JELEBU: Carrying over 20 kilogrammes (kg) of goods while climbing a mountain is an extraordinary feat for a female mountain guide, especially when the person in question is 50 years old.
Haryati Sidi, a grandmother to a seven-month-old grandchild, demonstrates this strength and endurance.
Known as GoGo among hiking enthusiasts, Haryati frequently takes on the task of carrying various goods, including food, personal items, and hiking gear.
"I usually charge between RM500 and RM600 for each load I carry. I also cook for the hikers as needed and ensure their safety," she said.
Haryati has been recognised as a female mountain guide in Negeri Sembilan since 2022.
Working with the Pencinta Alam Hikers (PAH) group, she manages participants who wish to hike, with fees covering meals and other necessities throughout the trek.
"I make sure the fees reflect the value of the service, which is why I don't mind carrying a bag filled with items weighing 18kg or sometimes even more than 20kg," she said.
Haryati also manages hikes for participants across Malaysia and internationally.
For day hikes, she carries around 10kg, but this weight increases to 18kg or more for overnight trips or hikes lasting three to five days.
Managing hikers locally and internationally
What began as a hobby has now become a significant source of income for Haryati, who is busy each week managing hiking activities.
"I have organised hikes on Mount Rinjani, Mount Merapi, and Mount Daik in Indonesia, as well as Mount Silipat in Thailand.
"In September and October, my schedule is packed with managing hikes on Mount Tahan, Mount Sindoro, and Mount Daik in Indonesia," she said.
Haryati believes that anyone can hike a mountain or hill as long as they are in good physical condition.
She said some of her hiking companions are as old as 65 but remain active.
Rules and superstitions during hiking
"There are certain rules to follow, such as avoiding boasting or inappropriate behaviour. Hikers are encouraged to recite prayers during the climb.
"Women on their period need to be especially careful and ensure menstrual pads are not discarded improperly but are taken back," she added.
Haryati said it is also advised not to mention wild animals by name, but to use code words such as 'Maybank' for tigers, 'belt' for snakes, or 'fumakila' for elephants.
"This is to avoid attracting wild animals. Additionally, if you come across unusual or beautiful objects, they should not be taken home.
"There are many taboos to observe, such as not calling out to friends, which could attract unwanted entities and lead to getting lost. Also, be mindful of where you relieve yourself; proper places should be used.
"One unforgettable incident was when hysteria broke out among hikers during a climb of Gunung Datuk in Rembau, which was successfully managed by the male PAH crew," she said.
As a single mother, Haryati said she had always enjoyed adventurous activities since her youth and has climbed numerous hills and mountains in Malaysia.
"Previously, while married, I was busy taking care of my two children. After becoming a single mother about ten years ago, I became actively involved in hiking hills and mountains."