Forging quality workplace relationships through hiking and camping activities

The USSRC-SL Hiking and Camping Activity at Gunung Angsi via Bukit Putus was organised by the UTAR Staff Sports and Recreation Club of Sungai Long Campus (USSRC-SL) from 29 until 30 July 2023. The event served as a platform for staff, students, members of the UTAR community and the public to forge a closer bond. The activities, which saw about 30 participants’ involvement in the hiking activity and 50 participants’ involvement in the camping activity, aimed to promote outdoor activities among the UTARians and to explore the beauty of nature.

The journey to Ulu Bendul Recreational Park began at 4 a.m. in the morning from UTAR on 29 July 2023. Upon reaching, the team disembarked and began the setup of the tents at Ulu Bendul Campsite. To provide participants with an all-around experience of campers’ lifestyles and survival in the wild, the power outlet for electricity was not provided for their tents. Nevertheless, one of the appealing factors at Ulu Bendul was the campsite near the river where participants enjoyed having river baths.

On the same day, participants for the hiking activity gathered at the foot of Gunung Angsi, a mountain renowned for its jungle-covered peak with popular, steep hiking trails to its 825m summit. UTAR hikers were briefed by the guide before a warm-up session.

All participants were left to continue with their activities of venturing around the campsite. During dinner, participants were entertained by other campers with guitar-accompanied singing and mini-activities. On 30 July 2023 after breakfast, a prize-giving ceremony for the Best Tent Awards was held for the most beautifully decorated tent. Dr Foo Chai Nien from M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences won the first prize along with her family while Intan Azfar binti Kamaruzaman from the Department of Student Affairs and Al Hikmah Putra bin Ali Muzir won second and third prizes respectively. All winners walked away with hampers.

In conclusion, the event was successfully held as planned and the safety of participants was prioritised. Moreover, the event received great feedback from the participants, who hoped that such recreational activities can be organised continuously.

Tents set up by organising committee members

Participants during briefing and warm-up sessions

Participants posing at the foot of Gunung Angsi

Participants who made it to the summit of Gunung Angsi

 

Winners of Best Tent Award