CTTSB Retreat – 27 to 29 April, 2014
The idea of retreat/get away was initiated in one of our meetings. We unanimously agreed to have it at Manis Manis Resort as we have heard so much about it from our CEO already. The weekend 27 April to 29 April was set and programs were lined up. The Manis Manis Resort is situated in Kimanis, a remote area with limited internet connection. This place was a good place to hold a retreat as it gives us the opportunity to cut ourselves from our normal busy life to a relax and easy one. We were there for 2 nights and 3 days.
We started our journey at 3pm and on arrival we all checked in into our own chalet. Excited to start our activities, the same evening, we played a game ball and had so much fun trying to outdo each other till sunset. Dinner was delicious though simple. We were entertained by sound of the jungle, insects and later a karaoke session after dinner.
The 2nd day, after a good breakfast, we were all geared up for the hiking. Some of us have experienced hiking but some have not. Not knowing the trail was even more exciting. Our CEO led and guided us. We warmed up and our CEO briefed on the dos and don’ts in the jungle. Once we were ready, we started our journey. The starting point was to climb the steep rain drain with a rope. It was challenging but we were just too excited to bother the challenging climb. Narizan had a fright by a sudden appearance of a dog thinking it was a tiger. We had a good laugh on that incident. Along the way Ema had a fall and I had a fall due to the slippery condition of the ground caused by dry leaves. Every steps we have to watch carefully. Walking single line, we help each other. Crossing a small river with big and small stones was challenging as it was also slippery which we have to step on. It was a tough trail but we completed it with no major accident and incident due to our cooperation/team work and helping each other. We all successfully completed the trail exhausted and satisfied for our accomplishment. Hot coffee and tea and cold drinks and some cakes was waiting for us as we reach Manis Manis resort. After our morning tea break we play a game which we call “guiding the blind”. The aim of the game to trust your friends fully in guiding you thru the obstacles created and to lisent attentively to instruction. We have 2 groups, each have to blind fold one person in the group and the rest of the group will lead the blind folded to all obstacles to the finishing line. This game, teaches us work as a team, to guide, to listen instruction and to be focus. For the blind folded person, its to rely completely to your team and to trust them as you are not able to see. We had great fun in playing the game. After lunch we had a game again which we call “guessing“. We had so much fun too. We had 2 groups, the ladies and men groups. Each group pick one person to describe what is written by the facilitator without talking just by action. We had a great laugh when Ema described papaya and Azlan described wild. In the evening some play football and some rested. In the evening we had bbq dinner followed by karaoke competition. The winner is no other than our money lady, Nor for ladies and our money men, Rahman for men. It was a very interesting competition.
The last day, after breakfast, we recollect and share our experiences and after lunch we finish the retreat and went back home.
Overall we all have these new positive perception towards our colleague and we understand, accept and respect each other. Our working relationship enhanced and the we have a better environment at our work place.
