2011: The Colourful Year We Had ((:
SMUX Trekking Team
Objectives for 2011
Togetherness: We aim for all trekkers, both past and present, to stay united and assist one another through tough times.
Exploration: We must continually discover new trekking destinations, and expose trekkers to different terrains and conditions.
Development: We must allow all trekkers the opportunity to grow and challenge themselves, in terms of physical and mental endurance, trekking skills and knowledge.
Events
Gunung Datuk (29/01/11 – 30/01/11)
IC: Zephan Seow
No. of participants: 19
The first event of the year was an introductory trek to Gunung Datuk – one of the all-time favourites of the Trekking Team. Standing at a height of 870m, one has to climb up a series of sinister looking rocks before reaching the summit which offers a splendid unobstructed panorama view of the entire state. The trek was a relatively easy one.
Gunung Ledang (21/02/11 – 23/02/11)
IC: Jonathan Pang
No. of participants: 14
Gunung Ledang, also commonly known as Gunung Ophir stands at a height of 1276m. The objective of this recess week trek is to allow trekkers to bond while having a short get-away from the hustle and bustle of school life. One of the highlights of the trek was to scale a rock surface, inclined at a slope with just a rope. The trek was a slightly challenging one.
Gunung Stong (28/04/11 – 01/05/11)
IC: Lionel Chia
No. of participants: 15
The Team kicked start summer by heading to the Jelawang jungle which is the Team’s other favourite destination. The sight of the majestic Jelawang Falls and the excellent scenery from Baha Camp are simply unforgettable. Using Baha Camp as our base, the Team also attempted Gunung Stong.
Gunung Tahan (01/08/11 – 08/08/11)
IC: Jonathan Pang
No. of participants: 10
To end off summer, the Team headed to Gunung Tahan. Standing at a height of 2187m, Tahan is the tallest of the G7 mountains. The G7 mountains are the 7 tallest mountains in West Malaysia. Headed by Trek IC, Jonathan Pang, the 10 Tahan Knights completed the 6 day journey through the oldest national park in Malaysia, where it saw us scaling many mountains and hills, and crossing many rivers that stretched far and wide.
Gunung Arong (27/08/11 – 28/08/11)
IC: Sim Ying Liang
No. of participants: 39
The Team decided to head to Gunung Arong to start off the new academic year. The trek was very well received from the school population and it is our first visit to the mountain. Even though the trek was short, we were pleasantly rewarded with a beautiful sight of the South China Sea.
Gunung Suku (01/10/11 – 04/10/11)
IC: Tan Keng Wei
No. of participants: 22
During the mid-term break, the Team escaped to Gunung Suku for a breather. Standing at a height of 1796m, this is our first visit to the mountain and is led by our first year 1 Trek IC, Tan Keng Wei. Trek conditions were relatively harsh for the new trekkers but great Teamwork was displayed. The breathtaking sight of the Titiwangsa Range and Gunung Yong Yap (four other G7 mountains) from the summit was unforgettable.
Maclehose Trail (01/12/11 – 10/12/11)
IC: Eugene Yeo
No. of participants: 22
To end off the year, the Team ventured to Hong Kong to attempt its longest hiking trail. This trail is 100 km long and cuts across 8 of Hong Kong’s country parks, where trekkers may discover the scenic beauty of the wilderness. This trek certainly preps our trekkers, both physically and mentally for our yearly G7 challenge.
Besides the 7 treks during the year, the Team also held several welfare events to further the Team bonding efforts. Led by Welfare IC, Debbie Tan, we kicked start welfare events with Snack Wednesdays, where different trekkers can showcase their culinary skills to present different dishes weekly. This session also provides an opportunity for trekkers to familiarise themselves with the operation of cooking equipment such as gas canisters and triangia. On top of that, we also had 2 other welfare events, namely the Crystal Jade Xiao Long Bao session during the summer holidays, and also a Trekker’s Dinner where we meet over food and games.
In line with our vision to develop our trekkers, weekly Wednesday runs are held by our training IC, Sim Ying Liang to ensure our trekkers are physically fit.
Outlook for 2012
2011 has been a very challenging year for the Trekking Team, but with the support of all trekkers, I believe we have managed to tide across some of our toughest times.
In the coming year, incoming Team manager, Zephan Seow, together with a rather strong group of year 1 trekkers will work hand in hand to move the Team ahead. I believe we are well poised to further expand our list of trekking destinations, offering trekkers fresh trekking experiences, and forging even tighter relationships.
