All posts tagged: adventure

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Climbing the 20th highest peak in the world is probably my greatest achievement thus far! It was exciting, daunting, exhilarating and surreal, in that order. We started our climb via the Timpohon Gate, located 90 km from Kinabalu National Park, Borneo (East Malaysia). The first day’s target was to climb 6 km horizontally and 1300 m vertically. The initial stretch was relatively easy, alternating between clearings and small steps, amid tall trees and dense vegetation. The second half was slightly more taxing, with steeply inclined rocks and steps, where trees were gradually replaced by shrubs and bushes. The trick was to save as much energy as possible by finding an alternative way to climb the steps through rubble and using small rocks as stepping stones. The view became more scenic with height and we were shrouded in mist for certain stretches. I would typically describe it as breath-taking, but I must reserve the term for the summit.     It is mandatory for all climbers to spend the night at Laban Rata or one of its …

Hong Kong!

The Asian hub of lights and color, Hong Kong, welcomed my most spontaneous trip thus far. I was in India for less than 3 days when I was asked to fly out to HK for an assessment centre! Adventure in disguise. A colorful mix of India and Singapore, Hong Kong charmed me with its mountaineous landscape and windy winter. A refreshing blend of corporate city life and nature. After a day and a half of rigorous testing, I let my hair down and became a tourist. I stayed with some distant family at the palatial Park View Apartments, up in Hong Kong island, which is home to some incredible hiking trails. I ventured on one with a couple of friends who frequent such trails. Our aim was to conquer Mount Parker. After a relatively simple stretch of 45 minutes, we reached the base of the mountain. I had anticipated adventure, but not exactly the kind with a narrow, undefined, uphill climb amid rocks, mud and bushes. Did I mention deadly?! It struck me midway that …

Bungee Jumping!

Imagine riding in the sky, with your adrenalin soaring, the wind in your face, your heart in your throat, your stomach somersaulting, your head screaming obscenities. That’s just how it felt, like you were dropping, flying, defying gravity, falling, all in the same instant!  Bungee Jumping wasn’t initially part of the plan. We were only looking for a 7-eleven at Boat Quay, landed instead at Clarke Quay, and got talked into “living the moment!” Carpe Diem, Seize the day. So the next thing the three of us know, we are on the Bungee Xtreme Swing at 1:15 am. It was beyond scary, because the damned thing has nothing you can hold on to. You’re strapped in your seat and that’s about it. Then they raise you real high, and for the fall to start (it’s reverse bungee), you have to press a release lever. It’s a catch, trust me, if you’re entrusted with the responsibility of pulling it, sitting in the centre, shit scared.  The drop was insane! I really can’t think of words to describe it. It was …