When we first started out planning for this project, none of us knew or expected it to reap a lot of intangible rewards at the end of it all. Now looking back at it, we are glad we organised this trip. Besides, how often can we get to visit one of the world's oldest rainforest?

The trip began in the evening of the 17th of May, 1998. We gathered 20 participants for this project, the first by the Welfare Committee that featured a trip out of the country. We had an early scare when a few participants failed to turn up at the appointed time, but they managed to arrive just in time before the 6.05 local train left for Johore Bahru. We reached JB at 6.45 pm, and while waiting for our 9.38 Express Train to Jerantut, we performed our Maghrib and Isyak prayers as well as ate dinner at the nearby Plaza Kotaraya. We reached Jerantut early the next morning at 3.40 am, where we met our guides from the Rebutia Camp Enterprise. Mr Hj Nizam did an excellent job in arranging the programme for us, and he along with his colleagues Mr Shafiq, Mr Mat Nor and Mr Maznan, proved to be invaluable to us.

We started our visit proper when we reached the Taman Negara resort on that same day at 12.30 pm. That was when the fun began. After pitching the tents, we left for lunch at a nearby floating restaurant on Sungai Tembeling, followed by a visit to Lata Berkoh, a popular spot for picnics. At night, we visited Bumbun Tahan, an observation hide that overlooks a salt-lick where the wild animals frequent to err�lick salt. They need the salt to help their digestion.

The next day, we went jungle trekking in the morning to Bukit Terisek. Along the way, Mr Hj Nizam pointed out the many various flora that can be found in the jungle, as well as briefing us on their medical qualities. We went through the Canopy Walkway, which is actually a suspended walkway, 20 metres above ground.

After Bukit Terisek, we paid a visit to another popular picnic spot named Lubok Simpon. Here is where some of us discovered the joy in eating coffee biscuits dunked in river water. We spent the night watching a video show about Taman Negara itself.

On the third day, we explored Gua Telinga. Some of us were already bracing ourselves for the expected onslaught of bats and bat droppings, but it didn't turn out that bad. We also paid a visit to another Bumbun, this time Bumbun Blau. This observation hide boasts sleeping quarters, complete with mattress and pillows.

After lunch, we took a boat ride up to Kuala Trenggan and through the rapids. Least to say, the rapids were disappointing. Our guides introduced us to a motivational game that involves attaching each other by rope. We were supposed to find a way out of the bind without untying the knots, but we failed. Mr Hj Nizam promised to disclose the answer before we leave for Singapore. That night, we paid a visit to a nearby kampung that was having a pasar malam.

The last day was spent quietly, as we struck our tents down and began packing up. After lunch, we said our final goodbyes to Taman Negara, and left for home.

All in all, it is to my best opinion that the trip was a resounding success. Alhamdulillah, everyone enjoyed themselves with minimal injuries. Not only did we learn many things about nature, we also managed to get close to one of God's great creations. Insya-Allah, maybe we'll organise another one soon. Anyone for Gunung Belumut?

Mazlee Bin Muharram