HIKING is fast becoming a popular hobby among Sarawakians who are eager to explore Sarawak’s lush rainforest and majestic mountains.
Whether it is to escape the hectic life or to stay fit, hiking provides numerous benefits to those who engage in this activity.
Sarawak’s vast landmass is home to a variety of natural geological features which makes it a truly unique and diverse region, attracting both nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
While members of the hiking community in Sarawak are not that many, their fondness of adventuring into various spots to discover Mother Nature’s hidden gems plays an important role in environmental consciousness, conservation and preservation.
In fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has consistently emphasised the crucial role of people in conservation and preservation of the environment.
Unesco states that sustainable development and effective environmental protection can only be achieved through the active involvement and engagement of individuals and communities.
Enjoying the flora and fauna that Sarawak has to offer are seasoned hikers who spend their time exploring what nature’s vast riches has to offer.
They find that they are spoilt for choice when choosing their next hiking destination here.
NO MOUNTAIN TOO GREAT NOR HIGH
Nancy Nais’ involvement in hiking began about three years ago after following Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel who regularly hike around Kuching, Bau, and Padawan.
Since then, she has conquered over 20 hiking trails and spots, including Unesco World Heritage Sites namely Gunung Mulu National Park and Kinabalu Park.
Nancy said hiking is not about the finish line, but the journey of personal growth that one experiences in the process.
“I have failed several times, gave up on trails that I found tough. However, I would repeat the trails a few times until I successfully completed it.
“What I find most rewarding about hiking is that it has helped me grow mentally and physically stronger – happier too. I can somehow let go of my anger, frustration, sadness, and even forgive those who have wronged me for years.”
Referring to how studies have shown that walking lowers blood pressure, improves blood circulation and mood as well as lead to better sleep, Nancy said hiking is a great way to get fit and enjoy nature.
She highlighted the feeling of calmness that comes from communing with nature, which one can enjoy and experience through hiking.
“When I hike, I am constantly walking uphill and downhill which causes my leg muscles to work harder than they would in comparison to walking on flat surfaces. Imagine clambering over uneven surfaces and navigating your way around rocks, fallen trees, across streams and over tree roots.
“Hiking definitely engages your core and works your upper body as well for a true holistic workout.”
Nancy said her Mount Kinabalu hike was in July last year, but it was not successful due to bad weather.
She explained that the park warden did not allow all 138 climbers, including herself, to proceed for safety reasons.
“This year, I successfully climbed Mount Kinabalu in February and July. I made it to the top of Malaysia’s highest mountain, standing at 4.095m above sea level, feeling very proud that I could achieve both attempts in a span of five months.”
Nancy explained that it takes two days to climb Mount Kinabalu, from the trailhead it covers 8.7km each way.
Day 1 covers the first 6km with an average climbing time of four to six hours on stairs and rocky terrain through mostly forest environment.
At the 6km mark, climbers must stop and stay overnight at Panalaban before continuing the final 2.7km ascent to the summit in the hopes of arriving in time for sunrise on the next day.
“The final summit climb takes about three hours. For me, the journey from Panalaban to the summit is when things started getting really challenging. I started my climb at 2.45am. Being in the dark, a headlamp is essential as I need both hands for climbing at the ropes section.
“The first part of the ropes section was the most mentally challenging for me. It won’t come as a shock to anyone who knows my fear of heights. There were several moments when I was honestly really frightened. The feeling that you are hanging off the side of a mountain with only your own bare hands to hold you is somewhat terrifying.”
Nancy said what really helped her throughout the journey was her mountain guide, Safrey Sumping.
“He kept an eye on me, watching every small step I took, encouraged, and reminded me to control my breathing. He also held my hand at certain steep sections while I concentrated on what little rock I could see with my headlamp before me and channeling my energy into each step rather than allowing the whole situation to consume me.
“And finally, I did it. I reached the summit at 5.45am. Blessed with clear skies to witness the most beautiful sunrise ever, it was a moment between me and nature, a moment that I will always remember for as long as I live.”
Nancy has set her sights on conquering Mount Murud next, stating that she is excited to visit the Lun Bawang’s legacy as she believes it stands to be a valuable treasure of ecotourism for decades to come.
“With a height of 2,423m above sea level, Mount Murud is the highest mountain in Sarawak. It might not be world-famous, but it is surely one of Sarawak’s best kept secrets,” she said.
WITNESSING MOTHER NATURE’S BEAUTY
Another hiker, Mohd Danial Fiqri Mohamed Somerdi said reaching the summit where one gets to witness and savour all the breathtaking views from the top is very rewarding.
He said this makes facing and overcoming challenges along the journey worthwhile.
“While waiting for our Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, my friends and I decided to take a shot at climbing Mount Serapi and since then we never really stop hiking. To me, the most rewarding part about hiking is having to challenge yourself and succeed in the journey.
“Of course, you get to immerse yourself in nature during the journey and once you have reached the summit. If you are lucky enough, sometimes you could interact with the locals and get to know about their culture and customs.”
He said Sarawakians are lucky to have a home that is abundant in lush greenery and never-ending mountains to conquer.
“The fact the adventures that we used to crave as a child when watching nature documentaries are always accessible and is just around the corner for us. The only thing left is whether you are up for the real-life adventure or otherwise.”
Since his involvement in hiking, Danial has conquered Santubong 4.5 Summit, Mount Singai, Mount Gading, Mount Serapi, Mount Serembu, Bung Bratak, Bung Orad, Bunga Jagoi, Bukit Selabat, Bukit Lasak, Bukit Gondol, Gareg Waterfall and Wong Ponchor Waterfall, to name a few.
“I have no favourite hiking spots or trails, but if I must choose, I cannot decide between Bukit Selabat and Bukit Gondol. Both have amazing views, and the trails are relatively easy even for someone big like me.”
On the most challenging hike he has experienced so far, Danial named 4.5 Santubong Summit.
“I can say my spirit was broken the last time I hiked there, and what makes it more frustrating is that it is not even the main summit of Mount Santubong. However, it is somewhat more manageable for those who are considered amateur hikers.”
Danial aspires to hike Mount Kinabalu in the future once he is fit enough and he also dreams of going to Nepal for the iconic Everest base camp famously known as Annapurna.
“To achieve this, I need to at least conquer Mount Santubong which I have yet to do so.”
HEART SET ON MOUNT EVEREST
For Sallehudin Fikri Drahman, conquering the Everest Base Camp is the ultimate dream that he wishes to achieve someday.
“It is my dream to go to the Everest Base Camp because to reach the base camp, you must have good stamina and mental strength. I think this is ultimately on every hiker’s bucket list.
“Of course, you will experience challenges and difficulties on a different level, but it will be a life-changing journey and experience.”
Having started his hiking journey in 2007, Sallehudin said he was inspired to up the hobby as it enabled him to see the beauty of Sarawak from different perspectives.
“I love how hiking has allowed me to see beautiful views and presented me opportunities to meet new people that come from different backgrounds. I know that not many people are aware that we have many hiking spots that have magnificent views that are worth it.”
He said among the places he has hiked are Mount Santubong, Mount Serapi, Mount Gading, Mount Singai, Bung Jagoi, Bung Krian, Bung Bratak, Bung Muan, Bung Podad, Gunung Mulu National Park, Bako National Park, Niah National Park, Bukit Batu Selabat, Bukit Lasak, and Bukit Gondol.
He said the hike to Mulu Pinnacles in Gunung Mulu National Park was the most challenging as the trail of 2.4km distance to reach the summit is more than 20 per cent incline gradient, which is not suitable for beginners.
“Despite the challenging journey, words cannot describe how worthwhile the view is. It is something that you will not regret even though it is not easy.”
On his advice to those who are starting to pick up hiking as a hobby, Sallehudin said they must pick the easiest trail first before going for harder ones.
“You must also increase your fitness and stamina so that it will eventually be a breeze for you. It is important to not push yourself too hard because it will affect your body.”
For the next part of this series, hiking guides will share their experience and journey in facilitating hikers to explore Sarawak’s natural beauty as well as safety measures to practice.
