Sabah Adventure Challenge Course 2007
On 24 December 2007, our cadets participated in the Sabah Adventure Challenge Course 2007 and this is one of their reflection.
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Day one
Met at PA HQ at 1pm for a final briefing before we leave. Then we had to take a coach to Senai Airport before taking an air plane to Kota Kinabula. There, we had to take another bus to the OB Sabah base. So by the time we reached the base, it was already about eight at night. We had dinner then split into our groups and bunks. Most of us could not sleep due to the abrupt change in environment and the mosquitoes that just would not stop sucking our blood.
Rafflesia bunk
Day two
We had morning PT which was a run to the entrance of the base and back and followed by breakfast, bunk inspection and flag raising. During flag raising, scores for each bunk would be read out and bunks that are not up to standard would have to be re cleaned. Groups would also have to share a quote of the day.
Next up was sailing. We met up at the boathouse and our instructor went through the basic parts of a sail boat and etc. Soon, we were rowing out to the open seas. We rowed for quite a distance before our instructor, Andrew, decided that the wind was strong enough to allow the boat to sail. He also taught us how to distribute our weight in order for the sail to catch as much wind as possible. Sailing really required a lot of teamwork.
We anchored at a small off-shore island. Half of us went to search for firewood while the other half stayed behind to pitch up the bashas. We had to find strong and thick branches with pointy ends and use them as pegs. Andrew also taught us how to identify good firewood and tent pitching areas. Soon, the bashas were pitched up and Andrew started teaching us how to cook using firewood. Dinner was surprisingly nice and filled our hungry stomachs. We were left to do anything we wanted after that. We sat in a circle together and chatted to pass the time. Time crawls when you have nothing to do. So we slept to make the time pass faster.
Day three
Woke up to prepare breakfast. One of our bread loaves got nibbled by rats and we had to throw it away. After breakfast, we cleared up everything and prepared to set sail. Unfortunately, the tide was not in our favour and we had to wait for the tide to rise again before we can set sail. We used this time to explore the lagoon and just sit around. The water was really really clear unlike singapore.
Finally, after a few hours, the tide rose just enough for us to set sail. We started rowing and rowing like mad while the other group stayed behind for some reason. Later, a tugboat came along and pulled the boat back to harbour. We washed up gratefully and assembled for our high obstacle challenge. First up was trapeze jump. We had to climb up this big tree, jump and grap a pole. It was also an introduction to belaying for those who have never belayed before.
Next up was the rock wall. It is a real rock wall, not those brown surfaces with coloured pieces stuck onto them. All of us managed to reach the top with the help and encouragement of the others while we are climbing. Then we had dinner and a briefing on the 5 day 4 night crocker range expedition. Lights out.
Day four
Breakfast. Then we packed our bags with our personal stuff and rations for the expedition. Then we assembled at the hall for our first aid briefing. After that, we were transferred by bus to Annexe. It was really cold, around 15 degree Celsius. We had dinner and turned in for the night.
Day five
We were transferred by bus again to the starting point of the expedition. Took some group photos there and started trekking. We got tired very quickly as we were still unaccustomed to trekking. There were also a lot of leeches and soon all of us got bitten at least once. After a hard six or eight hours of trekking, we finally reached the checkpoint where we pitched our bashas and tried to cook dinner despite the heavy rain. Some of us got really sick of all this and started breaking down. Luckily, the others pushed us on.
Day six
Having gotten used to all this trekking, we started out at a really good pace and we reached our hut before any of the other groups. The living conditions were so much better with a toilet, bath, kitchen or simply a shelter above our heads. We cooked dinner, had a nice clean bath then chatted. I had really serious rashes on my face and was quite down and stuff. Aiem treated them with calamine lotion and the rash was less itchy.
Day seven
Longest trek.We chose to climb all the way to 5,000 feet so we did not have to trek that much tomorrow. It was a really tough climb and we were so glad and relieved when we finally saw the hut. There was no bath, only taps in open areas where everyone can see you. So the girls from my group decided to wash our hair and bathe with our clothes on. Had a great time bathing :D
We changed into our dry clothes and helped out in the cooking. Andrew taught us some songs and dances and we taught him and Aiem games and cheers in return. The hostess, Mi, also taught me how to cook and I was really glad when everyone asked for seconds. Then we had a speech by Bibi and the two accompanying officers on commitment and how we came here to push our limits, not opt out when the going gets tough. Then Lights out.
Day eight
Shortest trek. We got really high when we saw the main road. Soon we reached Annexe and ate our packed lunch. Because there was nothing to do, we started cooking another lunch and dinner. When the other groups arrived, we were already eating our second lunch. And while they were cooking, we sat down and ate again. We received our Mount. Kinabalu resupply and returned our dirty things to the van to be transported back to the base. Then Lights out.
Day nine
Took the bus to Haleluya Hostel. We had to spend a day there in order to climatise and stuff. Had a briefing regarding the Mount. Kinabula climb then lights out.
Day ten
Mount Kinabalu had steps just like crocker range so we were ok with it. But because our legs were still tired from the crocker range expedition, climbing took a lot of effort. Some of us also started experiencing AMS ( Altitude Mountain Sickness). After a lot of hardwork and perseverance, we finally made it to 11,000 feet. The temperature was ranging between seven to nine degrees and we were all very tired. Lights out at seven.
Day eleven
Happy Hari Raya Haji! We woke up at 1 am and dressed in our climbing attire (thermal, fleece jacket, rain proof jacket, gloves, beanie etc.) . It was really dark and cold. Our legs were really aching and I would not have made it to the summit without the encouragement from my group mates. The trek down was hard but it was definitely easier than going up. We made it to the foot of the mountain where we waited for the buses to bring us back to the base.
Day twelve
we had a final challenge, rafting! We had to tie our raft in ten minutes and then all four groups had a race. WE WON! Everyone from our group was in high spirits. After that we had lunch and settled our logistics. Then we had a briefing by Bibi and the giving away of certs for both the SACC camp and the Mount. Kinabalu. Then we gave our instructors a hug and left for the airport. Aiem came to see us off and we were really very touched.
Back at Singapore, Hubert gave us a last briefing and our blue peter badges. All of us were happy to see our parents yet sad to leave each other.
This camp was really a test of physical as well as mental strength. It really shows how far you can go if you want go. Unlike the OB Singapore where many have attended before, the instructors make sure you are safe but if you fall down, you have to stand up by yourself. They would not be asking if you are ok or if you need a rest or something. It was a really enriching experience which I am glad that I am given the chance to try it out for myself.
- SSGT (NPCC) Teo Wan Ling
ー
Day one
Met at PA HQ at 1pm for a final briefing before we leave. Then we had to take a coach to Senai Airport before taking an air plane to Kota Kinabula. There, we had to take another bus to the OB Sabah base. So by the time we reached the base, it was already about eight at night. We had dinner then split into our groups and bunks. Most of us could not sleep due to the abrupt change in environment and the mosquitoes that just would not stop sucking our blood.
Rafflesia bunk
Day two
We had morning PT which was a run to the entrance of the base and back and followed by breakfast, bunk inspection and flag raising. During flag raising, scores for each bunk would be read out and bunks that are not up to standard would have to be re cleaned. Groups would also have to share a quote of the day.
Next up was sailing. We met up at the boathouse and our instructor went through the basic parts of a sail boat and etc. Soon, we were rowing out to the open seas. We rowed for quite a distance before our instructor, Andrew, decided that the wind was strong enough to allow the boat to sail. He also taught us how to distribute our weight in order for the sail to catch as much wind as possible. Sailing really required a lot of teamwork.
We anchored at a small off-shore island. Half of us went to search for firewood while the other half stayed behind to pitch up the bashas. We had to find strong and thick branches with pointy ends and use them as pegs. Andrew also taught us how to identify good firewood and tent pitching areas. Soon, the bashas were pitched up and Andrew started teaching us how to cook using firewood. Dinner was surprisingly nice and filled our hungry stomachs. We were left to do anything we wanted after that. We sat in a circle together and chatted to pass the time. Time crawls when you have nothing to do. So we slept to make the time pass faster.
Day three
Woke up to prepare breakfast. One of our bread loaves got nibbled by rats and we had to throw it away. After breakfast, we cleared up everything and prepared to set sail. Unfortunately, the tide was not in our favour and we had to wait for the tide to rise again before we can set sail. We used this time to explore the lagoon and just sit around. The water was really really clear unlike singapore.
Finally, after a few hours, the tide rose just enough for us to set sail. We started rowing and rowing like mad while the other group stayed behind for some reason. Later, a tugboat came along and pulled the boat back to harbour. We washed up gratefully and assembled for our high obstacle challenge. First up was trapeze jump. We had to climb up this big tree, jump and grap a pole. It was also an introduction to belaying for those who have never belayed before.
Next up was the rock wall. It is a real rock wall, not those brown surfaces with coloured pieces stuck onto them. All of us managed to reach the top with the help and encouragement of the others while we are climbing. Then we had dinner and a briefing on the 5 day 4 night crocker range expedition. Lights out.
Day four
Breakfast. Then we packed our bags with our personal stuff and rations for the expedition. Then we assembled at the hall for our first aid briefing. After that, we were transferred by bus to Annexe. It was really cold, around 15 degree Celsius. We had dinner and turned in for the night.
Day five
We were transferred by bus again to the starting point of the expedition. Took some group photos there and started trekking. We got tired very quickly as we were still unaccustomed to trekking. There were also a lot of leeches and soon all of us got bitten at least once. After a hard six or eight hours of trekking, we finally reached the checkpoint where we pitched our bashas and tried to cook dinner despite the heavy rain. Some of us got really sick of all this and started breaking down. Luckily, the others pushed us on.
Day six
Having gotten used to all this trekking, we started out at a really good pace and we reached our hut before any of the other groups. The living conditions were so much better with a toilet, bath, kitchen or simply a shelter above our heads. We cooked dinner, had a nice clean bath then chatted. I had really serious rashes on my face and was quite down and stuff. Aiem treated them with calamine lotion and the rash was less itchy.
Day seven
Longest trek.We chose to climb all the way to 5,000 feet so we did not have to trek that much tomorrow. It was a really tough climb and we were so glad and relieved when we finally saw the hut. There was no bath, only taps in open areas where everyone can see you. So the girls from my group decided to wash our hair and bathe with our clothes on. Had a great time bathing :D
We changed into our dry clothes and helped out in the cooking. Andrew taught us some songs and dances and we taught him and Aiem games and cheers in return. The hostess, Mi, also taught me how to cook and I was really glad when everyone asked for seconds. Then we had a speech by Bibi and the two accompanying officers on commitment and how we came here to push our limits, not opt out when the going gets tough. Then Lights out.
Day eight
Shortest trek. We got really high when we saw the main road. Soon we reached Annexe and ate our packed lunch. Because there was nothing to do, we started cooking another lunch and dinner. When the other groups arrived, we were already eating our second lunch. And while they were cooking, we sat down and ate again. We received our Mount. Kinabalu resupply and returned our dirty things to the van to be transported back to the base. Then Lights out.
Day nine
Took the bus to Haleluya Hostel. We had to spend a day there in order to climatise and stuff. Had a briefing regarding the Mount. Kinabula climb then lights out.
Day ten
Mount Kinabalu had steps just like crocker range so we were ok with it. But because our legs were still tired from the crocker range expedition, climbing took a lot of effort. Some of us also started experiencing AMS ( Altitude Mountain Sickness). After a lot of hardwork and perseverance, we finally made it to 11,000 feet. The temperature was ranging between seven to nine degrees and we were all very tired. Lights out at seven.
Day eleven
Happy Hari Raya Haji! We woke up at 1 am and dressed in our climbing attire (thermal, fleece jacket, rain proof jacket, gloves, beanie etc.) . It was really dark and cold. Our legs were really aching and I would not have made it to the summit without the encouragement from my group mates. The trek down was hard but it was definitely easier than going up. We made it to the foot of the mountain where we waited for the buses to bring us back to the base.
Day twelve
we had a final challenge, rafting! We had to tie our raft in ten minutes and then all four groups had a race. WE WON! Everyone from our group was in high spirits. After that we had lunch and settled our logistics. Then we had a briefing by Bibi and the giving away of certs for both the SACC camp and the Mount. Kinabalu. Then we gave our instructors a hug and left for the airport. Aiem came to see us off and we were really very touched.
Back at Singapore, Hubert gave us a last briefing and our blue peter badges. All of us were happy to see our parents yet sad to leave each other.
This camp was really a test of physical as well as mental strength. It really shows how far you can go if you want go. Unlike the OB Singapore where many have attended before, the instructors make sure you are safe but if you fall down, you have to stand up by yourself. They would not be asking if you are ok or if you need a rest or something. It was a really enriching experience which I am glad that I am given the chance to try it out for myself.
- SSGT (NPCC) Teo Wan Ling
