After three successful events organised by NRY CREWS, the first outdoor recreational activity was finally held on the 20th and 21st of August 2022 in Lata Medang, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. The 2D1N Lata Medang Hiking and Camping programme had enticed as many as staff members of NRY Architects from across all studios/departments, consisting of architects, technicians, admin staff and even the project directors.

Everyone is pumped up for the hiking

The programme comprised two main activities: the jungle trekking to Lata Medang waterfall, about a 10 km trail in the virgin tropical rainforest reserve of Hulu Selangor, and camping for a night at Sungai Pertak Campsite. Many preparations were made, led by Hafiz G, the Head of the Recreation Bureau, who was in charge of the programme’s tentative, the forest entry permit, campsite rental, F&B services and many others. He was assisted by other committee members of NRY CREWS, including Akrimee, Fitri and Yusuf, who helped during the location’s recce process a week earlier.

The briefing and headcount session at campsite

Around 40 people joined the programme, and half decided to stay put and joined the camping programme. The programme began at around 7 am, where the participants gathered at the scenic Empangan Sungai Selangor viewpoint before moving to the secured Pertak carpark. After registration, they hiked to the campsite for light refreshment, dropped their overnight backpack, got a prepared lunch pack and regrouped. The actual fun yet quite challenging hike started after the official briefing at the campsite, where the participants were split into three groups. The beginner & ‘senior citizen’ were prioritised at the front, the intermediate in the middle group, whilst the ‘fast and furious’ energetic group was at the back. The hike was led by Fitri and ‘swept’ by Hafiz G as the last person to ensure the safety of all participants. Meanwhile few other CREWS committee members were stationed in the middle for further support. Medical kits were also distributed to all three groups.

And the hike begins…

Overall, the hiking activity was running smoothly. Those who were fit and experienced managed to reach Lata Medang in a mere 2 hours, whilst few took some time to complete the hike. However, with strong support and encouragement from team buddies, everyone reached Lata Medang within 3 hours and 15 minutes. Just on time for lunch, picnic by the majestic waterfall, and followed by group photo for memories.

The group photo at Lata Medang waterfall

After the group photo, the participants started to descend downhill. As the weather was not so favourable, there was a heavy downpour during hiking back to the campsite. However, this did not put the spirit down among the participants, but rather a new adventure experience for many to hike in the rain.

The majestic waterfall view

By around 5 pm, all participants had safely arrived at the campsite, and the final head count was done. Light refreshments were prepared, including sandwiches and some kuihs with hot drinks, a sweet ending to the pretty challenging hike of the day.

During late evening, as day trippers made their way home, those who stayed camping started to organise and erect their respective tents, enjoyed the river bath and prepared for dinner. BBQ with traditional daging salai masak lemak cili api were amongst the menu served for the night. However, as the rain returned, not many activities could be held. Some were relaxing and chitchatting under the main fly, listening to live acoustic music by the talented guitar player, Akrimee, and singing along together, whilst others preferred to call it a day early due to exhaustion.

Night time at campsite. Time to chill and sing…

On the following day, many activities revolved around the river next to the campsite, as some people were bathing, dipping their bodies and feet, while some were aiming for their luck in fishing! There were also some spotted continuing with acoustic guitar and chitchatting. The event ended in the early afternoon after participants gradually made their way home.

As this was considered the first outdoor activity for NRY CREWS, many participants were looking forward to another similar programme in the future. May this programme achieve its objectives as a bonding time to foster a good relationship/ camaraderie among the staff members and a way for staff members to get active while instilling a love and appreciation toward Mother Nature.

River dipping time!