Leeches, Laughter and Lifelong Memories: “Jungle Buddies” Takes Inbound Mobility Students on a Forest Adventure
Photos Mamithra a/p Mathivanaan
SINTOK, 22 April 2026: The lush greenery of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) came alive with energy and excitement as the Global Buddies Club (GBC) organised “Jungle Buddies”, an adventurous hiking programme specially curated for inbound mobility students of the A252 semester.
Designed to immerse participants in the university’s rich natural surroundings, the programme led students through some of UUM’s most captivating ecological landmarks, including the iconic Pokok Tiga Beradik (Three Siblings Tree), the exhilarating Suspension Bridge (Titi Gantung), and the serene Sintok Lake — fondly known as the Hidden Lake. Covering more than seven kilometres of forest trails, the journey offered an invigorating blend of physical challenge, scenic discovery, and shared adventure.
A vibrant group comprising 45 international students and 13 programme committee members took part in the intermediate-level hike. The expedition was led by Mr Amran Mahmud, Assistant Conservator of Forest from the Department of Development and Infrastructure Management (JPPI), with support from two additional JPPI staff members. Also present was Mr Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz, representative of the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), UUM, who also serves as the advisor to the GBC.
Along the trail, participants navigated moss-covered rocks, tangled roots, uneven terrain, and even the occasional leech encounter. Yet, rather than detracting from the experience, these challenges became memorable moments of camaraderie and resilience. Students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds supported one another throughout the journey, exemplifying teamwork, adaptability, and a commendable spirit of mutual care.
“This is an amazing experience to be close to the wonderful nature of UUM Sintok campus,” shared Ms Kholdarova Shakhnozabonu Abdumutal Kizi, a mobility student from Nordic International University, Uzbekistan, as she reflected on the day’s memorable adventure.
Beyond the physical demands of the trail, the programme also served as a meaningful platform for experiential learning and intercultural engagement. Participants were encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace the beauty and unpredictability of the natural environment, and forge new friendships through shared experience.
“It’s challenging, but we’re having so much fun,” said Ms Layla Ameera Parsha, an exchange student from President University, Indonesia, aptly capturing the spirit and enthusiasm that defined the day.
More than just a recreational outing, “Jungle Buddies” underscored UUM’s unique natural heritage while also reinforcing the values of cross-cultural friendship, teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. For the students involved, the experience was not merely a hike through the forest, but a memorable journey marked by discovery, laughter, and bonds that may well endure long after the semester ends. – Liang Qiu Xia
