A Day of Hiking

 Climbing Higher, Breathing Deeper

Last weekend, early in the morning, my friends and I gathered, ready for an adventure. We drove about an hour and a half to Port Dickson, excited to reconnect with nature. Our first stop was the Army Museum, where we explored fascinating displays of artillery, helicopters, military trucks, defense caves, and demonstrations of military emergency health services. It was an eye-opening experience, but the real highlight awaited us (the hike).

The trail was narrow and steep, surrounded by captivating nature. The climb was both exhilarating and challenging, and soon I found myself taking deep, deliberate breaths. Along the way, we passed other hikers who smiled warmly and wished us good luck. Their cheerfulness made me wonder what they had seen ahead, and curiosity kept me pushing forward. Clear blazes marked on trees reassured us we were on the right path. Reaching the peak brought a deep sense of accomplishment. The descent, though easier, still required careful steps to avoid injury on the rugged terrain. Eventually, we reached the base and headed to the beach, where the cool, fresh breeze and lighthearted jokes made for a perfect ending to the hike.

Looking back, the whole day felt like a reset—a chance to unload stress and recharge emotionally. This experience reminded me of the importance of physical activity in my life. For the past two years, I regularly played football as my form of aerobic exercise to stay fit, maintain stamina, and improve overall health. But since moving to a different environment, such activities became rare.

That’s why, when the opportunity arose, I joined preparatory futsal games ahead of a tournament organized by the Asian School of Business. My team didn’t make it past the first round, but our other team won the tournament. Meeting players from various institutions, encouraging each other, and giving our best was an enriching experience.

Hiking, football, futsal—these activities are more than just physical workouts. They are moments of connection, self-expression, and joy. I left Port Dickson that evening physically tired but mentally refreshed, already looking forward to my next chance to get outdoors.