Forging friendships through forest trails: An intercultural adventure with UUM’s Global Buddies Club and Kelab Kembara
Photo Moganesh a/l Sasi
SINTOK, 22 April 2025: With nature as the backdrop and connection as the goal, Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) Global Buddies Club (GBC) successfully organised a memorable hiking expedition, “Hike and Seek”, for inbound mobility students of the A242 semester. The initiative aimed to promote intercultural engagement and appreciation of Malaysia’s natural heritage beyond the classroom.
The expedition brought together over 50 participants, including 34 international students, five volunteers from Kelab Kembara, and 14 enthusiastic GBC committee members. Together, they embarked on an immersive journey through some of UUM’s most captivating natural landscapes, including the iconic ‘Pokok Tiga Beradik’, the rustic ‘Titi Gantung’, and the enchanting Hidden Lake – a route spanning over seven kilometres of lush, forested terrain.
Guided by Mr. Mohd Tarmizi Musa, a senior lecturer from the School of Computing and UUM’s Edutourism Manager, the hike offered participants an authentic encounter with Malaysia’s tropical wilderness. They navigated moss-covered rocks, tangled roots, and even the occasional unwelcome leech, while soaking in the tranquil beauty of Sintok’s untouched environment.
Despite challenges posed by the terrain and the occasional language barrier, students demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity. They lent helping hands across slippery paths and steep inclines, fostering not only teamwork but also empathy, adaptability, and spontaneous cross-cultural exchange. Through shared challenges and laughter participants forged bonds that transcended borders.
More than just a recreational hike, “Hike and Seek” offered a meaningful platform for students to step beyond the classroom, dive into the heart of Sintok’s lush environment, and create unforgettable memories. For many, it was not just a day in nature, but a milestone of friendship, resilience, and discovery. – Eilliyah Fong
