I am a child born in the 80s and from a family of hikers. My parents were hikers and it was through hiking that they met. So my older sister and I were already exposed to hiking from a very young age. When I was 3 or 4 years old, my parents started taking us to Bukit Timah Hill on weekends. If you have been to Bukit Timah Hill, you will know that there are a few trails leading to the top. As adventurers, we have always taken the difficult jungle trails, climbing over rocks, crossing fallen logs and muddying our shoes. Growing up, my sister and I weren’t part of it *privileged* children with lots of toys or those who often go out to play or eat out. We live a pretty simple life. So, from childhood memory, this weekly hiking activity in Bukit Timah becomes like our weekly family outing.
So that was my first exposure to hiking. At the time, being so young, I was definitely not mature enough to understand that I would enjoy hiking that much. I just didn’t mind hiking and getting my soda once a week after a morning hike.
*take it as a form of expression and in no way as a complaint. Anyone born into a family where there is security, shelter, food and love is a privileged child.