SIBU: Ask any hikers in Sibu, and chances are that they will say Kemuyang is their favourite spot for jungle trekking.
Hikers, young and old, including people from all races, flock to the place, especially during weekends, for the activity.
Some kids as young as five years old even tag along with their parents to the site, which is located some 20km from the town centre.
There are hikers in individual groups, while others are in a big group of more than 50 people. It is also quite common to see a lone hiker, as the place is not only safe but its lush green forest provides a perfect avenue for the activity.
Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) Borneo Eco-Trek chairman, Councillor Raymond Tiong, recalled that it all started more than 10 years ago.
“At that time, not many hikers went to the place, but now it has become the most sought-after place for hiking activity. It is now a fixed place for hiking,” said Tiong, who is one of the regulars.
To make it easier for hikers to follow the trails, he said they had affixed markers on trees. Hikers can choose any trail depending on their stamina.
The white trail is about 1.47km, yellow (3.10km), blue (5.10km), orange (6.15km), and red (10km).
For lecturer Chiew Siok Cheng, 53, rain or shine, she will be sweating it out in Kemuyang every Saturday afternoon and on public holidays.
“Hiking brings me closer to nature, and it is also a great way to get fresh air, including a natural boost of happiness,” she reckoned.
Chiew took up hiking three years ago following constant persuasion by Saberkas Eco-trek advisor Datuk Jason Tai.
“The benefits and reasons I go hiking are that it helps to improve my health, build my stamina, and muscle, especially the lower limb muscles,” she said.
A school headmistress, Ting Suk Hee, 56, concurred that Kemuyang is an ideal place for hiking.
“Hiking is tiring, but I sweat a lot, and this makes me feel good. Kemuyang is a suitable site for hiking due to its cool environment. There are trails with different distances to suit different people. We can choose the different trails according to our strength and the time available on different days,” said Ting, who took up the activity in 2019.
“I used to work out on the treadmill, but it is boring, and I would stop and give up when I felt tired. But hiking is different because once I have started, I have to complete the trails, which is a good way of forcing myself to exercise,” she said.
Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu treks in Kemuyang every weekend if time permits.
“From my experience, I find the place very nice as I can be close to nature. Compared to other activities, I enjoy hiking more as it is one of the best forms of exercise for physical and mental de-stress,” he said.
Dr Nanthakumar hoped hikers will help keep the place free from rubbish by not littering.
“Please help to keep the place free from rubbish. If you have an empty bottle, do not litter in the forest but bring it out,” he advised.
He also hoped that the place would become a permanent one for hiking.
“I see some construction activity going on. We must fight to keep this place, or else we will lose it,” he remarked.
