Tents used by the group for shelter while they slept were often set up in the middle of the jungle.
WHAT began as coffee-shop chatter among siblings and in-laws six months ago evolved into a gruelling physical and mental expedition for a Sabah quartet over the past two months.
The group – comprising three siblings, Ismardy Mosial (47, former banker), Sofian (45, ex-army officer), Dominic (39, former rock-climbing trainer) and Ismardy’s tailor wife Faulah Paul Paimol (42) – successfully completed a 1,080km continuous night walk across Sabah.
Yet, their journey nearly unravelled just two weeks in, battered by fatigue, muscle pain and sheer exhaustion.
“But we held onto our ambition and leaned on each other to push through those first brutal weeks,” Ismardy said. “Eventually, our bodies adapted.”
The idea sprouted from a desire to “celebrate life meaningfully”, he explained.
After brainstorming, they settled on attempting a Malaysian record for the longest night walk.
Their proposal approved by the Malaysia Book of Records, the quartet embarked on a 52-day odyssey, looping from Kota Kinabalu through Sabah’s remote corners and back.
To prepare, they trained with nightly 12km walks and flipped their sleep schedules.
Their sunset-to-sunrise trek began at Kota Kinabalu’s Tun Mustapha Tower, winding through Tuaran, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Sandakan, Tawau and 15 other districts.
Alongside their record bid, they aimed to spotlight Sabah’s lesser-known treasures.
Posing for photos at one of their checkpoints.
“We wanted to promote hidden villages and cultures,” said Ismardy, whose team documented their journey on TikTok (@tehtarikgo).
Dominic, carrying a traditional *wakid* (woven backpack), stressed their cultural mission: “Why *wakid*? Because it’s a way to preserve our heritage, language, and crafts, which are fading.”
The backpacks – symbols of Kadazan Dusun Rungus heritage – accompanied them as they uncovered rural wonders.
Dominic said he was especially amazed at how little villages like those in Kota Belud, Pitas, Beluran and Tawau held hidden gems of handicrafts, places to relax and attractions.
These places were uncovered with the introduction from locals or the group stumbling upon them, he added.
“There is the Batu Tersusun in Balung Kokos, Tawau, the cool and serene Gunung Alab along the Crocker Range and a rabbit farm in Telupid which villagers believe is located on a WW2-era bomb crater,” he said.
Dominic said he was amazed by a craft stall in Kg Timbang, Kota Belud, selling beautifully crafted items and woven materials. One stunning item on display there was a cobra-inspired snake-shaped bag, made by a woman after her encounter with a reptile.
“These encounters fuelled us on tough days,” Dominic said.
The trek was not without peril.
The group taking a boat ride along the Kinabatangan River.
They dodged wildlife – including a close brush with an elephant – and navigated eerie nights with “mystical” encounters.
Yet, kindness prevailed: locals offered food, shelter and even cash donations.
“Strangers became lifelines,” Ismardy remarked.
Now back in Kota Kinabalu, the group awaits formal recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records. They also hope to spark a “night walking” tourism niche.
Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit praised the initiative, saying, “This aligns with our goal to innovate. Walking tours could become a unique product for Sabah – locally and globally.”
Beyond the record, the trek reignites pride in Sabah’s cultural tapestry and uncharted landscapes.
As Dominic put it: “Heritage isn’t just history – it’s alive in these villages.”
