Gunung Irau 30 May 2009

Our original plan to start the Irau trek at 8.45 a.m. was dashed following strong winds and rain early that Saturday morning. It was approaching 8.30 a.m. when we decided to proceed with the trek notwithstanding the slight drizzle. Leaving the MNS-Boh Field Study Centre at about 8.45 a.m, we arrived at the Irau trailhead located on Gunung Brinchang at 10.25 a.m.

There were ample parking area and the place appeared to have a recent make-over. A flight of steps leads from the car park area (1953m asl) to an elevated walkway (of wooden and metal construct) which snaked along the mountain contours. Two gazebos have been erected along the walkway for visitors to rest and enjoy themselves.

It took us about 5 minutes to complete the walkway which appeared to have cut short the original trek time substantially, possibly by more than 30 minutes. Compared with the old photographs taken before the construction of the walkway, the new route has bypassed several interesting interior parts of the mossy forest. It would be good if at the end of the walkway a return trail could be looped through the mossy forest to the start of the walkway for visitors who want to enjoy a short trek.

Due to the late start, 3 of us quicken our pace and sparing little photography time, we reached the false peak (2010m asl) at about 12.10 a.m. and the summit (2110m asl) at 1.20 p.m, totalling less than 3 hours. The trek was adventurous as it resembled an obstacle race with us having to go on fours to tackle steep descents and ascents, to clamber over slippery mossy boulders, prop roots, fallen tree trunks as well as branches and to navigate around deep soggy grounds. That morning rain was a blessing for it provided us a cool weather and clear scenery from the false peak and summit.

For the return trip, we took a more leisurely stroll and more photographs since time was on our side. Starting at 2 p.m. we took slightly more than 3 hours to return to base at around 5.15 p.m.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/5891.

The pictures of the previous trips can be seen on
http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2007/12/gunung-irau-8122007_10.html and
http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2006/10/gunung-irau-expedition-2006.html.