Stewiek

This is going to be a long winding blog post. Though lazy but I must force myself to blog on this as I am afraid that I might forget little details of the story (from my point of view that is).

The Beginning

Few weeks ago, I was told about this donation project to a remote primary school probably most people didn’t know exist. This project is a collaboration between Batik Boutique Hotel and New Century Lions Club Kuching Emerald. They gathered funds to buy supplies and other form of donations for the school. This includes 3 sets of desktop computers together with the bulky CRT monitor. It also comes with UPS unit which weigh about 5kg a piece. Books, dictionaries, writing drawing stationary, library books all added up to the donations.

The New Century Lions Club donated a diesel generator for the school as the ones they had were spoiled. It was transported up earlier on.

We certainly didn’t have much problem collecting those and packing it up. All were seal in plastic bag (just incase of rain) and fitted into boxes. We did this on the 6th May 2011, 2 nights before the hike at one of the member’s house. Okay, that wasn’t any issue. After all the packing, the problem became more obvious, “How will all these get transported to the remote village school high up in the mountain and the only way to get there is ON FOOT?”

They said the school / project leader will arrange porters. BUT STILL! with those big bulky heavy loads, we all had doubts in our mind. Anyway, we divided all the boxes among ourselves. Each are expected to bring their share of the boxes to the rendezvous venue on Sunday morning. But on Saturday, a different arrangement was made by Jackie, the project leader. All the boxes will be loaded into two bigger cars which will only meant to transport the goods. Problem solved for some of the members who has smaller cars and couldn’t carry that much load.

We spend the rest of the Saturday afternoon shopping for our personal survival supplies. *gulps*

I only started packing on the night before the hike. Not knowing what I will be encountering, I brought packet foods, swiss knife, camping light, lighter, some medicine, tiger balm, pants, socks, hat, walking stick etc etc. I didn’t dare to pack my DSLR with me, thinking it will be a heavy burdenm, I brought small compact camera instead.

Later, I did some of my office work which was due on Monday as I will not be working on Monday. Slept at 1.30am. ZzzZz

The Road Trip

On Sunday (8/5/2011), it was a beautiful morning with blue skies all over. Weather seems to be very good unexpectedly. 3 of us were in a single small comfy Kenari, went to have breakfast and off we go to 10th Mile Pitcher and Wild Orchid Garden which was the rendezvous location for everyone. When everyone was ready and set, we roll-out in a convoy of cars to Bengoh Dam construction site which is about 40 mins. We got there by 11.30am.

Our group consist of 17 members. Members from Batik Boutique Hotel (crew and foreign guests), Lions Club Kuching Emerald, Old Timer’s Hiking Club and Jackie’s Technology Enterprise. I belong to the Friends of Lions.

We drove our cars through the rocky slopes up to the Rest House near to the Dam site. It was where the porters gathered too. Its also a small Kedai Runcit where it will be the last chance for you to get any supplies before the hike which is said to be 4 Hours under the blistering heat. Many quench themselves with a can of 100plus. Some stored 100plus in their bags as their bags to challenge themselves with heavier load for the hike. I didn’t get anything, only 1 big bottle + 1 small bottle of mineral water.

The Hike Begins

While we were admiring the heat and the concrete dam structure, the porters were busy organizing their hiking bags or what is known as tamboks. Its just like our branded expensive Deuter Hiking bag, but far better and more efficient. It can fit big boxes of CRT monitor, desktop, printer!, Can your expensive hiking bag do that? NOPE! So Porters: 1, Hikers: 0. Their tamboks has a 3 straps, two of the shoulders and one for the forehead to balance the load if not mistaken. It has a small box compartment on the bottom which carries their own food and water, lock by twisting a crooked nail. The supportive back is made with wood and bamboo as the frame.

I was afraid that they might break a hip or with those heavy loads. Its easily 40kg I think. They didn’t even lose their balance and doesn’t seem to even break a sweat with those loads.

The porters went ahead with the heavy loads and they can move very fast. Well the rest of us were still admiring the heat and taking photos among ourselves in fancy hiking boots and bags, taking photos with nature. Again another point for them. Porters -2, Hikers -0.

We were honoured to be escort by the school principal himself, Abot is his name but we just call him Guru Besar. So I happily walk through the first introductory section of the trail thinking “Oh this isn’t so bad”, it was a winding trail with uneven ground full of rocks, pebbles, sand, soil, mud and leaves. Didn’t have much problem with it except for the narrow road and my big bulky hiking boots didn’t quite fit in each step.

We walked for about 30-40mins to reach to the first long bamboo bridge. It was my first encounter with a real bamboo bridge, other than the demo one at Sarawak Cultural Village.

We continued hiking with the Guru Besar behind us all these while. It was very kind of him to make sure that none of us get left behind.

Then we continued to move on, passing through corn fields, paddy fields and other farms up and down hills terrain.

The first village we stop was Kampung Taba Sait. Few of us (non or first time hikers) felt it was already a very challenging hike. It was a great relief when we reached the kampung. We were invited to one of the teacher’s house. We gathered outside to rest. Some ate and some bought more 100plus from the house owners. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any photos of this Kg Taba Sait. I was rather exhausted and didn’t thought of taking photos. I’ll get it from other members soon.

After everyone got their rest, we continued with the hike. The hike, went on and on and it felt endless. Not to mention the scorching heat, we will sweaty and dirty. I am always happy when I come across a small bamboo rest hut. We would take about 5 minutes break before continuing the journey.

I basically gave up expecting I will reach the village anytime soon, just keep on walking and walking endlessly through the jungle trail up and down. As we walk on, suddenly we heard sound of machine. The noise was vague but it was certainly a sign that a village was nearby. Immediately, I got my spirits back up and was motivated. I walk and walk, moving closer to the sound of the machine. It sounded like a diesel generator.

I pushed myself to keep on moving through the trail. As we got to the source of the machine, found out it wasn’t the the diesel generator, it was only a corn mill machine. Was kind of disappointed, but it was still a good sign of civilization. Took another roughly 40 minutes before we finally reach our main destination, Sekolah SK Semban at Kampung Rejoi. Several of us, including me reached the village by 5pm. I dragged myself to the nearest bench within sight and laid down flat there. Exhausted, just exhausted. Some others were still alright. We were invited the cafeteria for drinks. Milo and Orange Juice. Drink all you can. I just can’t satisfied my thirst no matter how much I drank. Felt so good with the warm Milo.

Girls and Boys went on separate direction. The guys were brought to the teacher’s quarters. While the girls went to another home stay in the village. Dragged my feet to the house, tore the boots off my feet, went up the wooden stairs and threw myself on the sofa with the cushion pieces removed. I just laid down on the wooden frame as I was very sweaty and dirty.

The rest of them settled their things down and all of the boys went to the nearby river stream and enjoyed themselves. I slept on the couch then later transferred myself to the ground, using a towel as a pillow. I rest for about 30 minutes before pulling myself up and head for the showers. The water was rather cold but lovin’ it. Felt so refreshing after pouring myself with water.

Some of Cikgu Redan’s photo work were printed and exhibited in the living room. Beautiful works of art. Many of us would never have a chance to shoot those photos unless do the hiking. Rare opportunities.

Day 1 – Evening

Later, the rest of the boys came back from the river, showered and dressed up in more or less in pajamas. Most of us stayed at the dorm chit chatting and watching out for helicopters (mosquitoes).

About 7pm, we we called for dinner specially prepared by the school staff for us at the school’s cafeteria. Everyone gathered there to finally get a good meal and rest. The curry was particularly delicious. Unfortunatey, I only had one round was I was already bloated with water. I lots of oranges instead. They were very sweet and good!

After everyone finish up their dinner, its time to get back to work. Jackie Fong brief us abit on what we need to do the next morning and time schedule. So basically, we need to get some stuff prepared the night before. Especially setting up the 3 sets of computers.

The diesel generator had limited power, it was only good only to keep the fridge on and other several lightings around the school / living quarters. So the problem came when we tried to get the computers powering up through the UPS. I didn’t do much, the president did most of the setting up. I just carry the stuff over to the Resource Room (multimedia / mini library).

They were basically doing things in the dark with flashlights to brighten things a little. Fortunately, I brought my UFO LED camping light which I bought a night before. Cost me RM13.90 + RM1.90 for 4 AA batteries. It was the brightest of them all. Very handy stuff in places like these.

The members were trying to get the printer and computer working at the same time to demonstrate it for the students the next morning I guess. But it didn’t manage to work due to low power resources. So ended up using a government’s given laptop, plug into the printer and it works. They will just need to find a way to get the desktop computer to power up somehow. Perhaps a higher power diesel generator.

Anyway, the rest of us didn’t want to crowd the Resource room, so some of us were chit chatting away outside while feeding some mosquitoes. All went back to their living quarters at around 9.30pm.

The Long Day Ended

Cikgu Redan was kind enough to offer his bedroom to us while he went to sleep next door I think. Felt kinda bad about it. There were about 7 of us staying at the house, I have no idea where the others slept. All were men, young and old. You can hear Royal Snoring Symphony later in the night. I couldn’t sleep well due to the inconsistent temperature. Was hot at some point then suddenly turn very cooling. Bed was comfy I must say. Roosters there starts crowing at 4am. They can’t tell the time properly.

The Next Morning (9/5/2011)

My alarm was set to 6am, as we need to get ready for the school assembly which is at 7.30am. I got up and stretched my frozen arms and legs, felt like I was 90% recovered. I went out to breath the fresh air. It was very foggy outside. Felt like I was on a vacation. If only I can wake up to this everyday in the city area, that would be so pleasant. Instead, I wake up to bustling sound of cars, handphone, sirens. Anyway, back to the topic, I took this panoramic shot of the morning foggy view of the school, just from the house i stayed.

Everyone took their turn in taking shower with the icy cold water and later got dressed up for the school’s assembly.

The School Assembly

The students were already at the mini assembly field. With only 33 students, they were very discipline and aligned themselves properly when instructed by the Guru Besar.

I always thought the urban kids would be more well taught and disciplined. After looking at this, they just proved me wrong. When singing the national anthem, there wasn’t any music and they sing perfectly in tune and synchronization.

The Guru Besar conducted the assembly in Bahasa Malaysia and mixed with bit of English. He started off by introducing us and what we were doing here. Told the students about the contributions we made through the project. Then later explained to the students on how the project came about. Credit goes to Cikgu Redan for his photography works and Jackie Fong of Batik Boutique Hotel for her initiative in leading the project ideas. Also thanked New Century Lions Club Kuching Emerald for supporting and being part of the project.

Later, The Guru Besar invited Jackie Fong to do speech. She made a short and simple speech in Bahasa Malaysia, hopefully the students will understand. Basically, her message was telling the students that we hope these contributions will help the school in the studies and having us being all the way from Kuching will be an inspiration for all. “Study hard, be successful so you will be able to help others, contributing back into the society”. That would be how I summarize her speech.

The school assembly ended up a group photo session together with all the students. Thank you teachers and school staff helping out with all the cameras. Look at the photo, can see the camera-men shadows.

Initially, I personally didn’t think that our minor contributions would mean so much to them, but from the speech of the Guru Besar, it made me realized it has helped them alot.

Everyone was dismissed after that, some headed for the cafeteria and some stayed around chit chatting. I was still admiring the beautiful scenery around the school. Particularly, the neighbouring mountains which looks so near and clear! Another panoramic photo taken of it. Such a breathtaking view when the fog clears up.

I went to join the rest for breakfast at the cafeteria after that. They prepared fried rice for us. There were also a jug of Milo and a specially prepared coffee for those who desperately needed coffee to start their day. Ate 2 rounds of the fried rice and drank lots of Milo, will need all the carbohydrate for energy.

After we all had our meals, we went back to our homestay and started packing up. We were divided into 2 groups, mainly it was called “Slow Group” and “Fast Group”. As the name describes, “Slow Group” will the setting off first with the help of a porter to carry some of our stuff and lead the way out. The “Fast Group” will take their time in the school as they can catch up later on. I of course joined the “Slow Group”.

The Uphill Hike Begins

We didn’t use the same trail on how we got to the school. It was a different trail where its said to go uphill for estimated 1 hour (porter’s time). Our time would be x2. So the hiking challenge started about 9.30am. It started off with a cool shaddy trail, slowly picking up with uphill slopes.

Serious enough, we were getting more and higher uphill ordeal. Fleet of stairs coming one after another as if it never ends. I suffered muscle cramps several rounds, good thing I brought my tiger balm muscle cream. Instantly warms up the skin and muscle to keep it going, else I would be limping all the way already.

We went through so many uphill sections, each time thinking there would be a “flat land” after each of the uphill section but it always turn out to be disappointment. One came after another like it never ends. I would  “Nooooooooooooooo not another oneeeeeeeee”. Crying is not an option. You need to move on no matter what. No one will come save you.

Pit-stop at Kampung Semban

We walked and hiked uphill + other terrains for 3 hours, where we estimated 2 hours earlier. Some of us including me had to stop to catch our breath. It so tiring. We finally reached Kampung Semban at 12.30 noon. It was suppose to be only 1 hour hike!

Kampung Semban was rather quiet as most of them were out working in the farms. I passed by one of the houses and one native lady immediately caught my attention. She was in her traditional outfit and she was wearing brass rings on her arms and legs.

And of course I didn’t miss the opportunity to take the photos with them. This is like so rare and you never expect the tradition still lives in Sarawak. I foresee that the younger generation are not following the tradition anymore. They were very kind to let us take photo with them.

At the village, we finally met up with the “Fast Group” which overtook us along the way. There were other members who are still far behind us moving at their own pace. So, they brought us to one of the houses where we were welcomed with coconut juice. I had 5 cups of it. Very sweet and delicious.

Good thing they got a local house-shop around the village, we manage to refill our 100plus. Everyone ordered and bought a crate of it. The two Hashers bought two bunch of fresh Bananas and shared with everyone.

Later, they treated us with home cook meals, specially prepared for all of us. I never ate any of the dishes before or never even heard of them. Chicken, vege and rice cooked in a unique method.

You won’t find this in the city. Even if you did, it simply wouldn’t taste as good as these. I have no way to describe them. Its not that I was hungry that time but the food really taste good!

After everyone is happy with their rest and refilled their tummy, we took a group photo with the host family. We departed from the house at about 1.50pm and got him to draw a map for us on the route back to Bengoh dam site.

The return trip was lead by Jackie who was more familiar with the route as she been on the trip several times. We all set off together, but again there will always people who move at their own pace, so we ended up splitting up. The original “Fast Group” was already ahead of us, while ours the “Slow Group” are slowing catching up.

We were told that after Kampung Semban, it will be all down hill and said to be easier but it wasn’t 100% true. There were still quite a number of uphill. Fortunately it wasn’t as bad as the earlier one which is consistently uphill. This one is a mixture of up down up down up down. The downhill slope is very very long, and later we realized why it was not recommended to use this route to go up on the 1st Day.

Getting down was equally exhausting and it hurts the toes more than straining the muscle on the legs. Fortunately I have my walking stick with me, and it helped me to land properly on each step.

The next landmark we were suppose to come across would be the waterfall. So hearing the sound of river or waterfall would be the sign of that we’re getting closer to home.

Again, we encountered the “never-ending stairs” but this round, its more of downhill. We finally reached the village with the waterfall at around 3.30pm and discovered the waterfall at 4pm after we tried to get through the village. We didn’t know the next direction, fortunately there were some kind villages who pointed the way when we asked.

We bypass the village and there were more downhill. It was getting late and mosquitoes started to have their early dinner. They were bugging us all the way while we were walking but we were too tired to pay any attention to them.

We walked and walked and suddenly we realized that we were walking on some familiar route terrains. One of the members exclaimed “We’re on the right track!, this is where we came from yesterday!” That pumped our spirits and kept us motivated. I looked around and also verified that some of the recognizable spots of the trail. We need to get through 3 more big bamboo bridge and walk few more metres and we will be back to the Bengoh dam!

When we reached the last bamboo suspension bridge, one of the members was tiring out from dehydration. We were rationing our water as we didn’t have enough due to the hot weather. The symptom was dizziness and cramps. We learned that the idea of re-hydration is to drink before you feel thirsty or in-need of water. So drink consistently as you sweat consistently.

Anyway, I helped to apply tiger balm on the forehead and behind the neck to get the senses back up, while rubbing tiger balm muscle cream on the affected cramp area. It helped to relieve the muscles.

Also, she drank lots of water mixed with re-hydration salt. Need to thank Jolene for the pack of re-hydration salt. Forgot to mentioned that those group caught up with us (they were behind cause they enjoyed themselves at the waterfall).

Jackie Fong motivated and pushed us to continue moving as the sky was turning dark. There was no sight of the other members yet when we left the last bamboo bridge. We walked and again encountered an uphill, I stopped and was annoyed.

Then Jackie again pushed me,”Get up! Don’t stop now! its barely a 100m more, you will be laughing when you see how short it is”. I pushed myself to move on as I didn’t want to get stuck in the mountain when its all dark. Got to thank her for that.

It was a great sign of relief when I saw some lights. We successfully returned to the dam site at around 6.40pm. The other members managed to find their way back around 8.40pm. Everyone was safe. Two members may have over exhausted themselves.

- story ends here -

Learned a lot in this trip, it was a regret in middle of the trip but I was very glad I took up the challenge knowing it will be hard. For an IT guy who sits infront of the computer day and night, I think I did well and proud of myself.

Hiking is not only about physical fitness but also mental. Even if you have all the stamina and big body muscles, but without your mind to push you to the limits, it will be useless.

DONATIONS:

Many of us felt that this is a project where it needs to be continue on to help the school and the people there. If any of you readers would like to contribute any form of cash donations / supplies, please do contact me. EMAIL ME HERE. I’ll get in touch with the club and project leaders

SK Semban current condition:

• lack of power supplies, will require higher power generator
• not receiving anymore funds from government since 2009