By the MALAYSIA SME editorial team
They were training with one clear milestone in mind: the Mount Kinabalu ascent in June 2026. Bukit Desa Damai Trail in Bentong, Pahang, gave exactly what was needed: a short, punchy climb, a clean out-and-back route, and a viewpoint that rewards discipline as much as effort.
The Sea of Clouds
Everything the team experienced aligned with what hikers often say about this trail. It’s widely regarded as beginner-friendly, relatively quick to reach the top, and well-known as a sunrise spot—especially if one is hoping to catch laut awan, the “sea of clouds” that sometimes appears when the morning conditions cooperate.
But the biggest takeaway was this: the trail may be short on distance, yet it’s long on lessons. It compresses effort, judgment, and mental discipline into a short window, which makes it an incredibly honest training ground. Because, Mount Kinabalu will be about how well they manage under changing conditions—how steady they keep their breathing when their legs want to rush, how early they address discomfort before it becomes a problem, and how organised they stay mentally when the incline asks to negotiate.
Feedback on Readiness
They practised pacing as a team, setting a pace that allowed conversation in short sentences, stable breathing, and minimal stopping. They focused on shorter steps, controlled weight shifts, and lighter foot placement. Bukit Desa Damai helped the team notice their habits early, while the consequences are still manageable and the lessons are immediate. The hike gave honest feedback on readiness.
The Trail is proof that one does not need dramatic distances to get a meaningful training day. A short route can still teach discipline, patience, technique, respect, and teamwork; and if they can practise those well in a a quick climb in Bentong—then they’re laying the foundation that will matter when the path stretches longer, and the air turns thinner.
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MALAYSIA SME’s 12th installment of the MALAYSIA SME Congress will take place at Panalaban of Mount Kinabalu, 3,272 meters above sea level, in June 2026. Stay updated on the training for the ascent and interviews from the expedition members on the MALAYSIA SME Congress YouTube channel .
