The journey began on the evening of Friday, 7th May 2010, where the Ventures met at Woodland Causeway point. From there, they embarked on a bus journey across the Woodland causeway to meet up with the rest of the climbing team in Johor Bahru.

One of team members, Mr Yong Tieng Sun, received us to his house in Johor where we had a night’s rest before the climb.

Mr Fong tightened his shoelaces for the tough climb ahead.

The team set off to Tanggak, a small town in Johor near the Malacca at the break of dawn. From the main road, Jalan Payamas, trekkers can see the summit of Mount Ophir. Partially covered by the mist that would be lifted up by the impending sunrise, the summit had an air of mystery around it.  We stopped by at a coffee shop for breakfast, which served very simple but delicious dry wanton noodles. Some of the team members also bought take-aways for lunch which would be eaten along the way.

Old coffee shop along Jalan Payamas, Tangkak, Johor.

At 8 a.m, we registered at the Asahan Ranger Station with our particulars, as well as the items for the hike. A thorough inspection will be conducted to check that all non-perishable items were brought down to the foot of the mountain after the trek. During the registration, we realised the presence of mosquitoes and had to take some precautions.

Applying insect repellent helps to reduce mosquito bites.

Man vs Millipede.

Pound for pound. Eat or be eaten.

Warning: Don’t try this yourself. Stunt was performed by an experience Scout. No organism was harmed in the taking of this photo.

The trek started off with a pretty steep climb.

30 minutes into the jungle trail, the team reached checkpoint 1, Enggang Berangang (240 m). Following the gradual slope, we reached checkpoint 2 and checkpoint 3, Hentian Hanuman (460 m) and Hentian Unggas (720 m) respectively.

At about 800 metres up the mountain, the trail brought us approximately 100 metres down towards a valley. This particular

checkpoint 4, Lembah Beruang, marked the beginning of our very steep climb. This rough terrain took us another 30 minutes before reaching checkpoint 5, Batu Belumut (rocks covered by mosses). The estimated altitude of this checkpoint is roughly 760 metres.

Vegetation beyond this altitude became less dense, and we could see less trees. Instead, small bushes, vines, pitcher plants and mosses thrives better in these terrain. Team members who were ahead, took a quick lunch at this checkpoint while waiting for the rest to catch up. The break also provided them with the opportunity to get ready for the next checkpoint, Padang Batu, where they will help to set up the campsite first.

Situated at 820 metres above sea level, campsite Padang Batu is located right after the rock face. It is also the only water point along the Asahan trail. The near vertical rock face took the team nearly 10 minutes longer than usual to complete due to the slippery wall. Before long, the hot afternoon sun dried the upper portion of the rock wall enabling us to proceed with lesser difficulties.

By 13 15 HRS, the whole team managed to overcome the rock face and enjoyed the scenery for a short five minutes. Tents and tarpaulin (also known as Basha) was also quickly erected to minimize time loss.

Even with help of climbing rope, hauling yourself up with a loaded backpack is not easy.

Mr Fong reached the finish line of the rock face after all members has ascended to the top safely.

The Ventures Team enjoy the breath-taking moment before setting up the tent.

Agnes and Kim Peng (left to right), helping us to pitch the basha.

The breath-taking view from the top of the rock face.

Back to basic. Everyone had to help out. Even the tent had its parts equally distributed to all team members in order to carry it to the campsite.

By 14 30 HRS, the team had set up the campsite and their lunch taken. As we were ahead of time, the team decided to move off to the summit that afternoon instead of the next day morning. This would give the team sufficient time to reach the mount foot by the next day noon without rushing and, also a longer time to have our lunch back in town before returning to Singapore.

Lunch in a cafe at the town. The Ventures enjoyed the food that they have missed during the 2 days 1 night climb.

With great enthusiasm, the Ventures hurried off to the trail. Carrying very little water with them, we soon realised the lack of sufficient water for the team proved to be a mistake. As the temperature soared to 34°C by mid-noon, most of us were struggling to reach the top. The Ventures also under-estimated the distance from the campsite to the summit.

After climbing for about 2 hours, the last man finally reached the summit. Exhausted, thirsty and hungry from the light lunch, the Ventures spent only a mere 10  minutes at the barren summit. We soon sought shelter under the boulders to cool ourselves.

Knowing that dinner would not be too long of a wait, the team hurriedly descend to the campsite at approximately 16 45 HRS. Team members who reached the campsite by 18 00 HRS, helped to prepared dinner after a quick wash-up.

By 19 00 HRS, the last member reached the campsite. The Ventures had a great night eating and singing together under the starry night sky.

The telecom reception tower at a nearby summit, is one of the landmark trekkers will have to identify.

Panorama view from the summit. Trekkers can see the town and the lush green plantation clearly from above.

Group photo at the summit.

As the cold night winds blew over our area, it started raining after mid-night. Fortunately, the well pitched tarpaulin helped to keep us dry throughout the night.

When the sun rose the next morning, the team packed up the tents and the tarpaulin. Within four hours, all trekkers reached the foot of the mountain safely with very few sustained minor abrasion.

Throughout the journey, the Ventures had not only endured the tough trail, but also have learnt to look out for one another. They had also learnt not to take trekking lightly as the lack of food and water during the climb to the summit proved to be a valuable lesson for everyone. Although some of the team members were slower than the rest, the Ventures have exhibited their Scouting values by being positive throughout the uncomfortable moments.

Article contributed by: Mr Fong Kah Chun

Descending the wet rock face was so dangerous that all team members had to watch out for the one crossing over to the other side. Due to the slippery surface caused by the heavy downpour the night before, the team had to make a detour for a safer trail down.