From the summit, Loga was rewarded with a breathtaking view, a fitting reward for his perseverance.

The moment was especially meaningful, as it marked the completion of his mission to conquer nine peaks across seven states in just seven days.

Before Gunung Kerunai, Loga had scaled Gunung Ledang (Johor), Gunung Datuk (Negeri Sembilan), Gunung Hitam (Selangor), Gunung Angsi (Negeri Sembilan), Gunung Siku (Pahang), Gunung Sarut (Terengganu), Gunung Jerai (Kedah) and Gunung Bintang (Kedah).

His remarkable adventure, which he called “9 peaks, 7 days: Beyond the Limits”, earned him a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records in September for the “Most Mountains Trekked in a Week by an Individual”.

“What began as a love for weekend hiking turned into a life mission – to prove that no dream is too big and no background too small to achieve something extraordinary,” said Loga, who works as a protection officer in Singapore and resides in Johor Bahru.

His interest in hiking, the 26-year-old added, began during the pandemic. Separated from his family in Perak, it became a way for him to find peace.

Still, he admitted with a laugh that there was nothing peaceful about his “Beyond the Limits” mission – instead, he described it as “exciting, thrilling and nerve-wracking”.

One of the toughest moments, he recalled, was when he was stung twice by a Sumatran paper wasp while descending Gunung Sarut. The stings caused rapid swelling and dizziness, and he briefly lost consciousness.

He was rushed to a nearby clinic, where the doctor cautioned that the reaction could lead to “anaphylaxis”, a life-threatening allergic response. Still, Loga refused hospital admission, determined to complete his mission.

“I took one year to train for this. I just couldn’t give up,” he said, adding that the mission’s cost was approximately RM12,000 covering transportation, meals, permits and accommodation.

To succeed in his mission, Loga knew he had to be strong not only physically, but mentally. “If I walked 10km on the first day, I would increase the distance the next day – that’s how I trained my mind,” he shared.

The toughest climb, he recalled, was Gunung Bintang, which took him over nine hours to summit due to its steep terrain, and the heavy rain that day.

Wildlife, too, kept him on edge throughout the journey. Once, he came across a snake and on another occasion, his guide suspected that a black panther had been in the area the night before, judging by the droppings they found.

There were other challenges too – from racing across states to braving unpredictable weather and at times, trekking through the dark. Still, he pushed forward, knowing that each summit he conquered brought him closer to his dream.

Reaching his final peak was an unforgettable moment. “I felt proud, emotional and truly grateful. I dedicate this achievement to my beloved country, Malaysia.”

He also expressed appreciation to those who accompanied him on the mission – his brothers, father, friends and university mates from Management and Science University, where he is studying part-time.

“This journey showed me the real meaning of resilience, unity and courage. Behind every record is a team – and behind every struggle, the chance to rise above fear,” he said, adding that he aims to break his own record in the future.

Now, Loga hopes to empower Malaysian youths to believe in their strength and potential.

Through Urban Hikers Adventure Club – a hiking group he founded – he conducts motivational talks in primary schools to inspire students.

Looking back on his journey, he said: “It was more than just climbing mountains. It was about proving that with discipline, consistency and confidence, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.”

He added: “Give yourself the change to pursue your dreams. If the opportunity isn’t there, look for ways to make it happen.”

To contact Loga, send him a message on Instagram.