BETWEEN Penampang and Tambunan lies a misty cool area called Longkogungan, meaning far inland, which is rich with its unique flora and fauna.
To reach the hinterland bordering the two districts requires a difficult track, which 136 participants experienced while taking part in the Mega Hike Charity 2020.
They are inspired by Universiti Malaysia Sabah tourism student, Siscariell Maikol, 25, and teacher Harry Yanto Bikal, who are both raising funds to buy necessities to furnish hostels used by SK Longkogungan pupils.
JCI, Mercy Malaysia and several charitable bodies have also chipped in to the drive to buy pillows, mattresses, computer equipment and kitchen utensils.
Volunteers also get a taste of the difficulties teachers face working in rural areas.
To reach Longkogungan, participants have to walk eight hours, going through 12 steep hills, six rivers, 27 tributaries, using three tree trunks and three suspension bridges to reach Kg Longkogugon.
SK Longkogungan has 11 pupils whereby nine live in dormitories because their homes are too far away. – August 5, 2020.
For some volunteers in Sabah, sending necessities, such as food and school equipment, is not an easy task. It means walking for kilometres through jungles and slopes in the state’s heavily forested and hilly terrains for hours. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.Volunteers carrying mattresses and trekking through the jungles and hilly terrains for hours to reach SK Longkogungan. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.SK Longkogungan is located well inland between the districts of Penampang and Tambunan. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.Volunteers from several districts helping to carry items, such as mattresses, blankets, pillows, computers, kitchen appliances, paint and cement, to SK Longkogungan. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.Volunteers passing through the jungle in the heavily forested and hilly terrains. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.Volunteers resting at a hut before continuing their journey to SK Longkogungan. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.Teacher Harry Yanto went viral in March after carrying a 40kg fridge solo, hiking through steep and muddy jungles, crossing rivers and bridges to reach his school. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.A volunteer balancing on a log which serves as a bridge at a river. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, August 5, 2020.
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