Sg Perah Trek 20 Jul 2008

We reached Tanjung Malim at 8.20 a.m. after an hour drive from Petaling Jaya. Immediately upon arrival we headed towards the market for our breakfast and to buy packed food for our trek.

At 9.15 a.m., we proceeded towards our destination which is at Kampung Orang Asli Chinggung settlement. The drive along the narrow lane which criss-crosses orchards and a few camping resorts (providing tube rafting activities) to the trail head took about 45 minutes. From here, we trekked about 1 hour to the picnic "island" spot. The clear trail, which runs parallel to a river, cuts through the jungle forest, bamboo groves and lalang clearing. Along the way, we spotted many towering durian trees but alas luck was not with us as we only found unripe fruits on the ground.

Our group, comprising 10 adults and 4 kids, set up camp on the "island" which is actually a vast collection of boulders, rocks and sand with shrubs and trees in the middle of Sg Perah. The "island" is large enough to accommodate 50 over picnickers. On that day, we were lucky to have the whole place to ourselves. The place is pristine and shady while the flowing river water is clear.

After spending 2½ hours lazying around, we packed and left at 1.30 p.m. and reached the trail head at 2 p.m. Immediately, thereafter we followed the durian lovers in search for the famed kampung durian basai. We came away disappointed as the 100-year old tree did not shed any fruits that day.

Overall, it is a relaxing and pleasant hiking cum picnicking trip. The round trip clocked 200 km and RM16.40 in toll cost.


For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/3239.

Broga Hills 6 Jul 08

This is my second trip. The first trip was on 16 March 2008. See link at http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/03/broga-hills-1632008_17.html.

We gathered at the Cheras Petronas Station, opposite Plaza Pheonix at 5.45 a.m. and made our way to Broga Hills using the Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban (LEKAS) which cuts through Semenyih. Toll charges amounted to 50 sen at Batu 9 and 90 sen at Batu 11. It took us about 20 minutes to reach Nottingham University Entrance and then another 5 minutes to the access road to the trail head. The access road is located directly opposite a Rabbit Farm along the 1km milestone to Broga from Semenyih. For the roadmap please refer to:

Following a group of Kajang trekkers (who trek every Sunday @ 6.30 a.m.), we trekked about 5 minutes along the laterite road of the oil palm plantation, before we took a right turning into a rubber plantation. From here to the hilltop, we had to take a couple of turnings through the rubber plantation as well as crossing 2 streams and climbing up 2 steep gradients before ending at an open clearing at the highest hilltop. No visible man made markers can be found along the trail and one could easily get lost here without guidance.

Once at the hilltop, we merely followed the clearly visible path that cuts through the tall lalang downhill. Nearer towards the lowland, the highly eroded trail edges along several deep gullies before emerging into an open clearing planted with lemon grass (daun limau perut). From here, we followed the laterite road out towards Broga-Semenyih road. We completed the trek at about 9.30 a.m.

Generally, the trek could be graded as easy and the views from the hill tops were nothing less than fantastic.

Tip: The trail is quite slippery at several sections (with only lalang to hold onto) and a walking stick will be useful. Round trip by road from DU about 110 km.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/3097.

Bukit Saga 29 Jun 2008

Undaunted by the drizzle, we proceeded to extend our trek up Wangsa Cheras Hill aka Ah Pak San to Saga Hill, as planned. At Station 5 (373m elevation), we took a left turn (right turn goes to the waterfall) and trek to Station 6 (387m elevation). From here there was a clear signboard showing the trail to Saga Peak (377m elevation). The trek time for 1.5km from Station 6 to Saga Peak was about 30 minutes while we took 2 hour to hike 2km from trail head to Station 6; totalling 2½hours for 3.5km trail.

The large clearing, before Saga Peak, was abuzz with activities: young kids running about, adults playing Tarzan and woman folk having a chit-chat session over hot morning tea as well as some people busy building more wooden shelters/tables/structures. There was a huge notice board (put up by Saga Hiking Group comprising residents from Taman Saga, Ampang) welcoming hikers to Saga Hilltop and advising them against smoking, rubbish dumping and hunting.

We spent some time relaxing here and trying out several fitness exercises before back trekking to Station 6 where we continued down hill using another trail that passes through the rubber plantation but ends at the same trail head at Wangsa Cheras. The distance covered was about the same at 3.5 km.

Overall, it was a good solid ½ day trek covering 7km.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/3095.

Gunung Nuang Peak 25 May 2008

Eight of us arrived in 2 cars at Hutan Lipur Gunung Nuang (elevation 181m) at 6.45 a.m. after 45 minutes drive from Petronas Station, opposite Cheras Phoenix Plaza. Five of us begun our walk at 7 a.m. and the rest waited for 3 more hikers. The walk along the undulating laterite road, which has been resurfaced, was pleasant but rather uneventful. We arrived at the first pondok near Sg Lolo at 8.10 a.m. After several river crossings and a short rest at the water pump shed, we reached the Lolo Camp (elevation: 573m) at about 9 a.m. From here, it was another 1½ hr moderate ascent up the badly eroded clayey slope to Pacat Camp (elevation: 1,045m).

After a good 30 minutes rest and having re-energised ourselves, six of us forming the second group decided to push for the summit at 11 a.m. The first group comprising 5 hikers had already left for the Peak between 10.30 a.m. to 10.45 a.m.

From Pacat Camp, there was another 30 minutes of steep ascent along the muddy trail criss-crossed with roots before we came to the near vertical trail section. Here, we had to go on fours. Fortunately, there were adequate exposed roots and tree trunks to haul ourselves up as our tired leg muscles started to fail us. We reached Puncak Pengasih or false peak (elevation: 1,400m) at 12.25 p.m. where we took a left turn as indicated by the signboard to Gunung Nuang summit. Hereon, the trail wound downhill for about 20 minutes before ascending again. The downhill trail was rocky and slippery due to the green moss. Nearer the summit, the trail split into 2 paths which later converged at the summit. We hit the summit (elevation: 1,493m) at 1 p.m., about 2 hours ascent from Pacat Camp.

The weather at the Peak was cloudy and cool at 23ºC and views from the Peak were limited by the fog.

We left peak at 2 p.m. and reached Pacat Camp at 3.20 p.m. and Lolo Camp at 4.15 p.m. It took us another 1 hour 40 minutes from Lolo Camp (5 p.m.) to reach the base at 6.40 p.m. The return trip was extra difficult because of the slippery terrain caused by the afternoon rain.

I would classify this day hike to Gunung Nuang Summit totally 12 hours as torturous.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/2988.

Taiwan Jiufen & Jinguashih 24 Apr 2008

Previous: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/around-taipei-mt-qixing-hike-22-230408_3.html

On the eve of our departure from Taiwan, we decided to self-explore the famous Jiufen (or Nine portions) village, located within the hills in northeastern Taiwan. Jiufen used to be the center of gold mining but now owed its fame to production of period movies.

To go to Jiufen, we took a bus from Changlung Street (where we stayed at Leofoo Hotel) to Taipei Railway Station. From here we took a 40 minutes train ride to Ruifang and another 10 minutes bus ride to Jiufen. The bus and train were notably clean and punctual.

We dropped off at the Main Bus Stop of the village at 11.40 a.m. and explored the nearby Jinshan Street which runs through the village. Along the street there were shops vending various famous local dishes. Next we explore the adjacent vertical Shuci Street with many unique and period teahouses.

At about 2.30 p.m. we took another short bus ride to a nearby Jinguashih village. We spent about 1½ hours trekking through the village area to view the distinctive Teapot Mountain, the Yin-Yang Sea and the scenic mountain surroundings. The imposing mountains seemed to be devoid of tall trees as we could clearly make out the gazebos or pavilions dotting the mountain trails. The mountain trails looked so ever inviting. But alas, we could only drool over them as we had to make our way back to Taipei at 4 p.m.

Approximately 580 meters high, Teapot Mountain is shaped like a handleless teapot. The Teapot Mountain itself is an ore body. It is a breccia ore chimney, comprised mainly of silicified sandstone and shale. With regard the Yin-Yang Sea, the dual colours of yellow and blue at the bay was a result of large amount of pyrite that, after millions of years has formed floating Fe3+ particles which do not dissolve easily in water.

Transport & Food Cost = NT250 (RM25) pax

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/2762.

The End.

Taipei & Mt Qixing Hike 22-23 Apr 2008

Previous: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/taiwan-mt-dadong-alishan-20-21408_1.html

From Alishan, our bus headed towards Taipei on 22.4.08. Many of us took the opportunity to catch up with our sleep during the long journey to Taipei. We stopped by Jiji, a quaint railway station town for lunch. On arrival at Taipei in the afternoon, our bus left us at Taipei 101 for a whirlwind tour of the world tallest building. Thereafter, we visited Chiang Kai Shek (CSK) Memorial Hall before ending our day at Huaxsi Tourist Mall for dinner & shopping. CKS Memorial Hall has since been renamed as National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall.

The next morning, after a quick walk through Chiang Kai Shek (CKS) Shilin Residence noted for its beautiful flowers and manicured garden, we left for Yangmingshan (YMS) National Park with the aim of climbing its highest mountain, Mt Qixing (Seven Star Mt).

To our chargin, it started to drizzle the moment we stepped out of the bus upon arrival at YMS’s Visitor Centre. The YMS’s official was however nonchalant about the gloomy weather and encouraged us to trek up using the nearby Miaopu trail located on the South-West of the mountain and return via Siaoyoukeng trail which ends on the North-West side.

Starting at the Miaopu trailhead at 10.40 a.m., we took 1 ½ hours to climb up the 2.27km long basalt pavers (concrete steps) which snaked all the way to the peak at 1,120m high. The tropical rainforest gave way to scrub-like trees and tall silvergrasses when we approached the summit. YMs is supposed to be a grassland ala Broga Hills. Unfortunately, we saw nothing except white mist because of the awful weather. At the peak, we could feel the strong winds and heavy rain drops due possibly to the absence of any trees. We also had to crouch behind rocks to shelter ourselves from the howling wet winds. After a quick photography session, we scrambled downhill rapidly to evade the thick mist which had begun to envelope the peak.

On our way downhill, I had to change into my proper rain jacket because the wind kept my thin poncho (Malaysian type) ‘flying’ about me, thus marring my movements. The trek downhill was treacherous because of the slippery terrain as well as poor visibility due to the thick mist. The mist was so heavy that we could not see more than 6 ft ahead of us. Nevertheless, we took sometime to examine the geothermal clouds steaming from fumaroles encrusted with yellow sulfur. We managed to reach Siaoyoukeng trailhead (elevation of 811m) at 1 p.m. after trekking 1.6km downhill for less than 1hr.

The rest of the afternoon was well spent at the National Palace Museum which has the most awesome collection of Chinese artifacts outside mainland China and the Martyr’s Shrine where we witnessed the changing of guards; followed by dinner and shopping at the famous Shilin Night Market.

For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/2569.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/taiwan-jiufen-jinguashih-24408_3.html

Taiwan Mt Dadong & Alishan 20-21 Apr 2008

Previous: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/taiwan-east-south-18-19408_5.html

On our way to Alishan we stopped by a popular tourist spot named Fenchihu which is located in Chuchi Township in west-central Taiwan's Chiayi County. At 1,405 meters above sea level, it marks the halfway point on the way to the top of Alishan (Mt Ali) on the renowned forest railway. We explored the surrounding area especially the hundred-year-old street (behind the station) which is actually an alley of low wooden buildings, no more than 500 meters, long selling the famous "Alishan Railway Lunchbox" and high altitude food products such as bamboo shoots and aiyu jelly. With the decline of the logging industry, Fenchihu now survives mainly on tourist business.
Immediately after lunch we headed for the nearby Mt Dadong scenic area. A few of us chose to hike up the 7 km trail to the peak over other lesser trails in spite of the gloomy weather. It was about 2.20 p.m. when we embarked on the hike. Ten minutes into the trail, we noted that place was getting misty and foggy and a returning hiker advised us to hurry as it might rain. In view of this, we quicken our pace and opted for a shorter but steeper route. The trail was dry and it cut through a forest of nice bamboos initially and later cypress trees. Surprising, visibility improved as we approached the summit. It was about 3.10 p.m. when we reached a very brightly lit peak (elevation:1,975 meters) whereupon sits a solid pavilion shelter. Unfortunately, it was too misty/cloudy to view anything from the peak. We left the place at 3.30 p.m. and took more than 1 hour to return to base because firstly, we took a longer route downhill and secondly, we took time to savour the beautiful trail lined by tall straight cypress trees.
The following morning sunrise viewing turned out to be a disappointment. Another major disappointment was the total absence of any Alishan tribal/cultural activities. Apparently, the tribal people have been resettled elsewhere and the younger generation has since joined the mainstream of society. After breakfast, the only option left was to explore the Alishan Forest Recreation Area which boasts of beautiful trails, many scenic spots, charming Sakura cherry trees and thousand years old cypress trees as well as variety of birds. Later that day, we also had to miss out on sunset viewing due to the rain.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/2568.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/around-taipei-mt-qixing-hike-22-230408_3.html