PULAU BANDING: A group of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) veterans, whose camaraderie spanned over five decades, could not have picked a better place for an exciting escapade.
Their three-day, two-night outing, which included camping on a boathouse at the Royal Belum Forest, Pulau Banding in Tasik Temenggor, Perak was a smashing tour.
Ably led by retired Warrant Officer I Chandirasekaran Subramaniyam, the group of 22 included a former air traffic control officer, a retired army sergeant and two civilian friends.
Altogether, the former airmen had collectively contributed an astonishing 500 years for the nation in their heydays – serving in various capacities as aircraft technicians in avionics, radio, engine, airframe, air traffic and maintenance.
The Royal Belum Forest was a perfect pick as almost all of them have had experienced episodes, during the height of the communist insurgency in the 1960s through 1980s.
These were the daring airmen from several batches, who not only kept the RMAF assets in tip-top condition but risked their limbs and lives in the most dangerous and vulnerable conditions.
Their itinerary included trekking into the virgin forest to view flora and fauna, bird-watching, bathing in waterfalls, fishing, viewing the sunset and sunrise, and enjoying evening barbeques - complete with merry-making.
Speaking on their behalf, Chandirasekaran (aka 'Killer') said their stint was coordinated by Warrant Officer II (Rtd) Krishna Kutty Baskaran Nair and Leading Aircraftsman Ravantharan Applasamy, who were seasoned regulars to the area.
"It was an excellent expedition that came with adventure and social get-togethers with our air force buddies, a majority of whom were course mates when we enlisted over 40 years ago," said Chandirasekaran, 66, who was among 13 who miraculously survived a Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri crash on Gunung Silabu at Kampung Ensika in Sebangan near Simunjan, Sarawak on April 25, 1981.
Of the 22 who attended the escapade, 14 of them came by cars from Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Perak and spent a night at a homestay in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
"The following morning, they drove to the Pulau Banding jetty to join the remaining eight who arrived directly from their homes in Kedah and Penang."
Apart from Chandirasekaran and Krishna Kutty, the group of 14 comprised Lt Col (Rtd) Balakrishana Periannan and RMAF retirees Warrant Officer 1 Rengarajoo Vadamalai, Warrant Officer II Nagarajah Karuppiah, Warrant Officer II Thamilselvan Permulu, Flight Sergeant Sathiasegaran Ramayah, Sergeant Arumugam Kuppan, Sergeant Kamarasan P. Periakaruppan, Corporal Samanaidu Ramaloo, Corporal Sanasi Naidu Seetiah and Leading Aircraftsman P.K. Kunasakar Krishnan; retired Army Sergeant John Luke Krishnan and civilian Muthu Periasamy.
The other eight led by Ravantharan were retired Warrant Officer II Raspal Singh Sarjit Singh, Warrant Officer II Manikam Mariapan, Warrant Officer II Murugaya Supramanian, Warrant Officer II Gopal Loganathan, Warrant Officer II Manoharan Iyaru and Flight Sergeant Kamachi Chettiar Subramaniam; and civilian Suparamaniam Munusamy.
Chandirasekaran said their escapade was inclusive of a tour guide, with meals provided at the boathouse.
"Our stay at the boathouse was similar to a floating hotel. We cruised to various locations on the lake in the boathouse.
"At times, we anchored at some interesting spots and were taken by speed-boats to specific places of interest for further adventures. The various activities were enjoyable, interesting and informative," said Chandirasekaran.
He said on the first day upon arrival, they were treated to lunch at the boathouse before walking to the Sungai Ruok waterfall, a few minutes away.
"It is a small, gushing-waterfall surrounded by a deep-water swimming area and forest canopy. We could not avoid the temptation for a nice cool dip and swim. The spot is also a freshwater fish sanctuary.
"We took the opportunity to feed and swim with the fishes, but having our feet nipped by them was a new experience," Chandirasekaran said, adding that the sunset too was breath-taking.
"Tasik Temengor is an immense beauty, glazed with wavy, emerald-green water surrounded by thick walls of dense rainforest. On the lake itself are various spots with towering deadwood stumps.
"We stood at the top deck of the boathouse to relish the scenery, attempting to see aimlessly without blinking our eyes.
"We enjoyed the same beauty during sunrise the next day," Chandirasekaran said.
Their nights were spent with a variety of delicious food and beverages, card games and small talk as they shared stories of their yesteryears with the RMAF.
Their second day began with breakfast followed by a scenic journey through a rugged, primary rainforest consisting of a wide variety of flora and fauna.
"Our guide helped identify the different types of trees, plants and herbs. He also took us to the natural salt licks with mineral-rich deposits.
"This was part of the habitat for wild animals, that left many footprints and faeces in the surrounding area," Chandirasekaran said.
The group was then taken to the Sungai Kooi waterfall, which was a strenuous journey due to its undulating, steep and slippery uphill trail, which was most challenging.
"It was worth the while upon reaching the foot of the waterfall. The splashing fall of water from a great height was breath-taking and we were mesmerised by its beauty of being surrounded by dense greenery and rocks.
"A dip into the cool water and being splashed directly by the waterfall was such a refreshing experience and was an icing on the cake for the trip," said Chandirasekaran.
Their plans to visit the indigenous Orang Asli settlement was not possible owing to the Covid-19 restrictions.
A few of them, however, took a speedboat to hand over some foodstuff, toys and clothes they brought along for the Orang Asli.
Later, they were taken by boats around the lake, to try their luck at angling but none were successful in baiting any fish.
"Some of us were indeed fortunate to witness an elephant roaming close to the edge of the lake, as snapshots were taken using our mobile phones," said Chandirasekaran.
The second day ended with some kayaking around the boathouse before they adjourned for dinner and more merry-making for the night.
Before checking-out on the third day, they stopped at Sungai Gadong to see the Rafflesia flowers, touted as the largest blooms in the world.
"We were only able to see some young buds as it was not the blooming season yet. We were told that it will take some nine months for a full bloom. In a way, we avoided the unpleasant stink that is emitted during a full bloom," Chandirasekaran said.
After lunch on the boathouse and a remembrance group photo session, they headed to the Banding jetty to end their escapade.
"It was a spectacular and amazing three days stay with great friends to relax our minds.
"We managed to experience some of the thrilling wonders of the natural beauty in our lives, beyond the wildest dreams," Chandirasekaran said.