Malaysia Mountains Adventures And Trails

Gunung Tahan - By DT

2008-09-15T22:42:00.001+08:00

29-08-08 Gunung Tahan More photos contributed by DT.

Gunung Tahan - D-Day

2008-09-15T22:19:00.002+08:00

29-08-08 Gunung Tahan D-day. That's what we have been training for for the past four months. All the blood sweat and tears that we had been put through will be put to test. Though originally we began with 13, the final numbers was 8. Whatever the case we salute our other members who could not make it due to unforeseen circumstances. Never give up hope, we shall train for Kuala Tahan-G Tahan- Merapoh next year. That will separate the man from the boys.

The climb was challenging, though not as tough as we had anticipated. All of us make it to the peak and back that leaves us much sweet memories. We were lucky to have met three new friends, Ms Heng from Penang, and Bernard and Ng from Singapore. To all members of the team, KS, Cheah, TSK, DT, Ben, Goh and Ms Lee, congrats, you have charted a new heights in your life. Climb on.

Gunung Nuang - The Final Assault

2008-09-15T22:16:00.001+08:00

24-08-08 Gunung Nuang The final assault by some of the team members before Gunung Tahan.

Gunung Ledang - Tangkak Trail

2008-09-15T22:09:00.003+08:00

13-07-08 Gunung Ledang Gunung Ledang new trail via Tangkak is not as challenging as the old trail. We miss the many waterfalls along the old trail, though we still go through KFC, the caves a the rock boulders. After the magnificent climb, Ms Lee father treated to a feast of durians at their Tangkak home.

Gunung Buah Bunga Again

2008-09-15T21:56:00.002+08:00

6-7-08 Gunung Buah Bunga The mountain of leeches, leeches leeches everywhere. We need to acclimatise to the cold wet condition. All managed to reach the peak, though some added a can or two of stouts as a booster.

Gunung Nuang Again

2008-09-15T21:52:00.003+08:00

15-06-08 Gunung Nuang Only 5 of us went for this climb. Very wet and slippery.

Bukit Tabur East - Revisit

2008-09-15T21:42:00.002+08:00

13-06-2008 Bukit Tabur West Went there with my friend Joe. The whole climb is a short two hours. Met two pretty ladies on their own. Very daring indeed in their first attempt without knowing what they were in for.

Gunung Ledang - Asahan Trail

2008-09-15T21:31:00.002+08:00

06-06-08 Gunung Ledang Came back with a vengeance. I failed to reach the peak two years ago, reason being over confident. Some of the weaker sex beat me to it and the rest is history. 7 of us made it for this trip. Joe, Ms Lee, Cheah, Woon and myself wanted the camping experience while due to time constraint, TSK and KS opted for the day climb.

It was an eye opening experience for us indeed. The weather was cold due to the rain. Our tents was flooded due to the inexperience in setting up the tent and Joe had a personal visit by our "Puteri Gunung Ledang".

Gunung Nuang - Anniversary Climb

2008-09-15T21:21:00.003+08:00

31-05-2008 Gunung Nuang One year ago we took to climbing seriously without knowing what we were in for. There were four of us, Joe, KS, Ms Lee and me. Goodness gracious, the climb took us 12 hours and some has to be "rescued". It certainly brings back good memories.

Enjoy some photos of our fourth training.

Training 5 - Datuk Two

2008-05-26T15:41:00.003+08:00

25-5-2008 Gunung Datuk. To some of us, this was our second conquest. Gunung Datuk is one of the few mountains or hills that provided 360 degree panoramic view at the peak. Overall the rookies were improving by leaps and bounds. There was a cantonese saying "Kau Hou Toh Tai Mow Si Fu". How true indeed. We also wecome Eoon and partner to join us for the climb. Both are G Tahan potentials.

Gunung Nuang - "Do not call me"

2008-05-20T14:52:00.005+08:00

18-5-2008 Gunung Nuang. "Don't call me" someone said. Reflecting back exactly a year ago when we thought we were fit to conquer Gunung Nuang, upon exiting, we also said the same " I don't think we will come back again". The 4 of us were walking like a duck while going for a late dinner. So for those today whose limbs do not coordinate with the body, its the most natural thing. You will be fine by tomorrow. Not only did we come running back to Gunung Nuang, but we had peaked 4 times. Yes, we were probably addicted to the torturous climb. You will, too.

Of the 16, 9 of us reached the peak whilst the rest managed to hit Kem Pacak. Congratulations to all, you are all heroes and heroines in your own right. A successful climb not necessarily means you must reach the peak each time, but whether you are able to exit successfully.

"We will be back in two weeks" as suggested by LAB. "Shall we?".

"Plain rice has never been so tasty", thanks to the restaurateur efficient service, and Guinness Stout has never meant to be a booster for any hiking trip, so please stick to 100 plus.

One Night At The Kelong - Endau

2008-05-14T00:31:00.003+08:00

26-4-2008 Endau. We enjoyed a night at the Kelong, sleeping,eating, drinking, gambling, sleeping, eating, more driiiiiiiiiiking.......... , more gambliiiiiiiiing, more everything, ending up more tiring....and thats more than 400 kms driving from KL. How to get the most out of a weekend.

Transverse Bukit Saga Bukit Putih (2)

2008-05-13T23:20:00.003+08:00

4-5-2008 Bukit Saga to Bukit Putih and back. They did it again.

Training For A new Adventure - Gunung Tahan (1)

2008-05-13T23:12:00.002+08:00

1-5-2008 Bukit Putih also known as Ah Pak San. Yes, we are setting new limits and come Merdeka day, we shall triumph at Gunung Tahan. The first series of training has now been officially launched.

Mount Kinabalu - More pictures Than Words

2008-05-13T22:38:00.002+08:00

14-04-2008 to 19-04-2008 Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu and Manukan Island Resort

Many more from BH Teoh

Mount Kinabalu - Pictures Paint A Thousand Words

2008-05-08T13:07:00.003+08:00

17-4-2008 to 18-4-2008. Mount Kinabalu Do not ASSUME as spelt out by a prominent Malaysian, for it will make an ASS of U and ME, thats the lesson I learnt from organising this trip.

Never ASSUME that that the bus driver will recommend you a good restaurant for lunch at KK.

Never ASSUME that he will send you to the bank to withdraw from the ATM.

Never ASSUME that the reservation at Timpohan HQ is confirmed despite the many follow-up.

Never ASSUME that they will serve you dinner despite reservation has been confirmed.

Never ASSUME that your bags will arrive at Laban Rata as soon as you checked in.

Never ASSUME that breakfast will be served before your assault to the peak.

Never ASSUME that there will be a bus to pick you up from Timpohan Gate.

However, the triumph of reaching the peak overrides all misunderstanding and let this be a lesson to all. Below were some photos contributed for all to share. The pictures paint a thousand words.

Gunung Nuang - Janda Baik

2008-03-11T00:30:00.004+08:00

2-3-2008 Gunung Nuang to Janda Baik. We almost have to spend the night in the jungle. All due to lack of preparation and exhaustion..leading to hasty decision. We were lucky the second time because there is communication to the outside world. We were lucky twice and I solemnly promise I will not let is happen again, but then, its man proposes and God disposes. It was a gruelling 10 hours climb and thank God the sky started to pour only after we safely exit at Janda Baik.

It was supposed to be a & person team. First Woon pulled out, Jessie was unsure and finally pulled out, Ms Ng could not join us, then the very morning, Dr Pacat fell ill. Then I was angry because Joe wanted to climb only half hill, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he was the one who got us help to lead us out of the woods. Thank you, Joe.

The trail ended up at a waterfall. The problem is that we do not know what lies across the stream and the 3 of us was to exhausted to cross the stream to check what lies ahead. So the decision was to back track, and after 45 minutes of exhaustive steep climb, help finally came through the phone. We really should have read up and asked more from more experienced climbers.

The Adventure Of Bukit Saga Waterfall

2008-03-11T00:09:00.005+08:00

Bukit Saga, Ampang. What so special about it? We went 4 times and its getting more interesting. We are getting famous for our "misdeeds" and climbers up Gunung Nuang recognised our infamous faces. Soon the Bukit Saga committee will "ban" us going to the waterfall. Look at the picture and you will notice how "evil" we can be.

First Visit

Second visit

Third Visit

Fourth Visit

Friends, lets do a grand one up there with abalone, lobsters, crab and red wine someday, okay??

Hutan Lipur Ulu Kanching

2008-01-05T22:51:00.000+08:00

25-11-2007 Hutan Lipur Ulu Kanching. It is located next to the famous Templers Park. There were various roadblocks set up due to the demonstration planned by Hindraf. It was suppose to be a public park but touts extorted us RM3-00 for parking fees. After the gateway, it was steep stairways climb uphill passing through 4 different waterfalls. From there onwards it was jungle path and the climb was quite steep. After one and half hours climb, we lost the trail and marker, so the group decided to turn back. We stopped at level 5 for swim and waterfall massage. Nice place to have a picnic if you have small children.

Bukit Tabur - Bukit Batu

2008-01-05T22:31:00.000+08:00

4-11-2007 Hey, today is my 50th birthday and my friends help me celebrate by going for a climb at Bukit Tabur - Bukit Batu. It was the third section of the Bukit Tabur Ridge, where the entry point is located at the orang asli village at Kampong Kemensah. The climb is quite gradual but steep and dangerous at certain section. Overall the climb is about 1 and a half hours each way. After the end of the trip, the coterie took me to Ulu Langat and treated me to a sumptuous seafood lunch. What a way to celebrate my birthday, all I cay say is "Thank you all, my friends."

Gunung Berembun, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

2007-10-29T22:22:00.000+08:00

27-10-2007 Gunung Berembun. This was listed as 25th highest mountains in Malaysia.

It was supposed to be a company trip for the staff of Alupanorama and my coterie, but at the end only three wise old men managed to make the trip as the others will only be able to join us the next day. When we arrived the night before, it was raining and according to the caretaker of Wuthelam bungalow, it have been raining for the whole week. As it was raining, and to while away the time, the three old wise men could only watch TV and drinks lots of beers to keep ourselves warm, and to argue as to how long a hike we should aim for as there were many trails leading up Gunung Berembun. "Will God be kind to us tomorrow?" we asked.

God forgive and forget, as we are all their children. When we woke up, its bright and clear sky, just perfect for our adventure. After a quick breakfast of eggs and sausages, we started our hike following trail 3, which was a short distance behind the bungalow. There were clear signboards pointing to the trail head, so no problem looking for it. The path of the trails was clear and you will begin to experience the dampness, misty and spooky atmosphere of mossy Mount Irau within the first 50 metres. The gradient was very gradual for the first 20 mins, then it was a steep downhill path leading all the way downhill for 10 mins. Here, you will have to cross two small streams before you will take the uphill path to Bukit Berembun. After the first 10 mins, we met the first steep uphill stretch where the gradient was about 60 degree. Following this, there was another two steep stretch and the last one required about 20 to 25 mins of continous hiking. Level of difficulty is about that of Gunung Angsi. We managed to reach the peak in slightly after less then two hours in total.

At the peak, we had some good view of Berinchang and Tanah Rata. However, Uncle Joe was cheesed off when I keep "provoking" him about the directions of our bungalow. "Dear friend, I am sorry, we are on holiday, so relax and take it easy, okay. At our age, who's right or wrong do not matter anymore, I apologise if I am wrong, I just trying to keep the mood merry, otherwise whats 3 old men to do..he..he...".

We did not go back using the same route, but followed trail 7, where it led us to MARDI at Tanah Rata. It was a very steep downhill stretch for about 20 minutes before the path ease off to a gradual slope. However here the vegetation was more tropical. The trail ended with us having to pass through a strawberry farm, and we did get some "sample" to quench our thirst, thanks to the foreign worker.

On the way back from Mardi to the bungalow, we followed trail 4, where a small stream flows beside. For the last part of our climb, we took an uphill stretch which led us to a watch tower. When climbed up the tower, we saw a young couple enjoying each others company, "sorry, if we did intrude, we were young like you before". On the way back, Joe kept complaining about the slippery pavement, so I told him to bring it up with Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands. Maybe we can send in a proposal and get the contract to upgrade the path. We also met a Singaporean gentleman aged about 70+ . He told us he walked the path everyday and he would used a stick to scrap away the mosses. That set me thinking aloud, "If at my 70's and I am killing time like this, then I only wish God will only grant me a healthy and merry 65".

In hokkien, its called "tan sie".

Gunung Irau - Malaysia's Mossy Forest

2007-10-17T23:31:00.000+08:00

30-4-2007 Gunung Irau, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

This was the first mountains we climbed after quite a long rest, but during the period in between we did manage some training to increase our level of fitness for our adventure. There were 6 of us for this climb and except for some bare information from another group who has been there a few weeks earlier, there is really nothing much we knew, except that it was like in fairy land. We were told to picture ourselves in the environment of the "Lord of the Rings". We were also informed to expect a lot of roots and that the path was muddy.

On the morning of the hike, we travel up the tar road to the Telekom Tower, which is also the peak of Gunung Berinchangm and we were proud to learn that we were on the highest road in Malaysia, at about 2000m above sea level. Gunung Irau at 2110m, so we thought we will be literally walking on the ridge, and how wrong indeed.

The first sight at the trail head was horrendous, the place was littered with rubbish. Within the first 50m into the path, viola, you are in "fairy" land. There were mosses everywhere, and you were actually stepping on it. It gives you the feeling of standing on a layer of carpet, and we were jumping on it like a "bunch of happy schoolboys and girls". The mist and the wet condition adds to the aura of mystical spookiness. Apart from the mossy carpet, the path was littered with roots and puddles of mud. If you are not careful you can lose your shoes in the sea of mud.

On the initial part of the journey, we were walking along the ridge and you can see marker stones which demarcate the state of Perak and Pahang, how lucky we were, and we joked "if you feel bored in Perak, Pahang is just a step away. This hike is definitely not for the novice or the faint hearted. After about 40 minutes it was downhill, and you really have to hold tightly on to the roots for your dear life, looking for the next step below. I have great respect for Woon's son, aged about 13, this boy is hardy, walking with ease, not a sound of complain, and at times leading the group.

About one hour into the hike, KS caught up with us, but another lady friend has turned around alone. She found the hike was too strenuous for her knee, such act of bravery (actually she did not want to slow down the group). Luckily, some kind soul had earlier clearly mark out the path, so we were not worried that she might lost her direction on the way out. We manage to reach the first false peak after 2 hours, oh boy, we were beginning to feel the strain on our four limbs. Continue on we did, and it was a steep downhill trail ( I was thinking who was the idiot who make us climb all the way up the steep hill, and immediately going down another steep path).

Along certain areas of the entire journey, we practically have to go down on all fours and holding on to the roots to pull ourselves up. At one point I remembered my lady friend got her limbs entangled among the roots and I had to support her by the bump, for her to loosen herself (she could not explained how she got caught in such mess). We manage to reach the real peak in three hours, but in reality, there is nothing to be proud off except for the heap of rubbish left by other hikers and those camping up there. After a quick lunch, we prepare for our exit but unluckily (or is it a blessing), it soon began to rain. The hike down was just as difficult because we have to hang on tightly with our hands on the roots, trying to look for next step hold. At times, we just slid down on our bump, because the next step below was beyond our reach. At other areas, looking down the valley, we were puzzled how we managed to climb up earlier.

Despite the heavy rain, we met many small groups lugging on their back, those huge backpacks intending to camp at the peak. Despite their destination still way off, we offer words of encouragement, like "oh, you are just 10 mins away" or "just around the corner" (I always take such words with a pinch of salt), and some of these hikers are "pretty lasses" (hey, shouldn't they be at some shopping complex). I certainly respect their guts and determination.

When we started our hike, we tried to avoid those pool of mud as far as possible, but on exit, when your knees buckle and you wish to get out as soon as possible, you no longer give a damn. My lady friend and I, at times have to use our hands to pull our legs out from the ankle deep mud. Despite the tiredness and the cold, we laughed ourselves silly, we were like kids playing in a puddle of mud. It took us slightly over two hours to exit, and the first thing we hoped for was a glass of warm tea. By evening, all our limbs began to ache, and that lasted two days.

Whatever the case, we conquered Mount Irau.

Gunung Datuk - Pleasant Hike

2007-10-17T14:21:00.000+08:00

29-7-2007 Gunung Datuk. It started with a wet, wet morning. Along the way, it was raining cats and dogs, all the way till Senawang, where there was still a light drizzle. We stopped here for our breakfast. Woon manage to buy us some of best "siew yok" we ever tasted.

From here we proceeded to Gunung Datuk foothill where a saw a group of youths undergoing camping activities. We started our hike at the trail head near the stream. After 5 minutes, the hike up was along steep slope of almost 50 to 60 degree. However the tough stretch was only for about 40 mins, after which, we were practically walking on gradual slope (much easier than we had anticipated).

While we were going up, there was words of encouragement from those young and hardy teenagers (such good upbringing) coming down the hill after a night of camping at the peak (what else can you offer when you see a group of uncle and auntie panting along the way).

As you near the peak, there were many large rocks. The peak is not at the campsite but atop the large boulders. Up here the view was panoramic, and with the cool breeze blowing, you are in seventh heaven. The 360 degree panaromic view offers sight of the Straits of Melaka and the surrounding greeneries.

Definitely worth the effort and should be no problem to the novice. The uphill climb was about 2 hours and downhill took slightly more then an hour.

Kampung Sungai Penchala to Segambut Dalam Trail

2007-10-16T11:03:00.000+08:00

Uncle Joe informed me that he has had enough after 4 days of hiking feasts (the spirit is willing, but flesh is weak syndrome), I said okay, I will explore alone. But hiking by yourself can be lonely, so this morning I sms him before I leave the house. Came the reply "I will pick you up at 9.30am", that's Joe to you.

Started the hike where we left off yesterday, where we followed the trail starting from Hutan Rimba Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail ending at end Kg Sg Penchala, a good 3 hours hike. The immediate hike up the steep hill slope at Kg Sg Penchala left us panting after 5 mins. After another 3 mins we followed a trail to the right. We came upon another junction and we followed right again, all the way uphill. After about 20 minutes uphill since starting, we met "three" illegal tappers, who were kind to point out 3 trails which we could follow (no guesswork required). The first trail that we followed led us to the cement path running parallel to the NKVE, which could continue on to Jalan Duta Toll Plaza. As it was hot, we decided to turn around and recce the other two trails.

Its back to the junction where our "illegal friends" were resting. This time we followed the trail to the right, and within 5 mins we reached the summit (240m), where there was a very big tree. Beyond that, the trail slopes down to a dead end, which is again, parallel to the NKVE.

Back to the junction again, this time we were more adventurous as we decided to follow the Segambut Dalam trail, which is towards the left. After half an hour, the first sight of human was at Kg Tanah Jawa. The "pak cik" there is very friendly, pointing out that we could follow two trails, the left to Segambut Dalam, whilst the right will lead us to an area near Damas. We followed the left trail, and after 5 mins we reached a stream. It was here we chance upon a colony of Indonesian squatters (wonder if they were PTI [Pendatang Tanpa Izin]). Some of these squatters built the plank houses right on the stream, and practically do all their "business" there. Pity our local folks who might be living further downstream and uses the water from the stream. And mind you, these squatters received pipe water as we saw two pipes meandering towards the colony.

We reached Segambut Dalam after 15 mins walk from Kg Tanah Jawa. Segambut Dalam is within minutes from the more prestigious Mon't Kiara - the living conditions are world apart.

The return journey to took as slightly above one hour and we exited from a very steep slope (almost 75 degree) facing the back hill of Damansara Country Height. Turning right would have led us to Desa Park City which is within 10 mins walk, but we decided to turn left to where we parked our car, as it was already 12.30pm.

Special thanks go to Uncle Joe, our next project should be end of October, revisiting Gunung Irau, the spooky and mystical mountain at Cameron Highland, right out of "Lord of the Rings".

Bukit Gasing - Who said it is a walk in the park?

2007-10-16T10:53:00.000+08:00

Technically, Bukit Gasing is good for breeze hiking. The hike involves short 10 to 15 minutes up steep slopes in two stretches. A round trip following the Denai trail takes about an hour. Its more of an endurance trail.

But for the more adventurous, they should first start the hike from the trail after the second bridge (about 10 mins walk from the main entrance, meandering along the small stream), taking the trail on the right. This uphill slope is a good 20 mins hike up 45 to 50 degree slope leading you to the Telekom Tower near Sivan Temple. As you exit near the peak, turn right twice at the tar road. After the bungalow house, look out for trail head which is nearby on your right. From here it takes about 5 mins going downhill, at the exit turn right, then take the first bridge leading across the stream. From here it will be uphill hike up gradual slope. Follow the path leading to the Watchtower, then head down towards the chain fence. At the junction turn right, first going downhill, then it will be uphill followed by more downhill leading to the stream.

Turn right, following the stream till you see a "keluar" sign. This time instead of taking the path leading you uphill to Telekom Tower, follow the path to the right. After about 50 metres turn left and follow the trail uphill. This trail is a "killer" as it is mostly 60 to 70 degree steep slope, along very faint path. The hike should be about 20 minutes and you will exit at the back of Sivan Temple. About 10m from the exit to your right, there is a path taking you downhill to the reservior. The view here is captivating. Head down taking right, when you are near the chain fence, take right again. About 20m away, there is a trek taking you downhill, passing the back of the Frasers Tower at Gasing Indah. This trail will ends at Jalan 7/132, do not exit but at the notice board denoting you are in private property, turn right, and follow the trails uphill. This is another killer path up steep slope. The exit is the small hill across where you exited earlier from Sivan Temple. Head back towards the path leading to Sivan Temple.

Midway, there is a path to your left going downhill leading to the stream. At the stream, turn right and follow the trail leading to the Watchtower again. Before reaching the Watchtower, follow the linked-fence path and head for the suspension bridge. Cross the suspension bridge, it will immediately lead you uphill and then downhill, then up another killer stretch (the grand finale of the hike). At the peak, look for exit sign, follow the trail and it will lead you out heading towards the bungalow behind the playground.

With a trail like this, taking about slightly more than 3 hours in total, do you need to travel out of Klang Valley to hike. I guarantee it will give you a good sweat. Happy hiking.

A sketch of the trail will be included later.