Soulful Saturday

We read and heard about the scenic and sacred Mount Singai and its Catholic Memorial Pilgrimage Centre, such as from this site and over here too. We have wanted to visit it one day. Glad that we made it last Saturday.

Both blog links that I gave were very informative about this place so do check them out to learn more about this enticing place.

From our house, we used Batu Kawa road and drove about 30 minutes to reach the small Bidayuh settlement. 

Our car was parked right in front of the public toilets and we walked further in, passing through the small Bidayuh settlement. At the end of the small road, you would spot the signboard and wooden bridge, indicating it is time to walk and climb! Time to exercise those legs and test your determination and will-power!

The bridge - starting point

One has to  pass 14 stations of the cross to reach the pilgrimage centre. We were basically stopping at every stations to catch our breath, quench our thirst and rest our tired legs.

It took us almost an hour to reach the pilgrimage centre. Everyone especially the kids were excited counting and passing by the crosses along the track. Thankfully the weather that morning was superb and we were surrounded by trees so it was shady around us. Nevertheless it was a tough and tiring climb because of the slippery wooden planks. Along the way, hubby and I took turn to carry Jamie up when he reluctant to climb further.

However it worth all the sweat and tiredness to reach the pilgrimage centre. Its wooden structures and beautiful surrounding were astonishing.

Me and kids slowly walking on the slippery wooden planks

Here are some photos that I took while we were there.

Good wooden planks make the walk and climbing easier

Dos and Dons

One of toughest staircases to climb

Up, up and up

Sturdy staircases

The symbol of Jesus

Virgin Mary

Entrance to prayer hall

Souvenirs to buy home

Some history of early preachers

Logo of the CMPC

I believe this is the hostel for caretakers and staff

Glad to see the banner saying we have reach the pilgrimage centre

Entrance to hostel

Exhibition room

To the canteen

Statue of Jesus

Donation box in front and the walkway to the open amphitheatre

The trail leading to amphitheatre

Open amphitheatre

One of the chalets

The settlement on the mountain

First time seeing a very tall and old cempedak (bread fruit) tree

Tall shady greens around us

Beautiful mesmerising view

On our way down we bumped into a group of over hundreds Catholic youths that came to offer prayers and experienced the pilgrimage.

We enjoyed the walk and hike amidst the humidity and tiredness of climbing up the long staircases. Maybe when the kids are bigger, we will come back and continue with the tougher hike up to the peak. Fingers cross!

We find it difficult to bid goodbye to this scenic place. It was beautiful with astounding flora and peaceful landscape. This place is worth a visit if you are in search of inner peace and soul-searching.