The KLAP Terengganu Endurance Tour was a super success.  Here is a great report by Mira Ajib on their riding adventure at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu, with Dato’ Awang Kamaruddin, who was the FEI World #1 ranked Endurance Rider in 2001.

The four of us (Karen, Linda, KC and Mira) are happy to report that the first KLAP group to ride endurance with Dato’ Awang Kamaruddin was a smashing success!

Dato’ Awang was a generous host and instructor in many ways – with his time, patience, knowledge and photo/video taking 😬 He was so considerate throughout, from horse selection to the pace he set on the trails. We learned a lot from the short time we enjoyed with him.

We had wonderful horses with different personalities and characteristics that each of us wanted to swap and experience for ourselves, which we were allowed to do. They were eager and happy to go out on the trails. Admittedly, their enthusiasm made us a little nervous at first, but it didn’t take long for us to discover that they weren’t going to do anything silly and by the end of the first ride, we trusted they would take care of us.

The trails were downright amazing. TIEP really does have everything – a beach, flat and open spaces, hills, and leafy green pathways and we got to enjoy all of this with minimal road crossing. Unfortunately we missed out on swimming with the horses because the waves were very intense but we had a lovely long canter next to the beach where we could enjoy the view.

We rode 1.5 – 2 hours, covering an average of about 20km, cantering 80% of the time for each ride. We recommend that prospective riders have a good level of fitness not just in terms of stamina but also strength and agility. The four of us didn’t struggle with stamina, but my knees were begging for mercy after cantering non-stop for 30 minutes. Typical sore spots (not standard between us) were quads, calves, and lower back. Voltaren will help!

We rented a nice big car and stayed at an Airbnb which was about a 15 minute-drive away from the stables. It was an excellent stay in a super clean, comfortable and cozy apartment with a beachfront view with the perfect setup for group hangouts, yet allowing for privacy when needed. We also had the advantage of having KC around who would give us the down low on the town and its developments, best places to eat, as well as shop.

The weather was great – overcast but no rain. I can imagine it would be quite hot on an average day, so must wear long sleeves and slap on the sunscreen. Surprisingly no issues with mosquitoes but the bugs went a bit mad with our headlamps (from Mr DIY) during the night ride.

Highly recommended! Would be happy to share further info to future groups 😃

Video Credits: Dato’ Awang and his team, and Mira Ajib.

Related Link:
Endurance Riding with a World #1