It was sheer traffic madness on the evening of 29 February 2010 due to the late afternoon rainfall. We were only able to start the journey from PJ at about 10 p.m. and arrived the following day at BOH-MNS, Cameron Highlands at about 2 a.m. On arrival we wasted no time and simply plopped into our respective beds to get our beauty sleep before the second leg of our trip to Gunung Irau. Actually, we were so thankful that the BOH-MNS caretaker was on hand to receive us that early morning. At 6 a.m. the alarm rang, blurry eyes with barely 4 hours of sleep, we dragged ourselves out of our beds and prepared ourselves for the Irau Climb.
We left BOH-MNS at 7.30 a.m. after a quick fix of hot cereal, bread and biscuits. On route we stopped over at a Indian Temple to pack lunch. The drive through the winding estate road to the Habu junction took about 30 minutes and from thereon an hour to the head trail located at Gunung Brinchang.
Three vehicles were already parked at near the head trail when we arrived. After our customary group photo, we quickly mounted the staircase and started our trek about 9.00 a.m. (1866m asl). The weather that morning was misty and beautiful.
The first part of the hike along the plank way was an easy walk of about 10 minutes. At the end of the plank way, the trail split into 2. The left trail was an easier route while the right trail was longer and more challenging. Both trails merged in less than 3 minutes of hike. Along the way, the trail split and merged several times. Generally, it was an easy trail to follow. One would need to be mindful of the split and watch out for the other corresponding trail merging with one’s trail at the next junction as not to fall into the loop trap. A seasoned trekker tipped that those unfamiliar with the route should not switch from left to right trail over vice versa at each junction. If one should select the left (or right) trail, keep to the left (or right) trail all the way.
As expected the trail was very muddy and highly eroded. Exposed roots dangling one or two feet above solid ground were found in many areas. Obviously, the trail needed a good “rest” to recuperate. Being my forth trip over 5 years, I felt equally guilty being a contributor to the current state of affair of the trail. Well! I think I should limit my Irau climbs over the next few years – the least I could do to preserve the habitat.
Given the poor condition of the trail, we had to be mentally focused to look for steady grips and footholds in order to side step muddy areas as well to clamber carefully up and down slippery tree roots and trunks.
After the plank way, the rugged trail generally snaked down hill all the way (about 50 minutes hiking time) before climbing steeply uphill to the false peak at 1913m asl. The uphill stretch which required us to go on fours took us 40 minutes. We were at the false peak at 11.30 a.m. After a good rest of 30 minutes, we regrouped and left for the Irau peak at 12 noon. This section of trek could be described as the most scenic with trees covered by thickets of damp and dangling moss. Of course, beautiful and giant pitcher plants could be found in abundant along the trail. Taking our time to enjoy the trail, we hit the peak at about 1 p.m. By then, the peak was crowded with more than 50 people with some preparing to move on to Yellow Mountain.
At the peak, apart from the ubiquitous whitish pitcher plants, gorgeous white and pink rhododendron flowers together with wild orchids have started to make their presence felt. We started to make our way back at 1.30 p.m. after having our fills and photography session and reached the head trail at about 5.15 p.m. In summary, the trek took about 8 hours, with 60 minutes rest time at the 2 peaks plus many minutes of photography time along the way.
For dinner, we had a good sumptuous (reasonably priced meal of RM109 for 7 pax for 7 dishes) at Yew Yee @ Tringkap. Thereafter, we went for a short shopping spree at the night market at Brinchang before we returning to BOH-MNS dead tired but happy and contented with achievement.
Trekking buddies, Elsie, Ben, Barbara, Murigiah, Kanchana and Rendy Low.
For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7493.
Pictures of the previous trips can be viewed at:
