Penang Hill Hike 15 Jul 2012

On 14.7.2012, a group of us left PJ for a hike in Penang. Our original plan to hike the longest Penang Trail from Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve to Penang Hill (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/09/penang-hill-forest-trail-310808_3.html) was dashed when we discovered that it was closed to contain the spread of rat urine disease or leptospirosis. Hence we decided to join Kelab Anak Hutan to hike up Penang Hill from Jalan Balik Pulau.

Starting from an elevation of 25m asl, from Jalan Balik Pulau, the trail winded through farming lands, orchards and nurseries. The primary forest has been cut for farming and hence there was minimal tree canopy to provide the much needed shade against the scotching morning sun. The trail which was slight tarred, for use by motorcycles to transport farm produce, was quite steep all the way to the Chinese Temple @ 417m asl. After the Chinese Temple, the trail was less steep and much more shaded. The hike from the base to the Penang Hill Station (777m asl) took about 4 hours, including leisure time spent at various pit stops. From the hill station, we took the new cable car to return to the base. That day the hazy weather also marred the panoramic view of Penang City. The statistical data for the hike, including the hike profile, can be seen from the map and graph above.

On our return trip to PJ the following day, we stopped over at Ipoh to taste the wonderful popiah, Ipoh sar how fun and chee chong fun at Restaurant Ipoh Kong Heng. We also purchased pomelo fruits and Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken as well as tasted the famous soya bean curds at Funny Mountain.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/14872.

Gunung Kledang 17 Oct 2010

This is our maiden hike to Gunung Kledang, located at Taman Rasi Jaya, Menglembu.

Leaving PJ at 6 a.m., we hit Kampar at 8.15 a.m. for breakfast and marketing for packed lunch before heading towards Menglembu. By the time, we reached the head trail of Gunung Kledang at 10 a.m. and the place was almost deserted except for a few people returning from their morning walk/jog.

We started our trek about 10.15 a.m. The first 15 minutes of the trek was unbearably hot as the trail was exposed and there was little shade. It appeared that the right side of the trail had been stripped bared of trees for developmental purposes. There were also concrete steps at certain section of the trail.

At about 11 a.m. we came upon a stream with a small pool on the right side of the trail. We were advised to cross to stream to take the trail to the peak. The trail was tagged as RTM trail. From here, it was a steep climb all the way up to the peak. It was impossible to get lost for there were so many RTM markers along the trail. Enroute to the peak we made two rest stops at 380m asl and 600m asl. The trail got steeper as we approached the peak. It was about 1 p.m. when we hit the peak – almost 3 hours climb in the sweltering heat.

The views from the peak were certainly rewarding.

After our customary group pictures and lunch, we left the peak at 1.40 p.m. via the tar road. Along the way, we encountered a few species of nepenthes plants and wild orchids. Many gazebos also dotted the road for people to rest and admire the city views of Ipoh and its surrounding areas. Surprisingly, we took 3 hours to walk down to the base in that hot afternoon.

Overall, it was a good trek despite the horrible heat due to the pleasant company of Ben, Yeoh, Christina, Choo, Wai Ching, Engu, Kathy, Ong, Lim, Ah Kuai and Tai Hup as trekking buddies.


For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/9177.