KUALA NERUS: The ‘Merdeka Bukit Maras Hike and Camp’ offered 300-odd nature and health enthusiasts a breathtaking glimpse of the sunset and sunrise over the South China Sea.
The participants, who stayed overnight in hammocks and tents atop the 1,100ft (about 333m) above-sea-level hill – Kuala Nerus’ highest peak – were enthralled to watch the Kuala Terengganu city aglow at night.
Themed ‘Kabak dan Kemoh’ (hike and camp), the event was spearheaded by the Terengganu Paragliding Association secretary Anuar Ngah.
Anuar roped in the likes of Mohd Rafi Kori, who scaled Mount Everest in 20017 and 2015, to be among the team of motivational speakers at the event.
“Other professionals also gave talks on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle, appreciate nature, night-walking, camping, survival and nature conservation,” said Anuar, who last year organised the Terengganu International Paragliding Competition (Tipco 2017) at Bukit Bubus in Setiu.
Anuar added that such low-cost events were a crowd-puller in the state’s ‘Visit Beautiful Terengganu’ tourism calendar.
“Such community programmes are held to spur, especially the youth, to be active in addition to serving as a touristic activity.
“Additionally, they will get a good workout, enjoy fresh breeze, do bird-watching, visit the bat cave, learn backpacking, listen to professionals on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle and appreciate nature’s flora and fauna,” he said, adding the majority of participants were university undergraduates doing their outdoor studies.
There were also foreign tourists like sisters Giovanna and Louise Wolswijk from Italy, and a German couple who only wanted to be known as Rafael and Emilia.
Anuar added that the Bukit Maras Paragliding and Recreation Park spot was founded by acclaimed Nepali paraglider Sano Babu Sunuwar, the ‘National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2012’.
“Sano competed in last year’s TIPCO championship and had spotted Bukit Maras while touring the state.
“It has now become an ideal location owing to its proximity with Kuala Terengganu.
“Besides, it only takes less than an hour to scale 1.8km up the hill safely,” said Anuar, adding participants enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the idyllic islands of Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas, as well as a dinner barbeque.
The event, he said, had the blessings of the police and the Kuala Nerus land office.
It was supported by the Kuala Terengganu Residents (Kuterer), Persatuan Luncur Udara Terengganu (Plut), Kelab Media Explorasi Terengganu (K-Met), Eastern Recreational Community (Erec), FIT Terengganu, Penggerak Rekreasi Terengganu, Terengganu Backpackers Community and individuals.