Gunung Kinabalu 21 Apr 2007

After a relaxing one night stay at King Charles Peak Chalet, we started (at 2,000m) our climb up to Laban Rata using the Mesilau Trail at 8 a.m. The trail spanned over 6 km before merging near Layang Layang, which is about KM 4 trail from Timpohan Gate. We reached Laban Rata (3,272.7m) at 5 p.m. after 9 hours of slow and enjoyable trek across different types of terrains.

The following morning we started at 3 a.m. in the dark. We kept a slow pace over the next 5 hours given the thinning oxygen and reached the peak (4,095.2 m) at 8 a.m. By then, all the climbers had left the Kinabalu summit area and the whole area vibrated with solitude and quietness…it was simply awesome! We savoured every single moment at the Peak. After 30 minutes, we made our way down and reached Sayat –Sayat checkpoint (3,668.1m) at 10 a.m. We spent the next 30 minutes with the guards who generously made warm Milo drinks for us. Taking our time to enjoy our trek downhill, we returned to Laban Rata at 12.30 p.m.

The following morning we started our downhill trek at 8 a.m. and passed the Mesilau & Timpohan junction at 10.15 a.m. before reaching the Timpohan Gate at 12.30 p.m. covering a total distance of 6 km. After a good rest, we were transported to Poring Hot Spring to enjoy a night stay at the newly renovated River Lodge.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/586.

Preening & Drying 20 Apr 2007

Olive back Sunbird

A series of pixs of an olive back Sunbird preening itself outside my house

All Wet

Checking its chest

Looking left

Looking right

My right wing first

Resting

Looking down

Looking up

Puffing up again

Drying itself

My left wing now

Looking around

Puffing up its chest

Under the armpit again

Last check

Almost dry

When I am dry and clean

Pomelo tree blooming flowers

A bulbul found a ripe custard apple fruit

Savouring the fruit

Link: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/15855

Bukit Lanjan 13 Apr 2007

USING THE HEAD TRAIL NEAR SRI DAMANSARA
Hiked up Bt Lanjan at 8 a.m. from the head trail @156m elevation and reached the Telekom Tower at 9 a.m. @325m elevation. It took 20 minutes to trek up the laterite road from Perdana Damansara Main Road to the head trail near Sri Damansara. The trail was raw, steep and slippery. We have to hold onto tree trunks to pull ourselves up towards the last 15 minutes to the Telekom Tower Summit. The Summit was cool and windy. It has a good view of Kepong, Shah Alam and Damansara areas. On our way home, we decided to take the tar road downhill and were stopped by MK security guard who informed us that the MK boss do not welcome uninvited guests up the (his?) hill. Half way down the tar road, we took another trail back. The trail was neat, clear and beautiful. The trail ended along the main road leading to Armanee Terrace.


For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/67.

Ah Pak San Waterfall 8 Apr 2007

Went to Ah Pak San waterfall. Started at 10 a.m.(100m) and reached Level 5 (370m) at 11 a.m. and the waterfall (245m) at 11.30 a.m. After Level 5, take the right turn to go to the waterfall.The last section to the waterfall is indeed very steep. The waterfall area is well maintained with a changing place, benches etc Though it is a bit small...good for a small group. We were in luck as we had the whole place to ourselves.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/399.

White-rumped Shama 3 Apr 2007

Profile

Snapped these pictures at Kiara around 11 am on 3 April 2007. Saw a pair... they are great singers.

Front view

Back view

Front view

Side view

Link: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/15849

Kem Lolo 31 Mar 2007

Third visit to Kem Lolo. The original plan to trek up to Kem Pacat was abandoned given the wet ground. So we took a leisurely trek up to Kem Lolo, this time paying more attention to the surrounding flora and fauna along the trail. Surprising there were a few interesting plants and flowers. The photos below are arranged in chronological order.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/425.

Gunung Datuk 18 Mar 2007

The response to climb Gunung Datuk was exceptionally good. About 9.45 a.m. after a short registration exercise, we embarked on our climb at 105m elevation. The initial few minutes of gentle slope gave way to an hour of steep climb. Inevitably, we had to rely on our arm muscles to haul ourselves up. We reached the midpoint campsite 10.30 a.m. Thereafter, the upward trail was more gradual ala Gasing. We reached the final campsite @ elevation 700m at 12 noon. Thereafter, we had to take turn to climb up 2 flights of ladder to scale gigantic boulders to reach the viewing site @ 750m. Apparently, many people, including us, were clueless about the trail to real peak which was reported to be about 870m. The view was a bit disappointing because of the hazy weather.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/336.