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Outward Bound Singapore

Tropical Mountain-Walker Leader's Proficiency (TMLP)

Find out how to attain the TMLP.

Last updated 3 September 2025

Overview

Group navigating forest trail while carrying an injured teammate on stretcher.

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 training and other qualifications required for mountain walking terrain and for the type of obstacles encountered in such terrain: For example: steep slopes, river crossing and dense vegetation. It is not designed to be replicated in situations that require specific mountaineering techniques to make progress, such as rock climbing, the usage of crampons and any other related technical equipment. The training is not intended for use in scenarios that demand specialised mountaineering skills for advancement, including rock climbing or the use of technical equipment such as crampons and other related gear.

Course date and registration

Registration Form can be found here [PDF, 111 KB]. (Form will be made available when registration opens) 

Course fees

  • Local component (Pulau Ubin): SGD 420/day/pax

  • Overseas component (Brunei Darussalam): SGD 1200/pax (Exclusive of air fare)

Venue

OBS, Pulau Ubin

Training delivery

The entire course is divided into 2 phases: The Skills Acquisition/Revalidation Phase and the Application/Assessment Phase.

The entire course duration is 8 days and will be residential-based:

  1. 3 Days Non-Residential Skills Acquisition/Revalidation Phase conducted in Pulau Ubin 

  2. 6 Days 5 Nights Application/Assessment Phase in Brunei Darussalam @ Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (Tentative)

The Skills Acquisition/Revalidation Phase will comprise the delivery of the following modules (Conducted locally in OBS): 

  • Wilderness First Aid 

  • Navigation, Orienteering and Craftsmanship

  • Food & Nutrition

  • Water Purification Techniques

  • Principles in Expedition Planning

  • Introduction to Expedition Equipment

  • Steep Slope Management & Negotiation

The Application/Assessment Phase will comprise the delivery of the following components (currently conducted overseas in Temburong, Brunei Darussalam):

  • Close Terrain Navigation & Mapping

  • River Crossing - Dry Practice & Real Simulation and Management of Group

  • Steep Slope Management

This entire course is designed to ensure that all TMLP programme participants can meet the requirements by the time of assessment. The TMLP course structure and delivery consists of both indoor and outdoor lectures, role-play, and simulated scenarios. Delivery of contents will be determined and based on On-The-Ground assessment made by the Trainers

  • Upon the completion of the rigorous practical and theoretical assessments conducted in challenging terrains including steep slopes, river crossing, and dense vegetation, participants will be certified with a TMLP proficiency certification.

Course objectives

The learning objectives of the course are as follows:

  • Learner 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.

  • Learner will be able to lead and manage walking expedition in tropical mountain environment safely and perform group management skills to ensure the safety and well- being of participants in the wilderness.

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

  • Learner will be able to assess and execute river crossings 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/ expeditions

  • Have climbed at least 3 tropical mountains (Minimally 1000m in elevation)

  • Have spent a total of 30 or more days out in the wilderness (Of at least 5 different locations/terrains/sites)

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

To note

  • Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded the Tropical Mountain Walking Leaders Proficiency certification, which will be valid for 3 years

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

  • If course participants wish to apply to become an Abseil Instructor, they are encouraged to write in to SSCMF – Singapore Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (smf-climbing.org)

  • Slots are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis for each course.

  • Successful applicants for the course will receive an official confirmation email from OBS.

  • Applicants must ensure all required documents and relevant fees are submitted before course commencement

Enquiries

For enquiries, please email: obs_capability_development@nyc.gov.sg

Register Interest