Mt. Kulis is the easiest mountain that I hiked in 2023, bar none. With an masl of 620, I was surprised when we reached the first peak (the other peak being Sambong, which is just about a few meters away). I seriously thought we were just about to start the trail because of the concrete path we took to the Kulis peak. But this blog is not about the ease by which we hiked Mt. Kulis. This is more about taking care of the ones you’re with.

I promised my nephews and nieces that I would take them hiking one day. I chose Mt. Kulis not just because of its beginner-friendly level of difficulty, but also because of its photographable highlights. None of them have ever climbed a hill or mountain before, so I knew I had my work cut out for me. I had to make sure they all enjoy the experience and that they return to their parents safe and sound.

We’re talking about a 57-year old looking after 5 Gen Zs and another Xer (51 years old), who took the slot of one of my nieces. My biggest concern was my sister who, just halfway through the concrete path, was already running out of breath. I kept telling her that it’s okay to stop for a rest for as many times as she needs. It doesn’t matter if we lag behind the group for as long as she’s okay. But my sister, like me, is stubborn and determined in anything we do.

The sun had yet to rise when we finally reached the Kulis peak, so we had plenty of time to rest. It was a full moon, and we were treated to a partial lunar eclipse. Checking on my group, I could tell that they were loving the experience so far — except for my eldest nephew who was his usual quiet self. He just sat there, not looking at the view, not taking pictures, not talking to anyone. I knew then that he is the one I should be looking after throughout this hike.

Once the sun was up, we had the usual photo ops at the Mt. Kulis signage, then to the signage of Sambong peak. The sun got hotter real quick, which can drain one’s energy easily in any hike.

It was on the trail toward Noah’s Ark where it got too tough for my nephew. Having rained the previous day, the trail was slippery. Mud and wet rocks made what should be an easy hike along the way, a difficult one. Our sweeper and I made sure my nephew pulls through unharmed. I stayed behind them, while the sweeper stayed in front to guide him on where to step. I lost count of the number times he slipped.

The worst one made him fall on his bum. I asked him if he was hurt because the worst thing that could happen for him is an injured spine or a broken arm and leg. He said his right upper thigh hurt, so I asked if he could continue. I assured him that it was okay to stop and return to the jump off point where he could rest and wait for us to finish. He chose to continue.

When we finally reached Noah’s Ark, he chose a spot by the shade to sit down, not taking pictures, not talking to anyone, biting his fingernails. Thankfully, we had plenty of time to rest as we waited for other groups to finish with their photo ops.

After all the photos and hiking up and down the trail, we finally made it back to the jump off point. From there, three of my nephews joined me to take the downhill track that would take us to the hanging bridge, man-made pool and waterfall. It was the wrong decision, really, as the hike was long and difficult because of the downhill slope. Add to the fact that I was already exhausted from all the “heavy-lifting” with my nephew.

He, on the other hand, took the 4×4 truck going down (and back up). It was here when I finally saw a hint of a smile on his face. I’m not sure if he enjoyed the ride, or was carried away by the screams and laughter that the rest of us did during the ride (I joined them on the way back up).

Looking back now, I reaffirmed why I prefer hiking as a joiner all this time. To be among strangers who share the same passion for adventure. I didn’t want to have to look after anyone so I could enjoy my hike. It sounds selfish, but it’s the only time I can recharge and make myself stronger physically and mentally — not just for myself, but for people I care about who need me to be strong for them.

But Mt. Kulis taught me this lesson: we never really realize how much we care for someone until we are faced with a difficult situation with that person. The sense of responsibility, the genuine concern, the desire to experience with someone the very thing you love doing — these are all what keep us alive.