I went hiking today with some friends. I thought it was the last thing for me to do this year. one of the things I wish not to do anymore. Yep! it was in my “Things I Wish Not To Do 2026” list at first but crossed out in the last moment. I thought maybe should give it another chance for the old time ‘s sake.
I was worried by the old knees that might crack away or my weak lungs that might give up. I went away with a lot of anxieties that have been rotting inside me. But the weather today was super nice with the sun shining brightly. It was not that hot just nice to be out on a Sunday. So , literally, I pushed myself out of the house and back on a dangerous trail.
My friend told me about the easy trail that would suit even a novice hiker. I listened and smiled quietly. My previous hiking experiences started to bombard my little head and for no reason my heart fluttered. My last hiking was a few years back ;and as the fun disappeared and boredom began to creep in, I quit. Why do I keep doing this if my chest was about to explode and my legs hurt. I could fall or stumbled and that will be the end of me. I was afraid of my aging body that would give up on me. So I refused to let myself enjoy the nature and the serenity of the forest that I love the most.
But this morning the vibe was different. When my friend whispered about it and asked if I was interested; my schedule was open all of the sudden and I was free. So let’s go!
The place was just 15 minutes away and we set off around 9 am. The place was quiet despite of many cars being parked along the road. Maybe they were already up there looking for the best trail to follow. Onset, I saw a low ascent with dusty trails going up. I followed quietly and put my feet down firmly. My friends made some small talks but I wasn’t interested. My chest tightened and my legs trembled; I was into my panic moods . I told myself to relax and to breathe a few times. Then I saw the view of my place (the small town of Nilai) again and again from different spots; they could be fantastic if the smogs weren’t there. But it brought back the views from before that I adore so much and my anxiety was gone. I felt better ,calmer and realised how much I miss this feeling.
As we proceeded to climb and descend, a bunch of young people kept greeting us and to make the bump into each other more pleasant we kept asking for directions. Not that we lost our way or anything but hikers do that to say “we are humans just like you”. You might never know who you bumped into even in broad daylight.
I noticed that this trail has less vegetation than the forest I used to explore. The big trees gave us shades but the forest floor was kind of dry and dusty. Therefore, the trails are easily identified and accessed. The Sg.Tiga Dara that we crossed was drying up and the glossy surface suggests a contamination. A creek like that in a middle of a forest could be the most beautiful spot on the trail but it wasn’t and I was disappointed. We hurried over like we have another appointment soon after and missed to absorb the aura of forestry— beautiful flowers and fauna .
At one point we came to a trail drop— some 90 degrees down an alley. My heart skipped a beat and without hesitation I opted for an alternative route.
“Come on there is a rope to help you down”, my friend reassured me.
“O no just go without me” I said swiftly. I am not going down that way, Uh-uh! not me.
I backed off and walked towards the bush that seemed to have a trail to …….I was not sure to where but definitely not down that long deep valley.
“I see you on the other side, okay!” I shouted and ran off. Neither did I know which side that was. It sounded normal to say something like that and showed I knew where I was going. I disappeared into the bush and followed the trails. Some people were going that way so I followed. Some people were talking downhills so I went down. Until I realised I made a full circle and didn’t really going anywhere. Then a couple of ladies came by and asked them the way out.
“Okay, Pakcik follow you wherever you are going!”, a desperate call from a frustrated trailblazer. Those two ladies laughed and led the way. They were fast and soon I lost them . I guessed it’s just me and myself to find the way out of here.
Finally my friend called to say that he just a few steps behind me. In no time we found the exit and that’s it.We spent about two hours exploring this hill and for me it is a start to an exciting 2026. Bravo to myself!
