Four Bruneians conquered the summit of Mount Fuji in Japan. By climbing the 3,776-meter-high mountain, they demonstrated courage, determination and physical endurance and testified to the spirit of adventure and resilience of the people of Brunei.

Team member Aida Saidin said the achievement was a source of pride for the nation and an inspiration for aspiring mountaineers.

According to Aida, there are several ways to climb Mount Fuji and four main routes that vary in difficulty and duration. Climbers can also reserve overnight stays at stations along the routes, she added.

Day hikers can enjoy the sunset, while night hikers can watch the sunrise. The ascent usually takes about five to seven hours and the descent three to five hours. In total, the hike is of moderate difficulty and is 11.7 kilometers long.

During the climbing season from July to September, only around 4,000 hikers are allowed per day.

The four-person team, consisting of Aida, Rose Azahari and two others, chose the Yoshida Trail and began their ascent at 9:30 a.m. from Station 5 at an altitude of about 2,300 m. They rested at each station up to Station 8.5 and spent the night at Station 8 at an altitude of 3,100 m.

“Our team members started the summit assault at around 12:45 am and reached the summit at around 6:30 am.”

Aida said climbing Mount Fuji was like climbing her own soul, finding her own self with each step, and she shared her story in the hope that it would help promote outdoor activities and adventure tourism in the future.

Aida is active in solo mountain travel and said that climbing Mount Fuji is one of the items on her bucket list.

Aida is also an entrepreneur, while her climbing colleague Rose works in the private sector.

Although their activities may be limited due to work, she said they have both climbed several mountains abroad and participate in other sporting recreational activities in the Sultanate, such as jungle trekking in Labi and Temburong district. – Lyna Mohamad