Travelling around Malaysia or Trekking the Mountains of Malaysia

Calling For Volunteers

2011-10-03T22:10:00.002+08:00

CAT Trailblazer October 2011

Only three spots available!

MYCAT and DWNP are conducting a CAT Trailblazer from the 17^th to 23^rd October 2011 and calling for three members of the Malaysian public to be part of the programme. The basic information about the CAT Trailblazer October 2011 is as listed below:

1. Location:	Taman Negara Pahang border (a specific location to be announced later)
2. Date:	17 to 23 October 2011
3. Duration:	Actual time in the forest is 5 days/4 nights. Including travelling time to Taman Negara, 7 days in total.
4. Personnel:	One team of 6 people consisting of - 2 DWNP staff 1 MYCAT Secretariat’s Office staff 3 CAT volunteers
5. Expenses:	No participation fee imposed, but all costs incurred such as fuel, food, insurance and lodging will be borne by the participating individuals.
6. Equipment:	- DWNP staff will bring a set of equipment necessary for border maintenance works. - MYCAT will provide a basic first aid kit and volunteers are required to bring personal camping gear and machete (only those who are comfortable using machete).

Download the information sheet to learn more about this trip.

The candidates must be above 18 years of age, in good health and physical condition, and must be confident that they can complete the trip with little assistance. They must also have prior experience in backpacking and camping in the Malaysian rainforest. All volunteers will sign an indemnity form and be covered by medical insurance. There will be a briefing in Kuala Lumpur as soon as three candidates are selected.

If you are interested, and can commit yourself for the duration of the period, please contact us as soon as possible at mycat.so@malayantiger.net. Feel free to forward this email to your contacts.

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Gunung Rajah, Bentong, Pahang

2010-12-26T23:36:00.014+08:00

Gunung Rajah, Bentong, Pahang
Height 1685 m / 5526 ft
December 5-7 2010

Usually during the months of Nov - Dec we would take leave from going camping up in the mountains because of the monsoon season. That means lots of rain. When it rains the trail is slippery, muddy and filled with leaches. Not to mention the rising river when during river crossings sometimes are dangerous or difficult to cross. Setting up tents in the rain pose another challenge. And by saying that I would usually trek less and less means lower stamina.

When David of G7 Hash invited us for this trip, I was feeling reluctant but when it was mentioned a 3 days 2 nights trip, the feeling of reluctance change to anticipation. How fast things can changed in split seconds. What this means is that 3 days 2 night trip would signal a relax holiday trek to Gunung Rajah which for an out of shape guy like me wouldn't mind at all.

Hok Mew, KC and myself met up with them at Seri Kembangan food court just across the road from South City Plaza for planning the trip. Everyone was in a jovial mood and especially for KC as for the first time she doesn't need to cook. The campsite is quite spacious and just nice for 22 of us.
The plan was simple as day 1 trek 4 hours to campsite, day 2 trek 3 hours to summit and back, day 3 trek back to car park and home.

Gunung Rajah became infamous for a lightning incident that happened many years ago where 2 campers lost their lives. But Still... like they say... trekking and camping in the mountains is safer than traveling on Malaysian roads. Aren't you glad to hear that!

Gunung Rajah trail is through The Chamang Waterfalls which is about 8km from Bentong Town.
At Bentong Town in the morning the happening place is at their morning market where it is crowded with traders selling various foods and products. We meet at 8.00 am in the morning and had our breakfast there. Dim Sum here is quite popular and the other is the Wan Ton noodle at the corner shop. From nasi lemak to local delicacies you can find it here. The chinese here are predominantly of the "Kong Sai" dialects which is Cantonese but with a different pronunciation. After the walk about in the market and buying some local sweet delicacies like the "Sa Kae Mah" which is a sweet biscuit and tasty and the famous "tau foo pok" or the famous Bentong ginger.

We continue towards Chamang Waterfall carpark. Standing in front of Chamang Waterfalls gives you the feeling of energy and a great force as tons of water comes gushing down. Double check your backpacks and make sure what you need is there and gather for group photos. Take lots of photos otherwise you will forget some of the details. The start trail is about an hour following the old logging trail which will pass by a mini hydro electric dam and a small 'orang asli' community. All along the trail you would be able to hear or see the river and waterfalls. KC and myself were the last to trek. We have another group of friends Ah Meng, Ah Onn and friends who is on a 1 day trek to Gunung Rajah Summit and back to carpark had started the trek at around 7am. They were so nice to lay pieces of paper trail (biodegradable off course!) all the way to the peak. After passing the mini hydro electric dam 5 mins later we heard the sound of a 4wd behind us and suddenly stop to offered us a ride to the end of the logging trail. Without hesitation we jump in as this will save us a 1 hour trek and along the way they started picking almost half the group, Lucky us.

We continue on following the paper trail and finally stop at a river crossing for lunch break. About 10 mins later the rest of the group arrived. The river is clear and inviting us to jump in for a swim. Ate our lunch snack biscuits and the rest of the group trickle in.

Our next stop is to our campsite only to discover its half an hour away. This campsite is probably big enough for about 30 campers and with good clear swimming areas and a 3 storey high water fall below. Weather was fine with everyone finding their spot to pitch tents. It was too early for dinner so we took our bath and ate some biscuits snack, took more photographs till dinner time. Later Siow Lee and friends prepared dinner for 22 people and they make it so easy. Dinner was delicious and there was no left over.

The weather was just nice cool but not cold but the sand flies made their presence felt by giving almost everyone a bite. Tonight we rest early as tomorrow we will trek to the peak.

Day 2. Morning call and a quick breakfast of 'teh tarik' biscuits and bread. Pack a light pack of snack food and tea leaves. We started at about 8.45am and the weather was perfect. We just followed the paper trail placed by Ah Meng yesterday so it was kind of leisurely pace with plenty of time for taking photos. The trail is quite opened and clean with occasional large fallen trunks to cross over. We reached the usual bonsai peak and can actually view Gunung Rajah and here there are good opportunity to take photos especially with bonsai trees with its exposed red barks making the picture interesting. Another half hour we have to climb the steep almost vertical slope on the rock face using fasten ropes, roots and uneven rock for a slow ascend.We reach the peak at around 11.45am after trekking for about 3 hours and in a relaxing mood for photos and snacks and more photos. Stanley Chan with another group pointed to the various locations for Genting Highlands, Gunung Benum and other peaks. Later more photos and a slow trek back to camp to enjoy the waterfall and cool weather for another night. As for tonight KC brought her home made fruit cakes to celebrate my 50th birthday or half a century. Thanks to her for a wonderful birthday memory. Tonight everyone will sleeping late to enjoy the jungle and waterfall environment.

3rd Day, Breakfast simple with snacks and drinks. Pack up and leisurely trek out to the carpark and since its a holiday, Chamang Waterfall Recreation Park is full of visitors. You can take a nice bath by paying 30 cents or jump in the river for free. With so many other visitors I just pay 30 cents and for some they like the waterfall. Later we Lunch just outside of Bentong town before going home with good memories of another successful climb.

Click Play below for photo viewing

Gunung Tapis

2010-08-27T23:05:00.031+08:00

Gunung Tapis & Pelangi Waterfall
1502 m / 4957 ft
August 5-9 2010

At our last climb to Gunung Benum Uncle Lim suggested Gunung Tapis and See Tho answered "I 'Tapid' first" (meaning I surrender). See Tho suffers from high attitude sickness during the Gunung Benum climb and promised himself that this will be his last mountain to climb.

Gunung Tapis peak is about 1502 meters or 4,957 feet above sea level. It is the 18th highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. The start trail is situated on the 4wd trail to the Pelangi Waterfall or Rainbow Waterfall (photo courtesy from Taman Negara Web) from Sungai Lembing. Sungai Lembing is situated 42Km North West of Kuantan, Pahang The Journey from Kuantan to Sungai Lembing is about 1 hour.
The normal trek to Gunung Tapis is about 2 days 1 night and due to the long drive from Klang/Kajang we decided to arrived 1 day earlier and stayed at Wong's home stay (019-9878631 A-3294 Lrg Kubang Buaya 4, Kuantan) which offers affordable and comfortable stay of about RM$20 - RM$25 per head room sharing.

Arriving a day earlier is more relaxing and an opportunity to dine at Restaurant T & L nearby. And also to distribute the packages which include our stove, gas, food and flysheets. Morning call at 5.30am and Uncle Lim will meet us at the home stay by 6.00am and proceed to Sungai Lembing food court for our breakfast. Sungai Lembing is famous for their soft 'tau fu' so don't miss it when you come here. I park my car in front of the police station and hop onto Ah Onn's 4WD Hilux. Usually they charge about RM$35 per head for a 4WD to Pelangi Waterfall or a minimum charge of about RM$ 350 - RM$400 which can seat approximately about 12 persons. You can enquire when you arrive at Sungai Lembing Town.

Day 1Pelangi Waterfall or Rainbow Waterfall has become very popular with visitors where the best time to view is 10.00 am when the sunlight hits the correct angle to setup a beautiful rainbow scenery. The waterfall itself looks like a misty curtain of water droplets free fall from a height of about 2 to 3 hundred feet. The 4WD will stop before the river. Crossing the river on foot and about 30 minutes to the Pelangi Waterfall. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and we did not get to see the rainbow. Later we stop at our start trail to Gunung Tapis at another river crossing. Sometimes during dry season and with proper tires you can drive your 4WD until Camp 1 which can save you about 90 minutes of walking.

We started trekking at about 10.45 am. following a old logging trail which followed the river until Camp 1 where we turn right towards Camp 2. You can find the Ikan Kelah or the Masheer fish (a gourmet delicacy) here and many locals will come here to fish. From Camp 1 to Camp 2 the trail is open flat terrain covering about 7km and just our luck the sun is shinning brightly and it gets real hot. After Camp 1 you will start to notice lots of elephant dung (fresh one) and freshly flattened trees and and bamboos which indicate that a herd of elephants are nearby and judging from the foot print they are of rather large size. Its midday and the hot afternoon sun is wearing us out. Finally after 3 hours from the start trail we reached Camp 2 around 1.45pm covering about 11km to stop for a snack lunch. There is a stream nearby and we sat in it to cool down and a school of fish (small) of the red kelah variety swam nearby. Our original plan was to camp at the Gunung Tapis Peak which requires another 5 hours covering 6.5km and ascending 4000 feet. After trekking for about 30 mins towards Camp 3 we decided that it was too ambitious to reach Gunung Tapis peak on day 1. We felt if we had avoided the morning trek to Pelangi Waterfall we would have save about 2 hours.
Its uphill trek to Camp 3 and its a hot afternoon and we reach our campsite by 4.30 pm. This campsite could fit about 30 campers fortunately only 7 of us here. The water stream nearby provides and excellent supply for our needs. There is a memorial plaque fix onto a small boulder found here. And uncle Lim would always place a small lighted candle at the memorial plaque. Upon enquiring the memorial plaque is dedicated to Mr. Joseph Cheong You Sang who promoted the Gunung Tapis trek had pass away on his last and final climb in 2004 at the age of 65. May he rest in peace.
KC prepared tea and biscuits for snacks while the others found their good spot to set up camp. Quickly took a bath before it gets too cold and KC prepared dinner to be served later. Dinner was a simple rice, eggs and vegetables. Later for supper hot ginger sweet potatoes were served. Tuck in our tents by 10.00pm.
Day 2.
Woke up early, had tea and noodles for breakfast. Did some packing and started trekking to Gunung Tapis Peak at 7.30am. Today's climb is ascending 2000 feet covering 3.5km that will require approximately 2 hours to Gunung Tapis Peak. Trekking at a steady pace we reach the peak at around 9.30am. It was a clear sky and Gunung Tahan can be seen towards North-West direction and Gunung Benum is noticeable towards West direction. We rested and enjoyed the mountainous view with tea and snacks. We started descending around 10.15am and reach Camp 3 around 12.30 noon. We pack up and continue towards Camp 2 about 2 hours later. By this time our body heat started heating up and when Ah Onn and Wong saw the river they quickly jump in like water buffaloes and soak in to cool themselves. From Camp 2 to our car park is another 11km of hot sun which will take about 3 hours trek. Its just walking and walking. Each time we cross a river we will find opportunity to soak in it. Along the trail we notice some fresh elephant foot prints. Ah Onn told us if we see our friends (at the front) running towards us we should quickly put our backpacks to the side and run for your lives. This is because they are being chased by elephants. This sounded serious and stressful but on the positive note KC told Ah Onn that hopefully it won't happen. By the time we reach Camp 1 our legs felt sore, tired and very hot. Finally the last river crossing to our car park at around 5.10pm. Took a bath and head out to Sungai Lembing town for dinner and boy! we really felt hungry. We have been trekking since morning. Gunung Tapis height may look short compare to other G7 mountains in Malaysia but it does have its own challenging long trail.

Thanks to www.malfreemaps.com

Click on play below to view a slide show of photographs

Gunung Benum

2010-07-13T09:52:00.028+08:00

Gunung Benum 2107m Pahang
10th Highest Peak in Peninsular Malaysia
9th July - 11th July 2010

A year ago we were invited to join a day trip to Lata Berumbun Waterfall (Sungai Chalit, Raub Pahang) and the highlight was the 45 minutes 4x4 adventure ride from Sungai Chalit town. Sungai Chalit along with Sungai Klau, Sungai Ruan and Tulai are famous for their agricultural produce and especially the Durian variety of the 'Mou Sang Wong' or Raja Kunyit. Durian plantations here are produced on a large scale and wholesalers can be seen along the road receiving durians especially in the mornings where they have to be transported out. Gunung Benum should not be confused with Belum Forest which is situated in Perak.

The 45 mins 4x4 adventure ride on the Jeep modified to turbo charged engine provides a thrilling ride and especially if the driver is motivated by screams from the passengers. The driver spoke of the Gunung Benum (10th highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia) which is tough to climb. There are very few local Gunung Benum guides and they charge about RM$150 per person excluding 4x4 trasportation (RM$250 - $300 per vehicle). Our guide Mr. Lim from Kuantan who has taken us to Gunung Tebu (Terengganu) and Cemerong Waterfalls has agreed to take us up to Gunung Benum on July 9th - 11th without any charge.

This trip our group consists of Ah Onn (Klang), See Tho, Michael (driving from Kota Bharu), Wong, KC and myself. We left Kajang at around 5.00 pm 8th July to stop at Bukit Tinggi for tea and snacks. Later arriving in Bentong to buy the famous 'tau hu pok' as one of the ingredient for a 'bak kut teh' dinner which KC plans to cook for dinner during the first night at Camp Tikus (our campsite). We meet at the Restaurant Lo Yong for dinner. Later Lim from Kuantan and another 3 campers join us for the famous 'mou sang wong' durian which was priced at RM$16 per kilo (The price is like share market, sometimes up sometimes down). Later we camp at the Kuan Yin Temple in Kampung Cina Sungai Chalit for the night.

Day 1.
Pack up and breakfast in Sungai Chalit Town before heading back to Kuan Yin Temple where we will park our cars and take the 4wd at around 9.00am to Lata Berumbun Waterfall. Dark clouds can be seen circling around the mountains. It had rained the night before so the 4wd trail gets muddy near the Lata Berumbun Waterfall. We were pack 5 to a vehicle together with our backpacks. It was a bone rattling ride like riding a wild horse. Upon reaching the muddy trail the first 4wd stalled and had to be winched. With the turbo charged engine throttling at high speed with the wheel spinning we were soon splash with mud. 10.00am Finally at Lata Berumbun Waterfall park we disembark and started warming up for the trek to Camp Tikus which will take an averaged 4 - 5 hours. Lim and his friends are strong trekkers and have treked Gunung Benum to camp in one day. They have also trek (small day pack) Gunung Benum and back to Lata Berumbun Waterfall in one day. These people are like commandos.

The start trail (2,000 ft above sea level) goes into the jungle and soon we become aware that this is 'leech' country. At the small river crossing, Lim and his friends started to mark the trail with pieces of paper because tonight at around 9.00pm another 8 campers will start night trekking to Camp Tikus. The others started to check for leeches. Along the trail there are many thorny plants which needs be to cut or chop. There are not too many trekkers to Gunung Benum so the trail tends to get overgrown with plants, thorns and fallen trees. The first day climb is a gradual steep 3,000 feet climb and for the first 2 hours leeches big and small are waiting for you. So walk a little slower to let them have their meal.

I was told that the trail towards Gunung Benum you can find 3 distinctive 'items'. 1st is the large pitcher plants usually after the Camp Tikus. 2nd Large millipedes and 3rd Large rats usually near Camp Tikus (Rats Camp). I didn't seen any large millipedes and rats, maybe its their off season but lots of leeches to be found. Luckily I wore knee length ladies stockings and full length tights. Leeches cant penetrate the ladies stockings so sometimes there are some adventurous leeches that will climb all the way up and find a juicy spot around the belly to suck blood.

We reach Camp Tikus around 2.30pm and quickly found our spot to put up our tents. Up in the mountains sometimes the weather changes quickly so it is better to set the tents. Water source is downhill about 2 mins just beside the trail towards Gunung Benum. The water is tea brown in colour probably due to tree trunks and dead leaves but nonetheless very clear. Have tried drinking it and taste like light chinese tea. Its better to be boiled for those with weak stomachs. You can take a bath further down from the collected pool of water (still tea brown in colour) and its icy cool at 5280 ft high. From the campsite you can see Genting Highlands and probably Gunung Rajah on a clear day or night.

KC as usual will be preparing ceylon tea and instant noodle. After a long trek the meals and drinks up here always taste different. As for dinner tonight KC has planned 'bak kut teh' vegetables, mushrooms and fried chicken feet (fried and supply by Onn) with 'bak kut teh' herbal ingredients from Klang famous 'mo sang ko'. Later a sweet desert of longan and 'lo hon go' to cool down.

We just had tea and noodles at 5.00pm and then dinner by 6.30pm! Talking about losing weight with mountain climbing is not possible here. A hash member once told me that he join hashing to lose weight and had four blocks of muscle around his abdomen. After running for about 6 months his four blocks of muscle now becomes only 1 big block and that is his beer belly.

After dinner it rained and we collected water using our flysheet which can be use for drinking and washing. See Tho did not sleep well and he felt chilly throughout the night. Around 1.45am the group of 8 arrived trekking throughout the night. I am thinking to myself another group of commandos. These people are tough.

Day 2
Woke up at 6.00am. Today's climb is suppose to be tough and comparable to Gunung Chamah as there are about 35 hills to climb which consist of small hill and big hills. Small hills from 100 ft to about 750 ft covering about 12 km. We had tea and 'mee suah' for breakfast and carried some extra water to make hot 'milo' drink at the peak along with bread and snack bars. There are no water source from here onwards so you have to ration about 1.5l of drinking water. We started our trek at around 7.30am. We started at altitude of about 5,280 ft and for the next 2 hours we will be going up to 5,800 ft and back to 5,250 ft. Strange huh! but that is the nature of the toughness of Gunung Benum trek.

After an hour we started to notice large pitcher plants about 15 inches in height. They grow all over the place from ground level to tree top level. We started to take photos with the standard pose to ridiculous pose (which I will avoid posting, you know 'lah'). There are about 2 viewpoint of far away mountains which I cant identify.

For the next hour its just trekking and walking and walking until you reach a 'left behind' campsite maybe from past expedition and that will be another 1 hour plus to the peak. There are about 2 false peaks of about 750ft in height and the 3rd peak shall be the Gunung Benum Peak. Arrive at the peak at about 11.45am. See Tho looks pale and he then realized that he has high attitude sickness. That explains for his headaches and high heart beat rate. Took photos and hot milo, bread and biscuits for lunch before descending at 12.30 pm to campsite. It took about 3.5 hours to reach campsite at about 4.00pm.

Since it was early KC started chatting with Lim from Kuantan and possibly which mountain for the next climb and it was suggested Gunung Tapis and Pelangi Waterfall at Sungai Lembing, Kuantan, Pahang. Pelangi Waterfall is also known as rainbow waterfall. A little while later sand flies started appearing and what they do best is bite and suck blood. Either you wear socks or apply some anti-insect cream. KC prepared leek fried with sardine and french beans with anchovies which was quickly eaten with nothing to spare. Retired to tent at around 10.00pm and it started raining heavily after midnight. Our flysheet collapsed due to overload of water and my tent in particular was drenched. Had to re-tighten the 2nd layer flysheet for my tent so that water stops seeping in. Went back to sleep in wet and cold condition.

Day 3
Woke up early and started packing while KC prepared a simple breakfast of hot milo with biscuits and snack bars. All pack and ready to go at 7.45 am. It was most downhill and the trail was slippery due early morning rain. Slip a few times and hook by thorns. Leeches were plenty and they were better prepared and got their fill of blood. Reach the river crossing at around 10.15am. Going downhill is definitely easier and faster. Some of us went to the Lata Berumbun Waterfall to wash up in the icy cold water. There were a group of campers who was packing up and getting ready to leave at the waterfall. Our 4wd was schedule to pick us up at around 12.00 noon. We heard the trail was quite inaccessible due to the heavy rains which had made the trail muddy and later Ah Ngah (HP 019-946 0807) our 4wd driver came and told us to walk out towards the next river crossing where they will ferried us back to our parking at Kuan Yin Temple about 45 mins away.

By the time all of were packed and ready to leave Kuan Yin Temple after taking a good bath it was around 1.30pm. The whole group dispersed to different restaurants for lunch. Our group of 6 went back to Restaurant Lo Yong to have our lunch. Later we contacted a local farmer for durians of the 'mou sang wong' variety along with mangosteens and bananas.

Overall it was a good weekend reaching home sweet home.

Statistics.

1. 45 mins 4wd to head trail near Lata Berumbun Waterfalls.
2. 4-5 hours to reach Camp Tikus (full backpack), distance about 8km with elevation of 3,200ft
3. 4-5 hours to reach Gunung Benum Peak (small day pack), distance about 12 km
with elevation of 1,700ft covering 35 hills.
4. 3-4 hours from Gunung Benum Peak to Camp Tikus.
5. 2-3 hours from Camp Tikus to Lata Berumbun Waterfalls.
6. Total distance to and fro Gunung Benum is about 40km

Click on play below to view slide show of trip to Gunung Benum

Gunung Benum Trail
Click to enlarge view
Thanks to malfreemaps.com

Gunung Bintang - Kedah/Perak Border

2010-03-25T00:08:00.036+08:00

Topography map thanks to Malfreemaps
Click on Map to view enlarge

Gunung Bintang (Mount Star) (1862 m/6,144 ft March 19-21 2010 )is located on the border of Kedah/Perak near Kulim. The gathering point is at Sungai Sedim Waterfall or Sungai Sedim Forest Recreation Park. This is the highest mountain east of Penang Island. To reach Sungai Sedim Forest Recreation Park from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway exiting the toll at Bukit Merah to Selama. Alternatively it would be better to exit the toll at Alor Pongsu to Selama.

Sungai Sedim Forest Recreation Park has many attractions including the The Tree Top Walk or Canopy walk which is over 900 metres long and highest point at 50 metres. White water rafting is available here and it offers two packages. The most challenging being 6 hours ride from Level 1 to Level 4. Level 1 being easy to Level 5 which is considered too difficult or impossible. Other activities include mountain biking and team building events. In fact TV3 Explore Race final was held here in 2006.

Day 1

Our journey started from KL and stopping in Sungkai at 1.30pm to meet up with another 5 friends to have lunch. The distance from KL to Sedim park is around 450 km and its better to take breaks during the long drive. After lunch we stop in Ipoh to have Ipoh famous white coffee and tea and finally dinner in Selama. While getting ready to eat in Selama the local council decided to fog the town and thus we had to stall our dinner awhile later. Guided by our GPS we pass through Mahang town and then towards Karangan town. Turn right before Karangan town and arriving at Sedim Park around 8.30pm. There was scattered showers and the ground was wet. Another group had camped at the trail head to Gunung Bintang. Sedim Park guide offered us accommodation in the wooden chalets back at the Park for RM$30 per chalet (max 6, comfortable for 4). We quickly took the offer as tomorrow will be a tough day ahead and after the many hours of driving this offer we couldn't resists. With bathing facilities it felt like 5 star and after refreshing ourselves, KC brought out the red bean desert for everyone to enjoy. We place an order for 20 'nasi lemak' at 60cents a pack for tomorrows breakfast. We chattered awhile before we repack our backpacks for tomorrow's trek and slept around 11.30pm.

Day 2

Sleeping in the chalet was comfortable but it gets chilly and cold after midnight. 7.00 am rise and shine to have Sungai Pelek 'charcoal' bake bun for breakfast with 'teh O'. The 'nasi lemak' we ordered didn't arrive on time until much later at the start of the in trail. After packing we parked our cars near our chalets and were ferried by Toyota 4wd to join with the rest of the group (total 24 pax). The 4wd trail takes about 15 mins or 1 hour by foot to reach the headtrail. 3 4wd were use to ferry all of us and finally to begin our trek at 10.00am. Our next stop was a Campsite 1 which is currently under construction to build a hall with other smaller gazebos beside the waterfall. The head trail begins with a fairly flat gradient through what looks like a old logging trail with occasional bamboo grove overhanging the trail. And along the trail you will notice wild ginger flowers (reddish in color) and elephant droppings. The height here is around 1200 ft above sea level. Leeches are 'seen' along the trail and what's not 'seen' may have already started biting you. Along the way I rested a few time leaving my backpack on the ground and later found 1 leach already had its fill near my belly and the other at the back. They probably came up via the backpack. At around 11.40 am we reach Campsite 1 which a slow trek would require about 2.5 hours. We stop for a short snack and rested at the waterfall while others took pictures.

The trail to Campsite 2 is a gradual steep climb of about 3000 ft with occasional short downhill. One good thing is that the trails are well kept (by guides) and clean. From here onwards it gets tougher and with little sleep from last night we had to take more short stops to rejuvenate our strength. Along the way 'Siow Lee' from Serdang, Selangor was busy pointing out the many various wild orchids. Finally we reach Campsite 2 at around 3.15pm, the clouds looks menacingly dark even though we read in newspapers that Northern Malaysia was dry. My knees aches, it was injured three weeks ago and looks like it haven't recovered. Michael reach the campsite much earlier and 'book' a good spot to set up tent and cooking area. As usual we put up our tents and emptied our backpack contents into the tent and wrap up the backpack in big black garbage bag. This was shown to us years ago by a regular camper from Malacca (Chee Eng Pow). Keeping your backpack in garbage you can either tied it to a tree for safety and dry instead of keeping it in your tent which will definitely "smell". And of course more space in your tent means more comfort. Water source is about 50 m downhill (steep) and the guides told us that the water is crystal clear and icy cold even fishes cannot survive here. Not believing we went down to take a bath and collect water. Mark his words the water here is really icy cold. On second thought a sponge bath sounds more warm. I had the 'pleasure' to carry 10 liters of water uphill and its tiring. KC was already preparing hot water to make tea and a quick 'instant noodle' to satisfy our hunger which everyone quickly finish. And after that 'power nap' but KC was excited because she is preparing "all in one" dinner called Herbal Fish Vegetable Soup serve with hot piping rice. Sounds Delicious? What took about an hour of preparation was consumed in less than 15 mins. 7.00pm still bright but from a distance dark clouds gathered with the sound of rumbling thunder. Chit chat time... till about 9.00pm and it started to rain so..... crawl into tent to sleep. "listen to the rhythm of the falling rain.... pitter patter pitter patter..wouuuh woh..." nice song.

Day 3

Wake up 7.00am KC went out to prepare our simple breakfast Fish Porridge (getting very fishy) while the rest started packing their stuff. The weather is fine and fresh from last nights rain. Today's trek to the peak will take about a "slow" 2 hours or a "fast" 1 hour. Just bring enough drinking water and snacks in a small backpack. We left campsite 2 at around 8.15 am. The ascend up is gradually steep again with a few downhills and our first stop was at the Bonsai Garden (8.35 am). The trees here takes up many slanting shapes and sizes as with most mountains due to strong winds and cold weather. There was tree with its bark almost completely strip off on one side possibly due to bears or even big cats. I call this the "scratching pole" for these big four legged friends. Next stop is at Gunung Bintang Kecil (9.20 am Mount Small Star) again taking many photographs and it is noticed from the last stop that there are many species of wild orchids with some of them blooming. Gunung Bintang is another half and hour away. All the way the trek is clean and wide, no climbing involved and this mountain is popular with trekkers from Penang Island. Finally we reach Gunung Bintang around 9.55 am. On a clear cloudless day you can catch a glimpse of Penang famous Komtar Tower and Penang Island but it was not to be as today it is cloudy and misty. Spending time here to relax to take more photos. There are small communication poles with solar charged batteries located around the peak. Most of them damaged by elephants. According to the guides, usually a small herd of elephants would normally arrive from Grik from June onwards for food. And on seeing this man made structure like the communication pole or the signboards they will destroy them. Amazing! And when they go back to Grik they will usually leave behind a young bull elephant to guard the area (outpost guard). Interesting! Now for some hot milo prepare by KC (the ever willing cook) to go with cakes and biscuits. After enjoying the mountainous view its time to descend. My injured knee starts complaining but still have to walk. Returning back to the camp takes a shorter time and more opportunity to take photos. Once we reach Campsite 2, a final pack up took about 20 min and reach Campsite 1 around 1.30 pm. Stop here for a quick lunch and to soothe our sore legs in the cool water of the waterfall. The weather turns for the worse with menacing dark clouds circling above. Left Campsite 1 around 1.40 pm and it started pouring. All along the trail it became slippery downhill from the rain water flow off. This time leeches were having a '24 person' high tea with enough for a second round. Finally reaching our head trail around 3.15 pm. By this time our muscles really ached because of walking in the rain with the muscle cooling down fast. At the 4wd gathering point everyone was inspecting for leeches and was especially found on most juicy part of the body. By the time everyone was ferried to the Sedim Recreation Park it was around 4.30 pm.

Since it is a Sunday the park was filled with visitors. Bath time at the river but be careful since it rained heavily and you will never know when the river would suddenly rise. Left the Sedim Recreation Park around 5.00pm for Nibong Tebal to have sea food especially the "Tu Boo Sung" in hokkien means small octopus and mini sweet & sour sting rays. Since it's the last day of the school holidays we took an extra hour to reach home with the heavy traffic.

Gunung Hantu Besar and Gunung Hantu Kecil, Titi, Negeri Sembilan

2009-11-02T16:58:00.020+08:00

Thanks to malfreemaps.com

Gunung Hantu Besar (1,450 m / 4785 ft) and Kecil is located north of Titi, which is situated in the Kuala Kelawang, Jelebu district, Negeri Sembilan. Titi or also known as 'titi kong' in chinese was the place where a nearby village of about 1,500 villages were massacred during World War II by the occupying Japanese forces. Today it is famous for its fruits and vegetables. Titi pineapples are much sought after and its durian are also delicious. You can drive to Titi either through the Cheras/Ampang junction, 9th Mile Cheras/Pekan, Semenyih/Jalan Kacau and Broga/Lenggeng road for those coming from Kuala Lumpur or Kajang area. It takes an average time of about 1.5 hours to reach Titi.

A hike up to Gunung Hantu Besar and Kecil could be achieved in a day. Our group after initial consideration that to travel more than 70km and then through 1 hour of 4wd road to reach the Lata Kijang waterfalls it was better to camp somewhere near the peak with the last water point.

Our meeting point usually starts with a meal at the Hakka Restaurant at Titi for lunch. Upon reaching there only to find out that the Hakka Restaurant only opens after 3.00pm. We had to adjourned to the opposite Restaurant which also serves Hakka style cooking. As more friends started arriving and having their meals the others just chatted away until it was time to depart. Just a short distant away you could find famous Hakka desserts like 'chu yap pan' which roughly translate as 'rough leaf pancake' which is dark greenish in color and excellent as a snack during our hike.

From Titi drive towards Kampung Kongkoi and then towards to Kampung Chennah and on the left the start of the 4WD trail which on dry days is passable with normal sedan cars but not on rainy days. If you miss this left turn (4WD trail) there is another left 4WD trail. The 4WD trail to Lata Kijang waterfalls is about 15km but takes about an hour of driving passing through Kampung Esok, Kampung Tohor and finally Kampung London. And finally the Lata Kijang waterfalls which has very narrow parking and take care to allow other cars to turn out. Our 4wd vehicle Suzuki SJ410 (2 door) driven by Wong HM with full backpacks and 2 passengers wasn't luxury but bumpy without air-con and KC at the back was really cramped up. One of those Toyota Hilux would really make our day.

We started unloading our backpacks and into 'ready to trek' mode. We started trekking crossing the waterfall with a full view of Lata Kijang waterfalls. The time is 3.15pm and walking 352 steps (more than Batu Caves) straight up with steep gradient (take your time). It takes about half and hour including some photo takes to reach the end of the stairs, it may sound easy but try it and you will know. Then another 1/2 hour following the logging trail and upon reaching a small 'orang asli' community and turn right following a distinct trail. There will be another small river crossing and from here onwards the trek is gradual.

From the Lata Kijang waterfalls to the Camp Orchid will take about 3 hours. Camp Orchid is about 1000m above sea level and is fairly flat and can accommodate about 40 tents depending how you place them. We quickly set up our tents and sensing it might rain soon we went to the water point which is about 5 mins away down slope. Collect the water before it rains otherwise it will be brownish in color. At this height the water is cold and as we started to take a bath, it started raining heavily and it gets very cold (you might consider taking a sponge bath). Take care on your walk from the water point up the slippery trail to Camp Orchid. Tonight dinner is a simple 'nasi goreng kampung' or fried rice which was precook and frozen. So it takes a short while to heat it up and 'voila' ready to eat and the rain stopped in time to enjoy a comfortable meal. The other members were still cooking and meanwhile KC started preparing dessert for supper which is a mixture of 'longan, tung kua, pak kor and others' a sweet desert or in Chinese called 'tong sui'. After having our dessert we retire early for the night and it started raining heavily again. We were nicely tuck in our warm tents while the rain made a nice sleepy tune.

7.00am wake up time. Other campers were already complaining about water seeping through their tent (Always make sure you have a real all weather tent). Breakfast with mushroom soup, bread and left over fried rice. 8.15am started trekking to Gunung Hantu Besar and there is only one trail to the summit and we took about 1hour. The morning air was fresh and cool and it helps a lot to ascent 1500 ft in 1 hour. The peak is small fairly flat terrain and there was already a group of campers who arrive last night and was getting ready to descend. It was very windy and clouds covered the view every now and then. From Gunung Hantu Besar peak you could see Gunung Hantu Kecil, Genting Highlands and KL Tower. We spent some time taking more photos and with KC preparing tea and butter cake (made by her) for lunch.

Next stop to Gunung Hantu Kecil. From Hantu Besar when you view Hantu Kecil especially the earlier campers who just reach the peak of Hantu Kecil you could faintly see them among the bonsai trees. We trek back the trail (our IN trail) from Hantu Besar and there is a junction turning right which leads to Hantu Kecil. It will take about an hour and upon nearing the peak of Hantu Kecil it will become steep and in some places you have to use both your hands as well (reminiscence of Gunung Korbu) Hantu Kecil peak is covered with thick vegetation and with only a clear view of Hantu Besar.

Trek back to camp orchid to pack up. It's noon and getting hot. Reach the orang asli community around 2.30pm. KC had ordered a basket weave from bamboo and they wanted RM$10.00. We emptied our extra food to them and continue to the Lata Kijang waterfalls arriving at 3.30pm. Relax and took a good bath while admiring the waterfalls and the surrounding area. Dinner at Titi's Hakka

Restaurant ordering the popular hakka dishes and back home riding the bumpy 4wd Suzuki.

Gunung Tebu, Kuala Besut Terengganu

2009-09-29T22:41:00.015+08:00

Gunung Tebu - 1,037m (3401 ft)
Hutan Lipur Lata Belatan (N5 38.330 E102 35.195)

Actually we were supposed to climb Gunung Benom but our guide Lim from Kuantan (Cemerong and Gunung Berumbun guide) informed us that Gunung Benom trail has a small campsite and seeing our large group of more that 30 members making it difficult to accommodate. While we thought about it, Lim suggested Gunung Tebu. Gunung Tebu or literally translated as sugarcane mountain is located in the Besut District. This mountain on a clear day can view the South China Sea together with the famous Pulau Redang, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Kecil. Furthermore this mountain has many legends and mysticism surrounding it. Some people would spend months up here in solitude and meditation. You can find graves up there and there's one near the campsite overlooking the South China Sea. This grave, I was told belonged to Tuan Haji Tok Singh which cannot be confirm. There are many various wildlife, herbs and bonsai trees found here. During the monsoon season the winds and storms are fierce so make sure your tents are well peg down.

The road distance from Kuala Lumpur is approximately 530 km passing through Bentong, Raub, Kuala Lipis, Gua Musang, Jertih and finally Besut. Our usual team member Michael Lim could not make it and instead a new member Sabryna Lim (nature tourist guide from Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara) join us (includingWong, KC and myself). We had a smooth troubled free drive especially using a GPS which guided us here. We left Kuala Lumpur around 7.00pm and arrived at Hutan Lipur Lata Belatan at about 2.30pm driving at a leisure pace including stops for breakfast, tea breaks and finally lunch at Jertih town. Breakfast near the morning market in Bentong is the popular 'wan tan mee' or you can buy the many local snacks around the market. Traffic was relatively low and probably due to the fasting month for muslims. It is interesting to note that to arrive at our destination we cover 4 states (Selangor, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu).

Lata Belatan Recreation Park has good facilities from campsites to toilets with water supply. It has a wide waterfall area surrounded by park benches and gazebos. From Hutan Lipur Lata Belatan where the trail head starts it takes about 3 to 4 hours with backpack to the peak. For those who prefer to camp at Hutan Lipur Lata Belatan can hike up to the peak probably less than 3 hours without backpacks. This time estimation are for those who trek regularly. Especially after the long drive it is better to camp at Lata Belatan Recreation Park. We were first to arrive and chose a nice cozy spot (gazebo with opposite bench) at the highest point near the waterfall to camp for the night. Since it was early we laze around at the waterfall while waiting for the others to arrive. As night fall KC started preparing dinner. Dinner consisted of salted chicken (pre-pack by Wong's wife), chicken and vegetable soup with rice. Delicious mmm! We slept early around 9.30pm. Since the 2 benches (opposite sides) were taken up by Sabryna and Wong, we had to pitch our tent in the middle. At around midnight there was heavy thunderstorm and strong winds and everyone woke up, rainwater started coming in. With quick thinking we started tying our floor sheets around the gazebo like a hut to keep us dry. We woke up around 7.30 am thinking that it was still dark, actually it was dark because of the floor sheet covering our sleeping area. We had noodles with soup and tea. Packing quickly and started the trek at around 8.30am, Lim (our guide) had arrived one day earlier and camp at the peak, he was very helpful by laying a paper trail guiding us to the top.

The trail is also well marked with fairly flat terrain and after a river crossing the trail has moderate gradient. In the earlier part of the trail there are many campsites by the river for small groups. After trekking for 2 hours we arrived at Batu Mat Hassan for a short break and for some snacks. From here onwards the gradient becomes steeper a short while you will reach another stop call Jendela Pandang or view point. And another 10 mins to another stop where water source is about 120m downwards for crystal clear drinking water. This point onwards another 2km to the peak. Usually campers don't camp at this peak and instead take a left trail down towards a bigger campsite and it is here you can view the South China Sea and the islands. There is a water source towards the right and about 15 mins. Upon arriving in the afternoon it is hot so we found a nice little spot near to the rocks for some shelter. A better choice would be relax at Lata Belatan and start trekking after lunch so that you arrive at this campsite around 5 where it is cooler.

The previous night Lim (Kuantan) and his friends that camped here had a nasty experience as it rain heavily with very strong winds and one of their tents which was not peg down was blown away. Luckily they managed to retrieve it back. As I reach this campsite I met 2 gentlemen and their told me they had been here since the start of the Puasa month and will only return to Kuala Terengganu on Hari Raya. One of them Mohd Shuib was very kind to peg down all our tents by cutting branches into pegs for our tents and warn us about the strong winds. Dinner for tonight was special rice soup with vegetables and dry shrimps that was eaten commonly during the post War World II. Since rice, meat and vegetables were scarce so most people ate sparingly whatever that can be saved. People back then were lean with not much fat unlike today where the obesity level has reached alarming stage. Immediately after dinner, KC started preparing for supper (talk about exercising to slim down) ginger and tapioca sweet dessert which was served piping hot and under the clear night and a slight cool breeze really sums up what camping is about. After that we just laze around on the big boulder and chat away till our eyes became heavy to call it a night. From a distance you could see flashes and the sound of thunder but luckily no rain for us.

Morning rise and shine, a simple breakfast of hot tea and biscuits. After that everyone started packing and getting ready to leave. Well any extra food was left behind for the two gentlemen. The trek down was fairly fast and we reach the Lata Belatan park within 3 hours. Took a nice cool bath and change to a fresh set of clothes. And back to Jertih for a delicious lunch. As it was still earlier we decided to detour to Gua Ikan and Jelawang Waterfall (Stong Waterfall). Dinner in Kampung Sempalit, Raub and back home. What a long drive but another great camping holiday and very economical. With food, accommodation, toll and fuel works out to about $120 per person.

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Cemerong Waterfalls - Gunung Berumbun - Terengganu

2009-08-06T23:53:00.014+08:00

Thanks to http://malfreemaps.com

July 24 - 26 2009. We were informed by our organiser 'Lau Lee' that Cemerong Waterfalls would take about 4 hours. On checking on the website, the time taken from the carpark of Hutan Lipur Cemerong or Cemerong Recreation Park to Cemerong Waterfalls would take only 45 mins. Excited that it requires less than 4 hours of trekking that I decided to invite new comers to join us for this trek. We even offered to carry all the food and floor sheets to lighten their load. Tempted by the offer 3 couples and San Kow's (Wong) wife San Yong decide to go along. Even TJ from Ipoh join in the trip.

Due to the long road trip from KL to Kuantan, we decided to stay overnight in Kuantan before driving about 2 hours to Hutan Lipur Cemerong. Had a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many restaurant here and then help to repack their backpacks optimally to suit the new comers. We retired early to make sure we rested well for tomorrow's climb. We arrive at Hutan Lipur Cemerong around 10 am and started trekking in around 10.20am. Thats when we realised that we underestimate this trail as for the next 7 hours there were river crossing, many steep uphils and downhills. The new comers look really tired. We trek with them at their pace which gave them confidence and finally reaching Gunung Berumbun 3,405 ft (1108m) around 3.30pm. Thats when we told them it was another 1.25 km to Lansir Waterfall and our campsite. The ladies were complaining, well who wouldn't as they have never experience such difficult trek. Well after resting awhile and cracking some jokes, they felt better and continue for another 45 mins before reaching Lansir Waterfall.

As our group numbered about 40+ there weren't enough space to set up the tents. So we decided to camp over the boulders, overlooking the waterfall and valley which turns out to be the best spot. Easy access to water, good clean places to sit and a great view of the valley and in the night full view of the stars. Well after 7 hours of trekking everyone was hungry. So instant noodle to satisfy their stomach and a hot cup of tea. Dinner for tonight consists of 'pan mee' or mee made from flour and eggs with vegetables and anchovies soup for flavoring. As for supper, hot ginger sweet potatoes really make our day and at the height of about 3000 ft it becomes chilly after chatting for a while we all went to bed around 10 pm, very early.

Morning rise and shine, simple bread and peanut butter for breakfast and hot tea. Took some photographs of the wild orchids seen near downstream. We started our descend around 8.30am and our next stop is at Cemerong waterfall with more uphills and downhills to climb and finally reaching the junction at around 1.30pm .This junction is a small river crossing which is about 3 mins to Cemerong Waterfalls. KC and myself reach first and started preparing hot instant noodle and waited for the rest to arrive. By this time they all look really really tired. After resting and eating hot instant noodle they manage to smile and for a moment forgot about their fatigue. We urge them to soak in the cool stream which really made them relax. Then off to view Cemerong Waterfalls which is estimated to be about 1000 ft high or less than 300m, (can someone confirm on that?). Cemerong Waterfall is worth a visit and looking impressive. We took photographs but the sunlight from that angle makes it difficult to set the exposure setting of the camera. After spending a short time we started trekking back to our carpark which is about 45 mins away and back to civilisation.
After taking a good bath and into a new set of clothes we headed to Kemaman to have seafood before driving back home with wonderful memories.

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Gunung Irau - Cameron Highlands

2009-08-01T00:45:00.013+08:00

Courtesy of http://malfreemaps.com

Gunung Irau (6,924 ft - 2,110 m) or Mount Irau, sometimes also called mossy forest is situated beside the Perak - Pahang border near Cameron Highlands. At 2,110 m it stands as the 9th highest peak in West Malaysia. Usually a mountain at this height will require about 3 days/2 nights trek but since you can drive up to Cameron Highlands it has become a 4-6 hours trek. We drive up using the Tapah - Cameron Highland Road and drive down using Cameron Highland - Simpang Pulai road. And 'camp' in comfort from the many accommodations available in Cameron Highlands. Even though a 4-6 hours trek might look like a tame affair but don't be mislead by its nickname mossy forest as the trails past through many steep terrains, muddy trails and because of the many 'bonsai' trees with exposed roots makes it difficult and sometimes hands are also required for the trek to Gunung Irau. From the car park (trail head) to the Gunung Irau peak the straight line distance is about 3.5 km but actually may be about 5 km.

Sometimes if space permits you can actually camp around the car park area but water source is not available and you have to bring your own water with extra for cleaning yourself up after the muddy trek. Needless to say it will be muddier when it rains. Things to bring are a good trail shoe, rain jacket, torch light (small led type) if you go in after 12 noon, whistle, first aid kit, snack food, camping gas and stove are optional unless you like to enjoy a hot drink and perhaps instant noodle, about 1.5 liter of water, optional gloves.

This trek will be different as in addition to our usual team of 4, we have 19 friends who were lured to join us especially being told that we would be staying in apartments with hot water and nice warm beds. Together with the rest of other members it was estimated around 60 people trek up to Gunung Irau. The trail will be noticeable with so many trekkers but for safety reasons the lead group laid small pieces of paper (biodegradable) along the way to mark the trail. As experience shows sometimes people due to tiredness may sometimes end up trekking the wrong trail. As early from 7 am people were trekking in, so as to avoid 'trekkers jam' (traffic) so you can see people walking in and out from Gunung Irau. Today's weather was sunny, the air was cool and the trek was fairly dry and clean except for some muddy paths.

As we started trekking in, you can see the excitement for newcomers with much anticipation and pace but for our regulars we just took our time and especially with lots of photographs. Man Tuck (Puchong) and TJ Tan (Ipoh) were photography enthusiasts and were having a field day. After about 1 hour, hah!.... you start to see tired faces and muddy shoes, we reach baby Irau after 2 hours. Another less than 1 km to Gunung Irau peak which will take about 45 mins. For new comers they started to complain about 'pain', 'my arms and legs are tired', 'why so long havent reach yet', 'how far more', 'look my hands and feet are shaking' and the best 'I dont want to go anymore'.

Now is the time to motivate them to go another 1 hour of trekking. You have come so far and the peak is yet so near, 'don't give up', 'we will wait for you', 'take your time its still early'. You can really see the look on their face. Most of them continue but for the few they will wait for us on the return trek but having doubts about them waiting which I later confirmed that they trek back to the car park when we continue to Gunung Irau peak.

Upon reaching the peak, it was already crowded but nevertheless we still found a good spot to make a hot cup of tea and some biscuits to go. Practically everyone was taking photos with the movable sign (Welcome To Gunung Irau 2110 m). Once we took enough pictures and rested enough and started descending to the car park. Along the way you could see 'new trekkers' applying counter pain ointment to their muscles with hint of cramps coming. Finally to the carpark around 4.00 pm and like most mountainous regions it will get misty and cold. We wash off the mud and dirt (spare water for this purpose) before getting into our cars and back to our comfortable 'camps' with hot water waiting for us.

One of the best meal you can have among friends is the hot steam boat in cool and cold Cameron Highlands prepared by the ladies. After our satisfying dinner we went to the night market in Brinchang where food, vegetables, fruits, clothings etc. are available. We laze around sipping hot chinese tea and chat till bedtime. Breakfast in one of the many coffee shops and off to buy vegetables and a leisurely drive back home to hustle and bustle of city living but with good weekend holiday. (our next stop in July to Cemerong Waterfall in Trengganu)

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Bukit Kledang, Menglembu, Ipoh

2009-05-17T23:37:00.010+08:00

Thanks to http://malfreemaps.com

Bukit Kledang
800m (2640 ft)

Trekking to Bukit Kledang or popularly known as RTM trail in Menglembu. Menglembu is a small township in Ipoh but lately there have been development especially residential and shophouses. Menglembu or in chinese Wan Li Moong which stands for "view of ten thousand miles". From the many trails leading towards the peak you can view far and wide.

Kledang hill is very popular with the locals from around Ipoh where hundreds each day come here to trek up the many trails and descend usually through the tar road. You can actually drive a car (4wd preferable) all the way up to the broadcasting tower or popularly known as RTM station at the peak.

It is so popular that sometimes during Sundays or public holidays from dusk till dawn people will be trekking the many trails. There are four distinct trail known as 4-2 (1 hour), 4-3(1.5 hours), 4-9(2 hours) and RTM Trail(4 hours).

Our friend and guide TJ invited us to trek RTM trail. There are plenty of spaces to park your cars (park orderly) and we started around 1.15pm. It was a hot usual afternoon and we walk near trees to shield the sun whenever we can. For about 10 mins there were no shades so we hurriedly along the trail until we reach the entry point going into the jungle. A steep 10 mins walk we arrive at a junction where the left is 4-2 trail which is an exposed trail and very hot. And the right is where the 4-3, 4-9 and RTM trails are. It is shady, good clean trail until we hear water gushing (small waterfall). Here there is another junction where turning right is the RTM trail and left 4-9. There are plenty of markings so it's difficult to go off trail unless you have a wondering mind. From this point the height is around 1000 ft and after that is steep all the way to the peak at 2640 ft.

Along the way we snap photos of geckos (lizards), millipede, Gibbons of the Siamang species and miss the (photo) 1 metre green snake . I hope I am correct as these siamang or tree monkeys (they spend most of their time on trees) are black and hairy without tail. Finally around 3.00pm we reach the RTM station to have some chocolate and rested awhile.

Followed the road towards the car park. Along the way you can noticed milestones on the road shoulder with names like "Spooner's Rest, Isherwood's Avenue and Foong's Fury". I can only speculate that it was left by the engineers build before Merdeka (Independence). After walking for about 20 mins it started raining and that's when the umbrella became handy. Its pouring and it takes about 1 hour plus of walking.
Finally to carpark and its still raining which makes us hungry. And Ipoh is famous for food.

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Gunung Batu Putih, Perak

2009-04-29T22:49:00.017+08:00

Gunung Batu Putih is the 8th highest peak in Peninsula Malaysia (West Malaysia) standing at 6,993 ft (2,131 m) above sea level. So after conquering the G7 mountains (mountain peaks above 7,000 ft) next will the the G10 (10 highest mountain). It is situated in the state of Perak-Pahang border. Our meeting point at 8.30am on 24th April 2009 at Tapah Toll exit. We had to wake up at 5.00 am (something most of us dread doing) and sleeping around at 2.30 am the night before was no help either. Our sub-group of four that is Michael Lim, Wong Hok Mew, KC and myself was going to meet the rest of the group of 18.

Our spirits were with high expectations and in the best shape, enjoyed our breakfast at Sungai Chua New Village, Kajang. Gunung Batu Putih trail starts at Kuala Woh Recreation which is about 10km from Tapah along the Tapah road to Cameron Highland. As we pass Kuala Woh Recreation there is a road passing the Kuala Woh Dam and along the way you can see modern looking Orang Asli huts (houses) on both sides that finally ends with a signboard that says Bukit Tapah Forest Reserve. There were about 9 cars which about occupies all available parking space and of course the very reasonable parking fees to ensure your vehicle's safety.

As we assemble our backpacks (which was already pack), the four of us had decided to engage a orang asli porter (RM300 for 3 days). We provided a 55+10L backpack and put our food ration and cooking utensils weighing a total of 15 kg. The porters clothing would be around 4-5 kg. Our group size is 22 climbers, 4 orang asli porters and Chin Man our chief guide. Chin Man says that it was not necessary to carry tents as they could sleep under the big boulder with overhanging canopy and enough space for everyone. Well, we brought our tents as we felt more comfortable. All the necessary paper work was done by Chin Man and a group photo before the climb.

Day 1, we started at 9.45am taking the trail just behind the guard house. The trail followed the river and occasionally moving inwards and then back to the river, after an hour of trekking we arrive at the river crossing which requires most trekkers to get their feet wet. I beg to differ and remove my shoes and socks and move up river and tried crossing by jumping from rock to rock. Almost! Almost but alas! still wet my feet as all rocks towards the other side were under water. And by the way be prepare for leeches (our buddies for all Gunung treks). The river here has crystal clear water and everyone made up their mind to swim here on the way back. The height here is around 1000 ft above sea level and once after this point we started trekking upwards gradually passing by streams taking short 2-5 mins break before stopping for lunch around 12.30 pm at a stream which is the source for our drinking water. This is where I noticed a mountain crab swimming in the stream. I wonder whats a crab doing up here in the mountains. We took snack bars for lunch while other climbing mates took the rice dumplings (bak chang). After this stop its steep upwards to our campsite at 3600 ft. With a 12-15 kg backpack and rice dumpling with all the tireless effort trekking the steep terrain gonna' give you indigestion. This trip was a bit relax because the four of us shared a porter lightening our loads by 3.5 kg. When we approach the campsite at around 3.30pm you suddenly notice there is big boulder with empty spaces beneath. This boulder with the canopy reminds me of the Sepang F1 Grand Stand. The first thing is to search for a suitable place to set the tents and cooking area. The cooking area is the entrance to a long and narrow hole that looks like a torpedo launch site. Our tent site area is a bit uneven but manageable. Our source of water is a minute walk down below where water gushers out from the rock. The water is icy cool and it tastes better than any mineral water. KC cook a quick meal of teh'o'and instant noodle, somehow up here everything tasted delicious. Dinner was served at 7.00pm with pre fried chicken, mixed vegetable soup and fried eggs. Since it was the first night we decided to tuck in early around 8.30pm, something difficult doing at home.

Day 2, woke up around 7.00am, KC shouted what happened to our 2 jumbo loaf of bread. 1 was missing and another with the top torn opened. Very hungry jungle rats ate our breakfast and lunch and 2 sticks of candles, mmm.... rats! Well not to be alarmed, usually we would pack an extra day of food. Todays climb 1st hour very steep then gradual, then steep again, then gradual then some climbing. Just pack about 1.5 litre of water and some lunch snacks for trek to the peak which will take about 4 hours. We started at 8.30am, rest at the botak hill (usually most gunung will have a botak hill) and a view of mountainous surrounding with Gunung Batu Putih within sight. Estimated to the peak less than 2 hours. The trek up pass by mossy forest and some areas with strong winds makes it cold. Just trek at a steady pace, those at the front would lay some papers marking the trail, we usually try to walk in two's or three's for safety and conversation. Reach peak at 11.45am and a tri-post marking Gunung Batu Putih, clear skies and beautiful weather. We spend about an hour on food, photos and to enjoyed the surroundings. Descended after 12.45pm, reach the campsite around 3.00pm. The descend is always faster than the ascend. Took our bath and rested till dinner time. After dinner we just lazed around looking out into the dark jungle and listened to the Gunung Batu Putih Philharmonic Orchestra performing continously till morning. Our thoughts on how lucky we here, to be able to enjoyed nature as it intended to be, no tv, no handphones, no radio and not going anywhere. The creatures of the night played many tunes somtimes to a roar and sometimes to soothing sound of flute, I wondered thats how Mozart, Bach and others must have got their inspiration for their classical pieces.

Day 3, after breakfast, pack up and left Gunung Batu Putih with good memories of a good climb and relax atmosphere Trekking at a steady pace we reach the guard house at around 12.00pm. Some came later as they were swimming at the crystal clear water. Lunch at Sungkai famous salted chicken. And yeah with body aches and pain to go.

Click on Play below to view photo slide

Gunung Liang Timur, Perak

2008-11-10T22:23:00.019+08:00

After a long break from mountain trekking due to busy schedule 'Old Lee' inform us on the next climb up to Gunung Liang Timur (1933m) that will take 2 days/1 night where the meeting point is in Tanjung Malim and the entry point Kampung Dara (Sg. Dara). Our guide is a local 'orang asli' by the name of Alex. And now for some short description on Tanjung Malim and a bit of its History......

Tanjung Malim is a parliament constituency in Malaysia and is a town in the state of Per ak. It is approximately 70 km (43.75 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Highway. It lies on the border of Perak-Selangor state, with Sungai Bernam serving as the natural divider.

Today, "Tanjung Malim" usually refers to the territory under administration of Tanjung Malim District Council or Majlis Daerah Tanjung Malim (MDTM), which includes the smaller towns adjacent to the town such as Proton City, Behrang, Behrang 2020, Sungkai and Sl im River. "Tanjung Malim" is lately also referred to the Old Town and New Town divided by the KTM Komuter rail at its heart, from which the town grew. Commuter train services from Tanjung Malim is expected to begin in 2010.

Name

An early settlement nearby Sungai Bernam is named Kampung Kubu (Fort Village). The Bugis community planted jambu fruit trees along the river bank. As population grew overtime, the area is referred to as Kampung Jambu. A mosque is also built to cater its Muslim community. During a visit by a British Straits of Settlements official, Sir List, the state officials headed by Raja Itam referred the area as Tanjong, as quoted by its local ulama Tuan Haji Mustafa bin Raja Kemala. However, it is also known locally as Kg.Kubu, Kg.Bugis, Kg.Jambu and Tg.Jambu. Hence, Sir List 'officially' named it as Tanjong Malim to avoid confusion. (Malim or mualim refers to the pious local Muslim community)

History

In the early AD1700, a Bugis settlement was established along the riverbank of Sungai Bernam, as part of Raja Kecil's plan to set up one of its kubu, fort along the river to fend off the northern Perak Sultanate threat. The plan fell apart with the fall of Raja Kecil in Johor Sultanate power struggle. Over the century, the small village known as Kampung Kubu/Bugis remained idle or rather isolated.

Click on this link for m ore details on Tanjung Malim thanks to Wilkipedia.......

Sungai Dara route is a much shorter route to Gunung Liang Timur and usually can be completed in 2 days although some prefer 3 days. We gather at the meeting point which is the 'the tarik' shop next to Hindu temple at the traffic light. I guess most people knows where this place is in Tanjung Malim. Everyone was confident because they have completed The G7 mountains of Malaysia. As for our usual team of 4, Michael could not make it due to work commitment. Only three of us, KC just recover from the flu, Wong from muscular tension and myself from flu and fever. Like I said beaming with confidence but said too soon. There are about 7 cars and we convoy towards Behrang Ulu and our first stop to pick up 2 guides from Kg. Orang Asli Chinggung and then towards Kg Dara About 12 km from Tanjung Malim town. Then through winding route another 4 km before parking our cars just outside of 'Logis Pembersihan Air, Sg. Dara'. (See Picture and Alex our guide)

We started trekking at about 10.15 am from a starting height of about 500ft above sea level and a slow gradual trek passing through Behrang Permanent Forest Reserve. Cross over 4 to 5 streams, in the month of November and with the wet season, definitely leeches were giving us a 'high 5' to latch onto our shoes as we pass by. Well this time we were prepare with some other counter measures. We used Camphor Soap Pagoda Brand and the active ingredient eucalyptus oil that repel leeches. Do not pull leeches off as this can tear the skin and cause infection, its better to use salt or fire to make them drop off. On our way we didnt have any problems with them but after getting wet from crossing the river eventually one or two will have their feast. As Wong discover a leech bite at the neck area. As we past the last waterfall crossing which is crystal clear. The height here is around 1800 ft and there and a good place to camp and swim near the waterfall. Average time taken is around 1.5 to 2 hrs. From here onwards the trek is up up and up until about 4500ft where our campsite is. It takes about 3 to 4 hrs to reach the campsite with drinking water source down a 70 degree slope which takes about 3 mins. With 15 kg on my back and with the many steep slops, big fallen tree crossing and many thorns to content with I reach the campsite at around 3.15 pm. We were over confident, its raining and cold and both my calf felt sore, and the campsite floor was literally cover with tree roots which makes sleeping over it challenging. Wong and KC arrive around 4 pm thanks to Chong who help to carry KC's backpack up. As I tried to set up camp alone in the rain proves difficult. After setting up camp and cooking area, KC settle down to prepare a hot tea drink before dinner to warm up our bodies. Its raining at 4500 ft and to take a bath is brrrrr..... cold. Our menu for tonight is Salted Chicken bought from My Lim Salted Chicken (Semenyih) and vegetables. Our dinner was rudely interrupted by pesky sand flies which inflicted painful bites (itchy) on the exposed skin especially on our face, hands and feet. We forgot to bring our mozzy guard and after our meals we rested in our tents. My face was flushing hot and full of sand flies bites, sore calf and tired legs. Slept early at around 7.30 pm and it started raining and since our campsites is situated on a ridge and exposed on both sides it gets windy and very cold in the night.

The next morning the group departed towards the peak which is a 2000 ft steep climb and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach. KC and myself decided not to proceed due to body aches and pains. They left around 8.30am and reach Gunung Liang Barat (West) and Gunung Liang Timur (East) and descend an hour later and came down around 12 pm. We approach our guide and request to carry my backpack down for a fee. I realize that I would have a painful problem descending to our car park, a very wise move.

Well the lessons we learned is never underestimate any mountain especially since we have completed the the 7 G7's Mountains of Malaysia. Train adequately and always ensure check list is strictly adhere to.

Otherwise it has been a good experience!

Have fun and be happy!

Pulau Ketam and Sungai Lima

2008-05-25T15:26:00.010+08:00

Uncle Ong from Broga Happy Fruit Land Farm invited us to attend his niece wedding dinner at Sungai Lima Village in Pulau Ketam or literally translated as "Crab Island". This was also Uncle Ong's hometown.

Pulau Ketam is an island located off Port Klang and is reachable using its ferry services which operates 8.45 am - 6.45 pm (Mon-Fri) and 8.45 am - 7.10 pm (Sat-Sun & public holidays) and it is better to reconfirm the return time unless you want to stay for the night at either Sea Lion Hotel, Pulau Ketam Inn or Huan Kyu Hotel. The KTM commuter services operates from KL Sentral and ends at Port Klang and just about a stone throw to the Pulau Ketam Jetty.

Brief History

Pulau Ketam (crab island) not only it is famous for crabs but also for its mangrove swamps (click on this link to know the importance of mangrove swamps and the ecosystems). A long time ago three Hainanese fisherman from Port Klang made a living catching crabs in Pulau Ketam because the journey took almost a day and later they built a small house for overnight stay before going back to Port Klang with their catch. In 1872, they built a temple named "Chuan Eng Bio" located near Jalan Timur. In 1967 and 1972 a big fire destroyed all the houses and shoplots in Jalan Besar and Sungai Dalam. Thus the Bomba Sukarela Pulau Ketam "Pulau Ketam Fire Bridgade Volunteers" was formed. To read more about the history click on this link Pula u Ketam history...........

We park our cars at the KTM parking lots next to the Port Klang Commuter terminal and a days parking cost about $6.50 Even there are parkings just next to Pulau Ketam Jetty we felt it was safer to park at KTM parking lots.

Uncle Ong and his family arrived at around 10.30 am and we boarded the air con fast service ferry which cost about $7 per person and takes about half an hour to reach Pulau Ketam Village. If you board the normal ferry it will take about 45 mins. Upon reaching Pulau Ketam Village rain was approaching. As we disembarked to the Jetty and walk towards the village area, the atmosphere felt as if we have journeyed to the past. Wooden stilt houses and bicycles greeted us. It felt a world of difference without motorbikes and cars. As we stroll through the houses and shops which were all on stilts connected by wooden and concrete walk ways. It was low tide and you could see remnants of mangrove swamps which was taken over by development. Mud skippers and crabs move about in the mud together with dogs and cats.

Having a wedding in Sungai Lima Village at Pulau Ketam I was told in the early days everyone would contribute to the preparations from food to entertainment, no frills but plenty of thrills. Today restaurant prepares the food and even there is singer cum emcee for the wedding dinner. We were at the brides house and while we were having our lunch ala Pulau Ketam style delicious and simple. The bride was preparing for this evening's dinner at 5.30pm sharp. There was no special car to ferry the bride. The bride and escorts walk about 15 mins to the hall. Cool ! huh. The quest flow in steadily into the hall and meanwhile there was karaoke singing marathon mostly in Hockkien and Mandarin languages. Dinner was served sharp around 5.30 pm. Something I was hoping happening back in mainland Malaysia. Pulau Ketam folks sure love to sing. Dinner ended around 8.00 and one last ferry (chartered by the newly weds) to board back to Port Klang unless you plan to stay overnight here.

Sungai Klah Hot Spring, Sungkai Perak

2008-04-29T18:43:00.020+08:00

Mountain Spring Pool (Octopus Section with water slide)

Sungai Klah hot spring is easily accessible either through the North-South Expressway between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh exiting from Sungkai Toll. Once you exit from this toll, turn left and travel about 1 km. You will notice sign board directions to turn left and for another 9km to the park.

Hot Spring Pool

Our group comprising of 58 participants from toddler to grandma planned a camping trip. The cost of the packages including overnight stay (own tent $10 ground charges, rented tent $30 for 2-3 persons), 1 tea break, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 morning tea break and lunch for only $59 per person.

Mr. Tan & Family Setting Up The Tent

We have friends from Kajang and Klang and we plan to meet in Sungkai for lunch. Sungkai is a small town located of the main trunk road from Slim River to Bidor. From the toll exit turn right about 1 km to Sungkai town. One of the famous local food is the Salted Chicken or 'yim cook kai' in cantonese only available on Saturdays and Sundays at Restaurant Sun Kee. Once you see Sungkai Police Station turn left and follow road until a junction then turn left you will notice S.J.K. (c) Khai Meng Sungai primary school just few meters away is the Restaurant Sun Kee. From the outside it looks like any ordinary restaurant but it serves delicious dishes as well. That afternoon it was particularly hot and luckily 'ice kacang' was available to cool us down.

After lunch we proceeded to Sungai Klah Hot Spring which takes about 12-15 minutes and we call up to inform Mr. Azizi (Sales & Marketing Department) of our arrival. It so happen the park was having a family day function organized by a large corporation and parking was filled to the brim. With a further of 15 vehicles from our group we had to park haphazardly until the group left at around 4.00 pm.

As it was such a hot afternoon it was not advisable to dip in the hot pool and instead the cold mountain spring pool. The Sungai Klah mountain spring pool is such a big pool divided for the children and adult. One of the parks' officers told me that the water is piped from a small dam up in the mountains about 2-3 km away and is cold hence the name Sungai Klah mountain spring pool. It strictly opens from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. While the hot spring pool opens from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm.

Egg Boiling Pools (7 mins for Hard Boil) . Splashing Time Beneath Water Fall.

As the members were beginning to settle down after exploring the place, tea was served at 4.15 pm. The local cakes were delicious but the hot tea served was too sweet and ice was added to dilute it. After tea break members continue to enjoy the mountain spring pool till 7pm and went to enjoy hot pool till dinner served at 8.00pm. After dinner our family went for another round of dipping in hot pool. At night the children went to make hard boiled eggs at the 'egg boiling pool' and they were good at it. The place is well lighted and children can roam around safely.

We had ordered about 23 packs of Sungkai famous Salted Chicken which was to be delivered at 10.00pm where we will have it for supper. Actually Sungai Klah Hot Spring management forbids outside food to be brought in but we had made a special request and off the record it was allowed. The salted chicken (village running chicken type or kampung chicken) tasted delicious. KC made "tea tarik" to go with the Salted Chicken

Sungai Klah Hot Spring has another natural uniqueness is that its windy due to the geographical position with the hills on one side and flat land on the other. It is windy throughout the night making it cool and breezy and free of mosquitoes.

The next morning after breakfast, some members went for the boardwalk and enjoy the natural sauna. Today no more hard boiled eggs because the night before they had have too much of them. Most of them went for a dip in the hot pool while waiting for the mountain spring pool to open at 10.00 am. There is also The Family SPA which was not included in our package. It cost RM75 per hour. After the morning tea, most of the members were ready for the mountain spring pool. After lunch we left Sg. Klah Hot Spring around 1.30pm for home with fun memories.

Click Above For More Photos

Felda Residence Hot Springs
En. Mohd Azizi Bin Mohamad
H/P 012-599 4702

Klang Gate Dam, Hills

2008-03-18T01:13:00.026+08:00

While traveling along the Middle Ring Road as you pass Zoo Negara on the right you will start to notice rocky hills shape like the back of a sleeping dragon to the right looking similar from different angles. To view from Google Earth by typing "Klang Gate Dam, Kuala Lumpur". We were invited by 'lau Lee' or 'old Lee' to join him to trek up the hills (can someone shed some light on the name) on the right of Klang Gate Dam intake which was less popular compare to the left which is also known as Bukit Tabur (Tabur Hill).

Waking up at 5.15 in the morning proves to be challenging task on a Sunday morning especially after a late Saturday night. Nevertheless when you have enthusiasm you will soon forget the struggle.

Traveling from Ampang towards the Melawati area, turn at the underpass to the right (Giant hypermarket is on the left) and proceed until you reach the Bulatan Hillside roundabout take the 12 o'clock route, pass a mosque, turn right at Jalan H-16, further down turn left towards the end of the road. You will notice large water pipes (I mean really large ones) on the right and park your cars there towards the end. Take care not to obstruct traffic.

The trek follows the 2 large water pipes for about 20m and a steep climb after that. Just follow the clearly mark trail and to reach the peak of this hill takes about 1 hour of casually climb and advisable to follow somebody who is familiar with this trek. Remember to bring half gloves for holding rocky surfaces. Take care to concentrate and place
your footing carefully. Climbers have been known to fall due to carelessness (unreported fatal injuries). There are many spots here to catch a breath taking view of Kuala Lumpur city skyline (KL Tower and Twin Towers) towards South and the view of Klang Gate Dam stretching from North West to North East and of course sunrise view. Reasonable fitness is required and not recommended if you have cardiovascular health problems, breathing problems and 'scare of heights' problem.

Click on the above for 37 photos slide

Click on the above for a short panaromic video.

Kelantan (Kota Bharu)

2008-02-21T23:24:00.071+08:00

On the 3rd day of Chinese New Year 2008, together with 3 friends and my family decided to visit our friends in Kelantan (Kota Bharu - state capital). We have plans to stay in Kelantan for 2 nights and then proceed to Nibong Tebal (Penang) to visit another friend and stay for a night. Kelantan is the east coast state of West Malaysia and is known as a charming destination with colorful traditions, handicrafts and food. It is festive holidays and bookings for hotels room are scarce. Instead our Kelantan friends recommended budget stay or salesman club stay at RM$20 per person per night. So why not to expect a different kind of experience.

Day 1. Our trip started on Saturday 9, Feb 2008 (7.30am) and our takes us through KL - Kuantan highway where we turn off at Bentong which was to be our breakfast stop. Bentong is about 80km from Kuala Lumpur. The morning air was cool and refreshing especially with the windy season. There are actually many interesting places to visit on the outskirts of Bentong but Kelantan was waiting and the route from KL - Bentong - Gua Musang - Kota Bharu (Kelantan) would take about 7/8 hours of leisurely drive including breakfast and lunch stops. And finally arrive at Kota Bharu around 4.00am, the journey took longer than usual because of the increased traffic especially we were told that Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak was attending a function in Kelantan which explains the heavy traffic (election year). The majority of Kelantan people are Muslims and therefore their weekend holiday starts on Thursday and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays are working days.

Having last visited Kota Bharu 10 years ago, I was surprised with the increased number of cars on the road and with new buildings and road changes. Our friend HW Tan guided us to his house which we promptly found with his road directions. HW Tan welcome us with the warmest hospitality and immediately we felt very comfortable at his place. HW Tan who had planned to return to Kajang on Sunday, graciously delayed to Monday so as to bring us to interesting places to visit in Kelantan. Our first place to visit was to 'heal our stomach' or dinner at Chiengmai. We immediately protested that none of us brought our passport, HW Tan continued and said 'Chiengmai Restaurant' much to our amusement. We left early at 5.00pm to avoid the heavy traffic. Chiengmai Restaurant is situated around Tumpat district.

The Chiengmai Restaurant is village style design and can accomodate around 50 tables. Eleven dishes were ordered for 3 tables each where nine of us occupied one table. The eleven dishes came out fast and the table size was not enough. We went along and thought to ourself that maybe this is how they eat in Kelantan as the saying goes 'when in Rome, do ....'

After dinner we check into our budget accommodation which look and feels like a home. After the long drive, nothing like a hot cup of tea or coffee at a nearby cafe. HW Tan told us tomorrow's itinerary starts at 7.30am.

Day 2. HW Tan arrive promptly at 7.30 and everyone was ready. Breakfast, Nasi Dagang at Restaurant Kwang Ling. The favorite Kelantan breakfast meal for everyone.

Visit to the Padang Market (Open air Wholesale Market) which will close by 9.00am. Here plenty of local and Thai goods available.

Kelantan State Tourist Information Centre

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum which is closed situated to the Padang Market. The complex houses a craft museum, plenty of handicrafts shops, sometimes cultural shows and crafts demonstration (with traditional tools) are held here.

Also nearby is the Istana Batu (Royal Museum) which was originally a palace and venue for royal weddings. It was not open to public on that day and we only took pictures from outside.

Next on our itinerary was to visit the Wat Machimmaram, a Buddhist temple with one of Southeast Asia's largest statue of Sitting Buddha. Inside the temple complex you can see many paintings and three dimensional paintings.

Visit to Wat Photivihan, which is the most famous Buddhist temple in Kelantan. It contains the biggest statue of the Reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia. The statue which measures 40m long and 11m high and 9m wide was completed in 1979, after six years of construction work at a cost of RM350,000. The funds came from public donations and the Buddhist Association of Malaysia and Thailand. It was the brainchild of Tok Phra Kru Prasa Prachacorn. The temple is located in Kampung Jambu in Tumpat near the border of Thailand. It also has herbal bath like most Buddhist temple in Kelantan.

What better way to quench your thirst on a hot day with coconut drinks. If you can stomach this try a local delicacy which has Thai influence and is called 'son dum' consisting of raw papaya, mango, special gravy sauce, fermented fish and mini crabs. The taste is a little spicy, fishy, sourish and sweet. Eat and don't think, you will find it tasty but the minute you think.. arrgggghhh!

Visited Wat Mai Suvankhiri featuring a huge dragonboat but not seagoing.

Lunch time at another local delicacy called 'kow cyump', it used to have 99 ingredients but today it has been cut down to important ingredients of vegetables and with herbs pounded and sprinkle over rice with vegetables, fish and prawn crackers. I find this a healthy diet with lots of vegetables and herbs. At a special price of RM$1.oo per plate, thats even healthier on our wallets. Also available, porridge with chicken strips. Eleven of us ate to a cost of about RM$50.00.

Wat Phothikyan which is situated in Kampung Balai, Bachok. The entrance consist of The Twin Dragons and inside the temple grounds stands the Statue of Amithaba, Buddha. When completed stands at 108 feet. The project started in 02/11/2002 and is almost near completion.

Visited a 221 years old temple with authentic architectural design and construction, it was built by local Chinese fisherman.

Finally a visit to the Siti Khadijah Market, it is one of Kelantan's landmark attractions. The unique feature here is that the majority of traders are of the women folk. Picture below taken from above makes it very colorful.

Took a rest, everyone was tired as we have squeeze 2 days of sightseeing into 1. Dinner tonight not to be missed is famous Ayam Percik Kelantan style. There are many places to have this and our host HW Tan took us to Yati Ayam Percik. We had Nasi Kerabu, ayam percik and kuih kuih for dinner.

Went to rest and relax at Hayaki Cafe in the heart of Kota Baharu and watch the locals go about their daily life.

3rd Day. Decided to go back for Nasi Dagang to sample other various combinations. And continue our trip to Nibong Tebal, Penang. We have to drive to Machang - Jeli - Grik and take the new highway towards Baling before hoping on the Penang - Nibong highway to exit. Sounds complicating, well actually it was a leisure drive. As you pass Jeli, the road will ascend to about 3000 feet, because of the exposed main range you can wind down the windows and enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze until the top where there is a Rest & Relax area which is managed by Restaurant Amiza Titiwangsa. The toilets here are clean. I mean really clean! We decided not to make any stops and go straight to Nibong Tebal for our lunch.

Upon arriving around 2.00pm the usual restaurant (Cheang Kei) was closed for the festive season, instead we went to Swee Garden Seafood Restaurant.

It looks like to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2008 we cross over to Kelantan and on the way pass by many major and smaller towns visited places and plenty of food. After the four days and the benefits to everyone was about 2kg in additional body weight. Had a enjoyable time and wondering when we will visit Kelantan, hopefully in the near future.

Click on the above to see photo slide.

Melaka (Malacca)

2007-12-09T23:32:00.000+08:00

Melaka is known for its history rich in cultural, at one time it was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Over here there are plenty of places to visit and things to do and with the rich multi-cultural heritage it is reflected in their unique customs and traditions. Melaka has many hotels from 5 stars to budget accommodations including bed and breakfast inns.

The following 5 places of interest in Melaka City are within walking distance so put on your comfortable walking shoes.

Porta de Santiago (A Famosa fortress)

The Porta de Santiago is one of the four main gates of the A Famosa fortress, and is the best evidence of Portuguese occupation hundreds of years ago. Located at the foot of St. Paul's Hill, it was built by the Portuguese in 1512 under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque. This prominent landmark is almost synonymous with Melaka and appears in major travel magazines.

Stadthuys

The Stadthuys was built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch Governors and their officers.
Stadthuys remained the center of Dutch Administration until 1824, when the British took control of the town and became a civic center. In 1979 used as a State Governing Center by the Malaysian government Since then, the building has been converted into the Ethnography Museum. Although the interior is now filled with museum exhibits, it is still possible to view much of the interior with its thick masonry walls and heavy wooden beams.

They are many trishaws here complete with rider and tour guide all in one that can be rented either half hour or one hour depending on where and what you want to see. I have been visiting Melaka many times until I brought my family for a memorable ride and our rickshaw rider was very entertaining and informative.

Christ Church

Situated adjacent to the Stadthuys and brightly painted red contains features which include handmade pews, ceiling beams (constructed without joints), brass bible, tombstone and "The Last Supper" in glazed tiles.

St. Paul's Church

This church was originally a small chapel built by a Portuguese Captain called Duarto Coelho in 1521 A.D. and called "Nosa Senhora - Our Lady of the Hill". The chapel was handed over to the "Society of Jesus" in 1548 and enlarged in 1556 with the addition of a second storey and renamed "Annunciation". A tower was added in 1590.

When the Dutch took over Melaka from the Portuguese, they changed its name to St. Paul's Church and used it for 112 years until they build their own church, the Christ Church was completed in 1753.

St. Paul's Church lost its tower when the British took over but had one new feature added to it - the lighthouse at the front. The British however did not use the church for worship, but used it instead for the storage of gunpowder. They also erected a tall flagpole and renamed the hill on which the church is sited to Flagstaff Hill (Bukit Bendera). The name however did not last. The flagpole was later taken down and Church abandoned.

Old tombstones found inside the ruins bear silent testimony to the final resting place of several Dutch and Portuguese nationals.

The renowned Spanish-born Jesuit missionary, St. Francis Xavier was a regular visitor to this church from 1545 to 1552 and when he died his body was interred here for nine months before being exhumed and taken to his final resting place in Goa, India. A statue of St. Francis was built in 1952 to commemorate his passing and internment here.

The St. Paul's Church ruins were gazetted as an old monument and historical site under the Antiquities act on 12th May 1972.

Hang Li Po's Well

And with the arrival of a Chinese Princess Hang Li Po from the the Ming dynasty to marry the Sultan. Hang Li Po's Well was built by the Princess Hang Li Po's followers and was the only source of water during great droughts but today it enjoys a reputation as a wishing well where anyone who throw a coin into the well will returned to Melaka again.

There are many other places of interest that if you do have the time, energy and enthusiasm try the following.

Bukit Cina. As the name implies, 'Chinese Hill' was the official settlement of the entourage that arrived with the Chinese Princess Hang Li Po. She was sent to Melaka by the Ming Emperor to marry the Sultan, marking the advent of diplomatic relations between Melaka and China.

Hang Tuah's Mausoleum. This famous Malay warrior served as the admiral of Melaka's naval forces and defended successfully countless attacks against Melaka. The outstanding military exploits of Hang Tuah and his four comrades, mad him a legend in the history of Melaka.

Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum. This museum was the ancestral home of three generations of a Baba-Nyonya (descendants of the Chinese who arrived in Melaka and married locals) family. An open-air courtyard is situated in the middle of the house. Furniture is made of Chinese rosewood in a mixture of Chinese, Victorian and Dutch designs.

Maritime Museum. This unique museum is housed in a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese vessel that sank off the Melaka coast. Inside the museum are models of ships, authentic maps, old iron chests and charts.

Melaka Sultanate Palace (Cultural Museum). At the foot of St. Paul's Hill, lies the wooden replica of a 15th century Malay palace. The building has been turned into a cultural museum with main exhibits relating to Melaka culture.

Portuguese Square. The Portuguese Square is located within the Portuguese settlement, 3 km from the city. Built in the late 1980's, the square is inspired by the Portuguese Mercado. It is the venue for local cultural shows performed every Saturday evening.

The photo on the right are my parents Low Chee Tian & Kam Ah Heong, on the left, squatting is Thomas Low (my brother) and squatting on the right that's me (Flipper) taken 40 years ago.

The photo on the left, my mother with the gray hair (Kam Ah Heong).

Traditional Melaka House. A typical traditional Melaka house stands on 12 to 16 main pillars, usually tow metres high. The decorative flower-motif tiled steps are its most striking feature. Traditional Melaka houses can still be seen in rural communities with the most famous located in Bukit Paloh.

One of most popular local ice shave sweet desert which is the 'cendol' which can be found in most shop is a delight to have after all the sightseeing and walking.

Gunung Ayam at Stong Waterfall Kelantan

2007-10-29T22:38:00.007+08:00

GUNUNG AYAM (1480m, 4935ft)
26th - 28th Oct 2007

For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Kelantan Hotels for more information.

When 'Low Lee' (Old Lee) called and informed us the date of climbing Gunung Ayam, we were so excited because we have not been to any climbing trip since our last trip on 17th - 21st Sept 2006. (G.Yong Belar, G.Gayung & G.Korbu). 'Low Lee' is our organizer for most of the climbing trip to the 7G's. Since it is raining season our 4 members team (YK, KC, Michael & Hok Mew) decided to go ahead despite rain or sunshine. Despite our busy schedule we did some training before the trip. As usual I will plan the menu for 3D2N trip which include buying the food and packing them. On the night before the trip we met up and split the weight which include food stuff, cooking utensil, ground sheet/flysheet, burner and gas. We already have a standard packing list and a mini hand held weighing scale to check the member's carrying weight.

Went and did some research on Gunung Ayam. It is situated in the Jelawang Jungle (Mt. Stong State Park) near the village of Dabong in the State of Kelantan. Gunung Ayam (1480m) is among the highest in Kelantan. Gunung Ayam, Gunung Baha, Gunung Stong, Gunung Koh, Gunung Beirut, Gunung Che Tahir, Gunung Saji, Gunung Tera are all inter-connected. The famous Stong Waterfall which has a drop of 305m is believed to be the highest in South East Asia. It is also known as seven-tier waterfall. Our campsite will be at the peak of Stong Waterfall (Baha's Camp). Baha's camp has 2 large campsite and some huts for rental (which are not well maintained). At the base of Stong Waterfall there was a resort which has since ceased operation but you have to pay RM3 per head for entrance to Jelawang Jungle and RM3 per night at Baha Campsite. One also need to engage a guide to Baha's Camp (RM70), Gunung Ayam (RM80 for a group of 15). Make sure to confirm the price before the trip and guides are available at the entrance.

1st Day (26.10.2007)

Depart Kajang Town at 7.00am and reached Bentong Town at 8.00am for breakfast near the market. Did some last minute shopping for "Tow Foo Kuang" which Bentong Town is famous for its "tow foo" (bean curd). The meeting point was at Gua Musang where we have our lunch. After lunch we proceed to the base of Stong Waterfall which was an hour drive away. Before the current road was built, one has to walk through the village to take a boat ride across the river to the base. Now you just drive to the base and park your vehicle there. We reached the base at 2pm and it was raining heavily. Waited till 4pm and start trekking and reach Baha's camp at 4.45pm. Started pitching our tents and preparing dinner while YK and Hok Mew went to take photo of the 'Lover's Rock', which is the giant boulder at the edge of the Stong waterfall. Here is well known for its spectacular sunrise and "sea of clouds". You can actually stand by the edge and view the whole of Kampong Dabong. One has to talk louder because of the roaring waterfall and sound of water gushing. Took plenty of pictures and video clips too! Tonight dinner was 'hokkien mee' and the noodle bought from Sg. Pelek and fish cake from Serdang. Supper was sweet potatoes soup with old ginger. It started raining again when we just about to finish our 'hockkien mee' and instead of having sweet potatoes as our supper, we have it as a dessert. Retired at 8.30pm very very early! as it was raining and the best thing is to sleep.

Watch Video of waterfall and panaromic view from the top of Stong Waterfall.
Day 2

"Bangun! bangun!" (wake-up! wake-up!) our morning call by KC It was only 5.30am and we have "Tea Tarik" and biscuit at the Lover's Rock. Waited patiently for sunrise. A Glimpse of it and it was cover with cloud, the best time to come is in Mar - May. Went back to campsite to prepare porridge for breakfast (soak the rice the night before!). Fried eggs with 'udang kering' (dried shrimps) and 'kow choy' (vegetable). Hok Mew's wife prepared for us salted fish, 'kacang goreng' (fried groundnuts) and ikan bilis goreng (fried anchovies). Boiled sweet potatoes for trekking to the peak which is estimated to take 6 hours and we did it within 4 hours. Almost to the peak we stop at a last water point to refill. The guide told us there are two spots to collect the 'near one' and the 'slightly further one'. We just didn't think about it and collected from the 'near one'. The water tasted refreshing and cool. After taking a big gulp, KC and I refill our water bottle and walk up the slope. To our horror we saw fresh elephant dung about 10 steps away. Anyway it is the first time drinking water flavored with elephant dung, full of minerals Ugggghh!!!!. Had a good laugh and can't do anything about it. As we carry on, more elephant dungs, it looks as a herd of elephants may have pass here less than a week ago as the whole place looks very soggy and you can see big gaps and elephant foot prints along the trail. At the Gunung Ayam peak, more elephant dungs and foot prints and of course fresh dung aroma, KC boil water to make 'milo tarik' (hot chocolate malt drink), home bake fruit cakes and biscuit for lunch. Uncle Chew (oldest member at 66 yrs old) barter trade his glutinous rice dumpling for a cup of 'milo tarik'. Looking far we could see large cleared land for replanting possibly palm oil trees.
After our lunch and group photos, we started descending at 1.25pm and reached the campsite at 3.45pm. After bathing, KC started washing and preparing the ingredients for cooking 'bak ku teh' without 'bak' (meat), vegetarian dish and rice for dinner. Just about to finish cooking, it started to rain again! After dinner we went inside the tent at 7.30pm. It was raining the whole night. An hour later water began seeping into our tents due to the heavy rain. Thoughts came to our mind that our tents were sitting on a water flow area and the extra flysheet that we put up was wrongly placed as water was flowing just over the zip opening. I went out to adjust the problem and notice the sound of water coming down the water fall was unusually loud and the river swell to almost 6 feet from our campsite level. Even though it was impossible for the water to reach our campsite, we stayed alert just in case. We have bad experience during our Gunung Tahan trip (Camp Putih) in Aug 2004 where the water flooded our campsite even though it was 12ft from water level. As the heavy rain subsided, we went back to sleep.

Day 3

"Bangun! Bangun!" It was only 6.30am and yet we still wake up because we already have lots of rest yesterday. Our organizer told us that we are leaving the campsite at only 10.00am. No sunrise because of heavy rain the whole night. Lots of stuff to wash up and breakfast was only "Tea Tarik" with biscuit and left over fruit cake. After packing we spent time taking photos. Took our time to descend and on the way took some photos on the seven tier waterfall. Reach the base at 10.30am and "mandi-mandi" (bathing). Left the base for Gua Musang to have lunch to celebrate our successful climb. 'Low Lee' ordered fresh water fish half of a 'Pak Ting' that weight 4Kg. We stop over at Kuala Lipis to have coffee and tea break before proceeding back to Kajang. We reached Kajang at 8.00pm and joined our friend from Klang to have dinner in Broga. Our expenses for this trip was only RM106 per person inclusive of transportation, food for 3 days and camping/guide fee. Economical and adventurous and fun. 'Cuti cuti Malaysia'

Have fun and be happy! ♥

Watch Slide Photos

Seremban Yee Kee Beef Noodles

2007-10-28T00:50:00.000+08:00

It was late evening in Seremban, and we were looking for some wrapping papers to buy at one of the many flowers and gifts shop along Jalan Dato Lee Fong Yee. My wife KC was inside one of the shops and I happened to be standing at Public Bank and noticed a red colored shop on the opposite shop houses. Seremban Yee Kee Beef Noodles and the thought suddenly came to my mind to have it for dinner and I was wondering whether is this the famous Seremban Beef Noodles that I heard so much about. KC just appeared and I said "Dinner?' and we look across towards Yee Kee and simultaneously said "OK!". We could tell that the premises was new judging by the decor and design of the interior and a rather large photo of a farm with cows gazing greeted us on the left.

A young waitress with a friendly smile (later we found out is one of the owners Miss Chu) promptly gave us the menu and after looking through it our orders were Yee Kee Seremban Beef Noodles in soup and the other dry. I always like my noodles with soup and KC always like hers dry with sauce or "konlo" in Cantonese. After a short while our orders arrived and we started eating, the taste, texture of the soup and ingredients is unique and different from others that I have tasted.

As it was near closing time (8.00 pm) Miss Chu found time to chat with us and we learn more about Yee Kee's history. The original founder Mr. Poon Yee (Miss Chu's Grand Father) hails from Dai Dong Poh village, Ding'an county, located in Hainan, China. Dai Dong Po village is famous for its beef noodles which combine the scrumptious ingredients of pickled cabbage, fried peanuts, sesame and beef jerky. This recipe was brought by Mr. Poon Yee to Seremban and started operating in the old Seremban market in the 1930's. It became a huge success and people were talking about Seremban Beef Noodles. Yee Kee's Beef Noodles which later moved to Temiang (run by Miss Chu's mother). Today at the current location with the traditional recipe but served in a comfortable environment (air-con) with modern decorations will be handed down for generations to come.

Miss Chu was keen in knowing how the traditional recipe tasted. I honestly told her that it was different and unique (Hainanese style) from the ones that most people are used to, smiled and said "Good!". KC ordered a take away (Beef Noodles in Soup). Thats how "Good!" it is.

Contact:
Miss Chu
012-351 8602
Seremban Yee Kee Beef Noodles
No. 32, Jalan Dato Lee Fong Yee
70000 Seremban NS.

Sungai Pelek, Merdeka 50th Year Celebration

2007-09-04T00:12:00.000+08:00

During the eve of Merdeka 50th Celebration, instead of heading to PutraJaya or Dataran Merdeka in KL, we decided to head down to Sungai Pelek. Sungai Pelek is situated 15 minutes just after the Sepang Town (about 25 minutes from Sepang F1 circuit) and before Bagan Lallang beach. Local legend has it that Sungai Pelek got its name from the temporary river formed by the overflow of the Sungai Sepang and Sungai Sepang Kecil during high tide. In the local Malay dialect, "sungai" meant "river, and "pelek" meant "strange" or "unusual". This"strange/unusual" river lasted only for as long as the high tide, as most of the water would have drained out to sea by low tide.

Sungai Pelek has a closely knitted community and enjoys good relationship amongst its inhabitants. Besides its thriving brick-making and clay products industry, Sungai Pelek has numerous small plantations of rubber trees, coffee and palm oil. And recently many dragon fruit plantations have appeared and can be seen all around Sungai Pelek.

And because it is near to Tanjung Sepat (fishing village) most of the residents here enjoys fresh fish all year long. We always obtained our supplies even though Kajang is about 90km away.
There are many favorite foods here especially the local "mee" which is free from preservative and is one of my many favorite foods available here.

On the 30th August 2007, the Sepang Hash House Harriers organized a Merdeka run where local hashers and invited guest hashers carried the Malaysian flag and ran a short route around town celebrating the 50th Year of Independence (Merdeka). It is carried out in a carnival like atmosphere. After the short run or parade, all runners together with guests gathered at the

Sungai Pelek Restaurant for a 7 course chinese dinner. As the dinner progress, my friend Lim Chee Keong and his wife Lillian told us that there is an open air concert just outside which will be followed by a countdown to Merdeka. At around 10.30 pm we left the restaurant early and make our way to the open air concert where the local folks gathered to watch the many events including hampers giveaway to those who were born on the 31st August. Later we were entertained with a variety of new and old chinese numbers performed by 3 artiste.

I have attended celebrations in the KL city and this is the first time in a small town, Sungai Pelek. The atmosphere here is not short on enthusiasm and people here were really enjoying themselves. I look forward to attending other celebrations hopefully being organized in other towns as I have enjoyed tonight.

Watch the video of the countdown followed by a simple fireworks display with patriotic songs.

Gunung Ledang, Tangkak, Johor

2007-08-09T16:43:00.000+08:00

Gunung Ledang (Mt. Ophir) 4187ft (1276m) is situated in the border of Johor and Melaka state. There are two ways to reach the summit, one from Sagil, Tangkak and the shorter way is from Asahan, Melaka. We have climbed Gunung Ledang long before it was privatized and managed by Gunung Ledang Resort. Our first climbing trip to Gunung Ledang was on Oct 1986. We have no experience and just carry 2 tents and some backpacks and set off to climb the mountain. Our team consist of my father, 2 younger sisters and YK. The first day we went on a wrong trail instead of right we went to the left and were lost. Somehow after walking for some time we heard the sound of waterfall and we managed to trek down and camped near the river. The next morning we realized that we didn't walk very far from where we started. Later other campers walked by and told us the correct way to the peak and we quickly followed them. It is advisable to have an experience guide or one who have been there before. That trip we didn't managed to reach the peak because it was raining, the rocks were slippery and it was dangerous. We camped at Botak Hill which is not recommended because it is a lightning prone area. The next morning we packed up and descent all the way.

In the year 2003, our friend invited us to join him and his group to climb Gunung Ledang. This trip we brought along our three children, Jane 13, TK 10 and Mavic 8 and my mother-in-law (65 years old). Having some experienced and guided by our very experienced friend (Chee Eng Pow, Melaka) we set to climb Gunung Ledang again. We registered and paid the necessary fee at the office and started climbing around 11 am and reached Kolam Anak Gajah around 3pm. It was a slow trek because one can't expect a 65 year old grandmother to walk fast. This campsite is excellent because it has good water source even for swimming. It requires another 5 hours to reach the peak. We pitched our tents and started making 'tea tarik'. Eng Pow's brother Eng Hui was our main cook and he prepared curry chicken for dinner (yummy! yummy!) Later we had red bean soup for supper.

Morning call was early and after breakfast, we packed some bread for lunch at the peak. We left our camp at around 8am and my mother-in-law stayed back to look after the place. We were expected to be back by late afternoon and there were other campers around too. We reached the peak around 1pm. The peak is a plateau and it is a wide and flat ground where it is not advisable to camp here. We took some photos and rested for a while. There was no nice panoramic view because it was misty. In the clear day you can see Segamat, Jementak town of Johor and the historical Melaka. We reached the campsite around 5pm and started preparing dinner. After dinner we talked and chit chatted till midnight.

No morning call and our plan was to trek down after lunch so it was free and easy. We brought along two hammocks and managed to tie them to the trees. The children were enjoying themselves in the cold and chilly water. Imagine drinking hot milo while soaking in the cold stream. After lunch we packed up and decent and along the way took some photos. It was a successful climb and a low cost outing for a whole family.

Have fun and be happy! ♥

Posted by KC

Cave Kandu, Gopeng, Perak

2007-07-23T23:29:00.000+08:00

We have made a booking for 30 persons at Rumah Rehat Adeline on the 21st and 22nd July 2007. We have make arrangement to gather at Gopeng toll Exit at 10 am. There are 12 of us from Kajang, 12 from Klang and 6 from Setiawan. We proceeded to Gopeng town to have breakfast for those who missed their breakfast while waiting for the Setiawan group to join us. Finally when everyone assembled we convoy into Adeline Rumah Rehat which is 6KM away from the town. The road leading to the Rumah Rehat is narrow and winding and you have to keep blasting the horn at blind corners to warn oncoming cars. When we arrived at Rumah Rehat we were shown to our sleeping areas. The main (first) building with two big rooms which can accommodate 10 person each. Adeline has prepared 6 extra tents for us for those who wants to enjoy nature at ground level. Some occupied another 4 rooms at the north side. It is durian season and our trip includes 4 meals (1 lunch, 1 tea break, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast), it also includes durian, rambutan and mangosteen on the house for RM$102.00 per person.

Cave Kandu with slopes and tunnels and KC posing with a LION Head rock formation.

Our lunch is at 12.30 and while waiting for our lunch we went around looking for durians. We managed to collect a few and ate them right away. After lunch only 16 of us registered for Gua Kandu (Cave Kandu - additional RM$30.00). Cave Kandu was once occupied by the communist just after the WW II and till today you can see communist poem being written in Mandarin and vandalized by visitors. We boarded a lorry to ferry us to Cave Kandu and riding at the back is first experience for many of us. Our caving started at 2pm and ended at 4pm. This cave which was once occupied by the communist and there are many chambers and tunnels which would require a full day tour if you wish to visit all of them but only for the physically fit. Therefore you need an experienced guide to take you around. The Guide instead of the normal entry and he took us the back way. The 'stick insect' which we found in Broga (posted in YouTube) was also found here. It look exactly like a twig when it lies still. We were told this insect can be found in many places and its difficult to see them because they looked like twigs. It is a 100m steep climb and the reason why he took this route because if we were to exit this way it would be very steep and slippery after the rain.

After caving we were brought back to Rumah Rehat Adeline to have our tea break. We have 'teh tarik' and 'kuih udang' (prawn fritter). Later we assembled the rest of them for the next event, waterfall and body rafting. Instead of making 2 trips to the waterfall, all of us were squeeze into the lorry. Other then the famous 'white water rafting' which cost RM150 per person, the body rafting is free of charge but must have courage for the first attempt. Only 8 of them tried the body rafting. To body raft safely, you must lie flat with both hands loosely spread out for guiding, do not sit up or you will have sore bums, don't stand up while floating down and finally relax for a exhilarating ride down. The first time most of us will gulp some of the water and after that you will be more experience. The rest will enjoy the cool water either wading or swimming around the area. Later back at Rumah Rehat we took bath and the water feels icy.

Dinner is at 7pm and durian party at 9pm. After dinner we didn't wait and started to have our durian at 8.30pm even though we were still full after the heavy dinner. KC opened almost 65 durian fruits and most us of have no problem eating them, greediness knows no bound. We have tea 'O' after eating durian. Later some of them who have been friends for 30 years chit chatted till 2am and their children played card games till 3am in the morning. Morning breakfast is at 8am and after breakfast is free and easy. Some prefer to skip breakfast and sleep till 11am. Many commented that in Rumah Rehat Adeline one has no chance to get hungry and there are plenty of good food cooked personally by Adeline.

We left Rumah Rehat at around 11.00 am and our next itinerary was to have lunch at the famous "Yong Wai" Roasted duck and also to buy "Heong Pang" (a local biscuit delicacy) a few shops away from the restaurant. After our heavy lunch we went to visit "Kek Lok Tong" Temple Cave. We spent almost 1 hour there enjoying the cool breeze and decided to abandon our seafood trip at "Tualang" because of too much eating. Before we left Ipoh we went to have their famous coffee at one of the food courts. It started raining and some of us convoy using the old trunk road to avoid paying toll (save RM$20.00) by going back into the highway through Rawang.

Have fun and be happy! ♥

Body Rafting down a small rapid.
Posting by KC

Sungai Lembing, Kuantan, Pahang

2007-07-20T00:14:00.000+08:00

On 1st Oct 2006, our friend Yvonne Kew from Kuantan volunteered to bring us to climb the famous Bukit Lembing (Lembing Hill) which is about 42 km northwest of Kuantan. Bukit Lembing offers a beautiful sunrise view as well as the surrounding sleepy town of Sungai Lembing (Lembing River). It is rainy season in October and if it rains in the morning we will continue with our sleep and do the climbing in our dream. We were lucky that it was not raining but unlucky that we could not continue our sleep at the beautiful Swiss Garden Hotel resort. Our morning call was at 4am, imagine the best time to sleep. The journey to Sg. Lembing will take almost an hour. The climb or rather walk up the hill is almost 45 minute in the dark along the concrete steps with railings at the side. Hoping to see sunrise but unfortunately it was drizzling and too misty to view. We plan to have 'tea tarik' up there and enjoy the scenic view of Lembing town. You can see the whole Lembing town and the Sg. Lembing. The river at one time flooded the whole town. Imagine the whole town was submerged in water. Many villagers had to climb this hill to escape the flood. Until today you can find the marking of the flood level, marked as a red line on the shop front. After our 'tea tarik', we waited till it was brighter before walking down. All the way down to the morning market to have our breakfast. This town is also famous for 'tow foo" (bean curd) soft and 'slippery'. The folks here produces the traditional coconut biscuit 'yer pang' which is popular among its visitors. There is not much activity in this town because most of the younger generations have left this sleepy (really sleepy) town and only to come home during weekends or the festive holidays. This town is prone to flooding especially during raining season. After eaten the famous Lembing 'tow foo', we shop for the "yer pang" and took a photo of the flood markings on the shop front. In the morning it is cool and refreshing in Sg. Lembing and we decided to explore the town from one end to other.

There is a muzeum in Sg. Lembing and we didn't get to visit it because it was weekend. The largest underground tin mining in the world is in Sg. Lembing but today sad to say has stop operation. We will plan to come again and this time during the dry season hopefully we will catch the sunrise.

Betung, Southern Thailand

2007-07-14T00:30:00.000+08:00

It was a 3 days 1 night tour to Betung, Southern Thailand. This place is famous for communist's tunnel - Piyamit Tunnel. This is the main attraction of Betung other than the usual visit of Thai temple. Our mode of transport was a 44 seater bus and we started our journey from Kajang at 10pm. We were expecting to reach the border early in the morning. Our bus is the first to reach the Malaysia immigration and waited for a while for them to open. The border crossing is normally close from 11.oo pm to 6.00 am. After getting our passports stamped at the Malaysian Immigration and the Thailand Immigration . We were introduced to the local guide named Ah Meng, an ex-communist. Most of the Chinese here were once communist. When we reached Betung town, we went for our breakfast and later checked into our hotel. The only 3 star hotel in Betung and later we assembled at the lobby to visit the communist's tunnel. The guide told us that Betung was also confused with Bentong, Pahang and a long time ago when relatives came from China some went to Betung, Thailand and some to Bentong, Pahang. Therefore it is not surprising that there are many relatives on both sides of the border. The organizer had arranged a big 'tut tut' (transport) for us because the roads cannot be access by bus, further more it has to be a 4 WD.

Piyamit Tunnel is the Malaya Communist's base build for bombshells and storing food supplies, the battlefield bases are located on the mountain top in the midst of the deep forests which separates the boundaries of Thailand and Malaysia which includes the area of Yala provinces. The Piyamit Tunnel was build in 1977 with 1 KM in length and 5 - 6 feet wide and it took 3 months for excavation of 50 man. There are 9 entrance/exit paths. To tour the tunnel you need to pay an entrance fee which is not included in the package.

The big "tut tut" which can carry almost 30 to 40 passengers. There are 2 rows at each side and 1 row in the middle. The road leading to the tunnel is narrow and winding and sometimes muddy. There are a few souvenir shops and for those who are not interested to visit the tunnel, you can shop around and take photos. We bought a wood carving with a herd of elephant made from chengal wood which cost us RM90 only. The next stop a visit to a hot spring on the way back to the town and you can buy hard boiled eggs which were cook in the hot sulfur pond (suppose to make you "strong"). Every time when you visit Thailand try their local delicacies such as 'tom yam' soup, chicken feet, desserts and etc. After lunch, we visited their famous garden and temples. Dinner is provided in the hotel with live singing. It was free and easy after dinner. You can walk around town and do some shopping or try the various types of local food. There are many entertainment outlets that provides live band performance, pubs, traditional Thai massage, foot massage and others.

Next morning after breakfast visit the morning market to do some last minute shopping. There are various local products such as coconut candy, biscuit, sweet cakes and glutinous rice dumpling. Check out by 12 noon and proceed to the Thai immigration and later to Malaysia immigration where all baggages are check by the customs so it will take some time. The trip to Betung was an eye opener of sorts as we understand how it came about due to the early communist years. We had our lunch in Ipoh where we shop for our Malaysian snacks and the famous salted chicken. We reached Kajang almost 10 pm at night. It was a good and affordable trip.

Have fun and be happy. ☺
This posting by KC

Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia

2007-07-09T15:07:00.002+08:00

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia (4095m/13,435 ft). We have heard and read so much about it and when we talk about mountain climbing, this question always been asked "have you climb Mt. Kinabalu?" Some of our friend have scaled it successfully and some have not and some have been there more than one time. Those who don't reach the Low's Peak will be given a black and white certificate. Despite its height it is one of the easiest mountain to climb and even my father (64 years old) got a color certificate, so it is "sap sap sui" (easy).

On Oct 2004, we decided to scale this beautiful mountain. I won't call it a camping trip because no heavy backpack to carry, no need to pitch tent and not many uphill and downhill to reach the peak. That is the reason for thousands of all ages and fitness levels scale it every year. We booked 2 air tickets from Air Asia during the offer period at RM230 per person (to and fro) and book our stay for Laban Rata (base camp just before the peak) through telephone. We reach Kota Kinabalu one day earlier and stayed overnight at one of our friend's house (Catherine Ringingon) and she is Kadazan. Next morning she and her assistant drove us to the Kinabalu National Park headquarter where our climb started (1563M/5163ft). October to December is the raining season and it was raining all week but luck await us, it stop raining on the day of our arrival and started raining after our climb. Our plans were to abort if it rains at the Laban Rata base camp
After the registration and paying the necessary fees, Catherine R. sent us to the Timpohan gate (1800m/5900ft), entry point to start of climb and agreed to pick us the following day after the decent.

The walk to Laban Rata hut can be accomplished in 3 to 6 hours and it must always be accompanied by a registered guide. Our guide name is Dawat, he share his experience as a porter before qualifying as a guide. Being porters they can carry baggages weighing between 40-60 kilos. Climbing at such high altitude you have to take it easy (you have plenty of time) to avoid high altitude sickness where you will suffer headaches and dizziness. So we took our time to trek up and took many photos. We started around 10am and reach Laban Rata around 2pm. It was bright and cold up there. After checking in and got our heated room which is quart sharing. Laban Rata restaurant provides a la carte food as well as buffet spread. A good advice is to eat moderately. We ordered hot drinks and shared one portion. Later we went out to take sun sets photos. We were advised by our guide to rest early because morning call will be 2am. Throughout the night we could hear some other climbers vomiting (high altitude sickness). The last 800m (2600ft) climb to the summit takes about 2 to 4 hours. It was dark, cold and we were lucky because it was not raining but very windy. If it rains heavily they (guide) will cancel the climb. We need to have our own head lamp or torch lights. The climb was very slow because it was dark and our muscle have yet to warm up. Don't rush and take your time to ascent to avoid altitude sickness. We carry hot 'Milo' (thermo flask) to drink at Low's Peak and after the photo session at the peak we were advised to decent otherwise it will be sunny hot. The last part of the climb is on naked granite rock and we will be guided with ropes. It was advisable not to wonder alone. Took many photos and the especially the gorilla rock face.

When we reach Laban Rata hut, we slept for about 2 hours before descending all the way down to Timpohan Gate. We should have stay another night. After 3000m of descending, most climbers will have sore legs (knee joint, foot and toes). When we reached Timpohan Gate it started to rain heavily and we have to wait for a while for a van to transport us to the headquarters where the guide will report our successful climb to the Low's Peak and only then the certificate will be given. Later Catherine took us to Poring Hot Springs where we spent a night there. We visited the local Kadazan farmers the next day and had lunch with them and they were surprised to see us able to walk effortlessly after the Mount Kinabalu climb.Our legs felt very sore but bearable. The vegetables here are fresh and tasty. We were served 'Tarap' a local fruit. You must visit the Tamu (open market) where the local farmers will display and sell their farm produced together with other handicrafts. Any visit to Kota Kinabalu (State capital of Sabah) should include Gaya Street which is famous for selling all types of goods ranging from food to local products.

Have fun and be happy!

Rumah Rehat Adeline, Gopeng, Perak

2007-06-20T10:53:00.000+08:00

On Sunday 1oth June 2007 we had help to organised a Shaklee Ipoh family day at Rumah Rehat Adeline also known as Adeline Rest House. Rumah rehat Adeline is situated 6KM away from the Gopeng main road. We have been there three years ago when Adeline has not started the rumah rehat resort. We were there to see the rafflesia flower and Raja Brooke butterfly colony. The 4WD ride was 1 1/2 hours and another 1/2 hour walk before we reached the spot where the largest flower species (rafflesia) bloomed. Now three years later her rumah rehat not only provides waterfall and jungle trekking trip, it also provides caving in Gua Kandu, White water rafting, wet abseiling and team building events. Not forgetting her best home cooked local food packages with accommodation. This eco-resort has been featured in many local newspaper for its food and authentic orang asli type of accommodation but you have to enjoy nature minus the luxury of your home like spring mattress, water heater, air condition room, TV & Radio. I would give two thumbs up for this fantastic environement with great food.

Our family day was a one day event package with one tea and one lunch. There were 14 children and 25 adults. We started our team event at 11am. Today we are all boys and girl, not husband and wife, it is a wonderful opportunity to play as children. We have the boys and girls to line up and split them into five teams with 6 members each team. Our team building consist of team members sharing a bit about themselves, brick walk relay, balloon blowing relay and fancy dress with given items. Guess what? One family with 6 members was divided equally in every team, we overheard one young participant said it is a good idea because no matter which team win, one of the family member will definitely be in the winning team. The team building ended at 1pm. We had fried noodles, curry puffs, local "kuih" (cakes) with 'tea tarik' for a light snack. We proceeded to the waterfall, this is just one of the many waterfalls in this area, and in another stream shaped like a natural slide where you can do body rafting. It look fun and dangerous but once you try the short one and gain your confidence, you can try the longer one which is exhilarating, they had fun in the water. We had our late lunch at 4pm and we were served rice with 9 different delicious dishes and also "luk-luk" (skewed food dip in soup and dip with spicy sauce). It was a very satisfying lunch. It started raining and the weather was cool. In this eco resort we practice washing our plates and cups after food. We have prize giving for the winner on team building and some personal sharing from the participants. One participant even shared that it has been a long time that her family had been together with such experiences. together. She has two grown up sons and both in the college. We left Rumah Rehat Adeline at 6pm. We will be organizing another trip there in the month of July 21st and 22nd and expecting to have lots of durian because it is a durian season already.
For your next trip, you can plan to this eco resort by calling KC at +6019-3339825

Gunung Datuk, Negeri Sembilan,

2007-06-12T02:00:00.000+08:00

20th May 2007

We have taken a group of friends to Gunung Angsi early this month and when the group asked which is the next gunung? Guest what? The answer is Gunung Datuk. Gunung Datuk (2900') is situated in Negeri Sembilan and it is only 110' higher than Gunung Angsi (2790'). Whenever anyone mentioned Gunung Datuk, they always said the peak has the best 360 degree unobstructed panorama view. Highly recommended for beginner and also an orientation and exposure for beginner before climbing higher mountains.

On Sunday we met up at Senawang Toll in Seremban. It was only a one day trip and our group consist of 10 members, 6 from Kajang and 4 from Klang. Always prepare a name list before hand. Passing Rembau town and drove another 26km and you will find the Hutan Lipur Gunung Datuk signboard on the left. Turn left and drive all the way in until you see another sighboard on the left. You will not miss it if you follow the sign closely. When we reached there, while the other members unload their gear, KC went to submit the name list and paid RM3 per person for the climbing permit. KC even weigh everybodys backpack and the weight average 5KG per person. The chief cook ask all the member to carry 1.5L water (excluding self drinking) for cooking and tea 'tarik'. We started trekking at 10am and after 30 minutes of trekking we stopped for a rest and waited for the last member to catch up and he was 'pucak' (pale) when he arrived. He had 'maggie mee goreng tambah pedas' and milo ice for breakfast. Advisible not to take any spicy food stuff before any climb because it will cause indigestion for some people. The trail is a straight forward uphill and steep, the path is wide and visible all the way. Always walk in a group of 2 to 3 and along the way we left some small paper as trail marker especially when there is junction.

We reached the peak at around 11.40am and there were already one camper packing and leaving. So we have the campsite all to ourselves even though it was a weekend. While KC was preparing tea 'tarik' some of us went up to the peak to enjoy the 360 degree panorama view. Today lunch was 'mee fan kuid' (knead flour dough for making noodle). After our yummy! yummy! lunch we started packing and cleaning with tissue paper. Make sure you bring all your rubbish back even empty container. At the peak there is a fiber tank filled with rubbish.

We spent 2 hours at the peak and started decending at around 2pm. Along the way we took some nice photo of wild flower and big, big tree. The trek down was only 1 hour and instead of having our bath in the resort all of us went for a dip in the cold, cold mini waterfall. After the refreshing soak, we decided to have our early dinner at Seremban town at 5pm but to our suprise the restaurant was already packed with people. The restaurant was famous for its claypot 'sang yee' (fish) and the restaurant was also featured in ASTRO .
Have fun and be happy!

This posting by KC

Gunung Angsi, Kuala Pilah, N. Sembilan

2007-06-12T01:59:00.000+08:00

On 29th April, a group of friends from Klang,Kajang and Michael from Malacca decided to hike up to Gunung Angsi (2,700 ft.) using a shorter route. Our gathering venue was to be after the Senawang Toll Plaza at about 9.30am. After meeting we head towards Kuala Pilah after passing through Senawang and up the hilly and winding road, just when you approach a big sign "Selamat Datang ke Kuala Pilah" there is parking area on the right. Usually on weekends and holidays many trekkers would walk up to the peak which usually take two hours along this shorter route and there is another route which starts from the Hulu Bendul Recreation Park where the journey would take about three to four hours to reach the peak. As usual being the organiser of the group each was given some food portion for carrying. Each of them have to carry their own drinking water with extra 2.5l of water for making hot drinks (tea tarik and milo). We started our journey at 10.15am. The entry point is just beside the main road and steep climb all the way for about 45 mins. The trail is well marked you won't miss it because almost every weekend many locals will climb up and down. We reach a plateau and there we met a regular climber who call himself "kor low" or tall fella. He has cleared a well kept rest area either to rest and camp for the night. Instead of going up a steep hill there is a old logger trail on the right, follow the logger trail to the end and go straight into trail where both side are covered with high shrubs. If you decided to have a challenging climb, take the steep hill climb and it will meet at the main trail after another 20 mins. Again another climb up for about half hour where you will meet a junction. Both way will also lead you to the peak. An average climber will take less than 2 hours. At the peak we met other groups who were surprise to find that there was a shorter trail.

As usual other group will just munch their snack and bread and relac for half an hour and decent. Normally we will make hot tea tarik and some snack, later hot soupy noodle and lastly hot tea again for the last round. After the eating session we will relax and enjoy the view. This peak is very popular especially during holidays and sometimes they will bring extra water to camp overnight. During the eve of National day or New Year you could catch the fireworks display from afar or just enjoy the night during a full moon night.

After almost 1 hour of rest and relax we will pack and have a group photo. The decent will take and average of 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Upon reaching the car park, there is a small mini reservoir where natural stream water flows in and it is half covered with a green shack, this is where you can wash down or even take a bath the water here. Once everyone had changed to a fresh set of cloths and the first thing on our mind "food", I suggested going for the famous "Hakka Yong Tau Foo" at Mambau town and everyone was gamed for it. The time was about 4.00pm and once we entered the highway through Senawang Toll we got caught in a jam due to road works and finally exited through the Port Dickson Toll about an hour later which normally would take about half an hour. This eatery was once featured in The Star newspaper and it looks like and ordinary shed once you put your teeth in a feeling of satisfaction comes in after burning your calories. Fearful of the traffic jam a further suggestion was that we continue towards Sungai Pelek (small town near to KLIA airport) and stop at this EP Hoon Seafood Restaurant and this time a full 8 course seafood delight. What ever calories we burn now we have triple putting it back on. We part ways, friends from Klang took the coastal road via Tanjung Sepat (fishing village), Banting. And as for Kajang via Sepang-Bangi road.

This posting by KC

Kuantan River Cruise, Pahang, Malaysia

2007-06-12T01:58:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday 5th May 2007, the three of us was on a Shaklee business trip to Kuantan - the gateway to east coast of Malaysia. We left Kajang at 10am and stop at Wangsa Maju to have our breakfast with some friends. After breakfast around 11.30am we proceeded to the East Coast Highway through KL Karak highway. We arrived at Kuantan at 2.30pm and delivered one carton of products to our Kuantan friend in Jalan Teluk Sisik. We have our early tea in one of the many Kopitiam in Kuantan and our local friend suggested going for river cruise which many locals have never been. One boat which can carry maximum 20 person and minimum 5 person. There are only 4 of us. We waited for a while and nobody turn up so we ended up paying for 5 person fares (RM15 per adult) The cruise start at 4pm in the late afternoon. Cruising time is around 1 hour 15 minutes. The cruise will take us to the open sea of South China Sea. We enjoy the picturesque view of Kuantan town, beaches and along the Kuantan River the traditional fishing village settlement and one of the few largest reserve mangrove swamp in Malaysia. A bridge was built across to Tg. Lumpur. We have the boat to ourselves and the local guide and our local friend take turn to entertained us with songs. We stop for a 15 minutes mangrove boardwalk. After the boardwalk we proceed back to the jetty.

Time to look for accommodation. Stop at a few hotel to check for best offer. A double bed room normally will cost from RM90 to RM135. We managed to get the best offer for a double bed plus extra mattress for only RM93 and furthermore it is a new hotel. (Hotel Grand City) Our dinner appointment is at 8pm so we have plenty of rest and shower. Tonight dinner is at a halal seafood restaurant. We ate asam fish, tow foo, a vegetable dish and scallop dish located just in front of Citiview Hotel ask any local and you will find the place. After dinner we were invited to our friends karaoke club at a double storey shop lot for relaxation and entertainment.

Morning breakfast at a shop famous for Seremban curry noodle and we also get to enjoy the famous Sg. Lembing bean Curd. We attended a business session in a hotel in the afternoon and in the evening we went for the famous "Char Kuay Teow" at Jalan Beserah and later to Teluk Cempedak beach to enjoy the evening sea breeze. Again meeting time at the same hotel from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. After the meeting we say BYE BYE and left Kuatan and reach Kajang at 2.30am in the morning. Have fun and enjoy!

This posting by KC

Gunung Yong Belar, Trans Titiwangsa Perak, G7 Mountain Malaysia

2007-06-03T12:37:00.003+08:00

Trans Titiwangsa Trek from Gunung Yong Belar, Gunung Gayong and Gunung Korbu
17th Sept to 21st Sept 2006 (5 days 4 nights)

G7 - Seven of the highest mountains above 7,000 feet.

We have already scaled the six highest mountain and this is the last G7. Gunung Yong Belar (7156') is situated in the three states of Perak/Pahang/Kelantan. This trip our plan was to scale the three mountain at one go and the route is considered to be very tough. Some of the members (included Michael) have not climb Gunung Korbu and Gunung Gayung in our earlier trip. This trip there are two groups, one group will only climb Yong Belar and the rest will proceed to climb the three. The logistics for this trip were complicated because the in trail and exit were different. Our entry point is through Kampong Rajah (Cameron Highland) and the exit is through Kinta Valley Intake Dam. We stayed overnight in Ipoh and we paid RM40 for a big room for 4 persons. The place belong to Perak Used Car Association and for member only.

Day 1. After the famous 'kuay teow' soup breakfast, we proceeded to Ah Meng's house and parked our cars there. Ah Meng has hired a bus to take us to an area just after the Kg. Rajah traffic light. The bus travelled by Simpang Pulai/Gua Musang highway and stopped at a Paving Plant located about 2KM after the traffic light junction from Kg. Rajah (Cameron Highland). At the Paving Plant, two 4WD were hired from the farmers to bring us to their farms which was about 45 minutes ride and the farm is definitely inaccessible by normal vehicles. The ride was bumpy and you have to hold on tight or otherwise get thrown off the 4WD. The other group

went in with their own 4WD as they were returning after G. Yong Belar. After assembling at a vegetable farm and performing a check to ensure our gears were in order. Ah Meng also hired 3 'orang asli' as porter. At 12 noon we start trekking, passing through the big vegetable farm, the first visible trail was through a mushy and soggy terrain and after 15 minutes our shoes were covered with reddish mud (yucky). Our campsite is about 1 hour from G. Yong Belar Peak. The trail was quite well mark except for some unclear junctions, there are lots of bending and crawling due to the thick mossy forest, trees and roots and since it was also raining intermittently, this 1st day climb really sap your energy. We finally arrive at our campsite at about 6.00 pm, everyone tried to get the best site to set up their tent because the ground was soft and soggy from the rain and wet conditions. The height here is around 6000 feet and the weather gets dark and it felt chilly. We had to set up the tent in the rain, team cooperation is vital here. The water source is downhill about 10 minutes and looking very brownish, if you really like cold water (really cold), take a full bath here. Everyone was tired, we took a quick wipe down to clean up (not full bath), KC prepared hot drinks and noodles to satisfy our hunger. Mind you this is only a snack meal but because of the exhausting climb we soon fell asleep and forgot our dinner. All night long it was raining, its wet in and out of the tent, cold but we needed rest.

Day 2 Morning call at 7am luckily it stop raining and it was windy. After our morning breakfast everyone went for toilet "business" (bowel movement), we started packing and left by 9am. Only 1 hour to reach the peak. The returning group went first thing in the morning and we met them on the way up. For some of us celebrated our completion of G7 by letting of firecrackers. Usual group photos and some hoo ha and we proceeded to the next camp H2O that is 5 hours away. It was again difficult, lots of crawling, bending and squatting through mossy forest and fallen branches and finally we reached H2O campsite. It is small campsite near the stream. One member even did some clearing and laid some banana leaves on the floor before setting up his tent.

Day 3. H2O to Gayung peak is a 7 hours climb and very very steep. We passed a peak call Junction Peak, to the last water point. The water source is down a steep hill and back takes about 1 hour. Only the young and strong went down. One more hour to the peak G. Gayung. Hurray! Another G and one more tomorrow. Gayung peak is small and almost all available place is taken up, here you have a panaromic view. We reach the peak around 4pm and lots and lots of photos taken because the secenery here is the best. You can see G. Korbu, G. Yong Belar and G. Yong Yap. and nice sunset.

Day 4. Morning call for sunrise photo. After breakfast and packing we have our group photo again. Started trekking at 9am and reach Korbu peak at 11am. Rest and relax and have our lunch. Photo session again. Trek down 2 hours to the last water point if you come up from Camp Seroja. All the way very steep lots of dangerous slopes but well mark and with points for your hands and foot. We reach Camp Seroja at 5pm. Set up tent and had a very very nice bath because we did not have a bath since H2O campsite. We tried to finish most of our food, normally we have 3 dishes but today we have up to 5 dishes to celebrate our achivement. Later at night we have tea 'tarik' and talk about all the previous trips.

Day 5 After breakfast we trek out to Sg. Leming orang asli settlement but the orang asli settlement was evacuated for dam building. The last trip we paid RM20 each for the orang asli to transport using their motorbike to the Kinta Damp intake . This time no more orang asli but we are even more lucky to get to ride on a lorry 'hantu' and each of us paid the driver RM5 otherwise we have to walk under open hot sun for 2 hours. The lorry ride is about 30 to 45 minutes. Back to civilization and the first thing take out money and treat ourself with cold 100Plus drink. Later some of us went to the river and washed up and waited for arrangement to ferry us out to Ah Meng house where we parked our cars.

Reflection on completion of all the G7 mountains, a sense of satisfaction and good experience. Next trip to climb the G7 a second time. Are you interested? Email me.

Have fun and success for all.

Gunung Yong Yap Perak, G7 Mountain Malaysia

2007-05-03T07:14:00.000+08:00

7th July - 9th July 2006

Gunung Yong Yap (7113') is situated in the state of Perak and it is the 6th highest mountain in West Malaysia. Our team (YK, KC, Wong HM and Michael Lim) checked into a resort in Cameron Highland on the 6th of July. The climb will start from Kampong Brooks 2KM after Kampong Raja in Cameron Highland. We had our dinner in Brinchang town, sitting outside in the cool weather and eating hot piping food and chinese tea just feels wonderful. We also get to eat some durians (king of fruits). And staying a night in Cameron Highland is cool and refreshing. I did some research before this climb especially that Gunung Yong Yap is home to the endangered tiger with all the hype we were actually concerned but our goal is to complete the G7 and that is something very important in every climb. That you need positive thinking besides all the training.

Day 1. We had breakfast in one of the many eateries and met up with the rest of the group and proceeded to Kampong Brooks to regroup. Ah Meng and his orang asli porter waited for us beside the road near to a school. The orang asli guided us to park our cars and those with 4WD will be required to carry the rest of the members to the next orang asli settlement for the in-trail. Our team member bought 1 pack of 10kg rice as a gesture for the orang asli. The 4WD ride was more like a 4WD adventure because we had to cross a few rivers and through old logging trail. We were in Ah Meng's Suzuki 4WD and he has to make another trip out to fetch the rest. We started trekking around 10.30am and along the way we passed through some durian orchards and Ah Meng collected some wild durian (jungle variety), it tasted Ummmh! very pungent and gassy, my advice is try to avoid it as along the way when 1 or 2 members started to burp and the smell is unbelievable. As we were crossing some narrow trail KC shouted that she was stung by bees and everyone ran. Three casualties, KC had about 10 bee stings, Wong 3 and another member by the nickname "sour pineapple" who had only 3 bee stings but was the most affected.
We stop to administer first aid, KC and Wong just got off with painful stings but for "sour pineapple" his body started to develop rashes, he jump into a small stream and started scrubbing his body with sand (bad idea). I later gave him some medication 1 for itch and the other (very mild steroid) for infections. He managed to continue and arrived at base camp at around 2.30pm, he felt very uncomfortable probably due to allergic reaction, just drink plenty of water and rest. As the campsite was overgrown with bushes, the orang asli started to clear a larger campsite. There is a small stream just enough to dip for 2-3 person and our source of drinking water. It was still early and we have tea 'tarik' and steamed 'pow' (dumpling). Some of them even brought along newspaper to read. We had fried Hokkien Mee cooked with fish cake for dinner. Imagined famous Hokkien Mee with chilly shrimp paste in the mountains. Mmmm.......Rest early as tomorrows trek is about 4 to 6 hours.

Day 2. After breakfast we packed some light food and proceeded to the peak. All of us except for "sour pineapple" who still felt uncomfortable had to miss the peak, we started trekking at 7.40am and reach the peak at 11.40am (4hours). We have buns from Sg. Pelek and our famous Milo shake at the peak. After group photos we decent all the way down to the campsite which took us less than 3 hours. Tea 'O' and instant noodle first before our bath and started preparing dinner. Tonight dinner is yam rice cooked with fried shrimp and chilly. Supper was tea 'tarik' with 'Tiger' biscuit and groundnuts.

Day 3. After breakfast we left our campsite at 9am and reached the orang asli settlement at 11am. Everyone bathed in the nearby river. We bought bamboo walking stick and blowpipe from the orang asli. The 4WD took us out to Kampong Brooks where we parked our cars. This trail is much easier compare to the entry point through Kuala Mu which is much tougher. Good luck and have fun!

Gunung Chamah , Kelantan G7 Mountain Malaysia

2007-04-03T07:16:00.001+08:00

10th March 2006 - 12th March 2006

We have scaled 4 G7 in 2005 (Gunung Tahan, Gunung Korbu/Gunung Gayung and Gunung Ulu Sepat). This year we planned to scale the others 3G (Gunung Chamah, Gunung Yong Yap and Gunung Yong Belar). We started with Gunung Chamah (7123') and it is the 5th highest mountain in the Peninsular Malaysia and always been noted the most challenging one. This G5 lies in the most western corner of Kelantan. On the 9th March we traveled by Karak via Kuala Lipis to Gua Musang and checked in a hotel in Gua Musang. We did some last minute shopping in the pasar malam (night market) and later had dinner with the other group members. Later back to the hotel to do final packing. Our guide Ah Meng will only arrive early next morning through the Simpang Pulai/Gua Musang highway. He has already booked two 4WD to ferried us to the intake.

Day 1. After breakfast at Gua Musang and met up with Ah Meng and later he went to submit a name list to the police station. It is a recommended procedure before any climb in Malaysia. We later followed the 4WD to Kampong Bethis which is 26KM away and parked our cars there. Here the orang asli charged a parking fee RM5 for each car. One of the member drove his 4WD following the two chartered 4WD to Pos Simpoh. It was a bone rattling ride for almost 3 hours in the exposed sun. Some of the member even complained it was tiring and energy drenching even though there is no walking. Being a lady, there is always extra advantage because I always get to sit in the front passenger seat. Stop over at Pos Simpoh orang asli settlement to have some rest and lunch while waiting for the other 4WD because they have to keep a distance to avoid orange (dirt track) dust. Drove for another hour till the logging trail become impassable even to the 4WD. We hiked up the hill in the hot sun (really hot) for two hours along the exposed eroded timber logging trail. One hiker even came prepared with an umbrella. One of our team member even have leg cramps for the first time and we later found out that he has been wearing a new knee guard for the first time. The trail descended and we were relieved to be hiking in the shady jungle at last. At last we can hear water gushing as we were approaching our campsite Camp Rokam. An orang asli settlement in a valley planted with maize, tapioca and millet. There are only a few huts and an open area where we pitched our tents. There is a small stream next to the orang asli settlement. We have our Tea 'O' and instant noodle to warm up our stomach before going for the cold bath. Dinner was always rice with 3 dishes. Later at night the orang asli play some music using hand made flute and unknown instruments, it sounded like some kind of spiritual thing.

Day 2. After breakfast, prepare 'Lui Char' (a special vegetarian meal) for lunch at the peak and make 'Min Fun' dough for dinner. We started our journey around 7.45am and we carried one backpack for our lunch and tea sets. Camp Rokam to Camp Tongkat Ali is a 3 hours trekking, the last water point is 3 hours to the peak. After the stream, the trail become very steep before we arrived at our first false peak. Normally when there are stunted Bonsai tree we thought it was the summit. A short descent into a valley lead us to another grueling climb up an 80 degree slope to the second false peak. 3 more false peak (just like stock market, up and down) and at last the G. Chamah peak. Small open area with small miniature oak trees for shade. Started preparing our lunch, boil water and mixed the 'lui Char' paste and the rest of ingredients such as peanut, long bean with bubble rice. Our 'lui char' paste was prepared by our Hakka friend. There is a light drizzle and strong cold winds. Our last member arrived and have his lunch and tea tarik followed by group photos. Our guide told us that we must make our decent not later than 2pm because the decent will take 5 hours or more. We reached our campsite at 7.15pm very exhausting and tiring because its a 7am to 7pm trekking. One of the member is too exhausted until he did not eat his dinner, he just took some buns and straight into his tent to sleep. For the four of us we have big feast ahead because tonight dinner is 'mee fun kuih'. It was a ikan bilis soup and hand made kneaded flour dough. After dinner the orang asli served us roasted tapioca and millet without sugar. We boiled sweet potatoes with old ginger for our supper. Very satisfying dinner and supper.

Day 3. Morning call, after breakfast we trekked out to the place where the 4WD left us earlier. Again bone rattling ride for 3 hours to out car park. There is a big river behind the orang asli huts. All of us went down to the river and have a good bath and swim. Later bought ice cream from the orang asli. We have our lunch at Gua Musang, the food there was expensive and a plate of noodle will cost us about RM4. This trip most of the member suffered serious diarrhea and one of them even was admitted into the hospital. Be careful when you camp near an orang asli settlement because they do their call of nature every where and so do their pets and livestocks. Our digestive system may not be able to handle such water borne bacteria. When rain comes it may just wash to the stream. Make sure you boil your drinking water. The members that suffer diarrhea usually occur after about a week and it takes a while for your body to recover.

Gunung Chamah is considered to be one of the toughest to "climb" because the tough 3 hour 4WD drive, the expose trail under the hot sun, the many false peaks where you have to climb up and down for about 4 times with each ascend and descend of about 1000-1500 ft. Its certainly satisfying and looking for the next mountain that is Gunung Yong Yap.

This posting by KC

Click on the above to view slide photos.

Gunung Ulu Sepat, Perak, G7 Mountains of Malaysia

2007-03-03T07:42:00.001+08:00

30th Sept 2005 - 2nd Oct 2005

Gunung Ulu Sepat (7,091') Perak
G7 Mountains Above 7,000 feet

This G7 is situated in state of Perak. Out of seven highest mountain in the Titiwangsa Range you will find 5 of them in the Perak state. The other two which are not in Perak are Gunung Tahan and Gunung Chamah. After our Gunung Tahan and Gunung Korbu/Gunung Gayong trip, this is our 3rd. On the 29th Sept we went to Ipoh for lunch and later proceeded to Grik to check into a hotel and later met up with others members to have dinner. Grik Town is also famous for its local dishes especially fresh water fish and frogs (edible type).

Day 1. After breakfast at Grik town, we waited for other members who travel from KL (journey takes about 5-6 hours by North South Highway) . One of the member missed the trip because her backpack was stolen the night before. We drove to Pos Kemah lead by our guide Ah Meng. He is a very experience guide and has good contact with the head (penghulu) of the 'orang asli' (abrogines). Parked our car at the jetty and reported the name list to the police. We took an hour boat ride to the jetty Pos Slim. Another 1 hour bullock cart ride to the furthest orang asli settlement. Gunung Ulu Sepat is supposed to be the easiest among the G7 and the first campsite takes only 4 hours, when we arrived at the campsite, it was raining heavily. We brought along an umbrella for this trip and found it useful for setting up the tent in the rain. The rain stopped as soon as the tent was up and soon many of them were complaining of being bitten by sandfly or "agas" in Malay language, these sandfly are present when wild animals have passed by, they are very aggressive and work very hard.

Day 2. After breakfast, pack light refreshment to the peak. Only 4 hours to the peak and 3 hours back to the campsite. We were suppose to stay for night but most of the members unanimously agreed to pack and trek out because they are afraid of the sandfly. We arrived at orang asli settlement at 8pm at night. The head of the orang asli offer the hut for us to stay. Some prefer to camp outside. For us who stay in the penghulu house and do our cooking in the house. We were served roasted and boiled tapioca which are their main diet. We left behind a lot of food stuff for them. We were told that the penghulu has many wives, children and grandchildren. The village altitude is around 3,000 ft. and it gets cold in the night.

Day 3. After breakfast we went out to tour the village. Took pictures of the carefree children and we noticed there were no teenages or adults and we found out that very early in the morning they have gone into the jungle presumably to hunt for food. At around 11.00am our bullock cart arrived to transport us to the jetty for boat ride again. Considered to be a successful climb but nightmare with the sandflies, many who had been bitten even after a month they sometimes still feel itchy, and for some they scratch till they bleed
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The penghulu told us that when there are a lot of sandflies means that the wild animals are near by the vicinity . We are lucky enough because we have not seen any of them but only bitten by sandflies. Make sure when you plan any trip to Gunung Ulu Sepat be prepared for sandfly and brings lots of balm and insect repellant. Later we have lunch at a Chinese village along the way out of Grik town to celebrate our successful climb.

This posting by KC

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Gunung Korbu & Gunung Gayong, Perak, G7 Mountains of Malaysia

2007-02-03T07:30:00.001+08:00

30th June - 2nd July 2005

G7 - Mountains above 7,000 feet in W.Malaysia

We completed our Gunung Tahan climb on 1st March 2005 till 8th March 2005. After that we thought that is the end of our climbing adventure because we have scaled the highest mountain in W. Malaysia especially our climb was from Kuala Tahan to the peak and back, this is the most challenging route to take. When a member of Kajang HHH (Hash House Harriers) was discussing a trip to the 2nd highest mountain Gunung Korbu and Gunung Gayong the 4th highest. We requested to join them on condition that we would plan our food itinerary and share the guide fees as their group was more than 15 members. Our Gunung Tahan group was only 5 at that time and now our team become only 3 because one member (Michael Lim) couldn't make it for this trip. The lesson we learned from our first trip is that team work is very important. Things like sharing the weight, sharing tent and cleaning up and eat whatever food cooked or planned. All the subsequent trip was only 4 members (YK, KC, HM Wong and Michael) and our plan is to complete all the G7. Be happy and have fun! We believe in every climbing trip that logistics must be well planned. Average optimum weight to carry per person averages 15-20kg for males and 12-15 kg for females and depending on the number of days. Well, porters will certainly lighten your load.

Always book your guide and porters before your climb unlike Gunung Tahan there are registration office with guides and porter services available. With the help of Ipoh HHH we got to know a guide name Ah Meng who was unable to guide us because of prior arrangement, but he is kind enough to arranged two orang asli (aborigines) as guide and porter.

Day 1. Ah Meng lead us into the Ulu Kinta Dam intake. Parked our cars and get ready to trek and we are so lucky that an engineer (Mr. Warwick) with the dam project and also Ipoh HHH member offered to transport (4WD) us to the Camp Sg. Teming an orang asli settlement. Without 4WD transport it will take us 2 hours to trek there. Mr. Warwick has to make a few trips to transport all of us in. Started trekking at 11.00am and reach camp Seroja at 3.00pm and Camp Kijang is another 2 hours away. Camp Seroja is a bigger campsite and next to the river. There is a beautiful small waterfall enough to be your personal jacuzzi. We pitch our tent at Camp Seroja instead of Camp Kijang. Today is relaxing and comfortable.

Day 2. After breakfast we started trekking at 9am and by lunch time we reached the last water point, well marked. Stopped here for lunch and carried water rationing of about 3L per person, this is compulsory for camping at the peak (no water at the peak). Reached G. Botak (5960') at 2pm and have some photos taken. After this it is steep climb all the way before finally reaching the peak at 5pm. Set up tent and change to our dry cloths. Because it is still early and we managed to take some sunset photos. We can see Ipoh from the peak. It is very windy and cold at the peak. The two orang asli had left their tent at Camp Seroja but instead brought a fly sheet. We thought nothing of it until sleeping time at around 10pm, when smoke started entering our tents that we found out the orang asli were setting a bonfire because they were freezing cold. One of the members gave up his tent to them (lucky for them) and shared with another.

Day 3. Wake up early (by 6.00am) to take photos. After breakfast we were ready to trek to Gunung Gayong at 8.30am. The trail started with stunted trees and open view and later into a mossy forest as though you are in Gunung Irau (famously known for mossy forest in Cameron Highland). We reach Gunung Gayong at 10.15am. Have some rest and group photo. We started to trek back to Korbu peak and have our lunch and packed up and decent at 12 noon. We reach Camp Seroja at 5pm, feeling tired, we quickly set up tent and have our instant noodle and hot tea 'O' to warm up our stomach before taking our bath. We had a nice bath as previous night we went without. Rested till around 7.00am and then prepare a mixed vegetable and salted fish for dinner. In the jungle and tired, this meal taste 'best in the world' and the grand finale with hot tea before relaxing and talking about the last two days journey.

Day 4. After breakfast and packing, we started trekking at 8.15am and reached Camp orang asli Sg. Teming around 11.15am. While waiting for the rest of the team we negotiated with the orang asli to fetch us by motorcycle out to the Ulu Kinta Intake. The charge was RM20 per head otherwise we have to walk for 2 hours under the sun. What do your think?. There are a few small shops in the Hutan Rekrasi Kinta where we had cold canned drink and later went down to the river to bath and change to a set of clean clothings kept in the car. We went to a restaurant in Ipoh for our lunch and also to celebrate our successful climb. Ah Meng joined us and during lunch we discuss and plan the next trip with him. The seventh highest mountain that is Gunung Ulu Sepat (7091') Perak in September.

This posting by KC

Gunung Tahan, Kuala Tahan, Pahang

2007-01-03T21:55:00.000+08:00

Malaysia is a wonderful place to experience the oldest rain forest in the world where various species of floral and fauna are found which includes the world's largest flower (Rafflesia). As well as the many inhabitants that dwell in the forest including many species of birds, animals and the Orang Asli. Recently I have the opportunity to witness the splendor of the jungle, trekking and climbing seven of the highest peak (known as the G7 mountains). Every year thousands of people have visited and climb many of the mountains in Malaysia.

Mt. Tahan is the highest peak in Peninsula Malaysia standing at 7,186ft/2,191m. The journey from Kuala Tahan (Taman Negara National Park, Pahang) to the peak is about 130km round trip which takes approximately nine days and for the very fit seven days or less. The temperature at the peak is around 4 to 12 degree Celsius. This is the traditional route and it is the most scenic route, an alternative route from Gua Musang, Kelantan takes about four days. The best months to climb are from March to May where the weather is the driest. The park is close during the peak of the monsoon season from middle of November to middle of January.

How to Get There

From the Kuala Lumpur city you can take either the local bus or taxis via Jerantut and arrive at Kuala Tahan which will take about 5 to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Upon arrival you will need to register with the Wildlife and National Parks Department. It is compulsory to hire a guide recommended by the department; porters are also available at a price. You can either camp or stay at the dormitory or the chalets around the park. Check your camping equipment and final packing preparations. All items that are brought into the trip (can food, camping gas canister etc.) must be accounted for and garbage must be carried out. Bring extra garbage bags.

Packing List for G. Tahan climb Recommended.

Personal
1 set climbing outfit (to be worn for next 7 to 9 days)
1 set camp outfit (to be worn after bathing in the river)
1 dry fast towel
1 sweater for cold weather
1 track bottom (optional)
1 sleeping bag
1 sleeping mat
1 pair slipper
1 torchlight (led type, energy efficient)
1 windbreaker
1 set personal hygiene, toiletry kit
1 set spoon,cup,plate or billy can or mess tin
1 toilet roll (2 person to a roll)
1 lighter, swiss army knife (or similar type)
* keep an extra dry set of clothes to be stored at the hotel/car

Group
1 set cooking stove
1 set cooking pot
1 pc floor sheet
1 pc fly sheet (for shade)
3-4 can camping gas 450g depending on cooking requirement
1 camping light or a set of candles
1 set first aid kit incl. anti-diarrhea, anti-histamine (bee sting), pain killers (fever, general pain)
any personal medical requirements (pls inform others)
1 set sewing/repair kit (shoes, hiking bag)
2 set of cameras with enough batteries to last for the journey.
Food should plan extra 2 days for emergency. Bring light or dry food, with proper nutrition and bulk.

Important: - All clothing/sleeping bags to be kept wrap in plastic to avoid getting wet either due to rain or river crossing.
Recommend backpack size for Male 55-75 liter, Female 45-55 liter. Hydration pack or 1.5 liter bottles for carrying water.

Climbing Team Members (5)
YK Low, KC Wong (my wife and team leader and chief cook), Michael Lim, Wong Hock Meow, Goh MY

Journey Log
1st March 2005, Day 1 Kuala Tahan to Kuala Melantai 12 km. 4 hours.

The members of the team assemble at my house in Kajang Town at 5am and loaded all our camping stuff in a Toyota Van and we had breakfast consisting of fish noodles. Finally we left Kajang Town at about 6am. Along the way most of the other members were catching up with their sleep and we arrive at Kuala Tahan at around 11am. Our pre-arrange guide Mr. Man Panjang a six-footer size was waiting for us at the coffee shop. After our customary hellos and introductions we had another quick round of teh tarik a popular drink, tea with milk and is pour from 1 container to another causing it to be frothy before serving it to us (mmmm tasty). We quickly did a last minute check and assemble our camping gear. We left one set of clothes in the van which was park at the chalets, a parking fee was required.
We then walk our way down to the jetty to catch a boat to cross to the other side. Then the walk up the steep staircase left us breathless, we proceed to the rangers office to register our team. We had to submit a list of our items that we are bringing for the estimated 6 nights 7 days trek up the summit as this is a requirement that we do not leave any non biodegradable items behind. 12.00 pm the weather was hot and humid but nonetheless it was perfect, our guide gave us some safety instructions that includes walking in pairs and waiting at certain points along the trail. Our team was in high spirits as we started our trek. Our plan was to stop every 1 hour for about 10 minutes for a break. Along the trail we had to pass many river bridges which provided a scenic view under the bright sunlight. We were entering deeper into the jungle with many unmarked trails only to be safely guided by Man Panjang.

The first day climb is regarded as light and easy or a warm-up to many trekkers as it has quite a fairly flat terrain with occasional steep hills but short. 4.00 pm finally we reach our Melantai campsite with enough space for about forty campers, it is surrounded by many tall trees, bushes and there is a small stream nearby which is our source for drinking water. Wong Hock Meow the oldest at 52 years arrive half an hour later. We set our camp and quickly prepare our hot drinks either tea or milo (chocolate malt drink) follow by a packet of instant noodle, this is to satisfy our stomach. And bath or clean ourselves as early as possible because the water in the jungle is always cool or cold.

Later after dinner, Wong Hock Meow our oldest team member told us that he only did some jogging for the last 2 weeks before the trip and twice trained in Broga Hillshttp://www.kajangtown.blogspot.com (hilly village near Semenyih, Selangor). If we had known he wouldn't be joining this trip. He also has the biggest tummy, sitting on the log in picture below. Rest early by 9 pm, 1 hour later we were waken up by noises, using torchlight we discovered that there were jungle rats looking for food. We were prepared; our backpacks were stored in big plastic bags, food in plastics stored in tent, careful that you don’t lose your food ration.

Camp Melantai

Journey Log
2nd March 2005, Day 2 Kuala Melantai (camp) to Kuala Take (camp) 20 km. 12 hours.

Wake up call 6.00 am but delayed till 6.45 am by then Man Panjang would start shouting "Bangun! Bangun! Bangun!" (Bangun means wake up). He knows if we start late we would have trouble reaching Teku Camp in daylight. KC woke up early and started preparing hot drinks and breakfast and the rest will begin our morning routine of packing the tents and backpack and cleaning up. This routine will have to be repeated every morning for the duration of the trip come rain or shine. In the jungle the food always taste exceptionally good especially after a hard climb. Finally, our journey started at 8.00 am, today is regarded by many as the toughest as we have to trek over 28 hills and cover a distance of 14km to reach Kuala Puteh (Camp Puteh) and then trek another 6km to Camp Teku. The trail starts just after the stream where we fill our containers with water as the next water stop is about 3-4 hours away at a stop known as Camp Tengah . There is a steep climb for about 250m, this hill was once known as "blood hill" after a trekker from Europe coughed up blood and died on the hillside. As we have not warm-up enough and carrying almost 20kg on our backs this climb feels terribly tiring Arrgggghhhhhh!!! You just can't help screaming. Man Panjang cautioned us against screaming as it might attract wild animals but we ignored him and just do it whenever we want to.

We stop at Camp Tengah for break and snack, as we lay our backpacks to the ground and remove our socks and shoes the whole place would be swarming with bees frantically landing on our gears, they are usually harmless as long as you don't touch them. Our water source is just about 20 m downhill where water flows sparingly but it is crystal clear and taste cool and fresh. Continue along the ridge and after an hour or so we reach Gunung Rajah (576m) an open patch of land, great for taking some aerial photos of the surrounding hills. Then there is long and steep descend which takes another 1-1.5 hours to Kuala Puteh. The sound of gushing water can be heard long before you reach Kuala Puteh. 2.00pm. a spectacular view of the river where you can drink, swim and rest. KC started preparing hot drinks an hour later Wong HM arrives looking tired and very appreciative when KC offered him tea and noodles. 3.30pm we were discussing with Man Panjang whether to camp or continue as it was getting late. Base on our pace we expected to arrive at Camp Teku around 8.00pm. Camp Teku was the base camp for the first successful Mount Tahan expedition in 1905. Just like Camp Puteh there is plenty of space for camping.

We proceeded, there are 7 wide river crossing and it is advisable to use a hiking pole or cut up tree branches use as a pole. Make sure your dry stuff is well tied in plastic bags just in case your bag decides to go for a swim. During the wet season the river will be too deep to cross and there is another trail which is longer and crosses many hills this should be the 2nd decision to take, the 1st is wait until the river subside and the last turn back. During the dry season it is not deep and usually reaches the waist but because the river bed is covered with rocks of various sizes you can easily slip. It takes about 4 hours to reach Camp Teku and normally this is where leeches (they like damp places) are waiting for you, this little suckers are actually harmless, just donate some of your blood. After trekking for more than 8 hours you mind and body starts to play tricks with you, your back aches, your legs begin to feel heavy, you feel and numb all over, you begin to feel like a zombie. Don't give up just one more river away, just one more hill to climb, just one more.......just one more.....! Arrrgggggggghhhhhhh!!! That feels good. 8.15pm the campsite is in sight and what a relief but still one last river to cross and in the dark, careful after keeping dry for the last 6th river you don't want to get wet at the 7th river. We quickly look around for the best place to set up camp and the most important place is the cooking area. Our stomachs were already playing Kitaro's popular drum music.

We lay our backpacks and suddenly we felt so light. Like season campers I would lit the gas lantern as it was already dark, and set up the tent, KC would prepare hot drinks and noodles, and the others would do the same routine. Setting up the tent is always priority because if it rains it will be one messy affair. If it does rain, two person would hold the floor sheet (use as shelter) while the other two would set up the tent until all the tents are up and then tie up the floor sheet over the cooking area. Cooperation is vital here. While we sat down and started to remove our shoes, (how good that feels as our feet were never dry and especially with the river crossing) and put on slippers. We ate noodles and drank tea before we proceed to the river to have a good bath; the water is icy cold. The water level in Teku River rises rapidly especially when it rains in the mountains so never spend too much time and be prepared to leave the water at a moments notice. Take care to walk carefully. Wong screamed, he slipped and felled, and with the many boulders and rocks he hurt his right big toe, it was bleeding and I think his toe nail almost came off. Everyone was very concerned and Wong was saying softly whether he could continue in that condition. I quickly took out the first aid kit and treated his wound. In my thoughts, we couldn't leave him behind as to reach the summit and back would take about 3 days and it was foolhardy to leave him behind even if he agrees. The thought of canceling this trip flash before my eves. Calmly we analyze his toe like experienced "doctors" and started to apply ointment and bandage, it looked like a golf ball. We told him to take a rest while KC prepared dinner. That night everyone slept soundly.

Journey Log
3rd March 2005, Day 3, Kuala Teku to Gunung Pangkin, 8 km, 7 hours.

6.30 am Bangun! Bangun! Bangun! Man Panjang called, it was wake up time, our body feels like a ton, still aching and not responding well. Day 3 this is going to be a tough day because it is steep all the way to Pangkin campsite, you will climb 1500m in one day. Our backpack weighs heavier with some of our stuffs being damp. It feels heavier even though it is around 18-20kg. KC as usual will be preparing breakfast and the rest will be busy packing up and getting ready.

Wong was optimistic and ready to continue despite the pain. What a relief, for a moment I thought we had to cancel this for the second time.

That brings back my memory that in Aug 2004 only after 2 days at Camp Puteh we woke up at 2.00am with the river water splashing against our tents, we realize the river flooded 12ft reaching our campsite which is a rare occurrence. We spent the next few hours trying to salvage our tents, backpacks, shoes and food. Moving to higher grounds where it was infested with hungry leeches and in the night we had no protection against it by the time at 6.00am fat leeches were found on everyone. Leeches are harmless though they make people jump up in fear. In the morning we found that the damages were minimal and I lost half a pair of slipper, a damage tent, supporting pole and all of us lost 1.5 days food supply. The river was not accessible and we have to wait another day and with our food supplies low it was risky to continue using another trail. With not enough food and 1 of our members at 13 years old, we decided to turn back after waiting an extra day……….

8.45am Man Panjang suggest if we would like to leave some can food behind by tying it high up in the trees as this will lighten our load. We took his suggestion but some experience climbers would prefer not to. Carry about 1.5 liter of water which should be sufficient until the next water source at Wray’s Camp also known as Rest Camp or Gunung Pondok Dua. As usual before your body warms up it is tiring to do 45 - 75 degrees climb but we just kept on, only stopping to catch our breaths. From this point onwards the vegetation starts to change with more ferns, stunted trees, mossy and in some areas the ground is soft. It feels cooler and quieter without the sound of water gushing and splashing during the first two days, sounds of birds and monkeys could be heard. After climbing for about 3 hours we stopped to eat our muesli bar and meal shakes (alternative snacks for example power bar, chocolate bar or mushroom soup with bread). 2.00pm Wray’s Camp, stop for half an hour break. We filled up our water containers, one of our large containers was leaking (for your climb it would be good if you use 1.5 liter water bottle as water containers). 4.00pm Gunung Pangkin (campsite) here the place is not large like Teku Camp but enough for about 15-20 person. If you are fit and can carry extra water, you can also camp at Gunung Tangga Lima Belas which is another one and a half hours climb away. This site has a fantastic view but a very cold place at night due to its exposed position. We decided on Pangkin Campsite. Michael the youngest will be celebrating his 38th birthday today.

Michael (with youthful energy and knowing that we will be celebrating his birthday that night) followed Man Panjang (he knows a few places) to collect water for tonight and tomorrows requirement. They came back about 45 minutes later all drenched with sweat with no extra water for bath but only a wet towel for cleaning up. Unbelievable with the cool clean air you don't feel sticky and smelly, probably we have gotten used to it. After the usual hot drinks and snacks everyone sort of just laze around or take a rest before dinner. The weather started to feel cool and with fading light. KC started preparing dinner, it was one of the very best dinners we had and immediately after that we stuck candles into the fruit cake to wish Michael a happy birthday, he make a wish, took a deep breath and blew out the candles. Later he told us that he wished for a successful climb to the peak and to become successful in life. Happy Birthday Michael! Time to sleep and because of space constraint we had to camp side by side and we could hear snoring, deep breathing, sounds of quietness and continuous sounds of insects making a chorus of jungle music.

6.30 am Bangun! Bangun! Bangun! Woi Bangun! Nanti gelap sampai peak! It feels like freezing, more to come at the peak, quickly we pack up and have our breakfast. Today’s climb is around 9 hours to the peak and our target is to reach before nightfall. You wouldn't like to continue trekking in the dark at such high altitude. Next stop is Gunung Tangga Lima Belas, how the name came about, I am guessing is that from the top of Gunung Tangga Lima Belas you have to descend almost a 20-30 foot high vertical drop with only ropes, roots and the rock surface to go down. All along the journey you could see different types of flowers especially from the wild orchid species; whenever we stop to rest we would take out our cameras and take what ever that interest us. By noon we had climb up to Gedong it is rocky terrain with low growing shrubs and plants. This place is considered to be our last water point to the peak and back. Our guide told us that there are many water sources from here to the peak but sometimes they run dry so as a last resort he would go looking for it, so until then each person should carry about 3 to 4 liters of water. Without shade it is hot and be careful as we can dehydrate easily. We began to ask wheres the peak, Man Panjang with his experience, prefers not to answer our questions and gave an excuse that it was taboo to ask this question. You could see a well mark trail going over many hills straight ahead and he told us after that you will be able to see Gunung Tahan.

As we walk on the trail with shrubs and low lying plant with very hard and rigid branches you can’t help brushing those branches for hours. After 1 hour our thighs and knees began to feel sore. I remember that I had brought along a pair of knee guard and put it on, what a relief. Along the way the scenery is breathtaking with rolling hills and valleys and without civilization in sight. You will pass by a small plane that had crash there many years ago and what ever that is left of it as some trekkers of the past will eventually collect souvenirs from it. Man Panjang was not able to shed some light as to the origin of the plane. After another hour or so we came upon the view of Gunung Tahan, finally! But you still have to climb several hills before reaching the peak. At this time we are walking on the ridge slowly rising towards the peak, it is very windy and you could see the mist caressing by horizontally carried by the wind.

Gunung Tahan signing on the guest book

5.00pm Michael first to reach the peak, followed by Goh, YK, KC and Wong arrive around 7.00pm. As soon as we reach the peak, we started to take pictures as it was slowly getting dark. We sign the log book (refer to photo) to indicate we have scale the peak. As the weather was getting cooler, we quickly found a suitable campsite to set up our tents. The weather here changes very often as strong wind always makes it very foggy and it is difficult to judge whether it is going to rain or it is just very misty and wet. The temperature was down to 12 degree Celsius and with the strong wind it felt even colder, without a wind breaker and an internal thermal wear you can get chill very easily. We try to set the floor sheet and covered by the fly sheet to keep out the strong wind but it was a futile effort. The boiling temperature at high altitude is always lower and that makes difficulty in boiling rice, a better suggestion would be to prepare porridge, alternative is to dig a hole in the ground and make sure the stove and the cooking pot is well shielded from the strong wind. Goh brought along a small bottle of liquor and started to pass it around. KC and I prefer just to drink hot chocolate. 9.00pm sleep time. From inside the tent, our feet and hands were numb with the coldness we quickly crawl into our sleeping bags. It normally will take about half an hour before you stop shivering. As we lay quietly, the strong wind make our tents sway like curtains and makes loud scratching noises. The inside of the tent feels damp due to water condensation as a result of body perspiration. Just try to get some sleep no matter how difficult, all throughout the night it will rain occasionally and if you think of peeing, well good luck.

Journey Log
5th March 2005, Day 5, Gunung Tahan to Wray’s Camp, 16 km, 7hours

7.00 am Bangun! Bangun! Bangun! like a precise alarm clock, actually we tried to get up by 5.45am to watch the sunrise but it was our unlucky day as it was too misty or cloudy. It feels cool and as cold as last night, quickly we ate our breakfast, pack up leaving our wet clothes to put on at the last. Bbbrrrrrrrrrrrrr one last look around and off we go, down with a quicker pace to warm up the body. Somehow it feels nearer, maybe we have achieved our goal but it took us 7 hours at a slower pace as Wong's injured toe begins to feel sore and very swollen, on checking we found 2 of his toe nails was coming off. On every stop we took extra pictures, my advice is to take as many as possible because when you go home you will complain that you should have taken this and that... Upon reaching Wray’s Camp, it started to drizzle, luckily it stop after half an hour. That night we just lazed around the floor sheet and gazed at the stars, magnificent view, wow........

Journey Log
6th March 2005, Day 6, Wray’s Camp to Puteh Camp, 7.5hours.

Took a real good bath at the river. Scrub from head to toes mmmm it feels good. This time another two of Wong's toe nails begin to wobble. He had almost single handedly use up the tape from the medical kit.

7th March 2005, Day 7, Puteh Camp to Melantai Camp, 6 hours.

Wong is really slowing down, today we were supposed to walk to Kuala Tahan but because of his condition we had to slow down. Gave him some heavy pain killers and some mild steroid (prescribe by a doctor friend for this sort of emergency). Tonight KC cook most of our food ration, we had plan for a 7 day trek with 2 days extra food. Everyone felt very relax as tomorrow we will be going out.

8th March 2005, Day 8, Melantai Camp to Kuala Tahan, 4 hours.

Wong felt better, finally at noon we walk out and straight to the Forestry Office to report our exit. Before issuing us with certificates, they inspected our garbage which we brought out and check the balance of our stuff when we first reported in. And the final confirmations from Man Panjang only then they issue us the certificate. We gather at the van, took our time to pack and change into a fresh set of clothing. Had lunch all 6 of us eating at the floating restaurant down by the river. Going home with wonderful memories and a good experience of our trip.