[D
NE$ID[N['$ Greetings to one and all, a>.
The decision to quit the adventure racing scene was a tough one. Many of us had watched intently as Adventure Trail Challenge (ATC) matured in scale and appeal. ATC had carved a niche for itself among its peers - the race that was true to the spirit of adventure and the outdoors. ATC was blossoming into an established event. Indeed, it was with a heavy heart that we discontinued ATC.
For every sunset, there is a sunrise. This year, we saw the re-birth of Ad-sports and the Trek Comm as full-fledged committees. Our Adsports calendar now includes our annual BBQ, the family games day, kayaking courses and expeditions, cycling, and rollerblading. The Trek Comm explored 2 new places - Batu Caves and Chemerong waterfall. We hope, with the additional manpower and resources that these 2 committees will continue to improve the safety, quality, and variety of our local activities and overseas trips. In the past 3 years, I've seen many beautiful places. There were even moments when I wished I could pause time and slowly absorb everything. I've caught the sunrise from Low's Peak on Mount Kinabalu and the sunset from the boulders of Gunung Datuk However, no matter how spectacular the moment is, I realize that is the people around you that make it special. It is sharing the hardship and fun we had with our friends, members, and participantso which make these memories worth capturing.
With the publication of this issue, the journey of the 12th Management Committee will come full circle. We have almost 80 committee members this year and we would like to thank them all for helping us bring the outdoors and the spirit of adventure to NTU. We are also grateful to see our seniors and alumni for coming back and supporting us every year. Finally, we would like to welcome all the new FOOT-ies and freshmen alike to the family. As we move into the new academic year, allow me to share with you some wise words that lieve embody our spirit of adventure. Twenty yearc from nou,, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail awuyfrom the sde harbour. Twain Catch the trade winds in your sails. Erylore. Dseam. Discoven
-Mark
Syed
Munir
ident,
L2th
Management Comm
I
be-
Feotudng fln OUTDOW + $l*ODW,9",-,rA Introducing the ODAC Crew, the different committees come together as one.
o
hn
,rt^r,*
6yrn
Finding fun in Singapore? Adventure in urban land? Join Adsports!
z $,r1" â‚Ź,"r*rr;bt". Check out how Trek Comm. ventures foreign lands to seek new wonders.
e 9rr^gl^t
2OO8
how Spiderman scale the walls at the annual bouldering competition at Pumpfest 2oo8! See
tO 8.olrrrr.* g,a",rt^t;.* 9a.rr"n" 8r y' 2OOB In FOOT'oS, we bring our Freshies to the new Endau Rompin Campsite.
12 9n",a"na Sr g" Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ODAC trips bring you to explore, discover and experience. Challenge yourself here!
19
fiu*l %" ,5"{"
Listen to what our seniors have got to say as they bid farewell...
-* r
-]
,f2
\\'lrat a.\'('aI'it lras Ircctt! tcrtainlv a \'('r.\'trrlti)ling atttl reuanlitts ottt' lirr rrrc! ODACI has gir en tttc a lot. ttachirrg tne in and t>utdoor skills, tirrging tricntlshil'rs that rvill last fbrcvcr, ancl rk'frnitely rvriting r]rornorit's tlrat u ill rt'ntain firl lilir. -l'lris.jorrrrrct' lrus llt'rrr a srn<lotlt-sailittg otrc bcr:atrst' ot'tlrt trraitr t ottrlrritttc. tlrt sub-r'ornnrittccs antl tlx: Ii(X)s (lrriortls of'Ol)A('). Spt:t'ral tlrarrls to tlrclrr lirr t'orrtributilrg tlrcir lrtart a:rtl sorr'l to nralir: cat'h atttl c\ tf\' ('\'clit it su('('('ss. Ilopcfrrll,r'. this issut'of'Otl'l'l)(X)ltS nill bring\'oir lnany happ.r'uicrrrorir:s of'tlrc tirrc spcnt irt Ol),\(l tlrt'arlrr:nttu'cs. finr ancl .jo1'crpcricntrcl anrl rlrg('\,ou lo irc part ot'orrr lric larriih'.
\in. l'trlrlir ation ()11it'cr \lirrrrrg('tn('nt ('()nlilritt('('
lilroo lit'
l'l'
curDccasl p3
ffi @ ,'.-l
..rr&
ffi
-!' 1.;qjx
.
i
Chye Kiat KangHmg n
q
Jay Ren
a
-18 -*-.. \
3w@
I
b'
r&r *,
.67 L s"rat
PK.u ^oi.,[nir,
-o..,ft.
friio"tr
& xuelirs (Resigrred)
Adventure Sports or AdSports in short, moy be the smollest comm omong the 4, but our existence is poromount to the success of ODAC. The role of Adsports is to ensure thqt oll oun subcomm memb ers f eel o sense of belonging to ODAC' We focus on orgonizing low cost outdoor bqsed octivities moinly for our own subqre: oDAC Fomily Doy, ODAC commers. The octivities we organrzed this yeor BBe(6eek s Galore), Adventur e Bike Challenge(ABC) ond Koyoking Expedition. We areolso responsible for orgonizing 1* ond 2* koyoking courses for whoever is interested in joining us for our onnuol Koyoking Expedition ot the end of the
work yeot. Don't be mistoken thot AdSports do not hove oun own shore of fun, we went to qlso Jerongkong folls during the stqrt of the work yeor os o comm. trip ond we hod o Kelong Fishing getowoy in Morch.
Like most ODAC octivities, we notur e of our octivities qre mostly cotered f or join beginners ond omoteurs, so onyone with the spirit of odventure con olwoys our octivities regardless of their past experiences in the respective sports. Lost but not leost, AdSPorts, o comm. for enthusiostic outdoor odventure seekers who wish to shqre their love for outdoor sports to everYone in the ODAC Fomily.
Words: Untung HidoYot
i, SPO : Untung Hidoyot & Seow Xueling (Resigned)
i\)=l' Do you have the adventure in you to explore the unknown, the desire to trek, and the dedication to serve? The ODAC Trek Committee does all that! Introduced formally by the 12th committee, the trek committee comprises 11 closely knit trek members and 4 trek mentors. Throughout the year, we have discovered new places that are subsequently introduced to the club. The two new trips this year are Batu Caves (led by Tyzz Kae and Jun Zhong) which combines elements of canvassing and natural rock wall climbing, and Air Tujul Cemerong (led by Michelle) in the quiet Dungun Town , with its pristine forests and magnificent watedalls.
In addition, the trek committee has worked together to lead trips and to conduct Community Involvement Programme for the underprivileged. Project BASU (Bask under the Sun) is a new initiative by the Trek Committee to bring the joy of trekking to children and teenagers during their June school holidays. Led by Melissa and Gladys, it was a fun-filled day at Pulau Ubin with activities such as trekking, games, telematches, and outdoor cooking.
sPo: rrrong rieYang !----
.fr$K
CO
Ntlt
Cemerong Watedalls, speculated to be the highest watefall in Malaysia , lies in the Town of Dungun , State of Terengganu . The sight of the 305 metres watefall is visible miles away yet shies away upon nearing the starting point. The trek is veftically challenging, with lots of climbing and trudging before reaching the campsite. The campsite is situated along a crystal clear river with many fishes in it. There was even a tuftle seen in one of the pools in the middle of the forest! The trek to the watefall resembles a pilgrimage. Trekkers like pilgrims, have to ensure hours of climbing before reaching the Cemerong waterfall that magnificently cascade down a 305 meters slope. Upon reaching, the water greets you by flushing from the mountain, hitting the rock pool at the bottom. The resounding echoes are just like hitting thousands of drums in front of you, drumming in apparent synchrony. Before soaking yourself in the icy cold water, you already feel blessed by the mist that splashes from the fall. As you breathe, part of Cemerong enters to soothe even the weariest travellers. It is an adventure not to be forgotten.
i.i*Id,i;;" aJ, KRAr.s
*
Egq
SPO: Jovin Ng & Meishan Krishnan
:
NTU ODAC orqanize this much anticipated annual event, with a total of 510
l-a
participants.
:
:: isouldering is a form of sport climbing that requires no harnesses or ropes. Climbers attempt the ! iclimbing routes on the constructed climbing walls of about 4 to 5 meters in height. Safety mar ! !
t! rl
tresses are laid beneath the climbers to break their fall and ensure a soft and safe
landing.
:
::
itt " variety of bouldering routes possible is almost infinite. Each bouldering route presents its ! io* challenges to the climber. In a bouldering competition, the pace is faster and the climbers' ! !*o.res are more dynamic. It is no doubt the reason why the event drew large crowds and the ! lctreers from the spectators were deafening !
was held on 30th May to l=t June 2008, at the newly constructed entertainment ! lPumpfest !centre, Leisure Park Kallang. This is the first year that the event was held in an air-conditioned ! venue, where the participants and the army of supporters can enjoy the event without i !indoor Ia lhaving to worry about the elements of the weather. Despite the ever increasing scale of thei ievent each year, Pumpfest has still managed to retain its cha.racter of being an event friendly to i : ! the new and novice climbers. 2OO8
,itYp.ynggld.Ii*gtg.g.tgg.u![.o.ur Fl[r.teciatio.Ir.tg..4l.thp.grc.aL*9Np.9$$.iqhg.h*yr pledged their $ryports Pumpfest 2(X)8, DTru ODAC. TIIANETUI" @
ater \; t-.ri;-
\n
r=": "
\A\\,\\G W ,ai ttt il\()l([,t(
\l
\t.
?i r vr t,rtsrtt
.
N.rrronrlluil,
( orrrrr
rr
Srruo,qpoRr
sPORIs COU,\,C[
StudentAffair Office
AlumnrAffair Office
LEiSURE PARK
a TIMEX
d deUtef
outdoor &
1
year, a new category, I{fU Fun Climb, was introduced : population response from Irl'IU the the student was overwhelming. IVIU Fun Climb is initi! iand in response increasing number of to the amateur climbers in MIU. Unlike the climbers in ! !ated !the novice categories, these Iflu climbers are leisure climbers, who took up Bouldering as a ! : lleisure sport and not a competitive sport. I
ift,i"
aI a:
aim of IfIU Fun Climb is to provide a chance for these amateur climbers to meet ,rp ar,a ! !have fun climbing together with other like-minded IfIU students. Participants of the IVIU Fun i !CtimU category are to work together in teams of 4, attempting a total of 20 climbing routes i !over duration of 3 hours. Majority of the Fun Climb participants were from IITU ODAC, and the ! was filled with lots of laughter and friendly cheering from fetlow participants. Indeed, i ievent 4.. : many participants this year are looking forward to taking part in ItIu Fun Climb again in the I
i*"
!rot*".
:
rt
!Pumpfest 2008 is honored to have our Guest-of-Honour, Associate Professor Lok Tat Seng, IIflI i lDean of Students, to grace our event for the consecutive second year. A/P Lok commented i !tfr"t Pumpfest is a I{IU event that he tooked forward to and will show his support for.
i :
l!
!tt has been a long and challenging journey for the organizing committee, with all of us only in ! i our first year as IYIU student. Pumpfest 2008 would not have been possible without the help of i i our supportive MIU ODAC members, dedicated ODAC seniors and our helpful friends and i : !volunteers, both from within I{IIJ and beyond. L BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!! ! Irrrrrrrrrrrrrtrrrrrrtrrrrr!
aa
rrrrrrrl l rrrrrrt OLoboL
-SoqNas
@
)qtfitters
1-
..,
Weat
a
trrrrtt!
aa
r
r r r r r t. r
aaaa
tr
a
rrrrr!rtrr
ar
rl rr!r
aaaaaaaa
al
chans MenSHealth GLEO crn(_ re !||]:ltt1'!t+1'Rft'i|lt fl! n.* w f^-(
lr.ltt\-(
.rtrt.-.U
Onernk *" I'a
trestr'
r,u1,r-,..
ourDocasl po
[lnenl]uc]sG FOOTOS - the final project of NTU ODAC, a highly anttcipatedevent. 146 July was the day where it all kick-started, wrth 49 freshmen from different backgrounds joining us for a fun-filled week of intensive and exciting activities. First up was ice breakers and orientation around the school. The ice breakers started offwith a few mini games and ended with chickens flying around. Orientating the freshmen around the school campus has always been our priority for the first day. Seniors and freshmen mingled around as they challenged the different stations situated at various checkpoints ali around the school. As time passed, nightfall came. One of the highlights of FOOT was night cycling where the freshmen explored the Western rural side of Singapore. Despite the bad weather and achrngmuscles after the cycling, it was a whole new experience for many as they enjoyed the cool breeze and beautiful night view. On the morning of the second day, freshmen took chartered buses and went to the Kallang River for dragonboating. They learnt to co-operate with one another ardhadtremendous fun. After that was a test of techniques in rock climbing and buying of groceries as day 2 came to an end.
ts 0riGntatl0n
.-_ ! Freshmen overseas orientation trip has always been a highly anticipated event. This is the time for valuable friendships, gteat memories and family spirit. And of course learning points for many. rtr_.,
\li
SPO: Yong Weng Heng Mike & Lim Wei Ling
w@
ETdH
T-r#lFX deuter
"lf you don't scale the mountoins, you can't view the ploins." 18 outdoor enthusiasts who braved the journey to the Sabah Kinabalu Trip held in December 2OO7 procured anything but ploins. From the frosty pre-dawn climb to the scorching battle of Borneo's white water rafting, it was irrefutably the trip of a lifetime.
Mount Kinabalu is well known worldwide for its biodiversity. Standing at a majestic 4,095 meters, it is also one of the highest mountains in SE Asia. The start of the trek was accompanied by dense rain forests. We had to walk through the misty clouds and knee-breaking steps which were also lined with exotic flora and fauna. At the top of the mountain, we were served with a lavish buffet to satiate our hunger pangs. Then we tucked into thick snugly sleeping bags and rested for a few hours before waking up at 2am to scale the summit. The night climb to the summit was just as demanding. It required not just fitness, but also mental strength, confidence, and determination to overcome the steep granite boulders and the freezing temperature. It was dark throughout the journey as we encouraged one another to climb on. When we reached the summit, we waited patiently for daybreak. As the sun rises, it unveiled the scenic beauty of Mount Kinabalu in its glory. From a dark oasis that slowly gathered light, the dull horizon morphed into a rainbow of splendid glow. Looking out, it was a sea of clouds with towering peaks resembling little islands.
After walking through a series of granite slabs, we reached the start point of Asia's first and the world's highest Via Ferrata conducted by Mountaintorq. A via ferrata (or'iron road' in Italian) is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are available only to rock climbers and mountaineers. We were ecstatic to be the first university from Singapore to make the descent via ferrata. Looking beneath our feet, it felt as though we were drifting midway above the clouds, stepping on an exquisite painting. The weariness in us faded away as we embraced the stunning view in front of us.
It
! .
I
**."
J,
.F
,*:,
i{. J &r
;*rl
,..
&
'itt''
m
7
/
il'nj'. aa.
n}r,
f."./
1t ,*,
I
,-ar-:,
. :,
=,.
q(
^i,#
ffiX
Xles&ru
Cycling Despite the heavy downpour in the morningof z7'h September, spirits of the 24pat ticipants stayed up high as they embarked on a cycling journey to Desaru beach. The
k-
cycle began as the pack reached Pengerang upon the bumpy bumboat ride from Changi Jetty. 55
Near half-way through the distance, the pack visited the Ostrich Farm. Getting on ostrich rides may be a common feat in zoos, but getting to taste satay and essence made out of the meat of the world's largest bird (ban in Singapore!) was a brand new experience! Ostrich meat gave them greater strength as they hit on their pedals and chiong all the way, through the 'rr hills of terror', to the real destination of Pulai Beach Resort, and ended the fulfilling day with a hearty BBQ by the starry beach.
Day z was an ideal weekend getaway from the taxing school work. The resort stay was full of fun and laughter as some went for a visit at the petting zoo and archery range, or stayed at the pool to soak their aching body while some secretly built their love nests at the quiet corners of the sandy beach. Evening time was the highlight as all headed for a sumptuous seafood dinner at the 'lobster town'at Sg Rengit. The return trip was made harder with the earlier exhaustion of day r. Under the blazing hot sun, high aspirations of burning fats and toning up of buttocks no longer works for the participants. Only with team spirit and encourage, the pack pushes through the return journey. A visit the confectionary of the famous 'MaTi Su'of Sg Rengit Honey Mango farm added extra flavour to the trip itin4ry.
Put
it simply, Desaru trip was of a good work out and good food! Words: Phua Chye Kiat
{ Words: Ngor Yihui
..$ Located in Kuantan-Pahang, Rainbow Falts can be reached by l*r'r'r or' 4ltt) l,tkclt lt'rutr \q lr"lnglitrg anrl lrll i*ur*r,r lllq.ltr rrill: ,r 5 hourcoach ridelo Kuantan and then another coach to Sg Lemping. Sg lemping used to be a minin$ town, where the town still preserves the old and historical buildilg structures.
--'qq
Early in the morning, we set off from Sg Lemping with great excitement. But the lorry ride in to the foot of the trek was not a smooth ride, as we had to dodge the overhanging tree branches, plants and leaves. So, at the end of the lorry ride, everyone was experiencing aching muscles and butts.
4 t.t
'".r/ |
I
The highlights of the trek were the rainbow that awaited us at "l +-J,: the end of the trek and the river crossing. Xainbow Falls trek F-f was different from the rest of NTU ODAC treks, as the trek covered more of river bed trekking. t{alking on the rocky river bed proved to be a quite a challenge to most of us, as it required one to possess a good sense of balance and stable footing in order to walk comfortably on the rocky terrain.
t't'
k t
d!s'ts' The waterfall was surrounded by luxurious green cliffs, which gave off a feeling of an isolated sancluary, undisturbed by pollution. Although we did not catch the huge rainbow due to the poor weather, but in the end the group was surprised hy a small rainbow that just hung directly above their heads. For lhe next fer,v hours, we spent our time dipping in the emerald green pool and enjoying the beauty of nature.
'ir..
*
Time past quickly when we were all !t having fun, it was soon time for us to head back to Kuantan. We checked into a hotel where warm and comfy beds awaited our tired and sore bodies. Then the next morning, we took a bus back to Singapore and that marked the end of our rainbow falls trip.
I
I
Trip I/Cs: Ngor Yihui & Lim We
Jeaolngkang Watevfalls :!
Jerangkang waterfalls is known as the big brother of Berkelah waterfalls, however it is unknown to many. Located in Kuantan - Pahang, Jerangkang waterfalls is made up of +s separate waterfalls, accompanied by lagoons and sizeable pools for cool dips, natural'Jacuzzl'or just relaxing around. -l-lrt tllst lalls. uhcre tltccattrp is based, can bc rcachctl h,r'a Iorn or l.\\'l) antl thc.iourney bcgins u itlr atr urlr r:lrtrrrorrs, sornetinrcs rollcrcoastcr, lorr)' tlansfcr on rrrrtltrlating trails through shallou' strcarns anrl rrrbbcr plantations to the campsite at thc l;asr ot'the u atr:rtiill t:ascacles.
\\'r' u crc' Irappv to lravt: l'r'oti,ssor .lat'ob (iarr .;oinirrg tts ott tltis trip ns ltc sltarctl u itlt trs ))l?tl)\' storit,s. 'l-hc hiehlig-lrt ot'thc' trip is tlrc crpioration ot'thc nlal)\'
atcrfirlls arrcl pools, ancl enioving thc br:atrty -l'he o1'ttattrru'. trtli bcgan uith a ualli in tltr lorcst gratltral arrrl thrrr a irrt'rcasc irr tlrc gr-atlicrrt o1'tltc 'l-irt,tl t'lirrrlr. ils \\ rr trriglrt llc, brrt tlrt, crcitt,rrrott of' sr:eittg tltc u.aterlirll olcnvhclnrcrl us as \\'c inc'hctl t"lt,sct t() ()r.rt' tlt'stit rrrtitllt. rr
Orrr tlt'stination of'tIrc trcli u as lot'lrtt:il at tlrc rrritl-lcr cl t'ast'atlt:s, u hcre u t. or.jo-r'r,rl orrr lilrch. A short su it:r to tlte othc,r'sicle ,:rf'tlte 1rool, ur \\rr(,al)lc to clitnlr rrp along thc sitlt:s ot'tlrt, rr atrr"firlls. \\'c ut'r'c. ablt. to gr.t so t'losc to tlrt, u atcrfall, it u irs tlcf initclt' a l)r'\\ irtttl t't ll t':ltittq t'r1lt't'it'trt't'. Once night came, we were engulfed in darkness and the only source of light was our
torchlight. With the absence of city lights and tall buildings, it was a perfect night for star gazing. So after our dinner, we rnade our way to an open space and lay there lazily, gazing at the stars. The sky filled full of stars was not a sight seen colnrnonly back in Singapore. Despite the cold weather, many of us fell asleep with the stars srnoothing sound of water flowing as our lullaby. Words: Ngor Yihui
as
our blanket and the
ollrDoopsl pr7
Trip I/Cs: Denis Lim, Khoo Ke Xin &
Xie Junzhong Words: Denis Lim
UK
fff
' ,,; ,#t"t '.*|+.t'
,"3
rrrrrrrrr- The 3 yeors I spent in NTU ODAC were the greot! est time I've ever hod. Not only did I find iike- I ' minded individuols who shored the some possion I for outdoor octivities ond odventure sports, I olso I I forged close ond involuoble friendships I never ; imogined possible. Together, we shored moments II I of ioy ond teors. I know thot I will forever hove , this precious group of friends wotching ofter my Ir ! bock, os I would wotch ofter theirs, even upon . groduotion becouse our iourney doesn't end with 1I ! my groduotion. ODAC hos given me the brothers ond sisters I olwoys wished for but never got to r tlor". ODAC hos given me o second fomil! ond I ,l through it, I leornl to be o better person. As much . os ll" the song 'Linger' keeps reploying in my heod, I ! know thot the ODAC fomily spirit resides deep in I *y heort, no mqtter where I om. The rest of you I ' guys out there, open up your ,$ t heorts ond see like me, ond I
guorontee you on unforgettoble experience of o lifetime. Tout le meilleure! -Joo Shun Zhong I
I
I
I -
Ask onyone for o word to describe ODAC ond you'll probo-
bly get FAMILY!|I Thonk you for letting me experience the good, bod, poinful ond ioyful times with you oll.
rN AbfrAr
My time hos finolly come! As o non-footie, FOOT'OS hos left me totolly WOW-ed. I returned thot yeor to ioin FOOT comm, followed by 1 1ih moin comm in '06. ln my 4 yeors in ODAC, l've hod my foir shores of ups ond downs. l've been young & impulsive, ond cried over the dispersion of o committee l'm so honored to hove gotten the chonce to work with. People come ond go but whot's heortening is the shored love for the club for those who remoined & returned. NTU ODAC is obout the people, o fomily culture; "ODAC is obout shoring o mess tin of milo in the cold, someone scold you for trying to cheng qiong in the roin when you should be weoring o roincoot/ not ollowing 1 person to do soi kong but oll do together". I know l'm not the only one who hos been touched. l've mode good friends through the yeors whom l'm seriously going to miss! l'm reolly glod thot I come bock for FOOT'O8 os it wos o super reunion of the post & present. I sincerely wish the best for the upcoming I3th comm & for everyone else who's beginning your iourney in NTU ODAC!! -Tion Pei Qin
F
YS"***fflH
d'{P'_Il Y. ..sn
"b .;."
,J
I
P