To conclude the month of September, Merlion, Chigga and Jam organized a trip to Broga for the members. All 35 members got up extra early on a Saturday morning (although rather reluctantly), with hearts full of eager anticipation for another adventurous activity in store for them.
We departed from Lakeside at 6:30AM sharp, as a convoy of nine cars in total. It felt like a road trip because there were hands sticking out the windows to feel the refreshing morning breeze brush against their skins.
Pochi, Poe Poe and Smiley getting pumped up.
There was a slight confusion between the lead drivers, Kuali and Waze because they were both following different routes. Thus, Kuali's convoy had to pull over to wait for Waze's clan. Once the routes were settled and discussed more thoroughly, we continued our journey to Broga. We watched the sun slowly rise during the one hour drive to Broga and it was beautiful.
Beautiful sunrise.
Once we arrived in Broga, we were greeted warmly by an instructor named Stephanie. We gathered at the canteen to fill up our indemnity forms and she briefed us regarding the activities that were planned for us.
"Are we there yet?" - Hybrid
Our instructor, Stephanie
All hyped up for waterfall abseiling
Stephanie is a very witty and hilarious instructor, which made us even more excited than we already were. The first activity was Waterfall Abseiling. We were transported via a pick-up truck and a van to the site of the waterfall.
Lucky members who managed to get into the pick-up truck
The rest of the members who had to squeeze in the van
We were briefed by another instructor, Joanna on how to wear the harness and the helmet. Then, we proceeded to hike for about half an hour to the top of the waterfall.
Flora and Hybrid putting on their harnesses
We were slightly disappointed because the current was low but that was not within our control so we went on with the activity. We took turns to abseil down and it was a thrilling experience because we had to trust ourselves and slowly release a rope for us to go down. It was nerve-wracking for some of us who feared heights because we were four storeys above ground.
Willow calmly posing for a shot
Not very sure whether he can see with his cap on
Once we were done with waterfall abseiling, we headed back to Outbac Broga for a hearty lunch. Everyone was famished by the time we arrived and food was gobbled up in a matter of minutes. We were given one hour to rest and wash up before we headed for our next activity, which was caving.
We've got our helmets on and we're ready to go caving
The caving activity could only accommodate a limited number of people at a time, so we were divided into two groups. The second group left half an hour after the first. Everyone enjoyed the caving activity the most because it was a brand new experience for all of us. This activity really put our teamwork and trust between each other to the test as we had to relay instructions to the members at the back to aid them in navigating through the rocks. The whole activity was challenging but with each other's support, we made it out of the cave in two hours.
Satisfied faces after the caving activity
We went back to the campsite after caving and we had two hours to participate in the free and easy activities that were available. Members were seen scattered around, trying out everything we could within the short span of two hours but most of all, happy faces were seen all around despite feeling exhausted.
Merlion trying out the rock climbing station
Some of the members who opted to play volleyball
Blossom ready to go for flying fox
Willow and Windsor sharing a kayak
The ballers
After all the fun and games, we had dinner, which was really yummy. We were given a barbecue pit to barbecue chicken, sausages, sweet potatoes and even prawns. We gathered at the basketball court after that scrumptious and filling dinner. With absolutely zero idea of what to expect, the instructors at Broga surprised us with one of the best campfires we have ever experienced. The campfire started off with Tarzan and Blossom lighting up the campfire itself, and the rest of the night was filled with incredible fire performances such as fire breathing and fire eating, performed by the instructors of Broga. This amazing campfire session ended with a dance party for everyone.
Stephanie blowing fire
Spectacular fire show by Tapai
Ah Meng, the instructor somehow shooting sparks of fire
It was only 10PM when the campfire ended and it was still too early to head to bed, yet. Tarzan introduced a game we could play, to strengthen the bond between members but what they did not know was that this was a prank for the September babies. After blindfolding the three superstars of the night, Pixie, Scooby and Kiddo, we tied balloons around them. When we started singing the birthday song for them, Tarzan sprayed them with water while Hydro and Merlion started popping the balloons that were tied to them. They were surprised, but the looked on their faces said everything, they were delighted with the surprise.
Surprise, birthday boys!
Popping the balloons that were tied around them
We gathered at the dining area to write down wishes on the sky lanterns that Aladdin kindly bought for us. All sorts of heartwarming messages were seen written by the members. It was nice to see how close we have grown to each other and how this bond has become very strong.
Members taking turns to write down their heartfelt wishes
Ohana means family
Hybrid's honest thoughts
After writing, we brought our lanterns to the field and lit them up. Everyone stood around to watch the Sky Lanterns fly high, into the sky bearing our wishes and dreams.
Aladdin, the lantern man
Lighting up the candle
Releasing the lantern into the sky together
It was midnight by then and everyone was knackered, everyone fell asleep in a matter of minutes. We had to get ample sleep and rest as we were going to wake up at 5 the next morning to hike Broga Hill.
The next morning, we gathered at the basketball court to do some warm up exercises before we started hiking. Tapai brought us to the foot of the hill, which was about a fifteen minute walk. The hike up was quite tiring but when we reached the peak, it was worth it. We could see the picturesque landscape before us while inhaling the fresh morning breeze.
In the far distance....
Successfully conquered Broga as a family
Picturesque view of Broga courtesy of Tarzan
We stayed at the peak of Broga for almost an hour and we hiked back down. There was an Aunty selling coconut drinks and everyone was replenishing themselves.
Pokemon drinking the fresh coconut
Breakfast, which was Nasi Lemak, was already waiting for us when we returned to the campsite. We were famished and the food was gone in a matter of minutes.
Delicious and simple breakfast to start off the day
With only two hours left to spare before it was time to head home, everyone scattered around to utilize all the free and easy activities that were available for us again.
Beetle trying her luck in getting a bull's eye
Hybrid concentrating hard
Cotton trying her luck as well in getting a bull's eye
Soon, it was time to head back to reality and head home. It felt bittersweet because everyone really enjoyed themselves the past two days and we definitely wanted more fun. When we were back in Subang, we had late lunch at Grafa before everyone headed back for good.
Scrumptious lunch to end the day
Happy faces after indulging in awesome food
This was yet, another memorable experience that we will hopefully cherish in our hearts.
Review
The feedback received from the members were all positive. Our whole trip was packed with activities and we barely had time to rest but it was worth it, especially with the price we paid. The only downside of this was the amount of time spent waiting for everyone to complete the waterfall abseiling activity. Facilities here were all very clean and good, something worth mentioning because it is a campsite. The instructors of Outbac Broga were all very accommodating and friendly, which made our stay a very pleasant one.
Below are the average ratings of various aspects of the camp given by the participants through a poll.
Enjoyableness: 4.5/5
Affordability: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
For further enquiries, you may visit their website;
(Photos courtesy of Chigga, Hybrid, Hydro, Tarzan and Blossom.)
Signing off,
Merlion.
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