Doi Pui 26 Dec 2007

Continued from: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/pai-maehongson-december-2007_3.html

Doi Pui, a 1720 meters peak, is the highest mountain in Mae Hong Son (MHS). Its high altitude contains an unique upland pine vegetation and the peak is covered in meadows of wildflowers. It offers a commanding views of the surrounding countryside as there are no obstructive trees about the peak.
From MHS town, our 4WD took 1hr and 40 min to reach the trail head which sits at an elevation of 1,186m. From the trail head, it was all the way up with a couple of gentle gradients for rests. We took 2 hours to trek up to 1,720m peak and 1 hr 45 min to trek down another trail leading to a Karen village after 45 min lunch break at the peak. The overall trek was a pleasant one given the dry trail, weak sunlight and cool blowing winds.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1887.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/doi-inthanon-28122007_3.html

Pai-MaeHongSon 23-27 Dec 2007

Completed a 10-day loop from Chiangmai --> Pai --> Mae Hong Son (MHS) ---> Doi Inthanon ---> Chiengmai. Among places visited are Orchid & Butterfly farm, Wat Nam Hoo, Wat Doi Kong Mu, Nam Rin Lisu Village and Lisu Kung PaTueng Village, Lahu Village, Doi Pui Hmong Village, Lod Cave, Fish Cave, Doi Inthanon, Pha Sua Waterfall, Morphang waterfall, Doi Suthep, Siriphun waterfall, Wachiratan waterfall, Artisan handicraft village, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Bupparam and activities included homestays at 2 different Karen Villages, rafting, elephant rides, trek from Karen village to Shan Village and trek up Doi Pui (1720m).

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1754.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/doi-pui-26122007_2.html

Gunung Irau 8 Dec 2007

Thirteen of us trooped off to Cameron Highlands on Friday night to prepare for the assault of Gunung Irau (2110m) on Saturday morning. Starting at 9.15 a.m. at an elevation of 1,941m, we managed to reach the false peak @ 1991m elevation at 1 p.m. after trekking 1.55km for about 4 hours. The fine weather at the start of the hike did not hold. By the time we reached the false peak, the rain became heavier and turning back was a natural alternative given the very wet weather which made the trail extra muddy and extremely slippery. Needless to say, photography was also very challenging due to the rain and poor lighting.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1242.

Kiara Penchala Dalam Trek 2 Dec 2007

A leisurely trek from Lembah Kiara Park to and back from the NKVE flanking Penchala Dalam. We started at 9.45 a.m. and returned at 2.30 p.m., covering a total distance of over 10km. This time we covered the loop comprising Clenched Sphincter, Lightning Ridge and Thunder Valley. More interesting flora and fauna were sighted along the way.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/723.

Kiara Segambut Dalam 25 Nov 2007

Started at 9.30 a.m. and returned at 2 p.m. with 30 minutes refreshment break at Desa Sri Hartamas. A simple but long loop trek starting from Lembah Kiara Park to Segambut Dalam using the Rock Garden, Jane Addiction, Boner and Penchala Baru trails, and returning via Sri Hartamas, Rumpy Pumpy, Bar-O-Kuda, Boulder, Snake & Ladder and Carnival trails. Noted that a straight and wider trail, which runs parallel to Jane Addiction and Boner trails, has been created to cater for 4WD coming up from Segambut Dalam to transport latex.

Ben with a senior citizen

Top view of Bat Orchid

Lingzhi?

A pair of bluish butterflies

Trail cuts through the bamboo grove

Wide trail

Many condominiums coming up

Giant yam plants

Kg Tanah Jawa

A fern

A red fern

Nice mushrooms

Another condo perched on red soil

Enjoying a second childhood

Boulder trail covered by mud slide

More mushrooms

Wood mushrooms

White mushrooms

Link: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/15904

Bukit Tabur East 18 Nov 2007

Our original plan to access the trailhead of Tabur East by crossing a river from Taman Recreasi Empangan Klang Gate was dashed when we found out that the water level was exceptional high due to the release of excess water from the Dam that morning. Undeterred we got back to our cars and drove to another access trail located further downstream identified by 2 gigantic parallel water pipes and a concrete bridge.

It was already 7.40 a.m. when our group of 17 hikers reached the trailhead to Tabur East. Starting at an elevation of 135m, the ascent was a steep climb up a clear trail crisscrossed with exposed roots and strewn with leaves. At certain sections, we have to clamber up with the aid of ropes. After about 20 minutes, we reached the first viewpoint of Taman Melawati at 235m elevation. Another 20 minutes trek took us to another viewpoint of the Tabur West Ridge and the Dam at an elevation of 260m. At 9 a.m. we hit the mossy peak (elevation 335m) after trekking for about 40 minutes on rockier trail lined with sporadic patches of quartz crystals. From here, we took another hour to descend downhill before scaling up a near vertical slope using ropes to an elevation of 370m. Total time taken: 2.5 hours and 2 hours return.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1291.

Ah Pak San Waterfall 7 Nov 2007

Took the kids for a hike to Ah Pak San Waterfall. They managed to maintain a good pace and reached Station 5 in 1 hour 20 minutes despite limited trekking experience. Took more than 30 minutes to reach the fall because of the muddy and slippery slope. The waterflow was stronger because of the wet season... fantastic for body massage.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1328.