Gunung Ledang 6 May 2012

My last hike to Gunung Ledang was 5 years ago on 24.2.2007 (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2007/02/gunung-ledang-2422007-to-2522007_26.html) via Ayer Panas Trail from Gunung Ledang Resort. This trail, which has since been closed, passes through Kolam Gajah (CP4) before joining up with the Lagenda trail from Taman Hutan Lagenda (THL).

Our group (A) comprising 10 pax (including the driver) left Petaling Jaya at 5.15 a.m. and it was 7.30 a.m. by the time we reached Tangkak to have our breakfast before departing for THL at 8 a.m. We arrived within 15 minutes and immediately proceeded to complete our registration and to make the requisite payment of RM39 pax (Entry fee: RM5, Hiking fee RM10, Insurance: RM2 pax and Guide fee RM220/10 pax). Registration was pretty fast as our group had earlier submitted our names and particulars via email to THL. Next, we individually had to declared all ‘our assets’ following us up to Gunung Ledang Peak. ‘Assets’ declared by me included shoes (2), socks (2), pants (1), shirt (1), towel (1), cap (1), raincoat (1), camera (1), head lamp (1), batteries (4), backpack (1), plastic containers (3) and plastic bottles (2). It would save valuable time if THL could avail this form for downloading and completion by individual climber for submission upon arrival.

After the formality of taking pre-trek group photograph, at 8.35
a.m. we headed for the concrete steps leading to CP1 (aka Bukit Semput) which we took 20 minutes. It started to drizzle when we approaching CP2 (Bukit Orkid) 20 minutes later. Our guide Fakrul advised us that the weather at the summit and base could be as different as day and night and suggested that we reviewed our decision to proceed with the hike or not at CP3 (Laluan Kijang) and CP5 (Sg Segi Tiga). After CP5, there would be no turning back. We put on our rain coats and proceeded accordingly. However two members decided to make a U-turn to base. We took 35 minutes and 65 minutes to hit CP3 and CP5 respectively. So far the ascent was gentle to moderate and like any typical rainforest there were many fallen trees strewn across the pathway. Along the way, we bypassed gargantuan boulders signifying more rocky terrain ahead. We skipped CP4 (Kolam Gajah) which is a detour.

At CP5, the second group (B) comprising 9 energetic youngsters caught up with us. By then, the rain had stopped. We decided to group together with Guide Fakrul leading the way and the second Guide as the sweeper.

The real adventure and fun started from CP5 all the way to the summit (CP8). We have to pass through KFC (Killer for Climbers), Gua Kambing (CP6), Batu Hampar, Bonsai Garden and Botak Hill (CP7) using a series of ropes (not snakes) and ladders to scale up the rocky terrain. It took us 2.5 hours to complete this obstacle climb, reaching the summit at 1.30 p.m.

There was hardly any view at the summit as it was too misty. After our lunch refreshment and photography session, we started to make our downhill trek at 2 p.m. using the Pendita Trail. This trail bypassed KFC, Gua Kambing, Batu Hampar, Bonsai Garden and Botak Hill and rejoined the main trail somewhere in between CP5 and CP3. This Pendita trail is simply beautiful with stunted trees, including pitcher plants, and the spongy ground was nice to trek. This is a shorter trail and easier to trek involving minimal scrambling up/down ladders or ropes. Our return trek took 3.15 hours.

Overall, the weather was cloudy and pleasant to trek. Photography was limited due to poor lighting in the jungle and mist at the summit.

Trekking buddies from Group A included Paul & wife, Wun Nok, Colin, Chew Poh Lian, Christina Goh, Sarah Simon, Victor Ng and Ben Siah.

For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/13309.

Tabur West 29 Apr 2012

My last climb was more than a year ago on 27.2.2011 http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2011/02/bukit-tabur-barat-2722011_27.html.

This time we started late about 8.15 a.m. and the weather was hot & humid with a slight breeze. The views of the surrounding areas along the ridge were good.
One notable difference was metal hand rails were bolted onto the rock surface to assist climbers to negotiate precarious sections of the hills.

We took about 2 1/2 hours to complete the ridge trek. After resting for half an hour, we started to descend at 11.30 a.m. from 630m elevation via the orchard trail and arrived at the base at 12.30 p.m.

Overall, it was a good vigorous exercise for the weekend. Trekking buddies included Elsie, Christina, Wun Nok, David Lim and Chew Poh Lian.

For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/13305.

Gunung Irau 1 May 2011

This would be my 5th trip to Gunung Irau. The last trip was in January 2010 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/02/gunung-irau-29-31-jan-10.html).

This time we chose to stay at Tudor Home Inn at Brinchang which is closer to the head trail of Gunung Irau. We paid RM800.00 for 2 quad rooms and a double room to accommodate 10 of us for 2 nights. The cost was slightly higher owing to the public holiday on 1.5.2011.

On the day of the climb on 1.5.2011, we rose early to have noodle breakfast at a Brinchang shop at 7 a.m. and proceeded to the trail head at 7.30 a.m. About a kilometer short of the head trail, several passengers had to dismount and trek up because the van was underpowered. Fortunately, we have a friendly trekker who drove down to fetch the stranded passengers.

We started the trek at 8.30 a.m. and reached the false peak at 11.30 a.m. The trek was exceptional muddy and slippery obviously due to the recent daily rain. After a rest of 30 minutes, we left at 12 noon and hit the summit at 1.15 p.m. with photography stops along the way. This part of the trail could be considered the most scenic part of the cloud forest. We took a couple of pictures at the summit and left immediately for it had started to drizzle heavily. The return trek was quite a struggle owing to the extra boggy and slippery trail plus rain water streaming down inclines as a result of the rain. Apart from being drenched with water and mud, many of us were also bruised by the gnarled and twisted dead branches and trunks that criss-crossed the path. The last members returned to base at 7 p.m.

Our return to the hotel was also marred by the long traffic jam due to the Sunday market. Nevertheless, our able driver managed to get us back safely to hotel in extra quick time for us to clean up and have a good steam boat dinner (costing RM17 pax) before retiring dead tired for the night.

Notwithstanding the lousy weather, we managed to take some beautiful shots with the poor lighting. Also, Rhododendron has started budding and the flowering season would be just round the corner.

Trekking buddies who experienced this extra wet and long trek were Elsie, Sarah, Victor, Yeoh, Engu, Christina, Ong, Samuel, Ben and Huei May.

The following day, we had a hearty scone breakfast at Cameronian Inn (RM11.30 pax) and a scrumptious lunch at Restaurant Triple Round at Bukit Beruntung (RM16.40 pax)

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9845.

Gunung Nuang Pacat 3 Apr 2011

It was time to revisit Kem Pacat, Gunung Nuang following the last trip which was more than a year ago on 27.6.2009 (Re: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/06/g-nuang-pacat-27062009_29.html)

Six of us met at Suntex Garden to have breakfast before proceeding to Gunung Nuang Base Camp. It was about 9 a.m. when we got ready to start our trek. The first part of the trek to Kem Lolo was pleasant but uneventful except for the stream crossings which proved to be a bit challenging given the high water flow and volume. Fortunately, on hand we had 2 gentlemen who willing tread the water (with their shoes) to assist the ladies to cross the various streams without getting wet. Kudos to them again!

Kem Lolo was crowded with hikers when we got there at 10.50 a.m. After a short break to energise ourselves, we proceeded to climb up the trail to Kem Pacat at 11 a.m. Many Bat Lily flowers could be spot along the trail this time. The trail was as eroded as ever with wider trail shoulder. We took about 1.5 hours to hit Kem Pacat which was surprising kept neat and tidy.

We started our return trek at 1 p.m. following a good rest and lunch and reached the base at 4.15 p.m.

Overall, it was a great trek despite the sweltering heat with trekking buddies Elsie, Sarah, May, Victor and Terry.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9242.

Bukit Saga Wow-Wow Waterfall 13 Mar 2011

We started our trek at about 8.40 a.m. using Trail A and hit Saga hill top rest area at about 9.40 a.m. The uphill trek was exceptional today for we saw mushrooms of many colours, shapes, sizes and textures. After a short rest, we proceeded via Trail D to Wow-Wow waterfall at 10 a.m. The trail took us downhill immediately to a R&R area and then over two 2 more hills before reaching the waterfall at 11.15 a.m. Ropes have been secured in many areas to guide trekkers through the steep undulating jungle path. The trek was rather eventful with several stream crossings, rope climbs and a tree trunk walk.

We left at 12 noon and returned via Trail C. The return trek took us about 1 hr 45 minutes to reach the base at 1.40 p.m.

The so-named Wow-Wow waterfall is the same Upper Ah Pak San Waterfall which I lasted visited on 1 July 2010 (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/07/ah-pak-san-1-july-2010.html).



Overall, it was wonderful energetic trek with trekking buddies, Choo, Yeoh, Christina and Ong.


For the photographs, please refer to  http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9240.

Bukit Tabur West 27 Feb 2011

We started late at 8 a.m. By the time we reached the final Ridge peak, the sun was already blazing hot. With little breeze to cool our bodies and each of us must have sweated 1 litre of fluid. This sauna climb was certainly very detoxifying. The view was generally hazy.

At 11.20 a.m. we started our return trek via the orchard route and hit the base at about 12.15 p.m.

Overall, it was an energetic hike with trekking buddies Mee Hong, Barbara, Ben, Ji Yang, Melinda, Sen Lee, Sor, Yap, Wong, Chen, Siew Fan, Yoke and Colin.

NB: Compared to my last trip 2 years ago on 22.2.09 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/02/bukit-tabur-barat-22209.html), I note that the trail appeared over trekked and in need of rehabilitation. The place has also lost its vibrancy. Maybe it was the hot weather for the trees and shrubs appeared so limp. Personally, I feel that trekkers should stick to the main trail and not open up new parallel trails. This would help to preserve the already sparse hill forest.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9770.

Broga Hills 30 Jan 2011

My last trip to Broga Hills was on 16 Sep 2010 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/09/gunung-tok-wan-broga-1692010.html)

It was a beautiful Sunday dawn when we left PJ at 6.30 a.m. and headed towards Broga Hill. Our joy was however short-lived when it started to drizzle while we were approaching Broga Hills at 7.30 a.m. Ever as adventurous, we decided to proceed with the trek notwithstanding the drizzle.

The view was super misty and the terrain was super slippery. By the time we hit the first peak, the drizzle has gave away to light rain. We then decided to abort our original plan to trek to Gunung Tok Wan but to proceed to the final Broga peak and returned via the plantation way.

We made it to the final Broga peak in good time at 8.55 a.m. After 10 minutes of refreshment, we proceeded into the jungle to find the plantation trail home. The plantation trail was obscure and covered by thick undergrowth. Obviously, this trail was no longer popular with hikers and it has been more than 2 years since we last trekked the plantation route. Fortunately, we were able to dig deep into our memory to recall several key landmarks to find our way downhill. We reached to the base safely, though very wet, at 10.25 a.m.

This wet adventurous trekking trip was shared with sporting buddies Elsie, Yeoh, Choo, Natalie, Terry, Sarah, Angie and Wendy.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9236.

Gunung Angsi 10 Oct 2010

This is my 9th trip to Gunung Angsi. My last trip was on 25 April 2010 (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/04/g-angsi-25-april-2010.html).

Leaving PJ at 7.45 a.m. we reached Bukit Putus trail head at about 9.15 a.m. including a pit stop at Seremban Jaya for breakfast. The road landscape from Senawang Toll towards Bukit Putus has changed dramatically. One needs to be alert! After exiting from Senawang Toll, we came upon a huge cross junction after travelling about 10 minutes. This cross junction has replaced the old T junction with the left road leading to Seremban and the opposite new Lekas road to K Pilah. We took the right turn to Bukit Putus (old Kuala Pilah road).

We took about 2.5 hrs to hit the peak and 2 hrs to return to trail head. The trek was uneventful but the weather was beautifully conducive – breezy and cool. There were hardly any mushrooms as the trail was dry. But ginger plants and flowers were plentiful. Going up, we met a man carrying a huge plastic load of rubbish downhill. Kudos to him for cleaning up rubbish left by the campers!

On our way home, we stopped by the first campsite and helped ourselves with the free tongsui, courtesy of Koh Loh. The tongsui was tasty and fragrant with ginger for sweet potato tongsui and dried mandarin orange peal for green bean tongsui. In appreciation of Koh Loh’s contribution, earlier we have donated 1 kg of red beans and 1 kg of sugar.

Overall, it was a good energetic and pleasant trek.

Trekking buddies were Christina and Engu. At the peak we had a chance to touch base with trekker friends, namely Wun and Helen.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9099.

Gunung Tok Wan Broga 16 Sep 2010

The last trip to Broga Hill, about 50 km from Petaling Jaya, was on 14 November 2009 (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/11/broga-hills-14112009.html).

On arrival, we saw more than 50 motor vehicles parked in the old oil palm estate which has been converted into a huge open car park area. Based on this, we estimated at least a hundred hikers in the hills.

At 7.50 a.m., it was quite a task getting through the long queue of people lumbering downhill. We took about 1 hour to reach the Broga peak (400m asl) at 9:05 a.m. A few adventurous youngsters have even resorted to sliding down the lalang slope to beat the queue heading home.

From Broga peak, we had to enter the forest to trek to Gunung Tok Wan (675m asl). We took about 2 hours to trek the undulating trail and hit the peak at 11 a.m. The dense tree canopy provided us much shade against the harsh mid-day sun that day.

After spending an hour, we started to back trek at 12 noon. We literally raced down the Broga trail to minimize exposure to the hot sun and hit the base at 2.15 p.m. Thereafter, we adjourned to Lim Sak Chan’s stall to cool down ourselves with his famous ABC.

Pleasant trekking buddies included Kathy, Ann, Yeoh, Tessie, Terry, Jean, TQ, Christina, Chew and Siew Kim.






For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7997.

Gunung Gap & Ulu Semangkok 12 Sep 2010

On 12 September 2010, we travelled 100 km east to Gap, a small town station located at 825m asl at the base of Bukit Fraser's Hill with the aim of exploring Gunung Gap (GG) as well as Gunung Ulu Semangkok (GUS). Leaving Petaling Jaya at 5.30 a.m. we stopped by Rawang at 6 a.m. to have breakfast before proceeding to the head trail of GG. The trail head which is located opposite the 91km KL milestone was easy to locate.

Starting at 8.20 a.m. we took about an hour to hit GG peak (1,140m asl) at 9.20 a.m. It was a steep climb all the way to the peak. The trail was quite clear and covered with dried leaves. After a short break at the peak, we took the 9 o’clock trail downhill towards GUS. The undulating trail comprises 3 steep ascents before the GUS peak (1,340m asl). We took about 2 hours to hit the peak at 11.20 a.m. There were a lot more varied flora like moss, wild orchids and mushrooms along the way to GUS. However, there was no view from GUS compared to GG where we could at least have two limited views of the surrounding regions.

We left the peak at 12 noon and reached the base at 2.10 p.m. The return trek was indeed a very challenging on the knees especially the section from GG peak.

Overall, it was a good energizing trek in the cool highland particularly in the pleasant company of trekkers Kathy, Anne, Tessie, Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Ben, Christina and Yip.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7995.

Gunung Mentigi 15 Aug 2010

HABU VALLEY in the afternoon sun

Vibrant star-like MOSS near the peak area

BUKIT MENTIGI HOUSES flanked by G Beremban on the right and G Brinchang at 11 o'clock

Gunung Mentigi or Rhododendron Mountain (Mentigi is the Malay name for 'rhododendron') was our next target after Gunung Irau (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/02/gunung-irau-29-31-jan-10.html), Gunung Beremban (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/07/gunung-beremban-4-july-2010.html), Gunung Jasar and Gunung Perdah (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/07/gunung-jasar-gunung-perdah-25-july-2010_26.html).

Apart from the trail information provided by the various tourist maps for Cameron Highlands, we were unable to glean any comprehensive reports of Gunung Mentigi trek from the internet. Nonetheless, we decided to proceed with our trip. We would say this recce trip really tested our group’s indomitable spirit to complete the mission.

Finding the trailhead of Trail 13 near the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) along Persiaran Dayang Endah (PDE) was easy but finding the entrance of the trailhead was a challenge for it was hidden by thick undergrowth. Less than 5 minutes into the trail, we were confronted by a vast area cleared for vegetable farming. In short, the trail had “disappeared”. The residents told us that the trail was no longer being used and directed us to use another access further down PDE towards the hospital. Travelling down the road, we encountered many parked vehicles along a slip road on the right. The trail board there indicated Trail 9 which is supposed to lead to Robinson Waterfall. After trekking for 15 minutes, our misgiving started to arise and we decided to back trek. This time we decided to explore another trailhead to Trail 13 located behind Cameronian Holiday Inn (CHI), Off Jalan Mentigi. We unable to locate the trailhead and a well-informed resident told us that the trailhead had been “lost” to development. We saw earthwork had begun on a vast tract of land behind CHI area.

After 3 false starts, the group’s patience was wearing thin and there were suggestions to trek Gunung Beremban again. It was already 10.30 a.m. when we decided to check out our original plan to trek from the VSD notwithstanding the discouragement by the local residents living and farming there. Heading up the farm, a local resident (sensing our persistence), pointed out a dense forest opening, along the farm perimeter, to Trail 13. The opening was covered with thick undergrowth and nearly impenetrable. We saw a trace of path among the forest vegetation and one of our brave members volunteered to venture into the thick and dense opening to explore. Within a minute, we heard a call that there was a clear trail.

It was 10.50 a.m. when we started our trek. The trail was clear but thick with fallen leaves. The jungle vegetation was generally damp due to the rainy season. Ten minutes later, we came across a yellow signboard which had been displaced from somewhere. We were unable to interpret the signboard as it was badly defaced. Just beyond the signboard, about 10 meter away, the trail came to an abrupt end as a result of earthwork being carried out for another development. We believe the earthwork extended from the “destroyed” trailhead of Trail 13 starting from CHI. Fortunately, we noted an uphill trail, presumably Trail 14 on the left about 2 meters before the end of the trail. From here, it was all the way uphill until we hit the peak at 1,494m asl (official: 1,535m) at 11.50 a.m. Along the way, we saw 2 trails branching off on the right. One of these could lead south towards Habu region. At the peak, there was an iron structure, possibly the remnant of the trigonometrical station and a stone pillar. The view from the peak area was good. As expected, the vegetation near the peak area was stunted and sparse as well as mossy. Giant nepenthes plants were also sighted.

After a good rest, we proceeded downhill at 12.10 p.m. using another trail from the peak area. This trail crept steeply downhill for 10 minutes before it came to an open cut slope facing Bukit Mentigi housing area. We resorted to using the rainwater canal to descend for a short distance before exiting through a visible jungle trail towards the housing area where we reached at 12.50 p.m.

Overall, we were satisfied after having accomplished our mission. The most memorable part of the trek was the scenic view from the peak, the giant Nepenthes plants as well as the beautiful star-like carpet moss. The weather was gloomy but luckily, the rain held off until the end of our trek. Our only concern was that the access to Trail 14 from the north side would be lost soon based on the rate of development encroaching on Trail 13.

Great trekking buddies included Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Wai Ching, Choo, Jamie, Careen, Murugiah, Kanchana and Ben.





For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7991.

Lepoh Waterfall 1 Aug 2010

In February 2010, the jungle and the surrounding areas were parched dry and appeared lifeless with little activities. The trail was unkempt with thick undergrowth closing in and fallen tree trunks blocking the way. See report at http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/02/sg-lepuh-fall-2122010.html

Now the place was alive with activities for it was fruiting season for durian, langsat, mangosteen, chempedak and rambutan. The broken bridge which encountered during my last trip in February 2010 had been repaired. The trail had also been widened and cleared to facilitate transport of orchard produce. Along the way to the waterfall, we encountered many group of picnickers, trekkers and students as well as Temuan residents transporting durians from the interior. The only downside was the super slippery wet trail. Of course, leeches made their presence along the trail as well as at the waterfall area.

Starting at 9.30 a.m. we took our time to savor the lush forest trail and reached the waterfall at 12 noon with a stop-over of 30 minutes to enjoy a durian feast at a Temuan hut. The waterfall area was congested and finding a shady place to rest was a challenge. We left the place at 12.50 p.m. and reached the base at 2.50 p.m. Needless to say, we stopped by the fruit stalls along the Ulu Langat road to eat as well as buy durians, rambutans, mangosteens, chempedaks, duku langsats and dukongs.

Overall, it was an enjoyable trip with trekking buddies including Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Wai Ching, Su Lung, Choo, Christina, Jane, Suan Li, Melinda and Sen.

For the photographs, please see http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7992.

The last trip was on 21 February 2010 (http://happytrekker.multiply.com/photos/album/293/Sg_Lepuh_Fall_21.2.2010).

Gunung Jasar & Perdah 25 Jul 2010

Summit view from Gunung Jasar

Summit view from Gunung Perdah

We left PJ at 5.15 a.m. in 2 vans and 1 car carrying a total of 22 trekkers. As usual we stopped by Bidor wet market to have our breakfast before leaving for Tanah Rata. It was about 9.20 a.m. when we finally arrived at Tan’s Camelia Garden (TCG), the access point to the head trail to Gunung Jasar and thereafter to Gunung Perdah.

From the Main Gate of TCG, we followed the cemented pathway till we reached a T-junction. Here we took the left turn to the trail head. The path wound gently uphill and slowly merged into a jungle trail. Starting at 9.40 a.m. and following the main wide trail (ignoring all subsidiary branch trails), we came across the first signboard entitled Jungle Walk 11 at 10 a.m. This stretch of trail was relatively flat. Just beyond the signboard, there were 3 more signage, though highly defaced, we were able to make out that the left split was Trail 10 to Gunung Jasar and the right split was Trail 11 to Gunung Perdah.

We took the left trail which went all the way uphill. Along the way, we saw moss, ferns and mushrooms as well as wild orchids. About an hour later, we came to an open area with a full view of a transmission tower. Much forest destruction could be seen here. The slope to the peak was cut (for construction of transmission tower?) and devoid of trees except for lalang vegetation. Authorities appeared to have planted seedlings and used plastic sheet to prevent further soil erosion. Here onwards, we followed whatever footholds along the cut slope and reached the Gunung Jasar peak (1670m asl official) about 11.30 a.m. The view from the peak was scenic.

After spending about 20 minutes, we left the peak at 12 noon by taking a downhill trail on the right to Gunung Perdah. There was another downhill trail on the left which we presumed would lead to Bharat Tea plantation (Trail 6). For the next 45 minutes, it was all the way downhill until 1465 m asl before the trail started to ascent again. The ascent was a short 15 minutes climb to the peak of Gunung Perdah (1,535m asl official). Minutes before the peak, the trail split into 2; the left trail would go downhill to the Orang Asli settlement while the right trail would lead to the peak. The peak area was much bigger and offered a near 360 degree scenic view of the surrounding areas. With the absence of any tree canopy, the peak was indeed hot at 1 p.m!

From the peak, we took the right trail downhill in order to return home. The downhill trail was partially destroyed as the slope was also cut (slope conservation due to development at the lower level occupied by Tenaga Station?). Upon reaching the bottom, we discovered a signboard showing the direction of Trail 12. But we were not able to make out Trail 12 through the cut slope! Not confident, we sought the assistance of a few Orang Asli kids who sportingly showed us an alternative route around the perimeter of Tenaga Station and an old laterite road running uphill besides the transmission tower.

After trekking 15 minutes uphill along the old laterite trail (Trail 11 possibly obliterated by this old laterite trail used for the erection of transmission tower), we came across a turning on the left carrying the Jungle Trail 11 signboard. The entrance to Trail 11 was quite obscure and covered with grass, lalang and fern plants. We had to wade through thick undergrowth for 5 minutes until we came to a clear neat trail, believed to be the original Trail 11. From here, it was an easy trek along a relatively flat trail, transverse occasionally by small trickling streams. It was about 3 p.m. when we were back to the original junction of Trail 10 and 11 where we waited for another 30 minutes for the last trekker to arrive before departing at 3.30 p.m. for TCG, which took us another 15 minutes to trek. After washing up (20 sen for use of toilet) at TCG, we left the place happily at 4 p.m. As usual, we stopped by Restoran Hao Yi Lou, Tapah to have dinner en route home.

Overall, a great trek in a pleasant company of 21 trekking buddies, namely Elsie, Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Chris Goh, Koon Kong, Mee Hong, Ji Ven, Steven Loh, Siew Fang, Ben, James Ong, William Chin, Cheh, Ho, Catherine Lim, Peter Lim, Robbin, Jamie Soon, Leong and Jamie Yeoh.




Our route Trail 10 --> Trail 11 --> Trail 10

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7989.

Gunung Beremban 4 Jul 2010

Leaving PJ at 5 a.m., we reached the trail head at about 9 a.m. with a 30 minutes stopover for breakfast at Bidor wet market. There are many routes to Gunung Beremban, Cameron Highlands. We decided to take the shortest Trail 5 which starts from behind MARDI staff quarters. A security guard at MARDI was kind to direct us to the trail head which is situated on top of a hill accessible via a good tar road. The trail head was clearly marked with the standard yellow signboard above a short flight of steps located between two rows of single storey houses.

We had to bypass vegetable plots before entering the forest trail. The entrance to the forest trail was slightly obscure but easily detectable. Starting at an elevation of 1,374m asl at 9.15 a.m. we took about 2 hours to hit the peak situated at 1,757m asl (official: 1,812m asl). The first 1 hour was an easy trek along a relatively gentle uphill slope to a pavilion rest stop at elevation 1,505m asl. The trail was wide and neat. Trekking was pleasant due to soft cushioning effect of the mossy trail. After the pavilion rest area, it was all the way uphill for the next 45 minutes when we hit the trigonometric station at 11.10 a.m. This section of the trail consisted of red laterite soil held together by tree roots.

The weather was beautiful and we had a clear view of Tanah Rata and Brinchang towns from the peak. We took some time to explore an alternative trail behind the trigonometric station. The alternative trail split into 2 trails: Left Trail 8 to Robinson waterfall and right Trail 7 to Mini tea plantation beside MARDI.

After the usual snack time and photography break, we left the peak at 11.45 a.m. This time we decided to explore Trail 6 home upon reaching the Pavilion Rest Area. We took less than 2 hours to trek from the peak to the Forestry Department, which is the trail head for Trail 6 to Gunung Beremban. Except for one step descent and 2 steep ascents, after the Pavilion Rest Area, the trail was relatively simple to trek. When we reached the Forestry Department at 1.35 p.m., we found that the ever thoughtful and resourceful Ben had gone ahead to thumb a lift from a kind gentleman to Mardi trail head to collect his vehicle in order to fetch us from the Forestry Department.

We left the place at 2 p.m. and reached PJ at 7 p.m. with an hour break for early dinner at Hao Yi Lou, Tapah for RM8 pax.

Trekking buddies: Ben, Murugiah, Kanchana, Chua, Jackie, May, Siew Ngoh, Elsie, Yip and Yeoh.

NB: This mountain Gunung Beremban (1,812m) is different from the higher Gunung Berembun (2,076m) situated in Terengganu.




For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7987.

Upper Ah Pak San Waterfall 1 Jul 2010

Started at 9.30 a.m. we took more than 2 hours to reach the Upper waterfall aka Wow-Wow waterfall. It was a weekday, so we literally had the waterfall area to ourselves. The water flow was strong and refreshingly cold. We left the place at 12.30 p.m. and reached the base at 2.15 p.m.

Trekking buddies: Joyce, Sara, Justina, Kay Hwa and Leng-lei

For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7985.

The last Upper Ah Pak San Waterfall was on 1 March 2009 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/03/upper-ah-pak-san-waterfall-1309_3.html).