The year was 1945. British Colonel and World War II veteran Frederick Spencer Chapman had endured more than three years of the Japanese invasion in Malaya alongside his comrade, Major Richard Broome. Chapman was part of the small stay-behind party of the British Armed Forces ordered to “organise and lead reconnaissance and operation parties behind the enemy lines” when the Japanese invaded the land. Broome, on the other hand, was part of Force 136, an arm of the Special Operations Executive of World War II. 

During their time of hiding from the Japanese forces in the Malayan jungle, Chapman had suffered two wounds and both of them fought various diseases including malaria, blackwater fever, pneumonia and skin ulcers from leech bites. Both men had been listed as missing, presumed dead. But with the help of Malayan Chinese Communists, they finally managed to repair their radio receiver and contacted their army’s headquarters in Colombo. 

After organising reinforcements and supplies via parachute drops, the men planned their escape from the Japanese-occupied Malaya. They trekked through the mainland jungle and made their way to Pangkor Laut Island off the west coast by foot and sampan, disguised as Chinese labourers. From the island’s Emerald Bay, they swam 46 metres across the ocean to safety, navigating against the odds until they were picked up by the submarine HMS Statesman. 

Indeed, with the crucible of war as a catalyst, the tale of Colonel Chapman’s Malayan escapades serve as a testament to the resourcefulness of the mind, resilience of the body and tenacity of the human spirit. The chronicles of his legacy lives on today in his book, ‘The Jungle is Neutral’ and his namesake commemorative event, The Chapman’s Challenge – which brings us to the present. 

One Island, One Resort

We arrived at Pangkor Laut Resort, a YTL hotel, on the morning before the 2024 edition of The Chapman’s Challenge. It was a particularly hot and humid day, but the sight of the emerald blue waters – along with the refreshing popsicle and cold towel that greeted us – instantly eased any signs of discomfort. 

As we became acquainted with the “one island, one resort” property, it continued to sway us with its rustic charm. The natural beauty of its lush surroundings, enveloping every inch of the resort, made it infinitely more breathtaking. One would not have guessed that it was built in 1985, nor that a historical rescue mission had taken place on its grounds 40 years prior to its opening. 

But make no mistake, beyond its creature comforts lies winding roads and treacherous hikes through steep jungle terrains for adventurous souls who seek to test their physical and mental limits. 

Cue The Chapman’s Challenge. Held annually since 2016 (with the exception of the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic), the event pays tribute to the very same wartime mission that took place on the then uninhabited Pangkor Laut Island 79 years ago. It encompasses a 3.8km road run encircling Pangkor Laut Island, a 2.4km trek through the two-million-year-old rainforest, and a 1km swim in the sea off Emerald Bay. 

This year’s edition of the challenge was particularly noteworthy, graced by the presence of the Chapman family members – Chris, Stephen and Hazel – who faithfully participate in the event annually, as well as Andrew Reidy Reid of the Australian TV series, ‘Bondi Rescue’. Fondly known as Reidy, he is renowned for this heroism as an active lifeguard on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. He also frequently participates in triathlons and marathons, demonstrating his fierce dedication to sports and safety. 

The Jungle is Neutral

At sunrise on the day of the challenge, the participants gathered along the pier at the entrance of the resort. With the blast of a horn, Chris Spencer Chapman, son of Colonel Chapman, signalled the beginning of the race. Families, friends and other hotel guests cheered the participants on as they launched into a run across the expanse of the resort. The record to beat was 45 minutes and four seconds, set by Australian Surf IronMan Matt Poole in 2019. 

Despite the sharp inclines, the first leg of the challenge did not prove too difficult for many of the 40-over participants. (We suspect the coastal vistas along the way may have helped.) As it turned out, the jungle trail was the most arduous part for some; whilst others struggled to complete the swim after surviving the jungle’s 50-degree slopes. 

In the words of Katie Remond, the Australian triathlete who came in second place with a time of 52 minutes and 31 seconds: “It was so hard. Yesterday, we arrived and we had to do half the course, then we did a swim and ran back. Now I’m regretting that. My legs felt every little bit of it. They weren’t moving. It felt like my whole body was sinking.”

Andrew Reid, who finished first with a time of 49 minutes and 50 seconds, concurred. “The trail is incredible. It’s hot and it’s humid and it’s challenging, but I think that’s why we like it. If it was easy, everyone would do it,” Reid pointed out. “The sights and the scenery are beautiful. The people as well, especially the employees at the resort, they’re all really friendly and encouraging.” 

“Everyone else coming to do the race feels your pain, so I feel like we’ve bonded together over an amazing experience.” –Andrew Reid

But not all participants came to the island with the challenge in mind. One Singaporean couple had intended to book a stay for the weekend – as the resort is quite popular for romantic getaways – when they heard about the event. “It’s my first time doing a run, hike and swim, and it’s also our first time doing it together,” said Caron Chan, beaming at her husband, Goh Ngee Boon. “The trail was very beautiful, and the sea water, too.”

Returning her smile, Goh explained, “We decided to [take on the challenge] because we thought it would be quite fun. It was a spontaneous decision and it turned out to be amazing. I think the trail was challenging, in the sense that there were a lot of climbs but I think that only adds to the feel of it.” 

Their collective experiences echo Colonel Chapman’s sentiments that “the jungle is neutral” – as conveyed in the title of his book – and that one should view its surroundings as neither good nor bad. The author believed that the role of a survivalist is to expect nothing and accept the dangers and bounties of the jungle as a natural course. Ultimately, it is one’s state of mind that ensures survival in nature’s embrace. 

Survival is a State of Mind 

For Stephen Chapman, the third-generation of the family, maintaining the right frame of mind is fundamental not just for survival, but also advancement – especially when you’ve done the same challenge six times. “Every time, it’s the conversation you have in your head. I’m very lucky that I get to come out here every year and it’s always a competition against my time so I’m always thinking, ‘Can I do a little bit better? Can I go a little bit faster?’” he commented after the race.

“For me, I just wanted to see my kids cheering for me at the end, which is actually my motivation to finish the race. That’s what I was thinking about from the run to the trail to the sea,” said Fitriza, a proud Malaysian homemaker to three beautiful girls.

A total of 30 participants made it across the finish line, each receiving a medal of honour and post-race refreshments at The Chapman’s Bar. More importantly, they earned that sense of pride and self-achievement – evidenced by the priceless smiles and pats on the back following heavy sighs of relief.

“My first thought when I crossed the finish line was to breathe. My heart rate was probably at 180 for the whole 49 minutes, so yeah, just breathe,” Reidy commented. “I was just kind of relieved that it was over but I’m also hungry to come back and get that record. My next target for the next Chapman’s Challenge would be to smash Matt Poole’s record by about a minute.” 

Later that evening, the participants returned to Emerald Bay for cocktails at The Chapman’s Bar as the sun cast its vivid rays in a gradient of yellows, oranges and reds. A beach barbeque dinner followed, presenting a hearty spread of fresh seafood, grilled meats, cheese platters, desserts and more. 

The three front runners – Andrew Reid, Katie Remond and Stephen Chapman – graciously offered to renounce their prizes, leaving the next in line to reap the rewards. Matt Buckley from the UK earned the title of male champion, while Claire Jedrek from Singapore emerged as the female victor. Both clinched a NORQAIN ADVENTURE SPORT timepiece valued at RM11,200 and a three-day, two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Meanwhile, the first and second runner-ups walked away with complimentary stays at other YTL properties. 

As night fell, the sound of lively chatter, laughter and music continued to fill the air. The 2024 Chapman’s Challenge may have culminated then, but we just know that it won’t be the last for many of the guests there. 

The Chapman’s Challenge Weekend package was a three-day, two-night stay for two persons starting from RM2,600++ per villa. The package included daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at selected restaurants, as well as entry for The Chapman’s Challenge 2024.

Mark your calendars as The Chapman’s Challenge will return from 23-25 May 2025. For reservations, contact YTL Travel Centre at +60 3 2783 1000, email [email protected] or visit pangkorlautresort.com.

Photos: Imran Sulaiman for Global Citizen Club