Relive the enchantment of hiking in Brunei’s past, where nature lovers embraced the wild
Hiking has become increasingly popular among nature enthusiasts, especially in recent years, as numerous hiking hotspots have emerged in the Sultanate.
These destinations are designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle among the people of Brunei, all while immersing oneself in the splendour of the great outdoors.
But what was the hiking experience like back in the 1980s? Allow me to share my personal journey.
1980S JUNGLE ADVENTURE
Recalling my hikes in the 1980s brings back a fulfilling memory. During that time, I was attending the Sixth Form Centre (Pusat Tingkatan Enam) Gadong, which is currently recognised as Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College.
Planning a hiking trip and overnight stay in the jungle should be arranged at least two weeks in advance. Typically scheduled for weekends or public holidays, with Saturdays being a popular choice.
A letter must be submitted to the principal, and the Education Department needs to be informed for a bus or van transport. One teacher needs to accompany us as a guardian.
My friends and I went hiking at Wasai (waterfall) Tebidak in Sungai Rempayoh, Mukim Labi in the Belait District. I was in Upper Sixth that year.
Every hiker should have one pair of clothes and trousers preferably a cotton or jeans type, plates, cups, spoons, forks, knife, can opener, canned food, matches, candles, torch, big and small towels, a strong and good pair of sneakers and slippers as well as tents and blankets. At that time, we used analogue camera to take a photo.
We set off from the college at 2pm and reached Rempayoh at about 3.45pm.
I took the lead and ensured my friends were all present according to the list. We made an agreement with the bus driver to pick us up at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon. There were 15 of us including our teacher.
The journey to the Wasai lasted approximately an hour, guided by one of our colleagues. The surroundings were enchanting, with the harmonious sounds of insects and birds singing throughout the journey. The jungle leaves rustled, and butterflies and dragonflies gracefully fluttered along the path.
The jungle was chilly and humid, and upon reaching the Wasai, the waterfall presented an exhilarating sight.
We spent some time looking at the Wasai and explored its surroundings. The falling sounds of the water were wonderful, and the greenery surrounding was remarkable. We washed our faces, and some took the opportunity to bathe after a tiring walk.
After a few minutes of rest, we decided to look for tree branches to construct our tents. It typically took about 45 minutes to make one. Then we took our wudhu (ablution) to perform the Asar prayer.
After collecting firewood for cooking, we spent the evening engaging in various activities together, such as reading or playing chess. Later, after dinner, we retired to our tents for the night.
We disposed of food waste far from the tents to prevent attracting potentially harmful creatures like scorpions, centipedes, or snakes.
The night was tranquil, filled with the soothing sounds of crickets, owls, and the gentle cascade of waterfalls.
In the morning, before dawn, we had already woken up and performed the Subuh prayer. Then, at around 7am, some of us decided to explore the other sides of the waterfalls. The pictures captured the beauty of the green plants growing wild. Most of the rocks were very slippery, we had to be careful.
Following an early lunch, we prepared to head back to the hostel. With everything packed, we embarked on our journey back to the main road at Jalan Labi.
By around 2pm, the driver arrived to pick us up. Some fell asleep in the bus after the hike. That is how we spent a hiking trip in the jungle at Rempayoh, and nowadays I believe more facilities are provided for easy access to that waterfall. – Haji Anuar bin Jinal
