About Yong En – Avid Climber and Trekker

kong yong en

Favourite Quote

“Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person.”

― Evon Chouinard

Name: Kong Yong En
Title: Rock Climber

Expertise/ Interests

Rock climbing, Trekking

Highlights/ Achievements

  • SSCMF Certified Sport Climbing Instructor
  • Editor of 5cclimbers.com

Yong En’s Background

Started rock climbing because of a Jerry Moffatt climbing video. He made climbing look so cool and sexy that I just had to try climbing for myself and that was back in 2003. I have been climbing ever since. Most of my fondest travel memories were rock climbing trips and meeting loads of interesting and weird people at the crags. Did some sketchy multipitch climbs with just enough skills and knowledge to come back in one piece (the climbing partner as well). A mediocre climber at best but decent enough to not look like a fool in the gym.

Education/ Qualifications

  • MSc Project Management, BSc Food Science and Technology
  • SSCMF Certified Sport Climbing Instructor

Interests, Hobbies and Passions

Specialized Areas of Rock Climbing: 

Boulder, Sport and Multi-Pitch

1. Places I have Rock Climbed In:

  • Australia, Araplies, Grampians
  • China, Yangshuo
  • Malaysia, Batu Caves, Tioman Island
  • New Zeland, Castlehill
  • Thailand, Khabi

2. Placed I have Trekked In:

Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, Langtang Gosaikunda  / Taiwan, Jade Mountain, Snow Mountain / Italy, Dolomites / Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu / Indonesia, Mount Rinjani / Japan Mount Fuji

What’s your Favourite Country and City? Why?

Nepal. Access to the Himalayas the most beautiful mountain range in the world. 

Why Nepal? You might ask. Apart from the amazing mountain range, the people you meet when you are up in the mountains are something you won’t encounter anywhere. Living over 3000 metres above sea level where any form of creature comfort is scarce. Spending a couple of weeks living in the mountains with the locals can help you put your life into perspective. Because you’ll realise all anyone needs in life is just shelter, a warm meal and a couple of good companions… maybe also a bottle of Chhaang. 

What’s your latest passion or business side hustle? Do share with us more if any?

Editor of 5C. 5cclimbers.com

5C was started as a blog to write about climbing-related content that was meant to be funny with a healthy dose of sarcasm. It later becomes a site with climbing information related to skills, training, interviews, product reviews and commentary.

If there is 1 piece of advice you can give to travellers, what would it be?

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

― Hunter S. Thompson

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