Talal Alhasan raised his nation’s flag at the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong in Vietnam, making him the first Bahraini to achieve the feat. For the 31-year-old, the mentally and physically challenging expedition was extremely satisfying, with a big takeaway being identifying his own strengths.
In an exclusive interview with Bahrain This Week, Talal spoke of his experience, which was one of sheer challenge and excitement.
“The experience was both exhilarating and terrifying—the perfect balance; there were moments of excitement and rest, and the fear factor added to the thrill,” said Talal.
Talal put his foot on the ‘birthday cake” – the iconic Hang Son doon on after traveling nine kilometers in four days. He was the only Bahraini on board the 10-member team who took the trek organized by Oxalis Adventures in Vietnam. The adventurers were diverse, including a Bangladeshi, two Vietnamese, and a Swiss man with his inspiring Vietnamese wife, both in their 50s. They were accompanied by chefs, porters, and safety guards, and the team was led by a cave expert and member of the British Cave Association.
“In 2018, I conquered Kilimanjaro, but this latest adventure trip has truly surpassed it in terms of sheer challenge and excitement,” said Talal.
“Unlike Kilimanjaro, where you simply hike at high altitude, this trip involved bouldering over rocks, navigating around obstacles, and sometimes even crawling or slipping. The terrain was treacherous, with slippery stalagmites and massive rock formations that required careful navigation. But the biggest challenge came at the end of the cave, where the only way out was to ascend using technical ropes. It was definitely the most challenging part of the trip, but also the most rewarding.”
Talal discovered the cave in 2018 and was attempting to join a team to go there, but there were no spots available, and subsequently, the trip was shelved due to the pandemic. However, his determination was reignited in 2022, and he revived the correspondence with the company, wherein he informed them that he was from Bahrain and shared his deep desire to experience this natural wonder. Things changed, and within two weeks, he was on the first spot on the waitlist.
“Now, my eagerness to explore Hang Son Doong has soared, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.
“My curiosity propelled me forward, and I found myself in Hanoi, ready to start my journey. The weather was mostly pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 26 degrees Celsius during the day and cooling off at night. We camped out at three different campsites, and the experience was challenging but rewarding. I came back with a new appreciation for nature.”
The team started its journey at the magnificent Hang En cave, the third biggest cave in the world, and then spent the first night at campsite one in Hang En cave, while the second and third nights were at campsites two and three, respectively, in Hang Son Doong. On the fourth day, they climbed the Great Wall of Vietnam, which Talal described as “a monumental feat and a truly unforgettable experience”.
“At the highest point within the cave, I proudly raised the Bahraini flag. Even in my wildest adventures, I never expected to have such a personal moment of accomplishment. It wasn’t just for me, but for my country too. After five long hours of hiking, the energy I felt from raising that flag was invigorating. I never imagined that such a simple act could be so powerful.”
Even while braving leeches and poison ivy and cautiously treading every step on the slippery rock trail, Talal was watchful and admiring of nature’s brilliance—the lush green rainforest and the majestic rock formations that dazzled at their best as sun rays benevolently kissed them through the dolines.
“The caves themselves are home to a breath-taking rainforest, with a particular spot that is referred to as the “birthday cake” due to its iconic shape,” said Talal.
“During my visit, it was heavily raining and it was filled with water, creating a stunning display. The cave also boasts three dolines—holes in the roof that allow sunlight to filter in. The largest of these dolines creates a lush rainforest within the cave, while the other areas are dominated by impressive rock formations. As you approach any of the dolines, the greenery becomes more and more pronounced. It truly feels like stepping onto another planet.”
Moreover, during the four-day trek, they were completely off the grid with no signal, and the only means of communication was a satellite phone, which may not work in all camps.
“This may sound daunting, but it’s a truly beautiful experience. Without distractions, you’ll be fully present in the moment, focusing on each step you take and the breath-taking scenery around you.”
He also recalled his interactions with the rest of the team at the end of the day, which he said left a “lasting impact”.
Talal admitted that as a child, he was hesitant to try new things. However, when he attended university in Washington, DC, for five years, he was surrounded by majestic mountains, winding rivers, and breath-taking landscapes, and on his hikes, he felt a newfound sense of energy and excitement.
“I see myself as someone who enjoys adventure, but I also have moments of fear,” said Talal.
“Even the bravest and most adventurous people can experience fear. For example, when I explored a cave, I felt fear due to my fear of heights and traveling alone. However, I have taught myself that even when fear arises, pushing through it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and joy. It’s important to remember that fear and societal norms should not hold us back from living our best lives. So, take the leap and trust in yourself; you may be surprised at what you’re capable of achieving without any external help.”
The business management professional working with his family business, Bahrain Gas, has an inspiring family to whom he credits his merits: his parents, Bashar Alhasan and Aisha Khunji, elder brother Fahad, and his sister Fatima.