- 

"May This Significant Mountain Created A Significant Impact To Your Life" 

一年后的Angsi相见欢

终于

在这你忙我忙的日子里
我们又见面了

Jess Teo, Jacky, Sun Sun, Dara, Candy, Kitt, Mika, Zai Zai

终于

在相隔了一年后

我们又见面了

这期间的大家

肥的还在肥下去

瘦的持续瘦下去

肥的突然变瘦了

忙的还是忙不完

甜的持续在甜蜜

可爱的继续在可爱

（数漏了请提点，随时增加 XDXDXD）

但是唯一不变存在的
相信是相隔了一年后
大家还是这么有心
大家还是这么有笑点
大家还是这么合得来
大家还是这么互相关心
大家还是这么放在心上
大家还是这么喜欢爬山？

很喜欢爬山

喜欢山里面

绿绿的森林

高高的树木

矮矮的草丛

冰冰的山水

阵阵的凉风

很喘的呼吸声

陌生人的点头微笑打招呼

狗儿可爱的一举一动

相互鼓励的加油声

随时准备伸出的援手

休息时的胡乱话题

互相分担的用心良苦

自己内心的独自对话

准备午餐的分工合作

毫无顾虑的开怀大笑

尽情流汗的黏黏身体

这是自己一步一脚印

所走出来的

别人所无法代替你走出来的

也无法感受这其中的乐趣与滋味

一年后的大家

还是这么棒

小心翼翼提点的Jess Teo，毫不犹豫伸出的双手，好不用心

瘦瘦个子的Jacky，却背着偌大的背包，还讲了一堆笑话，好不轻松

一流轻工脚步的Sun Sun，拍下了许多美好记忆，好不辛苦

圆圆身材的Dara，却丝毫没有影响，继续可爱，好不活泼

准备了一袋家庭急救用品的Candy， 你想到或想不到的，好不贴心

高高的Kitt，一点都不喘，好不厉害

第一次爬山的Mika，却没有说过放弃，好不赞

唯一的男生Zai Zai，少讲话，却随时都在，好不窝心

而ODA方面

谢谢不辞劳苦的老师，带来了Angsi之旅（也谢谢Jacky的提议）

谢谢疲惫忙碌的Ah Pang，带来了随时准备的Cargo，让大家安心

谢谢努力读书的OPY，准备了一切的一切，辛苦了

谢谢精灵的Puffy和第一次爬山的Picca，你们静静与活跃的身躯脚步，让大家欢心

谢谢大家的出席

让我们都有这么美好的一天

哦，对了

忘记谢谢Jess Teo的爱心饭团

好好吃!!!!!

我们

再见!