Peak Fun at Kelab METEOR River Retreat

The company staff club, Kelab METEOR, conducted an adventurous river retreat for the staff early this month at Kuala Razila in Gopeng, Perak. Held from 5 to 7 July, the programme attracted 59 participants from our faculties, learning centres, units, and centres.

Day 1: Hiking Bukit Batu Putih

On the first day, the participants hiked up Bukit Batu Putih, a scenic hill in the eco-adventure heart of Gopeng. The trail was clear and well-marked, with gentle inclines becoming more pronounced closer to the summit. At 310 metres, the peak offers a photogenic spot, especially for sunset views, which the group enjoyed.

A sobering thought: this is where Mohammad Ashraf Hassan disappeared while participating in the Gopeng Ultra Trail in March 2019!

Day 2: White-Water Rafting and Telematch Fun

Saturday was packed with activities, starting with white-water rafting at Sungai Kampar. Each raft had a captain providing clear directions, making it an exhilarating yet safe experience. The rapids varied from gentle to challenging, but with the captains’ guidance, everyone enjoyed the rush of the water.

Three APEL Centre staff had tremendous fun. While Norhazian Mohamad Shariff had rafted before, it was a first for Nurul Amanina Muhamad Jufari. “The beginning made me nervous, but the ending was happy!” she said.

“I fell four times! Kenyang minum air sungai (I got full from drinking river water),” added Mohd Azzuan Hisham Mohd Ali.

After the clothes-drenching but spirit-lifting bout of rafting, the group indulged in durians (yes, it’s peak durian season!). Then, they engaged in a fun telematch, bowling with coconuts, passing water balloons in sarongs, and running in gunny sacks, two to a sack. That night, they enjoyed a barbecue with karaoke.

Day 3: Teroka Smart Community Programme

On the final day, the group conducted a community programme called “Teroka Smart” for 19 Orang Asli children at the local community hall. The children participated in fun educational activities and received bags filled with snacks and stationery.

Said Assoc Prof Dr Safiah Md Yusuf, Head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Management, “It was an unforgettable 3-day journey of adventure, camaraderie, and giving back – from the thrill of hiking and conquering rapids, to bonding over outdoor games and a BBQ feast; to making a difference through community service.” 

“The main transportation was by lorry. It felt like we were animals being taken for ibadah korban (slaughter), but it ended up being very enjoyable! The programme with the Orang Asli children was great! We sang, danced, and played with them – it made us feel young again,” shared Zaiton Jamingan from the Centre for Learner Affairs.

Norhazian enjoyed the entire programme so much that she rated the experience 9/10!