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.
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"
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