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.

Broga Temple Trail 22 Nov 2009

Trekking up the hill besides the Broga Stone Temple could be described as easy. Starting at 8.15 a.m. the trek to the open hill top took only about 30 minutes. That morning the weather was simply beautiful and cloudy. We took our time to admire the scenic surrounding especially the mist moving about the Broga Hills.

On returning to the Temple at about 10 a.m, we proceeded to hike the opposite hill following the G7 paper trail. The trail passed through the most challenging slopes. The terrain was steep and slippery and we had to grab onto branches and tree trunks to climb uphill. At 323m asl, we decided to make a U turning instead of proceeding up another hill (for another 1 hour) as we were unprepared for such a challenging climb. The downhill trail was drier and thus easier to navigate. It took us a total of 3.5 hours to climb up to 323m asl and to return to base. The hike can be described as vigorous and exhausting.

Trekking buddies: SeeToh (Leader), Ting, Ben, Murugiah, Kachana, Randy, Choo & Elsie.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6861.

Broga Hills 14 Nov 2009

This is my 5th trip. Following the last trip on 17.5.2009 (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/05/broga-hills-17-may-09_18.html), the crowd was smaller than anticipated possibly due to the gloomy weather. Anyway, it was a fantastic day of no direct sunshine to spend on 'botak' Broga Hills. The downsides were limited views and photography due to the thick mist. Despite the daily rain, the trail was surprisingly dry and firm to trek. Things have changed:-
1) Two access laterite roads to the head trail have been created with ample car parking space on both sides of the roads. Car park fee RM2 per car
2) Stalls could be found near the head trail selling drinks and food.
3) Trails have been upgraded with steps cut into the slope. Certain sections have 2 parallel trails - one for uphill & one for downhill. Gone were the smooth slippery slopes.

After spending a considerable amount of time lepaking on the final hill peak, we decided to back trekked as the trails (beyond the final hill peak) into jungle were covered by thick undergrowth and no longer trekable. We were fortunate that the rain came after we returned to the head trail at about 11 a..m. We later adjourned to the Rock Temple and an orchid farm nearby before rounding up our trip with a scrumptious lunch at Restaurant No 52, Jalan Sg Lalang.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6809.

AHFR III 1 Nov 2009

With this third trek, I would say that I have completed all the AHFR trails. Within 25 minutes of trekking, we reached the Wild Boar Hut Rest place at 8.40 a.m. Surprisingly, the two swings in the area have been removed.

When we came to Junction 1, we took the right trail with the aim of visiting the mini waterfall. The trail became narrower and the path was padded with a thick layer of fallen leaves and undergrowth. It took about 20 minutes of downhill trek to reach the mini waterfall. The area was pristine with crystal clear water.

After a short 5 minutes photography session, we hurried up the steep gradient slope to escape from the "ambushing" leeches. We had difficulty tracing the uphill trail as it was obscured by fallen leaves and tree branches. We just pushed on uphill by scrambling through whatever openings between trees and shrubs. Needless to say, there a fair bit of ducking to avoid the sharp vines and low branches. It took us about 30 minutes to scale uphill to hit the peak of 197m asl (reported to be 233m asl) near Junction 2. From here, we proceeded downhill to Junction 3 where we took the right trail to Junction 4 and then the left trail to visit the big waterfall.

We ed around for about 20 minutes before we pushed on at about 11 a.m. to trek back via Junctions 6, 3 and 2 to Summit One. From here, we took the Pupa trail via Junction 8 and exited Entrance B at about 12.50 p.m.

Overall, a good energetic trek of over 4 hours with Ben, Woon (leader), Ting, Muru and wife.

Earlier treks are documented at http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/10/ahfr-trek-ii-241009.html and http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/09/ahfr-trek-i-270909.html.

ROUTE TAKEN


For the photographs of this trek, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/7204.