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Outward Bound Singapore

Tropical Mountain-Walker Leader's Proficiency (TMLP)

Find out how to attain the TMLP.

Last updated 14 September 2026
Group navigating forest trail while carrying an injured teammate on stretcher.

Overview 

Endorsed by the Singapore Sports Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (SSCMF), the Tropical Mountain-Walker Leader's Proficiency (TMLP) covers an extensive syllabus emphasising the key elements that determine the effectiveness and readiness of an outdoor leader to lead groups on walking expeditions in a tropical mountain environment. It is designed to equip the holder with the training and qualifications required for mountain walking terrain and for the type of obstacles encountered in such terrain, such as steep slopes, river crossings and dense vegetation. This course is not designed for situations that require specific mountaineering techniques such as rock climbing or the use of technical equipment like crampons and other related gear.

Course Objectives 

The learning objectives of the TMLP course are as follows: 

  • Learners will be able to develop a Risk Management Implementation Plan to ensure the safety and well-being of trekking expedition participants in tropical mountain environments.

  • Learners will be able to lead and manage walking expeditions in tropical mountain environments safely, and perform group management skills to ensure the safety and well-being of participants in the wilderness.

  • Learners will be able to plan and perform navigation skills and steep slope management by employing appropriate safety measures, equipment and techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of participants in tropical mountain terrain.

  • Learners will be able to assess and execute river crossing management using appropriate safety measures, equipment and techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of participants in river terrain.

Course Pre-Requisites 

  • Past outdoor leadership experience through leading or co-leading of trips or expeditions.

  • Have climbed at least 3 tropical mountains with a minimum elevation of 1,000m.

  • Have spent a total of 30 or more days in the wilderness across at least 5 different locations, terrains or sites.

  • Holder of a valid Basic First Aid, BCLS certification or equivalent.

  • A minimum of 6 participants are required for a class to be confirmed.

Course Date 

Registration Form can be found here (opens in new tab).
(Form will be made available when registration opens) 

Course Fees 

Local component (Pulau Ubin): $420 per day per pax 
Overseas component (Brunei Darussalam): $1,200 per pax (exclusive of airfare) 

Venue 

Local component: OBS, Pulau Ubin 
Overseas component: Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, Temburong, Brunei Darussalam (Tentative) 

Training Delivery 

The course is divided into 2 phases and spans a total of 9 days on a residential basis. 

Phase 1 — Skills Acquisition/Revalidation Phase (3 days, non-residential, conducted locally at OBS Pulau Ubin)
This phase covers the following modules: 

  • Wilderness First Aid.

  • Navigation, Orienteering and Craftsmanship.

  • Food and Nutrition.

  • Water Purification Techniques.

  • Principles in Expedition Planning.

  • Introduction to Expedition Equipment.

  • Steep Slope Management and Negotiation.

Phase 2 — Application/Assessment Phase (6 days, 5 nights, conducted overseas in Temburong, Brunei Darussalam)
This phase covers the following components: 

  • Close Terrain Navigation and Mapping.

  • River Crossing — Dry Practice, Real Simulation and Group Management.

  • Steep Slope Management.
    The course structure and delivery consists of both indoor and outdoor lectures, role-play and simulated scenarios. Delivery of content will be determined based on on-the-ground assessment by the trainers. Upon completion of the rigorous practical and theoretical assessments conducted in challenging terrains including steep slopes, river crossings and dense vegetation, participants will be awarded the TMLP proficiency certification. 

Assessment 

  • Successful completion of all practical assessment components; and

  • Successful completion of theoretical assessment components.

  • Fulfil at least 80% of attendance.

To Note 

  • Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded the Tropical Mountain-Walker Leader's Proficiency certification, valid for 3 years.

  • An e-certificate will be issued and reflected in your personal SSCMF account profile.

  • Slots are limited per session and are on a first-come-first-served basis.

  • Acceptance into the course is based on a confirmation sent out by OBS after all relevant documents have been submitted and payment has been made before course commencement.

  • Participants who wish to apply to become an Abseil Instructor are encouraged to write in to SSCMF at smf-climbing.org (opens in new tab).

  •  Course fees cover programme costs and programme insurance only. Travel insurance is not included and participants are strongly encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance ensuring it covers flight-related incidents such as delays, cancellations, loss of baggage etc prior to departure. 

  • As the course is held in Brunei Darussalam, participants are responsible for arranging their own flights independently. OBS does not facilitate group flight arrangements. 

  • Further details on the meeting point, reporting time, and logistics in Brunei will be provided upon confirmation of enrolment.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/obsenquiry (opens in new tab)  

Register Interest