Hiking at Gunung Lambak, Kluang 居鑾南峇山

Missing the embrace of the forest, I joined my cousin's family for a hike at Gunung Lambak in Kluang. Its summit is at 510m above sea level. My cousin planned to brought me up to the northern peak where we could get a great view.

Initially I was confused by the signboard as the numbers indicate distance instead of elevation.

 

After walking up the paved road, we started ascending a steep slope with natural steps formed by sprawling tree roots.

It's amazing how the tree roots formed pockets of steps.

 

After conquering the root-steps slope, we sat on some benches for a rest. Suddenly, my cousin's wife N started panting. With her eyes wide opened, she screamed in fear, "It's dark! It's dark! I can't breathe!" 

N slumped and my cousin quickly held her and said, "Breathe! Breathe!"

I rubbed some Chinese medicated oil on the back of her neck. She was still panting. I touched her right hand. By then, her limbs had become stiff. Her voice quivered: "Cramps! Cramps!" I pulled her fingers vigorously to encourage circulation. 

She cried out frantically, "I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!"

Other hikers noticed and stopped to help. One Malay lady offered a chocolate bar. Two Chinese ladies massaged N's legs. Another pair of Malay mother and daughter massaged N's feet. The daughter instructed us calmly, "Let her sit up, tell her to open her eyes and look at the greenery, this will calm her down. Give her something sweet. Keep her calm. When she's better, let her walk around here for a while before going down." 

N finally calmed down when she could feel her limbs again. She looked at everyone gratefully and said, "Thank you so much, I'm so lucky! All of you are so kind!"

After some rest, we descended safely. We'll come back for the peak next time 😊

On my way home, I couldn't stop thinking about N's frantic cries. Her fear was palpable. I asked myself: "How will I react at the time of death?" 

One great Buddhist master said, "People go through their lives without getting ready for death. When death comes, they beat their chest frantically and cried, 'I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!' By then, it's too late already!"

How confident am I to face death? Not at all. Today's incident is another great reminder to meditate on death and impermanence.