Last Monday, I took part in the team building activity organized by the School of EEE to climb the Bukit Timah hill. We met in T12 car park at 8:00 am. To be frank, climbing a hill on a Monday morning was really a great way to start the week. Breakfast was provided. Sorry, no buffet. It was only a piece of sandwich, a piece of cake, biscuits and banana. Each of us was provided a bottle of plain water and a bottle of pocari.sweat.
We started the journey at 8:30am and arrived in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve at 9:00am. My good friend Mike Wong was sitting next to me. Mike Wong is our official camera man. I heard that he joined another group the week before and had problem climbing to the summit. Mike Wong and Lim Yuen Siong thought that I would not be able to climb to the summit. Ms Shen even said "I really wonder how you could climb to the top". Well! Thank you very much for their encouragements.
After arriving, everybody was busy snapping photo and looking around at the entrance. The few people who jogged there look at our group in amazement. We were blocking the entrance and people could not even get pass our group. With ninety of us entering the forest, I guess the monkeys really had to go into hiding that day. Really, I did not see a single monkey throughout the trip.
There is a visitor centre at the entrance of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. There is an information counter and exhibition of the history, flora and fauna of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
The last tiger was shot in 1930s. So, you can be sure that there is no more tiger in the hill.
Kai Meng and Mrs Lau led the way. We were going to climb to the top using the toughest trail. Lim Yuen Siong was laughing. In his mind, I won't be able to climb to the summit even on paved road.
My skinny friend Dr Zhou Yi really climbed with ease. He did not even sweat. Look at the smile on his face.
Seriously, it was not easy. There are many steep steps in the trail. Not good for the ankle. I needed a break half way. Well, I was not the only one.
I was panting heavily.
Up the hill, down the hill, why they choose such a torturous trail.
Three quarter of the way, I began to get tired. Strength wise I was okay. My leg muscle was still strong but I was running out of breath. Not enough aerobic exercise.
I needed to take a break.
Guess what I found. Baby linzhi!
Mushrooms. It looked edible and quite delicious too.
and a snake. How about snake soup or snake kabayaki?
Pauline was not feeling well. Her face has gone pale.
Well! I was almost there.
Mrs Tan and Zhou Yi were already at the summit. Both of them called me to check how I was doing. It was really though to talk while you are breathing heavily. Anyway, it is heartening to know that you have friends who are concerned.
I caught up with Mak Lin Seng and Peter Mowe who were resting.
The last lapse to the summit was an endless flight of stairs. Pauline seemed to have recover. She was calling us to continue.
Sorry, I really needed to rest in the middle. Er Ling was looking after me I guess. He did not say so, just busy taking photo.
Finally, I reached the summit. Well, it was only 163 meter. Not really that high. I have climbed the hill in Menglembu which is much higher than this.
After reaching the summit, I really wanted to take a nap.
But we moved on to look around. From the cliff above, you can see a quarry lake below the hill.
There is a telecommunication tower on top of the hill too.
We climbed down using the paved road. The road is quite steep and there is a sign that advise you not to run. I really had to balance myself at each step. Some people walked in reverse with their back facing the foot hill. It is easier to walk down in this manner. But you got to be careful not to hit another person. When I tried walking in reverse, Mike Wong and Mrs Lau all walked to the edge to avoid me. Haha!
The Battle for Bukit Timah was finally over. My shirt was soaked in sweat. It was a wonderful trip anyway. Good exercise. By the way, we got the afternoon off for the day.
