CPL (NS) Muhammad Nurhisham Bin Mohd Sharif dives into his breathtaking hobby, both in the literal and figurative sense.
While many seek tranquillity in meditation, CPL (NS) Muhammad Nurhisham Bin Mohd Sharif finds peace in pushing the limits of physical endurance amid the raw beauty of nature at towering altitudes.
“I enjoy the quietness and closeness to nature, as well as the breathtaking views that comes with mountain climbing,” explains the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) NSman. “It’s also my way to stay healthy; mountain climbing is a great form of exercise!”
Navigating the challenges of scaling peaks
Hisham’s passion for climbing was ignited nearly 10 years ago when he scaled Mount Batur during a holiday in Bali, Indonesia. Although he admits that ascending the active volcano was extremely taxing, the view from the top had him hooked. Since that eye-opening experience, Nurhisham, now 29, has gone on to conquer mountains in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nepal.
Being the free-spirited person that he is, most of Hisham’s climbs have been with backpackers he meets along the way. It was only recently that he started going on expeditions with his best friend. Together, the duo is planning on hiking up Mount Fuji in Japan this August.
Some of these trips were undertaken in a professional capacity during his tenure as an outdoor educator, prior to joining HomeTeamNS. It was then that he was reminded of the inherent dangers of mountain climbing.
Hisham recalls a harrowing experience in 2019 when he brought a group of students to climb Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan Mountain. Two of the youths under his care experienced Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while they were ascending to the top of the mountain. One even had to be evacuated to base camp so that she could gradually adjust to the higher elevation.
Because of the lower levels of oxygen at higher altitudes, climbers — regardless of their fitness levels — can develop AMS. This is more likely to happen when people ascend too quickly and do not have enough time to acclimatise. The most common symptoms of AMS are breathlessness, headache, and nausea.
In another incident on the same trip, a student fell several metres off a cliff but was fortuitously caught by tree branches. Efficiently employing the skills he acquired during National Service (NS) with the SCDF, Hisham used ropes to lower himself to rescue the youth. “During my NS days, I underwent Basic Rescue Training, which covered first aid, fire safety, rescue operations, and the handling of equipment like ropes, stretchers, and hydraulic tools. Additionally, the training emphasised calmness, effective communication, and teamwork during stressful situations. I’m glad all these skills came in handy!” he says.
Every climb is a unique experience
Of all the trips he has embarked on, the ones to Nepal’s Poon Hill and Sabah, Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu – which he had ascended twice in December 2018 and January 2024 — have been the biggest highlights. “The trip to Poon Hill was one of the most memorable because Nepal was the farthest I had travelled from home at that point, and I had embarked on this journey alone,” he says. “It was also memorable because I got to meet a new friend through a backpacking app. Throughout the journey, we shared accommodations to save costs, and learnt about each other’s cultures, languages, and even songs. It was a truly enriching experience.”
The experience of climbing Mount Kinabalu, on the other hand, was unforgettable for different reasons. With its elevation of 4,095m above sea level, this mountain in Malaysia is the highest that Hisham has ever scaled. Although he was already a seasoned climber then, he admits that the ascent was still challenging because of the onset of AMS.
Despite being debilitated by cramps in his legs, shortness of breath, and nausea, Hisham managed to reach the peak, where he got to take in the majestic sights of nature. “It was a deep spiritual experience in which I got to connect with my faith while seeking strength from a higher power,” he recalls. “In those moments, I turned to prayer, asking for the power to persevere. What followed was an extraordinary encounter: a powerful gust of wind seemingly came from below, enabling me to stand on my feet again. It felt like a divine intervention!”
This accomplishment, Hisham notes, is also a heartening testament to how far people can go beyond their own perceived limits, so long as they set their minds to it. While the ascent is often celebrated, the journey back down the mountain can hold its own moments of reflection and significance. “On the way down, I got to see how small we are compared to the big world around us. That was a really humbling experience and it made me ponder about the importance of humility and how we should not view ourselves as better than others,” he says.
Some of the lessons Hisham learnt from mountain climbing have proven invaluable to his professional growth. For example, the lesson on perseverance has been particularly useful when he has to navigate the multifaceted challenges in his professional life.
Preparing for a climb
As with most things in life, being prepared plays a critical role in ensuring a successful climb. To prime his body for the rigours of mountain climbing, Hisham readies himself by doing exercises that specifically train the legs and his aerobic capacity, such as climbing stairs and gym workouts. He also regularly takes part in long distance running events like HomeTeamNS’ REAL® Run, the Standard Chartered Marathon, and the 2XU marathon. In addition, he researches on the mountains and their routes, and reads reviews from other climbers so that he knows exactly what to expect.
True to his SCDF training, Hisham always carries a first aid kit, rope, and carabiner whenever he climbs — just in case unforeseen situations arise. To do his part for the environment, he also brings along his own trash bag.
Hisham’s advice for beginners in mountain climbing is simple: Don’t overspend on gear and ensure you train well in advance. “All you need are comfortable clothes and shoes, and being fit enough for the long trek,” he says.
Hisham also suggests practising rock climbing at Adventure HQ’s My Climbing Place located at HomeTeamNS Khatib to get in shape. Although rock climbing is not a requirement for all mountain expeditions, it is excellent for strengthening the core and leg muscles, which are crucial for the demands of lengthy ascents.
Despite his love for mountain climbing, Hisham concedes that his goals are not as lofty as the mountains he has scaled. As such, he has not contemplated going on more challenging treks, like the one to Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,364m above sea level. “I know my limits. I have nothing to prove. Mountain climbing to me is simply about staying fit, connecting with nature, enjoying amazing views, and exploring new cultures,” he says.
Hisham’s enthusiasm for learning about new cultures shines through as he shares his experiences. “It is akin to unlocking a whole new world, gaining a deeper understanding of people and their traditions,” he reflects. His interest in the arts amplifies this passion, as exploring different cultures uncovers a treasure trove of inspiration and unique perspectives that enhance his work.
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