Gunung Mentigi 15 Aug 2010

HABU VALLEY in the afternoon sun

Vibrant star-like MOSS near the peak area

BUKIT MENTIGI HOUSES flanked by G Beremban on the right and G Brinchang at 11 o'clock

Gunung Mentigi or Rhododendron Mountain (Mentigi is the Malay name for 'rhododendron') was our next target after Gunung Irau (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/02/gunung-irau-29-31-jan-10.html), Gunung Beremban (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/07/gunung-beremban-4-july-2010.html), Gunung Jasar and Gunung Perdah (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/07/gunung-jasar-gunung-perdah-25-july-2010_26.html).

Apart from the trail information provided by the various tourist maps for Cameron Highlands, we were unable to glean any comprehensive reports of Gunung Mentigi trek from the internet. Nonetheless, we decided to proceed with our trip. We would say this recce trip really tested our group’s indomitable spirit to complete the mission.

Finding the trailhead of Trail 13 near the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) along Persiaran Dayang Endah (PDE) was easy but finding the entrance of the trailhead was a challenge for it was hidden by thick undergrowth. Less than 5 minutes into the trail, we were confronted by a vast area cleared for vegetable farming. In short, the trail had “disappeared”. The residents told us that the trail was no longer being used and directed us to use another access further down PDE towards the hospital. Travelling down the road, we encountered many parked vehicles along a slip road on the right. The trail board there indicated Trail 9 which is supposed to lead to Robinson Waterfall. After trekking for 15 minutes, our misgiving started to arise and we decided to back trek. This time we decided to explore another trailhead to Trail 13 located behind Cameronian Holiday Inn (CHI), Off Jalan Mentigi. We unable to locate the trailhead and a well-informed resident told us that the trailhead had been “lost” to development. We saw earthwork had begun on a vast tract of land behind CHI area.

After 3 false starts, the group’s patience was wearing thin and there were suggestions to trek Gunung Beremban again. It was already 10.30 a.m. when we decided to check out our original plan to trek from the VSD notwithstanding the discouragement by the local residents living and farming there. Heading up the farm, a local resident (sensing our persistence), pointed out a dense forest opening, along the farm perimeter, to Trail 13. The opening was covered with thick undergrowth and nearly impenetrable. We saw a trace of path among the forest vegetation and one of our brave members volunteered to venture into the thick and dense opening to explore. Within a minute, we heard a call that there was a clear trail.

It was 10.50 a.m. when we started our trek. The trail was clear but thick with fallen leaves. The jungle vegetation was generally damp due to the rainy season. Ten minutes later, we came across a yellow signboard which had been displaced from somewhere. We were unable to interpret the signboard as it was badly defaced. Just beyond the signboard, about 10 meter away, the trail came to an abrupt end as a result of earthwork being carried out for another development. We believe the earthwork extended from the “destroyed” trailhead of Trail 13 starting from CHI. Fortunately, we noted an uphill trail, presumably Trail 14 on the left about 2 meters before the end of the trail. From here, it was all the way uphill until we hit the peak at 1,494m asl (official: 1,535m) at 11.50 a.m. Along the way, we saw 2 trails branching off on the right. One of these could lead south towards Habu region. At the peak, there was an iron structure, possibly the remnant of the trigonometrical station and a stone pillar. The view from the peak area was good. As expected, the vegetation near the peak area was stunted and sparse as well as mossy. Giant nepenthes plants were also sighted.

After a good rest, we proceeded downhill at 12.10 p.m. using another trail from the peak area. This trail crept steeply downhill for 10 minutes before it came to an open cut slope facing Bukit Mentigi housing area. We resorted to using the rainwater canal to descend for a short distance before exiting through a visible jungle trail towards the housing area where we reached at 12.50 p.m.

Overall, we were satisfied after having accomplished our mission. The most memorable part of the trek was the scenic view from the peak, the giant Nepenthes plants as well as the beautiful star-like carpet moss. The weather was gloomy but luckily, the rain held off until the end of our trek. Our only concern was that the access to Trail 14 from the north side would be lost soon based on the rate of development encroaching on Trail 13.

Great trekking buddies included Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Wai Ching, Choo, Jamie, Careen, Murugiah, Kanchana and Ben.





For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7991.

Lepoh Waterfall 1 Aug 2010

In February 2010, the jungle and the surrounding areas were parched dry and appeared lifeless with little activities. The trail was unkempt with thick undergrowth closing in and fallen tree trunks blocking the way. See report at http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2010/02/sg-lepuh-fall-2122010.html

Now the place was alive with activities for it was fruiting season for durian, langsat, mangosteen, chempedak and rambutan. The broken bridge which encountered during my last trip in February 2010 had been repaired. The trail had also been widened and cleared to facilitate transport of orchard produce. Along the way to the waterfall, we encountered many group of picnickers, trekkers and students as well as Temuan residents transporting durians from the interior. The only downside was the super slippery wet trail. Of course, leeches made their presence along the trail as well as at the waterfall area.

Starting at 9.30 a.m. we took our time to savor the lush forest trail and reached the waterfall at 12 noon with a stop-over of 30 minutes to enjoy a durian feast at a Temuan hut. The waterfall area was congested and finding a shady place to rest was a challenge. We left the place at 12.50 p.m. and reached the base at 2.50 p.m. Needless to say, we stopped by the fruit stalls along the Ulu Langat road to eat as well as buy durians, rambutans, mangosteens, chempedaks, duku langsats and dukongs.

Overall, it was an enjoyable trip with trekking buddies including Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Wai Ching, Su Lung, Choo, Christina, Jane, Suan Li, Melinda and Sen.

For the photographs, please see http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7992.

The last trip was on 21 February 2010 (http://happytrekker.multiply.com/photos/album/293/Sg_Lepuh_Fall_21.2.2010).

Gunung Jasar & Perdah 25 Jul 2010

Summit view from Gunung Jasar

Summit view from Gunung Perdah

We left PJ at 5.15 a.m. in 2 vans and 1 car carrying a total of 22 trekkers. As usual we stopped by Bidor wet market to have our breakfast before leaving for Tanah Rata. It was about 9.20 a.m. when we finally arrived at Tan’s Camelia Garden (TCG), the access point to the head trail to Gunung Jasar and thereafter to Gunung Perdah.

From the Main Gate of TCG, we followed the cemented pathway till we reached a T-junction. Here we took the left turn to the trail head. The path wound gently uphill and slowly merged into a jungle trail. Starting at 9.40 a.m. and following the main wide trail (ignoring all subsidiary branch trails), we came across the first signboard entitled Jungle Walk 11 at 10 a.m. This stretch of trail was relatively flat. Just beyond the signboard, there were 3 more signage, though highly defaced, we were able to make out that the left split was Trail 10 to Gunung Jasar and the right split was Trail 11 to Gunung Perdah.

We took the left trail which went all the way uphill. Along the way, we saw moss, ferns and mushrooms as well as wild orchids. About an hour later, we came to an open area with a full view of a transmission tower. Much forest destruction could be seen here. The slope to the peak was cut (for construction of transmission tower?) and devoid of trees except for lalang vegetation. Authorities appeared to have planted seedlings and used plastic sheet to prevent further soil erosion. Here onwards, we followed whatever footholds along the cut slope and reached the Gunung Jasar peak (1670m asl official) about 11.30 a.m. The view from the peak was scenic.

After spending about 20 minutes, we left the peak at 12 noon by taking a downhill trail on the right to Gunung Perdah. There was another downhill trail on the left which we presumed would lead to Bharat Tea plantation (Trail 6). For the next 45 minutes, it was all the way downhill until 1465 m asl before the trail started to ascent again. The ascent was a short 15 minutes climb to the peak of Gunung Perdah (1,535m asl official). Minutes before the peak, the trail split into 2; the left trail would go downhill to the Orang Asli settlement while the right trail would lead to the peak. The peak area was much bigger and offered a near 360 degree scenic view of the surrounding areas. With the absence of any tree canopy, the peak was indeed hot at 1 p.m!

From the peak, we took the right trail downhill in order to return home. The downhill trail was partially destroyed as the slope was also cut (slope conservation due to development at the lower level occupied by Tenaga Station?). Upon reaching the bottom, we discovered a signboard showing the direction of Trail 12. But we were not able to make out Trail 12 through the cut slope! Not confident, we sought the assistance of a few Orang Asli kids who sportingly showed us an alternative route around the perimeter of Tenaga Station and an old laterite road running uphill besides the transmission tower.

After trekking 15 minutes uphill along the old laterite trail (Trail 11 possibly obliterated by this old laterite trail used for the erection of transmission tower), we came across a turning on the left carrying the Jungle Trail 11 signboard. The entrance to Trail 11 was quite obscure and covered with grass, lalang and fern plants. We had to wade through thick undergrowth for 5 minutes until we came to a clear neat trail, believed to be the original Trail 11. From here, it was an easy trek along a relatively flat trail, transverse occasionally by small trickling streams. It was about 3 p.m. when we were back to the original junction of Trail 10 and 11 where we waited for another 30 minutes for the last trekker to arrive before departing at 3.30 p.m. for TCG, which took us another 15 minutes to trek. After washing up (20 sen for use of toilet) at TCG, we left the place happily at 4 p.m. As usual, we stopped by Restoran Hao Yi Lou, Tapah to have dinner en route home.

Overall, a great trek in a pleasant company of 21 trekking buddies, namely Elsie, Yeoh, Engu, Ong, Chris Goh, Koon Kong, Mee Hong, Ji Ven, Steven Loh, Siew Fang, Ben, James Ong, William Chin, Cheh, Ho, Catherine Lim, Peter Lim, Robbin, Jamie Soon, Leong and Jamie Yeoh.




Our route Trail 10 --> Trail 11 --> Trail 10

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7989.

Gunung Beremban 4 Jul 2010

Leaving PJ at 5 a.m., we reached the trail head at about 9 a.m. with a 30 minutes stopover for breakfast at Bidor wet market. There are many routes to Gunung Beremban, Cameron Highlands. We decided to take the shortest Trail 5 which starts from behind MARDI staff quarters. A security guard at MARDI was kind to direct us to the trail head which is situated on top of a hill accessible via a good tar road. The trail head was clearly marked with the standard yellow signboard above a short flight of steps located between two rows of single storey houses.

We had to bypass vegetable plots before entering the forest trail. The entrance to the forest trail was slightly obscure but easily detectable. Starting at an elevation of 1,374m asl at 9.15 a.m. we took about 2 hours to hit the peak situated at 1,757m asl (official: 1,812m asl). The first 1 hour was an easy trek along a relatively gentle uphill slope to a pavilion rest stop at elevation 1,505m asl. The trail was wide and neat. Trekking was pleasant due to soft cushioning effect of the mossy trail. After the pavilion rest area, it was all the way uphill for the next 45 minutes when we hit the trigonometric station at 11.10 a.m. This section of the trail consisted of red laterite soil held together by tree roots.

The weather was beautiful and we had a clear view of Tanah Rata and Brinchang towns from the peak. We took some time to explore an alternative trail behind the trigonometric station. The alternative trail split into 2 trails: Left Trail 8 to Robinson waterfall and right Trail 7 to Mini tea plantation beside MARDI.

After the usual snack time and photography break, we left the peak at 11.45 a.m. This time we decided to explore Trail 6 home upon reaching the Pavilion Rest Area. We took less than 2 hours to trek from the peak to the Forestry Department, which is the trail head for Trail 6 to Gunung Beremban. Except for one step descent and 2 steep ascents, after the Pavilion Rest Area, the trail was relatively simple to trek. When we reached the Forestry Department at 1.35 p.m., we found that the ever thoughtful and resourceful Ben had gone ahead to thumb a lift from a kind gentleman to Mardi trail head to collect his vehicle in order to fetch us from the Forestry Department.

We left the place at 2 p.m. and reached PJ at 7 p.m. with an hour break for early dinner at Hao Yi Lou, Tapah for RM8 pax.

Trekking buddies: Ben, Murugiah, Kanchana, Chua, Jackie, May, Siew Ngoh, Elsie, Yip and Yeoh.

NB: This mountain Gunung Beremban (1,812m) is different from the higher Gunung Berembun (2,076m) situated in Terengganu.




For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7987.

Upper Ah Pak San Waterfall 1 Jul 2010

Started at 9.30 a.m. we took more than 2 hours to reach the Upper waterfall aka Wow-Wow waterfall. It was a weekday, so we literally had the waterfall area to ourselves. The water flow was strong and refreshingly cold. We left the place at 12.30 p.m. and reached the base at 2.15 p.m.

Trekking buddies: Joyce, Sara, Justina, Kay Hwa and Leng-lei

For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7985.

The last Upper Ah Pak San Waterfall was on 1 March 2009 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/03/upper-ah-pak-san-waterfall-1309_3.html).

Gunung Datuk 13 Jun 2010

My last trip to Gunung Datuk was exactly 1 year ago on 13 June 2009. Like June a year ago, the weather was extremely hot and as usual we were literally bathing in our own sweat. Nothing much has changed. This gunung remained as popular as ever. The view from the famous gigantic rock outcrop was clear and good. The trail was patched dry and easy to trek. We took about 2 hours to hit the summit and 1 1/2 hours to return to base. On the downside, the forest was less vibrant. Nevertheless, it was a good fun hike, especially with great trekking buddies Ben, Barbara, Murugiah, Kanchanna, Wai Ching, Engu, Yeoh, Ong, Christina, Randy, Ting, Nicole, Koon Kong, May and Yip.

We ended our trek with a late afternoon lunch at Restoran Happy Seng Kee. The food was good and price reasonable at RM12 pax for 5 dishes of fish, vegetables, taufoo and chicken.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7982.

Photos of previous trips can be viewed at:
1) http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/06/gunung-datuk-13-june-09_14.html
2) http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/02/g-datuk-140209.html
3) http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/03/gunung-datuk-2032008_20.html
4) http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2007/03/gunung-datuk-1832007_19.html

Gunung Bujang Melaka 6 Jun 2010

Eight of us, packed in one van, left Petaling Jaya at 5.15 a.m. We hit Bidor at about 6.50 a.m. where we had an early breakfast at the famous Pun Chun restaurant. We managed to reach the trail head at 7.40 a.m. There we found the trek leaders, Ming and Lim from Kampar waiting patiently for us. Quickly, we geared ourselves and started walking uphill along Jalan Batu Berangkai of Taman Ros at 7.45 a.m. The starting elevation was noted as 50m asl.

Along the way, we passed by scenic kampung houses and the infamous Batu Berangkai Waterfall which had claimed many lives (the recent case were 3 varsity students in November 2009). The water flow was indeed strong and impressive. It is a nice and pleasant area to relax and picnic. As we were running behind, we could not spare much time to enjoy the waterfall.

From the waterfall, we followed a narrow tar road for about 15 minutes before it ended in a jungle trail. Following the jungle trail, we by passed an orang asli house at 8.45 a.m. The trail snaked gently uphill for the next 1 hour to Campsite 1 situated at elevation 452m asl. The next 2 hour involved a very challenging climb of 520m to the Campsite 2 (970m asl). We even had to pull ourselves up a collapsed slope by grabbing onto roots and tree branches.

After a good 30 minutes rest, we started from the second campsite at 12:20 p.m. We took 1:20 hours to transverse 3 small hills to reach the peak (1234m asl) at 1.40 p.m. Notwithstanding a few fallen tree trunks whereby we were required us to do some crawling, this section of the trail was relatively easier. There was a small view of the Chendariang town. Unfortunately, it was obscured by a thick mist at that time.

We left the peak 10 minutes to 2 p.m. and reached the base at 6 p.m.

Overall, it was a very challenging day hike. The muggy weather that day really sapped a lot of energy from us. Luckily, it did not rain. Otherwise, it would be extra challenging to have to manage slippery trail.

Trekking buddies from KL: Ben, Muru, Khanchana, Randy, Ting, Cheh and Lee Lian.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7980.