Gunung Jerai 16-18 Oct 2009

Our chartered bus headed to Kedah at about 9 p.m. from PJ and reached Cinta Sayang Resort, Sg Petani at about 4 a.m. As our bus was early, we continued sleeping on board until 6.30 a.m. when we woke up for breakfast. En route to Sg Petani, we stopped over in Ipoh for a midnight supper of the famous Ipoh steamed chicken and bean sprouts.

It was already 9.30 a.m. when we finally located Titi Hayun Resort at Yan. We quickly organized into a hiker group and a waterfall group. After several group photography sessions, the hikers took off at 9.45 a.m. for Tangga Kenari, the trail head for the climb to Regency Jerai Hill Resort while I joined the waterfall group for the Puteri Mandi Waterfall, 3km away.

After trekking for about 20 minutes, we noted that the wide muddy trail stopped abruptly at an abandoned pump house and we were forced to continue along a narrow trail behind the house. However, we backtracked within 5 minutes, following sighting of numerous leeches of all sizes springing up along the trail and ‘attacking’ us. We did a de-leeching exercise immediately upon finding a safe spot. As expected, there were several casualties.

To kill time, three of us decided to climb the Tangga Kenari 1000 Tahun ala 1000 years old stairway. The 1200 steps took us about 25 minutes to climb and 15 minutes to descent. Next, we made our way to Lembah Bujang to visit the Archaeological Museum and the nearby cascading Sg Merbok.

After lunch we went up to Regency Jerai Hill Resort by vans. At the Resort, we were treated with a panoramic view of the chequered padi fields and the fine coastline as well as the surrounding islands. Midway uphill, we did a whistle stop at the Forestry Museum to explore the surrounding area which included a waterfall and a great vista of the chequered Kedah padi fields also. In the late afternoon, a few of us took the opportunity to walk up the 3 km tar road from the Resort to the Gunung Jerai Peak hoping to catch sunset. Unfortunately, the peak area was a restricted area for Telekom Towers and thus off limit to the public. The uphill walk took about 35 minutes.

We left the following morning and reached home about 6.30 p.m.

For record purpose, the hikers took about 2½hrs to scale up to The Regency Jerai Hill Resort (960m asl) from Titi Hayun (65m asl). From the Resort, the tar road snaked up another 3 km to the Gunung Jerai Peak (1200m asl).
There is an alternative longer route named Warisan Trail running directly from the Archaeological Museum and exiting at the tar road, the location thereof is about 2 ascending road bends or 300m distance to the Telekom Towers. Based on the official trail map, there is a trail linking the Titi Hayum Trail (which goes to The Regency Jerai Hill Resort) to the Warisan Trail (which goes to Gunung Jerai Peak). Check out the hike photos at http://yeohsk.multiply.com/photos/album/42/Gunung_Jerai_16-18_Oct_09.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7015.

AHFR Trek I 27 Sep 2009

Last Sunday, on 27 September 2009, we decided to trek AHFR again. This time we entered the western part AHFR via Persiaran Indera/Persiaran Bukit through Taman Wawasan. This trail was much wider and clearer as well as popular with the local residents.

[On 20 September 2009, we trekked the northern part of Air Hitam Forest Reserve (AHFR) by entering the head trail situated at the end of Jalan BK 5b/5 of Taman Bukit Kinrara. We did not encounter a single soul during our 3 hours trek through the undulating trail fraught with steep ascents and descents. The trail which was covered by thick undergrowth and sharp vines was also slippery owing the rain the day before – definitely very challenging but not a choice trail for beginners.]

Starting at 8.40 a.m., we took about 10 minutes trek the steep open trail before turning right to enter the forest (Entrance A) where we were greeted by a colourful billboard (erected by the Forest Authorities) pronouncing all the rules and penalties. From here onwards, the trek was cool due to the thick tree canopies. The trail was pleasant to trek as it was clear and wider and. We hit the first pit stop (Wild Boar Hut) at 9.00 a.m. and the second pit stop (Summit One) at 9.25 a.m. where we took the 12 o’clock route. At 9.45 a.m. we came to a Y-junction (Junction 3) and took the right uphill trail. After 15 minutes, we came to a logging trail where we took the left turn (Junction 4). It took us another 15 minutes before we came to a signboard warning the public against swimming in the deep waterfall pool. The waterfall is situated at the end of a short descent on the right side. After a short photography session, we proceeded along the logging trail (passed Junctions 5 & 6) for 30 minutes until we came to a Temuan Settlement where we accepted the hospitality of settlers to look around.

We backed trek along the logging trail and just before the waterfall signboard we took another trail on the right (Junction 6) and returned to the second pit stop (Summit One) at 12.15 p.m. This trail (HINI) appeared less trekked as there was a fair bit of obstacles (fallen tree trunks and branches) along the way. From here, it was another 30 minutes of trek before we emerged from the jungle, via the same Entrance A at 12.45 p.m.

Overall, an easy and pleasant trek.


For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6758.

Gunung Kuning Trail 2 Aug 2009

Over 30 trekking kakis gathered @ 9.30 a.m. at the17km milestone to Kampung Raja along the Simpang Pulai Highway near the Pahang/Perak boundary for the Gunung Kuning hike. The trek involved an initial steep climb up the slope of the Simpang Pulai Hwy and many ascents and descents (no less than 12 times) within the altitudes of 1400m and 1600m asl.

With mossy forest and many nepenthes plants, the trail was reminiscent of Gunung Irau trail with less mud. Unlike the much trekked and clear Irau trail, the Gunung Kuning trail could be described as "wild" with overgrowth. Apart from ducking our heads to avoid low overhead branches as well as clambering over or crawling under fallen tree trunks, we had to trudge carefully to avoid being “held back” or cut by the sharp thorny vines. The weather was not kind that day too; rain came within the first hour of trek. Needless to say, we had to keep our eyes peeled on the trail to balance ourselves on the slippery terrain.

After trekking 4 hrs, my group reached a second open hill top at 1.30 p.m. Wet and cold and with no sign of Gunung Kuning peak (1663m asl) in sight, we decided we had enough for that day and prepared to back trek after taking our lunch notwithstanding the fact that we were only 25 minutes away from the summit, as advised by our recce hiker, and thus lost the chance to view the famed white moss found around the summit area.

It was about 2.30 p.m. when we made our U-turn and reached the base at 6 p.m. after 3.5 hrs of trekking.

Post analysis:
• Trek time to summit is about 4.5 hrs for an average trekker.
• Should start early @ 8 a.m. to have more buffer time.
• Parang will be useful to clear the overgrowth and make the trail more passable.
• Only 2 cases of reported leech bites despite the rain

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6689.

Gili-Senggigi-Bali 15-19 Jul 2009

After the Rinjani Trek (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/rinjani-sembalun-trail-14-15-july-09.html), we endured a 3 hours journey to Bangsal where a private chartered speedboat was ready to take us to Gili Trawangan. We stayed 2 nights at Dream Diver to recuperate and to enjoy the crystal clear sea. The sunrise was fantastic and should not be missed. Thereafter, we spent a night each: in Senggigi, a coastal town in Lombok, and in Denpasar, a shopping paradise in Bali to hunt for souvenirs as well as bargains.

Check-in at Lombok Selaparang Airport was a breeze. Not the same at be said at Denpasar Ngurah Rai Airport owing to the tight security measures imposed following the bombing of 2 hotels in Jakarta a few days before.

Like in Denpasar Ngurah Rai Airport, on arrival at LCCT, we had to scramble for available space to complete and sign the H1N1 flu declaration form and to pass the fever detector screen. It was chaotic. It would have eased the human traffic congestion at LCCT had the forms been distributed for completion during the plane journey. As usual, the return AirAsia flight was delayed but we were all happy to touch Malaysian soil safely at 7 p.m.

My travelogue will not be complete if I make no mention of our outfitter:-

I find it pleasing to deal with Mr Sunny of PT. Lombok Trekking Travel Service. He possesses excellent PR and is professional, flexible, reliable and honest. Everything, from airport and harbour transfers to lodging and air flights as well as the Rinjani trek went like clockwork. He does live up to his motto that customers are kings by fulfilling almost all our requirements with EXTRAS. In short, I will certainly recommend him to anyone wishing to go to Lombok for a holiday or trek. Our trekking group was also blessed with the attentive services of the cheerful English speaking Guide Abdu and songster cum storyteller Guide Tuti.


For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6587.

Rinjani Sembalun Trail 14-15 Jul 2009

We arrived at Sembalun Trek Centre at 1.15 p.m. after 2 hours drive from Senaru Trek Centre (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/rinjani-senaru-crater-rim-11-14-july-09_21.html). Two persons opted to relax at the Sembalun Lawang Homestay (Losmen) nearby while the rest (7 persons) continued the group mission to trek up to the Sembalun Crater Rim (Plawangan II). Much to our displeasure, we were required to fork out another round of entrance fee of IDR200,000 pax despite our argument that we were unable to trek from Senaru Crater Rim (Plawangan I) to Sembalun Crater Rim (Plawangan II) since Anak Segera was close following the increased seismic activity in the region. Our agent anticipated this issue and offered to foot 50% of the fees. Thank you Sunny! An independent veteran guide, commented that our group was the first one he had encountered climbing 2 Crater Rims, one after another using 2 different entrances. Our double "Up-Down" loops also sounded a bit bizarre to our Guides. Nonetheless, our Guides went along with our plan sportingly after we ignored their subtle persuasion to visit the local waterfalls and villages.

This time our expedition group consisted of 7 hikers, 2 guides and 5 porters. Starting at an altitude of 1195m asl, which is much higher than Senaru's trailhead of 600m, the trail was relatively flat for the first 30 minutes. Thereafter the trail slowly gained altitude reaching 1800m asl over a distance of 8 km at Pos 3 or Pada Balong. Compared to the popular Senaru route, the Sembalun route appeared quite remote like in the outback. Apart from a signage at Pos 2, the whole place was devoid of any signs of civilisation. Even the pondoks at Pos 1 & 2 looked pathetic. In fact, we were the only registered hikers for that day! On the other hand, the Sembalun trail could be described as more scenic. With few standing trees, we got to enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. The orangy grasslands set against the greyish distant mountains and blue skyline gave the whole place a very surreal and idyllic atmosphere. That day, we were lucky as there was adequate cloud cover to shelter us from the sun. The afternoon lighting was also not too harsh and conducive for photography.

By 7 p.m. the whole place was engulfed in darkness and we had to set camp at a spot, about 20 minutes away from Pos 3 or Pada Balong. From here, the trek to the Sembalun Crater Rim would entail another 3.5 hrs of steep climb. Only 3 persons decided to continue the challenge by waking up at 2 a.m. for the uphill trek at 3 a.m. to view sunrise at the Sembalun Crater Rim. The remaining 4 persons, including myself decided to stay back and tramp around. Apparently, the magnificent 3 (Engu, Ai-Ai & SH) managed to scale the mountain slope within record time of 2.5 hours to the amazement of Guide Abdu. In fact, we met them on their return trek at Pos 3 or Pada Balong at 7.40 a.m. They took only 1 hour to return to the foothill from the Crater Rim. Very impressive indeed!

Together, we returned and reached the campsite at 8 a.m. and began back trekking to Sembalun Trek Centre at 9 a.m. This time the sun was unforgiving scorching! Thank goodness, our dear Guide Tuti managed to organise a small truck to ferry us about 2.5 km to the base.

After a thorough wash-up at the Sembalun Lodge and lunch, we proceeded with the third leg of our trip to Gili Trawangan that afternoon, at 1 p.m. (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/gili-senggigi-bali-15-19-july-09.html).

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6521.

Rinjani Senaru Crater Rim 11-14 Jul 2009

On 11 July 2009, 9 of us flew AirAsia to Denpasar, Bali and caught a connecting IAT flight to Lombok. As usual AA apologised for the late departure and thus the late arrival at Bali Ngurah Rai Airport. After passing through the H1NI flu checkpoint and collecting our baggage as well as a slight miscommunication and delay in meeting our agent to collect our flight tickets (to Lombok), we noted to our horror that we had less than 30 minutes to catch the connecting IAT flight to Lombok. With trailing baggage, we made a frantic dash or an amazing race to the adjacent domestic terminal to check in our baggage. Thank goodness, the agent had the presence of the mind to call IAT that we were on our way. At the IAT counter, the check-in personnel coolly greeted us and said that they had been waiting for us. Later we found out that our group constituted 56% of the passenger load of 16 pax. Anyway, we thanked IAT for holding the plane for us.

At the Lombok Selaparang Airport, we were met personally by sanguine Sunny, Director of PT. Lombok Trekking Travel Service (http://lomboktrekking.com/). The 3 hours journey to our lodge at Senaru was rather uneventful except for a colourful and noisy procession returning young kids home after a circumcision ceremony. Our lodge is basic with a great view of padi fields against the Rinjani & Sengkareang mountains in the background. We retired immediately after a dinner of rice, tempeh, vegetables and eggs as well as keropok to prepare ourselves for the following day trek.

After a simple breakfast of pancakes, we were transported 1 km away to Senaru Trek Centre to register ourselves. Besides, the entrance fee of IDR150,000 pax, Sunny paid an additional sum of IDR50,000 pax to cover for the service of a ranger and policeman stationed at the Senaru Crater Rim (Plawangan 1) to stop anyone trying to slip down to Anak Segera Lake which was close to hikers owing to Rinjani erupting unabatedly since May 09.

Our expedition group comprised 9 hikers, 2 guides and 8 porters. Starting at about 8 a.m. from an elevation of 600m, we trekked 7.4 km to arrive at Pos 3 at about 3 p.m. with many pit stops along the way for rest and lunch. We decided to set camp at Pos 3 (2000m asl) and continue our "assault" the following day. The Senaru trail appeared to be very popular for we often bumped into hikers from many different nations. Initially, the trail took us through orchards before entering the virgin jungle. As it was an arid season, the trail was dry and dusty. Except for some intermittent steep climbs, the gradient could be described as moderate. The thick canopy provided adequate shelter against the hot sun and made the trek a pleasant one.

We spent the following morning relaxing and enjoying the cool atmosphere. After lunch, we trooped up to Senaru Crater Rim (Plawangan 1) at 12.45 p.m. We took our time to trek and to enjoy the expansive view given that we had more than enough time to hit the Crater Rim before sunset. As expected, the vegetation became thinner and sparse with virtually grassland and rocks near the crater rim area. The afternoon sun was hot and we could only take refuge by covering up with long sleeve shirts and pants as well as applying SPF50 sun block and wearing large brimmed cap and sunglasses. Of course, the gradient became steeper by 50%.

At 3.15 p.m. we saw the puffing Gunung Anak Baru with a strip of darken hill slope sitting beautifully on turquoise blue lake against the majestic Gunung Rinjani. We quickly set out tripods at vantage points and thereafter wandered around the crater ridge area snapping away photos in whatever conceivable angles. The surrounding view was simply spectacular. Far away we saw the triangular shaped Gunung Agung peeping above a sea of white clouds.

As sunset approached, the golden egg yolk sank slowly into the cloudy horizon and cast a golden hue on the surrounding area. The hushed roaring of the volcano and the wind became stronger as darkness descended. Next the dark strip of lava begun to glow brighter. The whole experience was awesome!

We started back trekking Pos 3 at about 7 p.m. and reached our campsite at Pos 3 at 9 p.m. The downhill descent in the dark along the dry slippery slope could be described as perilous despite the assistance of 2 guides and 2 porters. A walking stick was certainly useful.

The following morning we started our descent as early as 6.20 a.m. The downhill trek was easy and took us about 3 hours to hit Senaru Trek Centre where we had our bath and late breakfast before being transferred to Sembalun Trek Centre to continue with our second leg of our Rinjani Trek (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/rinjani-sembalun-trail-14-15-july-09.html).

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6366.

Sg Lepoh Waterfall 5 Jul 2009

The last visit to Lepoh waterfall was in 2006 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2006/10/lepuk-fall-2006_16.html).
Development appeared to have got up. Now there are resort-like camps, changing facilities (FOC) and properly demarcation area for parking @ RM2 per car. Overall the place looks neat. Things that have yet to change are the rickety wooden bridges to access the Lepoh trail.

Starting at 10.15 a.m. with a balmy weather on our side, we took a leisurely trek with constant stopovers to admire fruiting trees, plants and flowers as well as standing aside for trail traffic (durian collectors) to pass through.

A huge crowd had gathered at the waterfall when we arrived at 12 noon. Space was limited and we were only able to park ourselves further down the fall. We took opportunity to touch base with old friends during the next 11/2 hours whilst having our refreshment and snacks. We left the place at 1.30 p.m. and arrived at the base at 3 p.m.

Overall, a easy trek even for beginners.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6278.