Nature's Adventures

Tragedies of Flashflood At Waterfall

2011-07-20T01:41:00.001-07:00

The force of nature is never to be underestimated.

Beware of flash flood at waterfalls

This happened in Philipines, click here for details http://blog.venganza.org/17.php

This happened in Malaysia, 3 Utar collegians drown click here http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/2/nation/5024687&sec=nation

and this happened in India, click here

http://mostviralmedia.com/blog/2011/07/patalpani-waterfall-deaths-captured-on-camera-video/

An Amateur tourist cameraman captured five members of a family being swept away by flood waters at the weekend in a deadly accident at a waterfall in central India. The incident took place when five members of a family went to Patalpani Waterfall in Indore for picnic. All of them got struck into the flash flood caused by heavy spell of rain and washed away. However, two of them rescued alive while three others drowned...............

................Local police officer P.S. Maravi said the holiday-makers were bathing below the 90m Patalpani waterfall in Madhya Pradesh state on Sunday when they were caught by a torrent of water.

Gunung Bunga Buah in Genting

2010-01-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

We went to Gunung Bunga Buah, Genting Pahang on Jan 14, 2010.

Drove from Kuala Lumpur, passing the Gombak Toll, we passed the rows of shop houses in Goh Tong Jaya.

Parked our car besides an organic vegetable farm, started trekking on foot through some rocky path and a vegetable farm.

we made our climb at 9.15 am on Jan 14, 2010 towards Gunung Bunga Buah. Climbed through a steep slope.

We landed ourselves on a tarred road that was previously used to go up to Genting Highland.

We continued walking until our team leader Mr. Shahrul, who has been there many times, tell us to always look out at this junction the next time we are coming to Gunung Bunga Buah.

Genting old road has so many of these kind of junctions, how do we ascertain this is the right one ?

With his instruction to trek left,

and left we went.

One clue though, on the left of this junction, you will find an old quarry.

some beautiful stone walls,

Some different conditions of the path after the old quarry site

Certain parts of the path is covered with tall bushes, if you fancy playing hide & seek, go no where but enjoy yourself here. but a word of caution though, there are lots of.....

blood sucking eerie, crazy leeches letching unto you if you stay too long in the bushes.

Some parts are clear for you to stop & put down your bag, take off your shoes to check the little creatures.

Other than these, the trek is rather mild, going up & down just like any other jungle in Malaysia.

We trek another 45 minutes or so, came to the junction that will lead us up Gunung Bunga Buah.

Some of the signs to look out for is a piece of colourful cloth that was tied by someone to mark the entrance up.

A clearer view of the cloth tied to the tree at the junction towards Gunung Bunga Buah.

and trekking up and happily we went towards our destination,

5 minutes later, we came to a flat land. took a snapshot.

and then Henry heard ............

and..........

to be continued.....

光明日報 Guangming Daily November 2, 09

2009-11-05T23:46:00.001-08:00

相約同學瀑布遊玩‧山洪沖走3拉大生斃命

2009-11-02 15:24

發生洪水爆發後的瀑布河水依然急速，這讓消拯人員的搜尋工作變得困難。（圖：光明日報）
現場即使是下著大雨，獲知發生洪水沖走人意外的公眾人士仍撐著雨傘等待最新消息。（圖：光明日報）
許元凱與朋友到金寶戲水，不料遭到瀑布沖走。（圖：光明日報）

2009-11-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

Flash Flood at the Batu Berangkai waterfall in Perak Malaysia, swept away 3 colleagians from University Tunku Abdul Rahman, just like the incidents that happened in Mag-aso Fall, Bohol Island, Philipines, which claim 3 victims.

YF Chong send me this link, ( click to know more )

Blog owner, JS had experienced flashflood at Batu Berangkai Waterfall, Perak in March 2008, he & his friend were fortunate to have come out alive.

The villagers who helped in the rescue and search for the latest 3 victims, said that in the past there had been many similar accidents of this sort happened.

Questions in my mind is.....

Why wasn't something done to alert the public on this danger ???

Monday November 2, 2009

Three Utar students drown at waterfall, a fourth rescued

By IVAN LOH and CHAN LI LEEN

KAMPAR: A second tragedy has struck here, hardly a week after the Kuala Dipang bridge collapse took three young lives.

Three Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman undergraduates drowned after they were swept away by strong current at the Batu Berangkai waterfalls yesterday.

The dead have been identified as James Khor Wan Kai, 20; Yew Shy Gin, 19 and Yew Ghim Chnieh, 20.

A fourth student was rescued by a villager.

The four had gone to the picnic spot for a swim at about 5pm.

Three of them had gone into the water and the fourth student was about to follow them when a sudden gush of water caused him to tumble in.

A Kampar villager, who saw this, rushed over and pulled out the fourth student.

Perak executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, who related the story to newsmen, said the survivor — 22-year-old second-year accountancy student — declined to speak to the press and did not want to be named.

He suffered cuts and bruises.

At about 9.40pm, nearby villagers found Khor’s body while Yew’s body was found at 11.10pm, one kilometre from where they went into the water.

Their bodies have been sent to the Kampar Hospital.

Businessman Syed Farudi Syed Samsuddin, who saw the three students being swept away by the strong current, said their hands and legs were bobbing in the water.

Syed Farudi, 41, from Mambang Diawan, said he could see that they were struggling.

“There was nothing I could do,” he said.

It happened so fast, he said, adding that it had been raining heavily before the incident occurred.

The Batu Berangkai picnic spot is 15km from where three pupils drowned after a suspension bridge collapsed over Sungai Kampar last Monday.

Bobby Henderson Blog Mag-aso Falls Flash Flood

2009-09-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

I wrote to Bobby Henderson, about his personal experience at the Mag-aso Falls in Bohol island in the Philipines.

He replied with an approval to share his near death experience in this nature's adventure's blog so that more reader will be aware of the flash flood, which can happen at any waterfall especially after rain.

Below is his account of the incidents,....................

We ( Bobby & his girl friend Harlene) , were visiting a waterfall and a flash flood came out of nowhere.

It was June 30/2009 We had just got there it has been raining but stopped.

The falls are about 25ft tall, The water collects in a pool its not deep. There is a bamboo raft.

These guys were swimming/playing on the raft.

They go closer to the falls.

There is some space behind the falls these guys went there.

This is the view down-stream its very shallow..notice the picnic table its the same table shown later.

It got very loud water came out of nowhere..The 2 guys had nowhere to go. I took this picture before i realized what was happening.

This picture was taken perhabs 30 sec later.

Another view downstream thats the same picnic table.

Water is still rising fast.

A view of the falls as they now look. The 2 guys are still there no one else saw the swept away...may be they are still alive.

The water is full of bamboo, mud etc its still surging very loud. At this point there are a lot of people waiting to see if those guys are ok.

This is the last picture i took more than a hour later and the falls are still at flood stage. We left on the last bus to the city. I dont know if those guys made it out alive.

Update: Bohol news did finally report this. The bodies of those 2 guys were discovered more than 5km's downstream.

Update 7/2 – does not sound good – this headline was on the Bohol radio station website:

*SHORT PANTS OF THE MISSING PERSON WHO DROWNED AT MAG ASO FALLS WAS FOUND YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AS RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE

Update 7/4 – we heard that the bodies of both guys were found downstream. Still have not seen anything in the news about this, I am wondering why.

Click on here for the original blog posting

Gunung Irau Cameron Highland Pahang : The Terrain & The trail

2009-07-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

Gunung Irau Trail in Cameron Highland is normally wet and muddy most of the time, more so if it is during the rainy season.

It is mossy & beautiful.

Depending on experience and good judgement to step on the right path and spots, chances to step into mud is always, even if you are careful........and the mud holes can be very deep.

Look at the trekkers' legs , guess which leg/legs has stepped into mud holes ? deep mud holes...

Some trekkers can be heard cursing while others laugh their way to release tension.

Surely you can see some on four and you can hear lots of OO0000oo and AAhhhhh... along the way to the peak of the mountain.

To go from one spot to the other, sometimes trekkers do need to pull tree trunks, branches, roots anything to move forward.

The terrain is slippery too, go slowly and steady is a good way to avoid danger of slipping and falling.

We enjoyed trekking Gunung Irau and will be back again.

Gunung Irau Cameron Highland

2009-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Starting our journey from Kuala Lumpur at 5.30 am on the day of july 4, 2009, we travelled the North South Highway, heading towards Ipoh, exit via Simpang Pulai tollgate.

By 9.30 am we reached the Kea Bee Farm in Cameron Highlaand.

We met Watermelon Lau & Watermelon Chan who have gone the night before by public transport to check on the condominium that we booked for a stay overnight.

After everyone had gathered, we drove another half an hour towards the entrance of Gunung Irau via Gunung Brinchang.

Click to view the trekkers

With almost 50 trekkers gathered at the foothill of Gunung Brinchang, everyone was excited, some were getting ready while others were all ready to go.

The climb started approxiamtely at 10.15 am -10.30 am from the foothill of Gunung Brinchang

Earlier planning was Tony the mountain sifu was supposed to arrive earlier than the trekkers to
mark the trail but somehow something unexpected came up and we heard he was behind.

Thus we relied on our experience as we have been there before to carry on the trek until we reached the false peak.

The weather for the day was good, though the path was muddy, but still manageble.

Most of the time, we were on all fours, holding the branches, tree trunks as we swung from one spot to the other.

It was a challenging climb, most were enjoying and having good time, taking photographs of the wild flora & fauna.

Click to view the white fungus found at the tree trunk.

We enjoyed the climb very much, taking the usual route that we were familiar towards the peak, we continued the journey with some descends and ascends.

Some of the members who were already up at the peak taking their lunch.

when we reached the peak, not only our dear Watermelon Chan had he finished his lunch, he was seen picking up rubbish from the peak of Gunung Irau, just like he does each time he treks in Bukit Tabur.

Good habits is obvious and good to follow by all trekkers, do not litter and never leave trash, it spoilt the beauty of the nature.

It is never complete, if we have reached the peak, not taking a group photograph.

In the picture, standing from left Choo, Siow Ching, Tan Agnes, Steven, Watermelon Chan, YF Chong, Teksi Lau, Bernard.

half laying from left Watermelon Lau, Choo ( the other Choo's brother ) & Alex ( seen so hungry and can't let go of his food)

Henry was not in the picture, he seemed hurried down towards the foothill direction when we met him 5 meter on the way to the peak.

Cameron Highland Gunung Irau Malaysia

2009-07-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

All together there is almost 43 participants to this Gunung Irau trekking.

EBC Group (KC) - 12 persons
Alex Chan - 9 persons
Kelly Hoh - 9 persons (day trip)
Agnes Tan - 9 persons
Bernard Lee - 4 persons

The team will start the journey from Kuala Lumpur early in the morning; have breakfast at Tapah Rest Area, and start trekking when reaching Cameron Highlands.

The main team lead, TonyQ a.k.a. The Mountain Sifu, will tag the directional labels (or markers) so that all could be guided on to the correct direction. The labels are those red and white plastic ribbons that will be labeled TQ01, TQ02, TQ03... Well, TQ is not "thank Q"; instead, it is TonyQ's initial.

Due to outbreak of flu virus, most people could not travel by flight for holidays. So the local tourism at Cameron Highlands is having a boom time with most apartments are fully booked for the next few weekends.

Cameron Highland Gunung Irau Malaysia

2009-07-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Preparation for trekking in Gunung Irau.

1) There is no waterpoint in Gunung Irau unless you can settle for the mud water, carrying enough water is a must.

2) There is a trek junction to look out for and as KC's co-organiser, Tony put it

" The trail is V shape IE start from Gunung Brinchang, going downwards and then upwards to the peak. There's is a mini Irau peak (just like Gunung Nuang in Ulu Langat 'false peak) from there will take u 30 minutes to reach the Gunung Irau peak.

There are a number of cross trails, therefore just follow the marker else you will be going round and round..

75% of the climb, you will be using your four limbs Do not walk on the muddy path or else you will come back without shoes

Just enjoy the scenery.... the mossy forest , Take nothing but leave footprints and take pictures.

There's a distance marker shows 3km

REMINDER : Torchlite, WIndbreaker & raincoat IS COMPULSORY as the forest will be dark by 6pm. Carry whisel is highly recommended BUT use when necessary

Attire : Long Pants, Bermuda short or tights is recommended

Bring used newspaper or plastics bags and have water in the car to wash up after the climb.

Wallets, Camera, Handphone, please put in plastic bag in case it rain.

You need to carry some food but DO NOT LITER.....

Lastly.. appreciate that all you adhere to the cut off time IE 2pm. If u still not reach the peak by 2pm please turn back.

NB : if its heavy rain and thunderstorm before the climb, the climb will be called off. During the climb if its rain, optional either u climb to the peak or turn back BUT cut off time MUST be adhered.

Cameron Highland Gunung Irau Malaysia

2009-07-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

KC, http://penguin-r2.blogspot.com & his team of organisers are doing a thorough job in organising with all intent to make the trekking trip to Gunung Irau a success

these are some excepts in their mailing to our mailbox regarding the muddy path in Gunung Irau.

" Thanks to Tony for the additional information ... For those who have not been to this G. Irau trail, the muddy path/patch is not the yellow muddy type. Instead, the earth is dark brown or black in colour, similar to those normal, dark earth-based ground that we see. The moment you step your foot on it, your foot will sink for 1-2 feet. Don't worry, it is not the quick sand type... :-) Though we say that "take nothing but photos; leave nothing but footprints", it is not recommended that you leave too vivid footprint (or your shoes) this way... :-) Nevertheless, if you do, remember to ask your buddy to take a photo of you for remembrance ... :-)

How to recognize the potential mud trap:
1. The obvious ... vivid footprint or shoes left behind
2. The untouched and smooth surface - no footprint ... :-)

Have an enjoyable and memorable trip.

Gunung Irau Cameron Highland

2009-07-02T16:43:00.001-07:00

We are all set and ready for the Gunung Irau, in Cameron Highland come this Saturday July 4, 2009

Our first time climbing Gunung Irau was in 2008, it was wet and muddy. We came back soaked in muds.

our socks were in mud
our trekking shoes were in mud
Our sports shirt were with many spots of mud and
so were our trekking pants in lots of mud

The brownish mud that gave our sportswear and trekking shoes a nice earth color that stays for a long time despite washing a few time.

This does not deter us from going back there to attempt the peak another time come this weekend. quite the opposite, the mushy trails and mossy plants is like magic, attracting us there again and guess this time will not be much difference from the last.

We saw many local trekkers of uncles and aunties, consists of the local vegetable and fruit farmers wearing Phua Chu Kang 's yellow boots, trekking through the mud, they were trekking fast and light, as light as dragonfly touching the water when they fly.

Comparing with us, it was a sight to behold, the city folks threaded the path with care and concern in every nooks and corners that we step less we step into the mud, sometimes it can be knee high.

so much laughter and Ouu and Ahhh, for those who accepted the terrain as part of the journey they came all the way for and cursing for those who least enjoyed the wet muddy path.

Gunung Irau, here we come again.

Direction to Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur

2009-06-19T00:58:00.001-07:00

Dear All,

There are many ways you can find your way to the Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

By map published in booklets or brochures, by GPS of many different models. we have most of these gadgets, but i think the most tested way for a lady to give you the direction to the Zoo Negara is as follows :-

1) by Federal Highway, drive thru Parliment, pass PWTC, go to Bulatan Pahang, turn 9 o'clock where you can see The TB Hospital, Tawakal Hospital, Drive pass Kem Wardiburn, drive pass Wangsa Maju, University TAR College, turn towards direction to Melawati, and Zoo Negara, Look out for those 3 stories shoplots with black tinted glass in Melawati township, pass the MIA art college, look out for landmarks like Mayban, Lim Tyres on your right, on your left you can see Pizza Hut and Giant Hypermarket, about a kilometer from Giant Hypermarket, on your left you will see Zoo Negara Ampang

2) From Kesas Highway/MRR2

go towards Genting Highland direction, pass by Pandan Indah....., Flamingo Hotel....., Ulu Klang Industrial Estate, you can see Glaxo Smithkline, Shinetsu etc...pass by Datuk Keramat........., pass by a mosque, you will see Sri Garden International School on your right, about a kilometer and a half, you will see Zoo Negara, make a u turn before the Giant Hypermart traffic light, after the u turn, half a kilometer, on the left is Zoo Negara.

Hope the above helps

Tropical Fruits Party

2009-06-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

After the Kemensah Trail, anybody favors this ?

Or this ?

Juicy Mangoesteens

You get to do it yourself,

Or choose to be pampered with......by ???

there are plenty of these seasonal tropical fruits like durian, rambutans and the dukong /langsat

If you hate all of the above, esp durian, you have all the liberty to buy a comb or two, sit next to us, enjoy yourself with this.

Awaiting your comments ?

Recce the Kemensah Trail

2009-06-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

Preparing for the Kemensah Trail June 21, 2009.

Our group's team leader Kin Hou Chan, Henry & I went to Kemensah checking several things out.

Just to ensure we are up to date on the site and other issues so the trekking will be smooth for all to enjoy.

Along the way, we saw hills upon hills were cut.....

And housing developers were busy working on the projects........

Checking out the parking area.

Upon reaching the starting of the trail, one of the Nepalis security guard saw us coming, came out to meet us.

We were told that we need to contact the numbers as written on the notice board before we can embark on our journey for the trail.

We were advised to call the mobile number as stated on the notice board,

He volunteered himself as a spokesperson, continue providing more information though we didn't ask, probably expecting us to ask similar questions from other groups of trekkers.

Explaining that there is a group of regular trekkers from the villege nearby, doing some work at first level waterfall, building up shed, toilet, and maintaining the trek. Fees are chanel towards such purposes.

Well, come June 21, 2009 we shall have a first hand experience on what was explained.

Kemensah Trail Kuala Lumpur

2009-06-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

Kemensah Trail on June 21, 2009, which happens to be a Father's Day too.

We have checked out some sources and would like to inform the following

1) Found out that there may be a charge of RM 10 to RM 15/= per person by the villagers who claims to maintain the trail. For the Everest base Camp trekkers, KC to consolidate number of persons coming & inform before June 18, 2009 as we are negotiating for the fees to pay for entrance.

( Both the organiser & the leader will consolidate info and do a posting on the same later )

2) Where to meet and when : Zoo Negara's carpark, at 7.30 am June 21, 2009 just slightly after you enter the road junction to Zoo Negara Ampang.

3) What to bring : 1.5 to 2 liters of water, lunch on your own.

4) Where to park : You can opt to park
a) at the Zoo Negara's carpark the entire day
b) or nearby housing estate,

5) Best to to carpool before proceeding & drive towards the kampong which is the starting of trail.

6) Nature of the trail : trekking in tropical forest, river crossing & waterfall, except the last part of trail which is estimates at 60 to 70 degrees at the last waterfall, the other part of the journey is gradual and easy to trek, for those who has experience Gunung Nuang and Broga Hill, it is much much less difficult than Gunung Nuang, but more challenging than Broga Hill.

7) Advisable to bring : change of clothing, anti-leech repellent, your own first aid kit.

8) Please take nothing except memory and leave nothing except footprints, please be responsible to take out your rubbish.

9) Leader : Mr. Kin Hou Chan & team

organiser : Tan agnes & team

Grouping : For those first timer who are joining us and bringing your friends along, kindly appoint your own sub-group leader to ensure the well being of every members for the journey.

Buddy system wil be best to keep an eye for each other. Sub-group leaders are to check their member's fitness level and prepareness in attire on jungle trekking & river crossing.

9) Disclaimer, as this is a social trip, the organiser and the leader will not be responsible for any any mishaps or accidents on the trip .

Should you have any queries, we will use the comment platform for further discussion & advise.