السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
In this post I would share my experiences during 10-day Outward Bound programme in Lumut. So enjoy reading and feel free to leave any comments below!
Day 1 (27 Shawwal 1437 – 01/08/2016)
It is the first day of August. The day when Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) receives its new chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar. On that same day, we gathered
at Menara PNB at 0900 hours, only to know that the bus that is supposed to
transport us from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut, is faulty. We had to wait for a
replacement bus to arrive. Then, at 1010 hours we departed from Menara PNB to Outward
Bound® Malaysia, Lumut, Perak for the 10-day programme and the journey took us
approximately four hours. Some of us reached there earlier as they departed
from northern region which is closer to Lumut. As we arrived at Outward Bound
School (after this is referred to as “Base Camp”), we were warmly welcomed by
the crew.
The course director was Mr Najib and he was supported
by three exceptional instructors: Mr Bazlishah “Bad” (pronounced as bud),
Mr Shukri and Ms Aishah. We had our lunch, performed salaah and had a tour around
the base camp.
Before that, we were divided into two “watches” (i.e. groups),
namely Brinchang and Chabang, with Mr Shukri and Mr Bad as respective watch
instructors. I was placed in Chabang watch with other 10 friends. For your
information, names of watches here are taken from the names of Malaysian
mountains, which I assume it is to inspire us to aim high just like those high
mountains that acts as pegs to the earth.
We were also required to hand in our mobile phones,
wallets, ID cards, cables and snacks to the instructor which shall be returned
to us on the final day of the programme, and that is for us to “back to basics”.
If our great grandparents can survive without those gadgets and technologies,
then why can’t us, right?
At 1830 hours, we had our dinner before the first
briefing later in the evening on programme’s expectation. One of the questions
posed to each member in my watch was to choose an animal that reflects our
personality. I confidently answered “cheetah” as I identify myself as an
observer, a tactical person and quick in taking actions, just like the cheetah.
We were also given tutorials on how to pitch up tents for group camping and
solo camping.
We had our supper before we went to sleep, taking a
good rest before the first expedition which is scheduled on the following day.
Day 2 (28 Shawwal 1437 – 02/08/2016)
After cleansing ourselves and Fajr prayer, we gathered
in front of the Gym Hall (Malay: Dewan Tan Sri Hutson) at 0630 to sing
the national anthem and raise the flag. Until day 5, the Singapore Airlines
team were also present so the Singaporean flag were raised and its national
anthem were sung as well.
As a warm-up to further activities we performed our
morning exercise before breakfast. At 0830 we had our team dynamic exercise;
one of them is to land tennis balls on the flipped side of the tent sheet. Both
teams managed to land maximum three tennis balls on their tent sheets.
The programme continues with kayak lesson. Some of us
were first-timers, yet they acquire the skills required in a short period of
time. This lesson is for our preparation for the First Expedition later in the
afternoon, where it shall be detailed below. But before the expedition begins,
we listened to the briefing by the instructors and packed our personal items
and equipment for the watch. Some of the equipment that we have to bring to the
expedition are:
- Jerrycan
& gallon bottles
- Tent sheets
& rope
- Dome tents
- Cooking &
eating utensils
The destination of this expedition is Teluk Sekadeh,
or Teluk Segadas, south of Pangkor Island. We then had our lunch and prayers, loaded the items
into the mother boat, leaving with us a gallon bottle for each kayak. At 1530,
we departed to Teluk Sekadeh which is approximately 5 kilometres away. Previous
expeditions have shown that it took about 2-3 hours on average to reach there,
however we took only 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the destination. During
kayaking we formed a “diamond” formation which is one of universally accepted
formations of kayaking as a group.
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Diagram 1: Diamond formation. Source:
http://s36.photobucket.com/user/tehboyofdoom/media/Diamond.jpg.html |
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| Kayak Expedition Route |
After arrival, we set up our campsite. The guys
pitched up tents and set up campfires while the girls were assigned to cooking
& cleaning tasks. Few facilities are available here, with decent
toilets, bath area and a simple prayer-place (musholla).
Anyway, I was appointed as the muezzin for the four
expeditions, so if the call of prayer from nearest mosque cannot be heard then
I shall make the adhan (for additional reading, click here).
I believe that this noble sign from the signs of al-Islam should be revived to
the best of our ability, wherever we are.
After Maghrib prayer, we had dinner and a debriefing
session. Then, everyone was assigned to night shifts, to ensure that the
campsite is safe. They were divided into six blocks of one hour each, from 0000
hours to 0600 hours.
Day 3 (29 Shawwal 1437 – 03/08/2016)
Woke up at 0300 for my shift, but apparently I fell
asleep for the last 30 minutes until 0400 before I woke up my friends for the
next shift. Then I slept back until Fajr.
After Fajr we packed our items and loaded those on the
mother boat. We returned to the base camp at 0745 and apparently it took us 1 hour
15 minutes, shorter than before, considering the fact that Lumut is very busy
in the morning, with lots of ships pass through its seaport. During this return
journey however, sea waves were higher than usual. Some of us were scared at
that time. I can recall how many times I uttered the Shahaadah during kayaking until
Allah saved all of us from those waves and we arrived safely at our base camp.
Then, we returned the equipment to the store and we
returned to our accommodations for recovery.
At 1445, a lesson on reading map and compass was
conducted. New benefits we learn include how to read:
- Bearing Orienteering
- Grid
Reference
- Latitude and
Longitude
- Map Scales
To prepare us for tomorrow’s expedition, we went for
jungle orienteering according to watches. The Chabang watch trekked through
Adam Bluff route while we were given a map & a compass as a guide. We were
required to jot down the letters shown on the tags at the checkpoints and
derive a word from those letters. Now, what is the word? The best way to reveal
it is to experience it yourself!
Later in the evening, we were briefed on items to be
brought during the expedition. For jungle trekking, we had to use the trails in
Teluk Muroh Forest Reserve by using a map and compass to aid us until we reach the destination at Teluk Batik.
Day 4 (01 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 04/08/2016)
 |
Approximate trekking route for Chabang watch
(Not really sure on the accuracy) |
After color parade and breakfast, at 0900 we arranged
ourselves in a line according to our roles and walked out of the base camp. We walked for one hour on the roadside until we
reached at a Telekom Malaysia receiver tower for a short break before hiking
into Teluk Muroh jungle.
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| Trekking formation |
Along the way, we stopped many times as the route was
very challenging to most of us, the first-timers, and not to mention, wild mosquitoes that are
keen to bite our skin! For us to reach the third checkpoint from the previous
checkpoint, it took us 1 hour and 40 minutes with short breaks in between. At
1304, we stopped at Peak 300 for lunch & prayers. Here, some of the
established Sunnah can be applied:
- Wiping on the
socks or boots (khuffs)
- Praying while
wearing shoes - notes by Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen here
The journey continues after a 70-minute break until we
reached Vale Eco Park’s entrance at 1625 hours. For this second part of journey,
it brought more challenge to us, since we had to descend from the peak and
followed by hiking up to another peak again for 3-4 times. Finally, we reached
the campsite at Teluk Batik at 1650 hours, while the Brinchang watch arrived at
1815 hours. Pitching up tents, setting up campfires, debriefings
and night duties were done without any problem.
This time, I was again tested. Due to some water
allergy problems, itchiness spread thoughout my body. I applied calamine lotion
on my body before taking an anti-histamine (Antamin). Two days later, I
recovered, praise be to Allah.
Day 5 (02 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 05/08/2016)
I was excused from the night duty due to the
medication I took earlier which caused drowsiness. I woke up at Fajr time, then
we dismantled our tents, packed our stuffs and departed from Teluk Batik at
0740 hours. The walk took us only 15 minutes, using the main road that connects
base camp to the campsite. We were then briefed for the next expedition, the
Solo Camping.
This expedition has posed a different challenge since
we had to survive on our own rather than relying totally on our friends. We
were given several items for this expedition, including mess tin, food ration
and gallon bottle and every person was given the same quantity of items. This
is to ensure that no one has greater advantage compared to others. Hence,
evaluation is done based on three main components of Solo Camping:
- Pitching up
tent
- Cooking
- Rest
After the briefing, we restored the equipments from
the previous expedition and packed items for this third expedition.
In the noon, the guys were brought by the school van
to Masjid Teluk Muroh to attend Jumu’ah. At 1500 there was a Hot Seat session
where we had to evaluate our friends in terms of their strengths, weaknesses
and special characteristics which is to be given to them for reflection session
during solo camping in the midst of the jungle. Every person is required to
write a letter for himself/herself during this reflection session which will be
handed in to our instructors and will be posted at a later date, inshaa-Allaah.
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| Solo Camping sites (approximate) |
At 1630 hours, we departed to the campsites just at
the back of our base camp. We were assigned to various sites by our
instructors. As I arrived at my site, which is site #3, I cleared the area from
leaves, pitched up tents and prayed Asr in the woods. Then I set up the
campfire and prepared my dinner using the mess tin to cook instant noodles and
sardines.
At 2000 I started reading my friends letters and began
to write a letter to myself. Then, the fire extinguished. My instructor asked
me to set up it again. I tried for about 40 minutes, yet it did not work out
until he returned to my campsite and assisted me until the campfire is back,
praise be to Allaah. Well, what matters is our effort right? So put your effort
till the last drop of ink!
Day 6 (03 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 06/08/2016)
I was barely able to sleep from 2230 to 0230 hours due
to mosquitoes. Only at 0230 I applied lots of insect repellent and I finally
slept until 0635 and prayed Fajr straightaway. I packed items and started to
complete my letter, only to learn that my colleagues had descended from the
higher parts of the hill. We were then reunited by the roadside close to the
hill before we returned to our base camp and restored the equipment. Debriefing
of the expedition was done until 1000 hours.
In the afternoon, the program continued with knotting
lessons and sea rafting as a preparation for whaler expedition for Days 8 and
9.
We learned several knots during the session:
- Thumb and
double thumb
- Half hitch
and double half hitch (Malay: setengah belit / lilit dua simpul)
- Reef knot /
square knot (Malay: simpulan buku sila)
- Clove hitch (Malay:
simpulan manuk)
- Sheet bend (Malay:
simpul bunga geti)
- Bowline (Malay:
simpulan tindih kasih)
- Anchor/Fisherman’s
bend (Malay: Simpul sauh)
- Square
lashing (Malay: ikatan seraya)
- Timber hitch
(Malay: ikatan balak)
Then, for the rafting session, we were given 20 ropes,
eight PVC pipes, eight paddles and five plastic drums. The design of the raft
is totally based on watch’s creativity. IMO, rafting does not really pose much problem. What
matters most here is teamwork, trust and understanding each other. Each and every
one of us played his own role, however he has to have at least a general
picture of other people’s roles, so that he may assist them in case of
emergency.
In the evening, we were introduced to the School Song
as preparation for the BBQ Night which shall take place on Day 9.
Day 7 (04 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 07/08/2016)
After Color Parade, morning exercise and breakfast, we
gathered at the Boat House and pulled two of the whaler boats to the sea.
 |
Outward Bound® Malaysia's whaler boat.
Source: http://outwardbound.my/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/OBM-080.jpg |
We were taught the components of a whaler boat
including the three sails, oars and other small components until noon.
In the afternoon, there was a sailing practice. Praise
be to Allaah, there was a goose wind in our route. The practice went smoothly
and we did not have to exert much energy to row the boat to and fro. A rescue
training was also ran by the instructors and involved all participants.
Before the expedition begins on Day 8, we were briefed
on the movement from base camp to the campsite at Pantai Syawal, situated in
proximity to Swiss Garden Lumut. We looked forward for the expedition as that
is the final expedition for us.
Day 8 (05 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 08/08/2016)
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| Route to Pantai Syawal (Green - departure; Purplish pink - return) |
We loaded the equipment after breakfast and then departed at 0900. At first, we headed to the mother boat to transfer some of the items and equipment. Rowing continues until 1100 when there was a goose wind, so we stopped rowing and started rigging the whaler boat (i.e. raising the sail) and we sailed for about 50 minutes before continuing our rowing round Pangkor Island until we reached Pantai Syawal at 1425 after 5 hours of rowing and sailing, covering a distance of 25 kilometres.
The campsite is very basic, with a well as a primary source there. Yet, we brought several jerrycans and gallon bottles filled with water, just like previous expeditions, for drinking, cooking, ablution and other purposes. Another challenge here is we had to dig into the soil for toilets! We brought a hoe and a rake for that purpose. Well, experience is the best teacher right?
The campsite is then divided into two main sections; public area and private area. The public area is used for cooking, eating and prayer area, while private area, as the name goes, is used for participants’ tents.
After unloading items, we had our lunch and prayed Zuhr. As the time of Asr was approaching, we decided to take a break until the time of Asr came and we prayed Asr before setting up tents, preparing dinner and cleansing ourselves. At 2110 hours we gathered for debriefing according to watch before we went to sleep while some of us remained awake for night duties.
Day 9 (06 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 09/08/2016)
0300 hours. Ikram tried to wake me up for duty, yet I was in subconscious state until 0330. Then I decided to walk around while reciting verses from the Quran to fill my night with. I returned to sleep at 0430 before waking up at 0530. Before I returned to sleep, I saw my friend Rushdan was performing his Qiyam ul-Layl while on his night duty. May Allah preserve him upon goodness.
Anyway, I woke up and while waiting for Fajr, I did stargazing and performed Witr as a part of the Prophet’s Sunnah, may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace. As I saw the horizontal light of Fajr (around 0600 to 0605) I called out the Adhan and all of us performed the salaah thereafter.
At 0645 we packed our items and equipment while some of us helped to dismantle the tents and clean the campsite, as a saying goes concerning this, “leave no trace”. At 0755, we departed from Pantai Syawal to return to our base camp. The journey took us about two hours, with a distance of 8 kilometres approx. with literally no wind, so we had to row all the way there. As a result, my exposed skin has got burned due to intense heat on both days. For both departure and return journey, we passed through Malaysian Navy ships (may Allah grant victory to them) and the distance covered for the return journey was 8 kilometres in two hours.
Since this was our final expedition, we had to clean all used equipment as other teams will be using those after our programme ends. Then we had a good rest, looking forward to return home on Day 10. Later in the afternoon, we had our final discussion with our instructors as change in our attitude is highly anticipated. We were given a feedback form for us to voice out any suggestion for future programmes at Outward Bound® Malaysia.
At 1650, we were given a briefing on the BBQ Night which will take place on the night itself. We were given several tasks; some were assigned for decoration while others were assigned for other jobs such as chair arrangements.
At 2000, we gathered at the Gym Hall for our Dinner. The food was superb, thanks to the Dining Hall and others involved. Group performances were performed and school songs were sung in the event. One of the participants (Shasha) gave out her speech, representing us. After clearing up the hall, we went to our dormitories at 2240 hours to spend the remaining parts of the last night here. Some of us even went to the seaside up until 2330 to enjoy the view, albeit it was dark.
Day 10 (07 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 – 10/08/2016) – WE SURVIVED OUTWARD BOUND!
0730 hours. We reported to our instructors, returned the keys and had our breakfast, then our personal items that were collected on the first day were returned. The closing ceremony was held at 0845 hours with speech from the Executive Director. After the ceremony ends, the souvenir shops were opened for us to buy official Outward Bound® Malaysia’s official merchandises.The vast majority of us left the base camp to Menara PNB at 1000 by a chartered bus, while the remaining returned home either by their parents or by using express buses operating from Lumut. Thank you Outward Bound® Malaysia crew for every single help and assistance during the camp!
In the next blog post I will share some tips that you will need to know to survive this Outward Bound programme, insha-Allah.
Update (Sunday, 11/11/1437 H - 14/08/2016 15:01): The new article on survival tips during Outward Bound was published. Click here
Written on:
Thursday 08 Dhul Qa'dah 1437 to Saturday, 10 Dhul Qa’dah 1437
(11-13/08/2016)
Parts written in ETS coach en route from Kuala Lumpur to Bukit Mertajam & in Kulim, Kedah
