Gunung Tampin 10 Apr 2010

Despite the heavy thunderstorm since 5 a.m. in PJ, we still decided to go ahead with our plan to hike Gunung Datuk. It was raining heavily throughout our road journey but we hoped the rain would stop when we approached G Datuk. True enough the rain did stop, but we our hope was dashed when we realized that there was on going G Datuk Challenge event. Judging by the numerous vehicles (including buses), the crowd must be big. So we decided to head for G Tampin. Luckily, our car was fitted with a GPS – a mighty useful tool which led us towards G Tampin and a nice local resident took time to show us the way to the trail head which is located in Kg Seri Tampin.

Starting at 9.40 a.m. we did a slow walk up the winding tar road to the summit. Along the way, there were several covered rest areas. After about 30 minutes, we reached a recreation spot equipped with a changing room and a pool. At 11 a.m. we were greeted by a huge satellite dish carrying the Telekom logo at the peak. The walk was uneventful but pleasant given the thick canopy which provided much shade and the cool weather after the morning shower. We only met 3 hikers along the way.

After a short photography session at the peak, we left at about 11.30 a.m. and hit the base at 12.15 a.m. We then headed for Melaka for some shopping and to savour the famous chicken rice balls for lunch.

The return car journey was horrendous for our car was caught in 1-hour jam before the Sg Besi Toll Gate. After paying the toll, we were allowed to make a U-turn to find another exit from Seremban Hwy via UPM. We attributed the jam to the numerous vehicles (buses and cars with N9 banners) ferrying fans to the Malaysia FA Cup final between N9 and Kedah.

NB: For location of G Tampin, see http://travelingluck.com/Asia/Malaysia/Negeri+Sembilan/_1741882_Gunong+Tampin.html#local_map. Take the road that turns off the main road into Kampung Seri Tampin. The trail head is located at the end of this road.

Trekking buddies: Nicole, Mee Hong, Xiung, Aun Pein and Sziang Meng.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7939.

Sg Chiling 7 Mar 2010

The last trip was more than 2 years ago on 27.2.2008 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/02/sg-chilling-2722008_27.html).

Sg Chiling was as popular as ever with trekkers, picnickers and photographers. Starting at 8.30 a.m. we took a slow trek of 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall at 10 a.m. The trail which curved along the riverbank was flat and easy to trek. There were clear signboards showing where to cross the river. River crossings were easy as the water level was low obviously due to the dry spell. Generally, the place was as pristine as ever though the water was a little milky. The weather was pleasant enough for us to laze around without having to seek out shelter against the sun. We left the place at 12 noon and reached the head trail at 1 p.m. Along the way, we met more people indicating the popularity of the place.

Overall, an easy relaxing hike.

Trekking buddies: Horng Yih, Joo Wee, Choo, Kathy, Yeoh, Engu and Leng-Lei.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7495.

Sg Lepuh Fall 21 Feb 2010

The last trip was on 5 July 2009. (See http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/lepoh-waterfall-5-july-09_6.html). It was then a fruiting season and the place was vibrant with activities. However, this time round the picture was different.

Starting at 9 a.m. we did a slow trek and observed that the place appeared a bit desolated. A wooden bridge has collapsed. We did not bump into any soul throughout the trek. The trail was parch dry and not slippery which made trekking easier. The trail was however obscured by fallen trees at three different areas and we have to make short detours.Not a single leech was in sight along the trail or at the waterfall area, given the prevailing hot weather.

We reached the waterfall at 11 a.m. Except for a group of campers we literally have the whole waterfall place to ourselves to enjoy - which was a bonus for the place is often crowded. The water flow was still strong. The cool crystal clear water was inviting enough to attract for the youngsters to wet themselves.

After lazing around for 2 hours, we left the place at 1 p.m. and returned to base at 2 p.m.- at record time of 1 hour trek.

A pleasant trip with trekking buddies Kay Wah, Renuga, Adibah, Elsie & Leng-Lei.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7491.

Gunung Irau 29-31 Jan 2010

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:

• http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/06/gunung-irau-30-5-09_1.html,
• http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2007/12/gunung-irau-8122007_10.html and
• http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2006/10/gunung-irau-expedition-2006.html.

Tabur East 20 Dec 2009

NORTH VIEW

SOUTH VIEW

On 20.12.2009, I decided to join a group of trekking buddies to hike Bukit Tabur East. My last visit was more than 2 years ago on 18.11.2007 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2007/11/bukit-tabur-east-18112007_19.html). Starting at 8.30 a.m. we finished the trek at 2 p.m, a total of 5.5 hours of leisurely hike with many photography breaks. The weather that day was simply pleasant due to the presence of thick cloud covers.

Trekking buddies: Horng Yih, Jeffrey Tung, Wee Leng, Anne, Annie, Jessie, Elsie, Sue, Lai Ching, Shirley & friend.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7312.

AHFR - Kinrara 13 Dec 2009

This is the second trip. The last exploratory visit to AHFR via Kinrara Jalan BK 5B/1way, was on 20.9.2009. This section of trails, though they are part of AHFR, were not as popular as those trails using the head trail from Puchong Wawasan Road.

We started our trek at 10 a.m. The initial trail was clear and easy to follow. An hour later, the trail became more obscure and we realized that we were lost and it was impossible to back trek.The trails here were wild and overrun with thick undergrowth and sharp barbed rattans. Fortunately, we had our reliable compass to establish our bearing in order for us to move forward and return to the head trail. The best surprise was to stumble upon a trigonometrical station marking Permatang Kumbang (233m asl) the highest point in this reserve. Apparently, Permatang Kumbang peak was named after leopards that inhabit the area. It was about 1 p.m. when we emerged from the jungle.

Trekking buddies: Ben, Barbara, Elsie, Chia, Kevin & son and friends.


For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7249.

Lower Ah Pak San Waterfall 6 Dec 2009

I have hiked APS umpteen times and have always enjoyed the vigorous climb up the steep slope. The last documented trip was quite awhile ago on 1 March 2009 (See:http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/03/upper-ah-pak-san-waterfall-1309_3.html). Since then till 6.12.2009, I had made 4 separate trips without bringing my camera.

This time round, I decided to bring my camera to record the condition of the trail. Starting at 8.30 a.m. from Awana Cheras head-trail we hit the Lower APS waterfall at 12 noon. We decided to give the Upper Waterfall a miss because we were told by the returning trekkers that the Upper Waterfall was crowded. The trail has certainly widen but it was not as soggy as expected despite the recent wet weather. However, the water at the Fall was slightly milky and the flow was voluminous and strong. A few of us took the opportunity to wade through the shadow pool and to enjoy a rejuvenating water massage under the cold torrential waterfall.

We left about 1.30 p.m. via Station 6 and reached the base at 3.30 p.m.

Trekking buddies include Horng Yih, Kevin, Rachel, Kong, Anne and Wee Leng.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6957.