For many Singapore runners, there isn’t many places where we can do a “decent” trail run. We have the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, the Dairy Farm circuit and the now very sanitized Green Corridor. So for more technical trail races, Singaporeans usually head up north to our neighbour, Malaysia to take part in popular trail races such as the Skyhawk Nature Run, Cameron Ultra, the Merapoh Rainforest Trail.
For those seeking more thrills, there is East Malaysia where The Most Beautiful Thing awaits and the recently concluded Silabur Ultra Trail in Sarawak.
Our Running Shots volunteer photographer, Pang who is a hybrid road & trail runner since the last century and who in his own words, “Chase trails and mountain peaks to keep the heart young and spirit free” shares with us his adventure as he ran the Silabur 50 Ultra.
The Silabur 50 Ultra 2026 was more than just a race; it was a visceral journey through the heart of Sarawak’s rugged beauty. From the limestone massifs to the dense tropical canopy, the course offered a masterclass in trail running that left every participant equally exhausted and exhilarated.
A breathtaking view of Sarawak’s rugged beauty, showcasing the towering limestone massifs and dense tropical canopy that runners navigated during the race.
Seamless Support and Logistics
Runners refuel and hydrate at a strategically placed checkpoint deep in the jungle, keeping the “bonk” at bay thanks to the exceptional race crew.
One of the standout features of this year’s event was the exceptional race support. Navigating a 50km ultra requires more than just grit; it requires fuel. The checkpoints were strategically placed and impressively stocked. Whether it was the much-needed hydration to combat the humidity or the variety of snacks to keep the “bonk” at bay, the crew ensured no runner was left wanting. This level of planning allowed us to focus entirely on the trail ahead.
The Crown Jewel: Silabur Cave
The undisputed highlight of the race was the trek through the Silabur Cave (the “Jade Cave”). Transitioning from the bright equatorial sun into the cool, subterranean cathedral of limestone was surreal. Scrambling over slick rock and navigating wooden ladders by headlamp provided a technical challenge that felt like a scene from an adventure movie. The sheer scale of the chambers was a humbling reminder of nature’s grandeur.
Participants approach the massive, awe-inspiring entrance of the subterranean cathedral that is the Silabur Cave.
The humbling and massive scale of the limestone chambers inside the Silabur Cave, illuminated by a natural skylight from above.
Runners carefully navigate and scramble over slick, technical rocks inside the cave by headlamp. (Photo credit: Silabur Ultra Trail 2026)
The Final Gauntlet
However, the mountain saved its toughest test for the end. The final 10km after Checkpoint 7 were brutal. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we plunged into the forest in total darkness. The trails became a labyrinth of roots and mud, demanding absolute concentration.
Then, the skies opened. A massive thunderstorm rolled in during the final stretch. The forest floor turned into a stream, and the night sky was periodically incinerated by flashes of lightning, illuminating the silhouettes of the trees in a hauntingly beautiful strobe effect.
“It was a race of two halves: a scenic adventure by day, and a battle against the elements by night.”
Tough? Absolutely. Rewarding? Beyond measure. The Silabur 50 Ultra is a must-do for those who want to test their limits against the rawest elements of the jungle.
