District Fellowship Hike @ Bukit Gasing Hosted By RC Sri Petaling

7 March 2010, 6:30am, a Sunday morning. While many were still in bed, a group of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Sri Petaling had already started gathering at PDG Ken Khoo’s Happy Home, a beautiful house with a breathtaking view of Bukit Gasing.

We were busy setting up the reception table, boiling up the water for the refreshment, sorting out T-shirts and caps, unloading mineral water etc. Simply, we just wanted to be ready to receive the guests of the District Fellowship Hike @ Bukit Gasing.

A heavy downpour the night before never dampened our spirit. As a host, RC Sri Petaling, led by IPP Lawrence Kwan, was eagerly waiting for the event to unfold after 4 months of planning.



The first guest arrived at about 6:45am, and soon the reception table was crowded with participants waiting in line to get their names registered and to collect the T-shirt and caps. Our initial worry of a poor turn-out proved to be redundant. At 7:30am, a few minutes to the flag-off time, the number of participants stood at 109, just 13 shy of a full turn out.

The Fellowship Hike @ Bukit Gasing was organized with noble objectives in mind. We want this event to be the platform to foster new friendship and renew old ties among the Rotarians, families and friends. We also brought together the Interactors and Rotractors, just to encourage interactions between the young and the “young-at-hearts”. What was more suitable than a slow hike up the pristine forest in the Bukit Gasing? While everyone had a chance to enjoy the fresh Sunday morning breeze as well as to burn off an extra pound or two gained over the Chinese New Year, we also invited them to show their “Love For Our Mother Earth” by removing all rubbish along the way.


At about 7:15am, our Chief de Tour, Rtn Amus Loo gave a briefing on the “Do’s” and” Don’ts” of the hike. Shortly after that, all participants were divided into 4 teams, each led by an official from the Friend Of Bukit Gasing. Finally at about 7:30am, District Governor Leslie Salehuddin started to flag off the teams at 5 minute intervals.


Even though the hike was expected to be a relaxing trip in the forest, but the safety of the participant was always high on our priority. Thanks to PP Datuk Dr Lee, we had a team of St John volunteers on stand-by. 2 ambulances and 13 volunteers were stationed at strategic locations so that first-aid was within reach when need arises.



We never expected any “casualty” but an hour or so into the hike, the walkie-talkie of a St John officer stationed at the base blared out loud,” …we got the first casualty….. proceed to base and standby to receive the casualty….”.





The air around the base suddenly became abnormally still. All eyes were staring at the main gate, anxiously waiting for the first sign of the ambulance. Minutes later, an ambulance stopped, first-aid personnel rushed to the door, only to see PP Sangar and DGN2 Mansoor coming out of the ambulance with broad smiles on their faces. The “casualty” turned out to be Mansoor’s daughter. She suffered from minor exhaustion. After a few minutes of rest and a packet of nasi lemak, she was all well and smiling again.



One and a half hours into the hike, we started to see the returning participants. They all shared something common. They were all soaking wet with perspiration but smiles were all over their faces. Once they sit down, everyone had his / her version of excitement to share with others. PP Ong Kum Sing complained about the his sore muscles that require some massage, while another Rotarian was overheard saying he did not want to talk to IPP Lawrence Kwan for 2 months for organizing such a demanding hike. Despite what they said, we could only see happy faces. Obviously, everyone had some good memory to bring home to. For the host, that was the most wonderful outcome we can ask for.



Nasi lemak and drinks were served. While some participants were winding down, a sudden commotion at the main gate surprised some. Another “casualty” was being transported back to the base. He was none other than PP Leslie Yeap. When we saw PP Leslie waving his hand to the crowd in a celebrity style, we know he was in no danger. He was just tired and decided to hitch a ride from the returning ambulance.


For every successful activity, there were many people that we need to thank. The task was given to our President Ivy Wong. PDG Ken Khoo and DG Leslie Salehuddin were also there to share some of their thoughts.



The whole event finally came to an end at about 10:45am. A big “Thank You” to the organizing committee and all those who helped make this event a success for RC Sri Petaling.

For more photographs of the event, click here.

Written By: Rtn Kong HY
15th March 2010

Event Statistics:

1. Number of participants: 109

2. Participating Rotary Clubs:

RC Pudu
RC Kajang
RC Gombak
RC Kampung Bahru
RC Titiwansa
RC RC Pantai Valley
RC Danau Desa
RC Puchong
RC Kelana Jaya
RC Melawati
RC Port Dickson
RC Petaling Jaya
RC Ampang
RC Metro KL
RC Damansara
Host Club – RC Sri Petaling

3. Participation:

50% Rotarians
25% Spouses & Family members
25% Friends, Guests & Interactors

4. District Officials Present:

DG Leslie Salehuddin
PDG Ken Khoo
DGE BK Lim
DGN2 Mansoor
PP Leslie Yeap
PP Sangar
PP Ridzuan
G 9 AG Veiven
Rtn Raymond Chin

5. St. John Ambulance:

PP Dato Dr Lee
Mr Steven Wong with 13 Volunteers
Two Ambulances

6. Friends of Bukit Gasing:

5 members assisting as trails leaders