Over the course of three days, from 1 to 3 May 2026, a team of 22 adventurers from the Civil Service Club’s Cycling and Adventure Club (CAC) set out to conquer Gunung Pulai in Johor, Malaysia. This expedition marked a historic milestone for the club – it’s very first "double-adventure." The challenge required the team to rely entirely on pure leg power. CAC members, April Pang and Michael Foo shared their thoughts on the trip. 

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

Preparation for such a dual-terrain itinerary began weeks before the trip. The team conditioned their bodies through routines to build up stamina. April relied on a steady mix of cycling and hiking. While Michael, who regularly stays active with soccer and badminton, intentionally integrated a new challenge into his regime, "I included stair-climbing at my block into my regime to prepare for the hike." More importantly, they had conditioned their minds, mentally preparing to embrace the intense heat, sweat, and unpredictable muddy trails of the tropical landscape.

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

The journey commenced on the early morning of day 1. Setting off from Singapore, the group rode across the Singapore – Malaysia Causeway together and continued onto the roads of Johor toward the foot of Gunung Pulai, located some 50km from Johor Bahru (JB). The morning atmosphere proved to be a pleasure to ride in, offering panoramic views of the Straits of Johor from the high points of the road as the group cruised through the outskirts of JB.

Along the way, the route offered both nature’s beauty and nostalgic charm. Before hitting the dense jungle trails, the riders detoured through historic streets. "Cycling into the old town in JB and having lunch at such an old coffeeshop brought out the nostalgia of the good old days,” Michael recalled. 

As the open roads eventually gave way to dense tropical rainforests, the riders found themselves fully immersed in nature. However, the initial thrill of the ride eventually gave way to physical strain. As most of the team members were regular cyclists, they felt comfortable handling the distance, drawing strength from the collective energy of the pack. "I guess the only perk was to be able to ride together in the company of a like-minded group of friends and to be able to complete the journey together," Michael shared. 

For April, this deep camaraderie and the shared anticipation of their unique destination kept motivation high when endurance was put to the test.

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

Reaching the staging point at the foot of the mountain marked the end of the cycling route, but the beginning of their journey by foot. Navigating the logistics of a multi-discipline trip required some foresight. Michael noted that "although we had to prepare two different sets of gears for the mixed adventure, I have to say that it was well worth the effort and it also gave us a greater sense of achievement."

Switching from cycling to hiking presented a welcome shift in dynamics. While April felt the weight of tired muscles, she found that stepping into the cool, sheltered embrace of the rainforest provided an immediate second wind. April shared, "The change of terrain felt refreshing. Instead of pedalling, the team was now climbing; shifting to different muscles and a new rhythm in what felt like a natural progression of the adventure."

Michael agreed that it was a "fairly easy switch from cycling to hiking, as everyone appreciated the variation in activities along the way."

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

Day 2 began early, giving the group plenty of time to complete the gruelling 14km round-trip hike that started and ended right at their lodging. As the jungle trail grew steeper, and fatigue set in, the team looked out for one another. According to April, the group's dynamic was simple, "We all just kept a lookout for one another and readily extended help to those who needed more support." They fought the strain systematically, with scenic spots along the trail allowing them to catch their breath and actively soaked in the beautiful surroundings of the rainforest.

On the way up, the team persevered through the steepest sections to reach the ridge and eventually the summit, which sits at an elevation of 600m. The group were incredibly grateful to their guides, who kept them informed and helped them visualize the trail ahead. Throughout the route, they were surrounded by stunning forest scenery - the sounds of forest wildlife, staghorn ferns growing high in the canopy, and the sight of wild gibbons swinging nearby.

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

The expedition also featured a thrilling journey into a lesser-accessed trail of the Johor permanent forest reserve: the hidden waterfall of Gunung Pulai. To the group’s surprise, they were the only people at this secluded spot on the day of their hike.

While the sight was refreshing, this section proved to be the most challenging. Towards the end of the hike, everyone had to carefully descend a steep rock path using a rope right alongside the rushing waterfall. After completing this surprise adrenaline-pumping section, the group was treated to a relaxing reward. They spent the afternoon soaking in the turbulent plunge pools at the base of the waterfall, enjoying some natural "water therapy." Their guide jokingly pointed out that the churning waters were the perfect cure to help them recover from their hiking fatigue.

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

The two-night stay at the Rainforest Treehouse surprisingly transformed the ongoing double adventure into a triple adventure. Built directly atop a steep hillside at the foot of the mountain, the eco-friendly facility offered a deeply rustic, nature-immersed experience where the structures reached high into the forest canopy, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

The accommodations presented unique architectural and logistical quirks. The entire compound spanned a steep 50m elevation - with individual treehouses, common showers, toilets, and dining areas all sited at different levels. The facility was strictly eco-friendly, but thoughtfully provided ample electric sockets to power modern electronic necessities.

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

The team's time in the canopy was defined by rustic charms and light-hearted challenges. Michael remarked, "Although we were aware that this was an eco-friendly retreat, we were somewhat taken by surprise when we realised that the meals at the accommodation were all vegetarian.” Despite this, food was abundant. At the end of the trail, a local mamak shop welcomed the group. Michael revealed that they “ordered mee goreng, chicken wings and teh tarik definitely satisfied our hunger.”

For April, watching wild monkeys roam freely around the compound made her feel closer to nature. “We had to stay alert against mischievous monkeys raiding our food!”  

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

While the physical feat of completing a car-free, multi-discipline trip stood as a proud achievement for the entire group, it was an unexpected act of hospitality that left the deepest impression.

When the team finally reached the summit, sweating from the intense heat and humidity, they were greeted by their guides with an incredible surprise - a full picnic setup with mats laid out in a comfortable spot amidst nature.

Photo credit: CSC Cycling and Adventure Club

The guides had carefully carried heavy ice blocks wrapped in insulated towels throughout the entire strenuous hike, solely to serve the team cold, refreshing drinks at the summit. Michael fondly remembered how "the thoughtful guide took out the iced beverages to help cool us down, and he also made hot drinks for those of us who needed some." 

For April, sipping an ice-cold drink while relaxing on picnic mats surrounded by the lush rainforest felt absolutely rewarding, "It was a small but deeply meaningful gesture that reflected the guides' commitment to making the experience truly memorable. It is something I will not forget."

By the time the team finished their return journey back to Singapore on Day 3, they had conquered two major physical disciplines, survived the steep terrain of the treehouse canopy, and forged unforgettable memories.

CSC members can join the CSC Cycling and Adventure Club on their next journey — visit facebook.com/CSCcycling to see more of their adventures and visit here to join.