Green billed Malkoha May 2007

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Photos taken at about 11 a.m. near lamp post no 28.

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Pix 7: Long tail hidden

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Link: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/15893

Gunung Angsi 20 May 2007

We gathered at Senawang Toll at 8.45 a.m. and proceeded at 9 a.m. to Ulu Bendol Recreation Park using the road heading towards Kuala Pilah. A 15 minutes drive transported us to the Park which is clearly visible by the roadside. When we alighted from our car, we saw that activities were already in full swing at the Park. There were plenty of food and drinks available for sale.

We entered the Park Main Entrance at 9.30 a.m. After walking along the pavement path for 10 minutes, we came across a big concrete signboard explaining the origin of the park. The head trail (157m) is situated between this signboard and the river. We trekked along this river trail (The trail literally follows the river upstream) for about 40 minutes until we came across a pavilion-like resting (aka Jeram Kak Lang) place. After a short rest, we came across a shallow river within 5 minutes. Here we had to use our balancing skills to hop between boulders to cross over. For the next 15 minutes, we walked along a gentle slope until we came to a logging trail. Here we turned left and trekked for a short distance before re-entering the forest again. From here onwards, the ascent got more and more challenging.

After trekking for another 2 hours, we reached the false peak at 12.20 p.m. Here, we had to use ropes to haul ourselves up the heavily eroded slope. The next ½ hour saw ourselves puffing up hill until we hit the peak (825m) at 1 p.m. Total time taken, starting from the Main Entrance to the Park was 3 ½ hours compared to 2 hours taken using Bukit Putus way.

Needless to say, our descent was shorter. Took 2 ½ hours from the peak to reach the Main Park Entrance.


For more photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/931.

Bukit Lanjan 13 May 2007

This is my third trip up Bukit Lanjan.

USING THE HEAD TRAIL NEAR TO PERDANA DAMANSARA
Following the wide laterite road behind Armanee Terrace, we took 10 minute to reach the headtrail, located at the end of the road railing guard. From here, we took less than an hour to hike up to a small tar road leading to the Telekom Tower. This time we have tied red plastic ribbons along the way to mark the trail. On our way down, we took a very clear trail through a temuan settlement. The trail ends near a roundabout. Views from the top was hazy... dry weather.

This trail is less interesting compared to the trail starting from Sri Damansara's side.

For photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/15876.

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.