One Step at a Time

Why do I hike? Why do I put myself through long, painful hours of torture to the point of near exhaustion, only to repeat the whole thing over again? Why do I trek jungles and climb mountains? To really explain my relationship with the outdoors, I’m going to go way back in time. Before I really discovered what hiking meant to me and how it was slowly changing me, I was what you could call a casual hiker. I’d always been an active kid, and I loved being outdoors, playing with my siblings. I was (and still am) a competitive person, always driven by the next challenge. When your kid has a competitive streak, you encourage them to pick up a sport. So, I started out doing gymnastics when I was eight, even making it to state/national level before an injury meant I couldn’t continue. I was also a scout, which gave me a lot of time outdoors. My time as a scout laid the foundation of what would become a near-obsession. As time went on, I grew up. Schooldays came and went, and the l...

Gunung Tok Nenek (Mount Table & Chair) Gunung Tok Nenek was there in the back of my mind, waiting to be conquered. Majestic and mysterious, she stands 1,916m above sea level, like a watchful ancestor. The Orang Asli in this area believe the mountain is a resting place for their ancestors, and they are forbidden to trespass here. Life wasn't really working out for me when the chance to climb Tok Nenek came by. My personal life was falling apart, and I was stressed out and worn down. I needed to get away from the city. I didn't have much time away from work, so I decided to climb Tok Nenek in two days, instead of the recommended three. I love a challenge, and you can trust me to make it even more difficult for myself. To add more spice, I would be going alone – with a guide, of course. I left KL close to midnight, heading to Masjid Lojing Kelantan, Tanah Tinggi. There is a small area for vehicles, and as it was 1.30am, I decided to camp in my car. ...