Camp5 was first established in 2005 in one of Malaysia’s largest shopping complex, One Utama. Located on the fifth floor of the new wing, Camp5’s flagship outlet takes up 2,300 square metres of total wall area consisting of climbing disciplines such as lead, bouldering and top rope climbing. With a range of different styles of climbing, the gym invites everyone regardless of their skill level, body type and age. News Hub Asia’s writer, Omar Nordin, shares his experience and some of the gym’s cool features.
I was introduced to climbing during my first year at university and was convinced to join their Basic Wall Course. I went in with no prior knowledge about the ins and outs of rock climbing and had no expectations whatsoever. Luckily for me and the rest of the participants, we had an excellent instructor guiding us throughout the session.
We learnt all the necessary skills needed to become an independent climber which included the safety precautions, how to use the gear in the gym, how to belay a climber safely and many more. Our instructor even gave us a few pro tips on climbing techniques. This course sparked a love for climbing that I did not know I had which still grows every day.
What stood out the most for me at Camp5 (besides the gigantic walls we were expected to climb) was the staff. The marshals, instructors, coaches, managers and even the cafe crew were all very supportive towards anyone on the wall. The climbing community has an infectious team spirit that you can’t help but feel whenever you enter a crowded gym.
At first, it was intimidating having all these strong climbers watch you attempt a climb that one of the 10-year-olds warmed up on, but my confidence grew strong as time went by. I’ve learnt a lot from the climbers. Watching them climb and taking in all their experiences shaped the way I go about in the climbing gym today. I owe it to them to do the same for everyone else I encounter in the gym.
Even Though Camp5 has over five gyms with another one opening soon, the One Utama outlet will always be my favourite. Maybe it is the fact that it was the first gym I went to, but I always feel at home when I am there. I would suggest anyone start climbing as it opened a whole new life for me.
About the writer:
Omar Nordin is an avid climber who is also one of the guitarists for his alternative, indie band called AVA, which is signed to Sony Music Malaysia. He has an educational background in Mass Communication and is currently a writer for News Hub Asia. 
