Volunteers hike with neurodivergent participants, foster friendship while exploring nature in KL park
OVER 20 individuals, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, embarked on a 5km journey of discovery, friendship and resilience.
Organised by Best Buddies Malaysia in collaboration with TBY WWG (The Best You Walk With God) the activity strengthened bonds and built bridges between neurodivergent individuals and the wider community.
The hike, which took place at the Taman Tugu hiking trail in Kuala Lumpur, brought together participants from different walks of life to explore the beauty of nature while promoting the power of connection.
Founded by Steven Toh, TBY WWG is a faith-driven hiking movement that champions wellness, spiritual growth, and unity under its mission of guiding individuals to become “The Best You”.
The group’s passion for inclusivity and its skilled team of volunteers helped ensure the safety and well-being of all hikers, including first-time hikers with disabilities.
“Hiking with the Best Buddies community reminded us that friendship is the most powerful guide of all,” said a volunteer.
Best Buddies Malaysia is part of Best Buddies International, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
While the international movement spans various pillars such as employment, leadership, and inclusive living, Best Buddies Malaysia focuses solely on friendship.
“In Malaysia, our goal is to create meaningful one-to-one friendships between neurodivergent individuals and their peers,” said Best Buddies Malaysia country director Dr Choy Sook Kuen.
“These connections reduce social isolation, boost confidence and allow our members to feel seen and valued.”
“If you are a neurodivergent individual aged 18 or older, you are welcome to join Best Buddies Malaysia.”
Neurotypical individuals are encouraged to volunteer as “peers”, to be a supportive friend who offers companionship and listens without judgment.
“Friendship is a basic human need, not a reward, not a privilege, but a right,” said Best Buddies Malaysia coordinator Devika Karthikeyan.
“When neurotypical individuals step up to be peers, they help build a more inclusive, empathetic society.”
The hiking trail with lush greenery, uneven terrain offered opportunities to marvel at nature’s diversity.
Participants encountered everything from tiny forest critters to towering trees, making it a learning experience as much as a physical challenge.
Every hiker moved at a comfortable pace, taking breaks to hydrate, observe, and encourage one another.
Some participants had never experienced a hike before.
For them, each step was an act of courage.
One young participant clutched her Buddy’s hand as she climbed her first rocky incline.
Another paused to admire the leaves overhead, smiling as she recognised a mushroom from a nature book.
“This wasn’t just about reaching the finish line,” said Gareth, a four-year volunteer with Best Buddies Malaysia.
“It was about the moments in between – the trust, the laughter, and the conversations shared.”
Throughout the hike, pairs of Buddies stuck together, supporting each other through mud, roots and fatigue.
TBY WWG volunteers embodied patience, compassion and faith in every participant.
“One step at a time, we saw transformation, not just in our neurodivergent friends, but also in ourselves,” said TBY WWG coordinator Stephen Liu.
“The hike taught us to walk with kindness and intention.”
The end of the trail was met with cheers, smiles, and shared pride.
Every participant received a certificate of completion, acknowledging not just the distance covered, but the resilience and joy carried throughout the journey.
Snacks and group photos followed, alongside reflections from parents and Buddies alike.
For many, the hike served as a reminder that inclusion does not always require grand programmes, sometimes, all it takes is walking side by side.
“My daughter doesn’t usually engage in outdoor activities,” said a parent.
“Today, she felt like she belonged. That’s what Best Buddies gives her, a place where she’s accepted without needing to change.”
Best Buddies Malaysia is calling for more neurotypical peers to come forward and be a friend.
The commitment is simple but meaningful: connect with a neurodivergent adult, meet monthly, and check in weekly, whether it’s a chat over coffee, a shared hobby, or a phone call to talk about your day.
“This isn’t about mentorship or teaching,” explained Devika.
“It’s about having someone to talk to. Someone to laugh with. Someone who cares.”
For details, visit Best Buddies Malaysia on its social media platform.
