Ong Tat, Shar, Lesley, Saw Chin, Uncle Lee, Daniel and I walked for more then 5 hours covering a distance of 27km last Saturday. We were off for a hike at Mac Ritchie, visited the tree top walk and had a mini adventure locating the mysterious Japanese shrine.

We met up at 8 am at the cafeteria of the park. To my dismay, the cafeteria was not open and we ended up taking all the sandwiches and fruits that we had prepared for hike. I briefly recalled that somehow I was never able to visit the cafeteria during the opening hours. Her business model really puzzles me and I vowed never to have any expectation anymore.

Started at about 8.30am, visited the Jelutong watchtower and the tree top walk. The highlight of the day started at about 11.30am, we headed south from the ranger station into the Terentang Trail, and look out for the boulders on our right hand side. After which we manage to find visible trails marked with pieces of red, blue tape and even tissue paper. Some of the more significant markers are the bamboo bush, unused concrete hut and the shoreline. After 3km of path finding, climbing over fallen trees, bashing and ducking, we finally got to the overgrown stairs that seems to merge with the jungle. More stairs follows and we got to the entrance of the shrine where a water basin made of rock was situated. Near the basin there are also two groups of three stones with square holes that was believe to hold the pillars of the shrine. We explored the area and decide to find another way out of the jungle instead of the taking the return path. This was not a wise idea as we are not equipped with the right tools for major jungle bashing and we are low on our food supply. After some attempt, we gave up and head back on the return path.

When we got back to civilization, it was nearly 4pm. With empty stomachs, aching feet and backs we give ourselves a pat on the back and head for a meal. We heave a sigh of relief when the sky started to poured when we got onto the transport for food.

For a short period while I lead the group back up the return path from the shrine, I felt a long forgotten strength that I used to possessed. I felt fit, able to stay focus while on the move, able to motivate others and the belief that I can achieve anything. It was exultrating and I should get more serious with my fitness regime.

The whole experience is intriguing to me and set me yielding for more. I miss the sound and smell of nature and the equilibrium that they bring to my wellbeing. At the same time, a good gauge for one’s character. Realize that something had been beckoning in my face, which I had chosen to ignore. Think it is time to do something about it.