Ruslie (centre) taking a short break to pose with Suhaimie (left) and Mhd Alnizam against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kinabalu.
IN a world often overshadowed by despair, it is easy to lose faith in humanity.
Yet, along the winding roads from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, three walkers discovered a truth that rekindled hope: that kindness still exists, even in the most unexpected places.
Every step of their gruelling 15-day journey brought encounters with strangers whose simple gestures spoke volumes.
“Villagers shared meals and drinks without hesitation. Passing motorists waved, honked and cheered us on. Entire families waited by the roadside, offering words of encouragement, food, or simply a smile.
“We sometimes stayed in mosques or homestays. But some opened their homes, offering us a place to rest without expecting anything in return.
“This was not just a walk; it was a reminder that amidst all the negativity, compassion quietly endures,” says Ruslie Jokulon, a 56-year-old motivational speaker and adventurer affectionately known as Coach Lie.
Ruslie embarked on this journey alongside retired army officer and geologist Suhaimie Suman, 62, and 33-year-old content creator Mhd Alnizam Nadzree.
The journey, initially intended as a test of endurance, became a profound testament to the strength of community and the unspoken bonds that connect humanity.
“If we take the time to slow down, to walk instead of drive, perhaps we would notice the quiet yet powerful presence of kindness. In addition, along the way, we also got to enjoy the stunning landscapes and the warmth of the people,” he added.
Ruslie shared that some people questioned why they were walking. Their playful response – that they could not afford the fare – often moved strangers to generosity.
“To our surprise, some ran into their homes or opened their wallets to offer us money. We declined and explained the truth but it was heartwarming to witness such genuine care,” he said.
Each step of their gruelling 15-day trek was marked by encounters with strangers, whose simple acts of kindness left lasting impressions.
Ruslie added that many followed their journey on social media and some families prepared food to greet them.
“One family even waited outside their house just to have breakfast with us,” he recalled.
Their expedition began in Kota Kinabalu at 9am on Nov 21, inspired by the historical Sandakan Death March, which saw the deaths of 2,434 Allied prisoners of war during World War II. Only six Australian prisoners survived, escaping the ordeal.
“But instead of retracing the original path from Sandakan to Ranau, we challenged ourselves to start from 0km in Kota Kinabalu and walk 325km to Sandakan. We also wanted to experience how our ancestors travelled between districts without modern transportation,” Ruslie explained.
“We covered more than 35km daily, with shorter distances of about 28km in the hilly areas between Tamparuli and Ranau. Carrying 15kg of supplies, including food and sleeping gear, we took regular hydration and rest breaks to maintain our pace,” he said.
Challenges included heavy rain and lightning, which posed significant risks, and the lack of pedestrian-friendly roads, which caused delays.
“Uneven terrain and large vehicles forced us to stop frequently, highlighting the challenges pedestrians face daily. Drivers often overlook these difficulties,” Ruslie noted.
A backup team, including two doctors, monitored their progress through video calls, with a health check on the fifth day. Despite the tough conditions, the team completed their journey as planned.
Ruslie said they had envisioned the walk four years ago but postponed it due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reviving the idea a year ago, they began training to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually.
“There were critics who labelled us crazy, dismissed our efforts as pointless and even questioned our age. But we chose to ignore the negativity.
“Age is just a number, and with proper preparation and consistent training, we proved that anything is possible.”
The journey ended at Sandakan Harbour Mall at 5.30pm on Dec 4, where they met with an emotional reception.
“We are deeply grateful and overwhelmed by the unexpected warmth and support,” Ruslie said.
Plans for future expeditions are already in discussion. For now, the walkers are cherishing the well-deserved rest and reflecting on the remarkable kindness they encountered along the way.
