Ulu Semangkok and Sepinggan!

From Left ; front row, Ima, Lilian, Anne, Nurul's guest, Patrick

back row, KT.Wong, Chin, Victor, Kim, Bella, Alana, Farisha and Mr. Chul

The thought of not making it to the peak last month was still hovering at the back of my mind and since the ankle was doing OK the on another simpler hike was not that bad, I decided to give US (Ulu Semangkok) another go. I could do it together with Lilian or I can announce it in KL Meeting. I did the latter.

Although 21 hikers RSVPed a few can't make it but we still have 16 hikers. I met them at the Rawang toll booth and those that attended was on time. I waited for another 15 minutes to see if there are others. We convoyed in 5 cars before Ima and Kim joined in from Serendah. The drive was pleasant as there was not much traffic and by 7.20 am we were at the trail head at Gap Resthouse.We parked our cars at the dilapidated car park and put on our gears.

                                   The car park with Gap Resthouse at the rear.

Chin KF arrived from Raub a short while later and so did Victor. Raymond and Chee was not here yet. They went for breakfast at KKB and they should have been here first. It was already 8.00am and upon ushering by other hikers, we started the hike and proceeded to the trail head which was just beside the road. As usual Bella took the lead and I was the last to start. 10 minutes into the hike Raymond called and I directed him to the trail head but he can't locate it. I told him to hang on while I made my back to the car park. I told Lilian to stay put and I went down. The trail head is actually a small opening on the side of the road, quite hidden actually. 20 minutes later we rejoined Lilian and proceeded. The front group was already 25 minutes ahead by now.

                                                     The hidden trail head.

Problem with myself is, if I hike on a fast pace, I loose steam very fast. We were trying to catch up the front group. Although Gunong Gap is 1183 meters and we started the hike at approximately 850 meters, difference is slightly less than 400 meters, the distance is only one kilometer. That's steep and the ancient Bedford bus engine inside me can't really run fast. I overheated at the Gap! It took us just 40 minutes to reach Gap! The rest were already on the way to the second peak. Chee managed to rejoin the first pack.

                                                    Climb, climb, climb!

The second leg of the hike was actually hiking on the ridge between two mountains. There was a few slopes and also gulleys but it was not that hard. Thing is the engine has already overheated and the improper sleep the past few weeks due to new enviroment ( I moved house ) starts to take toll on me and Lilian. Raymond was already far ahead. Me and Lilian finally reached the point where our first hike ended. There's a gulley here where you have to descend before ascending the last slope. I will call this gully "Bang Gulley". Remind me to make a sign board the next time we hike there again.

Just before reaching the gulley, there were 'monkey hollering' between Anne and Lilian and we know we were near. Anne also gave Lilian a blood crunching scream when she reached the peak. The others will be wondering what has happened but for myself, I know it's usual.Ha,ha,ha. We made it to the peak at 11.15 am and Anne said I was 15 minutes early. She expected me to reach at 11.30 am. To me that's a compliment. It started to drizzle and we were all huddling under the 'beirut' and after photo session I suggested that we descend back to the clearing (there was a small clearing on the way up).There were also lots of bees attracted to our sweat.

                                                            The summit !

The cycle starts again, by this time, my ankle pain recurred again. Seems it doesn't go away. I sprained it when I was doing 'Rajah' and I thought it healed. The pain only hibernate. It seems the descend was even more taxing. With my right ankle in pain, the load on the other foot was also paining. Luckily I brought my hiking pole. At least that helps a bit. When Lilian and me reached the 'clearing' Raymond, Chee was cooking their noodles. Patrick was lying down. Ima was sitting there with Kim and Bella was fidgetting with her bag. The rest was already on the way back as they were hungry and they did not bring lunch.

I can't really eat eventhough I was hungry and like an overheated engine, I was gulping water. My radiator was bottomless! I even took Bella's water. When they had finished lunch, if we can call it lunch, ha,ha,ha.I was bloating! We descended and somewhere between Gap and the car park I overheated again! My legs in pain, stomach bloated but still craves for water. My mind was already hallucinating about sweet soda, iced cooled soda! The tree trunks looked like Coke bottle!

The pain made me very careful on the slippery and steep slopes and this really made me and Lilian slow. The condition we were in was a factor. Usually Lilian was faster and fitter than I am but this trip she was like me too, lethargic. I think we were not in our best form. This made me think about the coming 4 days Benum hike. I was thinking of cancelling it. Since I already can contact Chin KF who stays in Raub, we can arrange Benum anytime.

By the time I reached the car park, most has left and Raymond, Chee, Bella, Lilian and myself made our way to KKB for lunch, real lunch as they were all famished. We hunt around KKB and saw one particular coffee shop with lots of patrons. They serve noodles but there was also ready fried noodles. We sat and ate there for past an hour and the cooling herbal tea was a relieve for me, at least! Anne called me informing me she was safe at home and also the jam at PLUS and also enquiring about her car pooler. I told her everything was OK as she went back with Nurul.

                                       See anne, already kangkang at the base!

All in all, I barely spoke to the hikers as we only spent 15 minutes on the peak and also 15 minutes at the car park and even that, we were all busy preparing for the hike. Partly my fault too as I was slow and spent  most of the time on the trail, lagging behind, ha,ha,ha. So, fellow hikers although there was not much  interaction, this can actually be the start of better hikes and camping trips, since the ice has broke!

After the meal, we drove back to KL and I just drove slowly and even stopping in Serendah for MORE water. Sorry we can't replace the radiator as it is already out of production.

Klang Gate Dam 'easy peasy' trail.

                                                 We didn't look tired at all.

I was in the midst of moving house and the tedious and back breaking task was just boring and also argument causing between me and Lilian. In between that, I did mentioned to some Low Yat forummers that I can guide them on a hike suitable for beginners. The easiest was Klang Gate Dam trail. The date set was 13th May.......... lucky it was not a Friday. Ha,ha.

The appointed time was 7.30 am and like clockwork they arrived just before 7.30 am. After some introductions we then drove into Kemensah village. We reached the same car park that I parked my car before and after changing into my hiking shoes, we shot off! The other two hikers namely Patrick and Jeffrey was new to hiking and I found out that there was no worries as they are fit as well. Jeffrey was the same sized as I am and at last, I can get a buddy on my hikes, ha,ha,ha.

                                  Jeffrey, my new buddy, same pace, same size.

After a while, I noticed that there was mangosteen trees and they were bearing fruits. I did not encountered any such trees the last time. I think I missed a fork! Slowly but surely as we hiked a familiar landmark came into view. The cross junction where we took a breather the last time. We came from the 3 o'clock direction the last time and this time we were coming from the 6 o'clock direction. No wonder I don't feel tired at all, ha,ha. It was a shorter route!

                                                Lots of mangosteen trees.

Behind us was four other hikers that folowed us as they were going to Tabor Extreme and they did know the direction. Problem was, neither do I. I can only guess from the huge boulder jutting out from the peak must be it and told them which direction it should be. I told them I was hiking to the lake only. They went off but after a while they rejoined us because they can't find the way. 

                           So serene and calm. Wish I have a bungalow beside this!

We reached the dam after a while and I noticed there was many fallen trees. There must be a lightning storm last night as I counted not less than 4 or 5 fallen trees. We took a 'five' at the lake and then proceeded to move out. Just a few steps from the cross junction, I saw a familiar group hiking towards me. Lilian gave a shriek, " Hello! " It was Azmie Burger with his entourage of 3 beauties. We stopped and chatted for a while. You know lah! The conversation between hikers. What else? Mountains and hills. " I have been this mountain lah, he's been that mountain lah, this one easy lah, that one hard lah!" , was the usual banter. We then bade goodbye and carried on.

                                                       Lightning Struck!

At the landmark junction the other group was resting and one of them lost his soles, ha,ha. Seems to see a lot of that lately. The last one was in Gunong Rajah lost by Ricardo. Many seems to under estimate the importance of a good pair of shoes. Even 'Adidas Kampong' is functional because of it's one piece construction, a 'monocoque', ha,ha. Nothing to fall off!

                                                     Which one is me???

I took the same route to get back to the car park, past a scenic route and also to hike higher and the highest point recorded was 265 meters asl. I then took the same smaller single trail passing an orchard post and also a stream or a creek. Durians were bearing fruits there. Must time myself to visit again during the durian fall. We came to the tarred road after some downhill hiking and the ground was wet. There were leeches, many of it. I think it was the rain last night.

After we reached the car park, the other group was already gone. They took the same way as they hiked up. I wonder what preparation they did to attempt Tabor Extreme. With the wrong shoes and without an experienced hiker who have been there. That's dangerous!

I checked with Jeffrey to see if he's OK and he okayed. Patrick was fitter so it's not a problem for him and he wanted to try Ulu Semangkok after I described the hill to him during our 'yum cha' at the MacDonalds in Jalan Ulu Klang. So, our next date is 20th May 2012 in Ulu Semangkok.

Lata Naning /Gunong Rajah Meteor Watch- Looking at the Stars !!!

WARNING! Read only if you can withstand incessant yakking.
                 (photos from Vincent's collection)

Group photo at the start

After much waiting to the awaited date since January when it was proposed, the day finally came. The attendees list was fluctuating like the KLSE. First there was 30 which was the maximum then some backed off and then it went full again. On the last few days before the actual date, a few backed off again and finally at the appointed time and place only 18 showed up! I think cold feet causes a lot of diarrhea! Ha,ha,ha.

The whole group delayed 30 minutes to wait for the rest and finally we had to shoot off. After another half an hour or so, we reached Chamang waterfalls. This is the starting point. Suprise, suprise!, we started off earlier than the big group from Johore which was supposed to start earlier and it was not 30 hikers as expected but 60! Before that another group of day trippers started off and also another group from OGKL. 

                                               The coffin!

As usual, the group splintered into different groups, the faster ones ahead and the slower one behind. Somewhere along the logging trail, Ricardo's, (the 

Korean hiker, some called him Ronaldo and some called him Avocado) sole separated from the shoe. I think it was a long time he didn't use his shoes as they looked new. Luckily for him, Vincent had a spare. We finally regrouped at the trail head which the rangers called 'Matau', which was actually a clearing with 3 prominent rocks but I will call it 'three rocks'. We rested for a short moment before proceeding into the jungle. This is where the jungle trail starts. It was an easy route as the trail ascends very gradually with a few makeshift bridges built by the 'orang asli' for their jungle foraging. It was also under heavy foliage and cooling.

                                  Arrival at the 'three rocks'.

The faster group dissapeared into the forest fast and the back markers was 

trudging along quietly. It was uneventful but everyone except Munin and Jaya

was at the river crossing. Farid started off as soon as he saw us and the faster group was here for the past 40 minutes! That's a big gap between the group. I took my lunch here as I did not had any that morning. After that we started off again. It was trickier from here onwards but it's only a 200 meters ascent to Lata Naning and it is only an hour's hike. The altimeter on my watch registered 740 meters above sea level when we arrived in Lata Naning. My trip meter on my GPS registered the distance at 11.4 kilometers from the start point at Chamang waterfalls.

                            Vincent's collection of jungle produce for lunch.

The early birds have already set camp. In total there was 7 camps. Ricardo, Amit and Vincent in one, Bella and Yee Jen beside them, ZH Tan and Ng in another and  finally with Zul and Ann in their white Coleman single tents. The five tents which I named Damansara Heights as they were overlooking the other two tents on lower ground. One of them is mine, ha,ha. Me and Lilian and also Chin with Er Chun Chiang and Jacq. Come to think of it, where did Niklaus sleeps? I knew Jaya and Munin was a pair and their huge bungalow was on the other end. There was a straggler from OGKL group. He was a wee bit overweight and was struggling from the river crossing and he too decided to camp here without his gang who have continued to 'Kem Hijau'.

                                           Damansara Heights

We had a fire going at the center and Jaya, Munin and Farid was restless and 

they decided to move to the peak first and planned to reach the peak of Gunong Rajah by sunset before descending to LWP (last water point) to camp for the night. Then Niklaus, Jacq and Er Cun Chiang wanted to follow, then Amit decided to go as well. So, there was only 11 of us left at the camp site. Though I wanted those going to the peak as a group but it was out of my hands and to be fair, they were much fitter than the rest. We still have Vincent, ZH Tan and Zul (who did not want to hike to the summit) who knows the trail. The rest of us rested and we made a camp fire and enjoyed dinner while joking and Ann was the subject of most jokes. Ha,ha,ha! At one point, while Lilian was getting water from the river, she screamed! A frog frightened her and the frog followed her and hopped in the direction of Ann and she screamed even louder! The frog hopped between her legs and onto the groundsheet. Luckily it did not get stuck between her legs, ha,ha,ha. There were many frogs there.  I too, also got a shock! Not that I was afraid of frogs but while squatting at the river bank filling water, there was this low croak that sounded like Kenny Roger greeting me in a low tone and it was loud!

                             The calm and refreshing waters at Naning.

The rest of those who wanted to hike up decided to start hiking at 10.30 pm

that night. They were Bella, Yee Jen, ZH Tan, Ng, Vincent. The straggler from OGKL also decided to join our group for the ascent. At 9.30pm Zul called out to those who are going to wake up and get ready. Ann decided to move her camp from Damansara Heights to lower ground beside me and Lilian. After they started off, the camp site was quiet. Me, Lilian, Chin and Ann had not much to do except chatting and making fire. Actually it was very peaceful. It was also very relaxing. It was also getting cold and I had to put on my jacket.

We looked at the sky among the trees but didn't see any stars. It was covered with clouds. Dissapointingly we decided to sleep. I can't really sleep as the gushing of the waterfall was loud and I was just at the edge of the 60 foot fall. It was thundering  <music> all night long, all night long <music>. Reminded me of the song. Not Lionel Ritchie but Chris Tucker in Rush Hour, ha,ha.

                   A hairy thingee discovered by Vincent and had a sting by it too!

The usual me, if I am awake, I need tea. "Takde teh, tak boleh jadi", as Mahmud Jun would say. I went to the river bank for water and then, " Hey, the sky was filled with stars. I woke Ann up and together the three of us went to the rocks and lay down there. Each of us was scanning hard at the sky. I managed to identify a few constellation but don't know what it's called. Some weird astrologer, huh? There was the brightest one which could be Jupiter. Then Ann shrieked, "there, there". "Where", Lilian asked back. "That's a firefly lah", Lilian and Ann said together. The stars was getting brighter and clearer and then we all saw one meteor flashed past and it was a mere second! We all saw our first meteor of the night. After another half an hour we saw another one and I saw another one. By this  time Ann and Lilian was sitting a bit higher than me and further from the water's edge. Then Ann said, "Balik tidur lah, cukup lah nampak tiga". Then it hit me, the frogs were croaking louder, ha,ha. I suspect that's the reason for Ann's early retirement.

Back at the camp, me and Lilian can't sleep, so we restarted the camp fire and I gathered some dry branches to fuel the fire. Now I can enjoy my tea and had a chat time with my wife. We talk, laugh and reminisce about our lives, what we have been through and it was a great feeling. Lilian said it was so peaceful and think we should do more camping.

We settled in at 5.00am and at 7.30am, this is the conversation between Ann and Chin. They were loud and clear and I was still inside my camp.
    
         Ann    : "Wah! uncle sudah bangun aah?"
         Chin   : " Sudah lama lo "
         Ann    : " Sudah makan kah? "  
         Chin   : " Sudah makan Oooooat "
         Ann    : " Susah mau tidur lah! Banyak keras, sakit pinggang. "
         Chin   : " Ya kah?

Now, what was that they were talking about? I rolled for a few moments and then unzipped my tent and peered outside. Ann saw and wished, "hai, morning". I greeted back and asked her, " apa yang keras sangat sampai tak boleh tidur, sakit pinggang pulak ". She caught on and laughed hysterically. She explained it was the ground. We ate breakfast and before you know it, it was already 10.00am. 10 minutes later I saw movements in the bushes across. Munin and Jaya showed up. They were the first. I crossed the river and sat with them. I enquired about the group to see if they regrouped and if they are all OK. Munin assured me the second group have all reached the peak. It was kind of relieve to hear that. Munin and Jaya started their descent at 7.30am.

Er Chun Chiang showed up and then Amit Kumar. They were exhausted. Er Chun Chiang shouted to Chin if there was food. Chin replied positively and Er Chun Chiang rushed over and slipped and sploshed into the river. His bag was soaked and quickly he fished it out and took out his hand phone. He took out the battery and tried to flicked it dry but the battery fell into the river. His legs must be really weak!

Slowly one by one, they showed up, tired and exhausted. I was back at the camp and after a while, all was accounted for. From feed backs from Bella, the second group, under Vincent and Zul, was really a tight group. The sense of camaraderie among them was strong. They even waited and pulled up the 120kg (my guesstimation) straggler from OGKL up the rock face. In fact he was already part of our group now. Probably our group was more considerate and accommodating. I saw Munin sleeping at the rocks across the river and it was decided that we will leave at 2.00pm.

Some had their lunch and slept for a while and I was already packing in my stuffs and by 2.00pm we have all crossed the river. Except for Zul, Farid and Ng and ZH Tan (who asked us to carry on first, they will catch up later) we all moved out with Munin and Jaya in the lead. As usual, stage by stage, me and Lilian eventually 'swept' the back. We all regrouped at the river crossing and moved  out again and this time Zul and Farid was at the back. I, Lilian, Bella and Yee Jen was at the back as Bella was prepping and encouraging Yee Jen as she was really beat up. I have to admire her strength as this is her first hike! Yes, first hike! Although a mistake but she made it to the summit. I do hope that she don't give up hiking after this trip. So, Yee Jen, if you are reading this, I will say again even when the others has said, " You just choose a wrong trip, don't give up hiking yet. Try a few more hikes first before deciding." We caught up with Niklaus almost 600 meters from the 'three rocks'.

The logging trail is usually my dread of any trail either here or Nuang. I was already in trundling stage now. Every step is an effort. Even Chin overtook me near the hydro station. There was also strong sun near part of the logging trail and finally I reached the trail leading back to car park. The steep descending trail looks so long. At last we were at the car park. All was still waiting there. I saw all except Farid, Zul (which was behind us) and no Bella, Yee Jen and Niklaus. Then I saw them coming down the slop, they overshot!

We all said our 'goodbyes' and left the car park. Later at night and I SMSed Zul to check on them. I felt better if I knew they have reached and Zul replied that they reached at 7.00pm. Now, I can sleep peacefully and "Boy!" did I really sleep! I was most grateful on the weather. Although the weather 

forecasted thuderstorms for the two days, there was not even a drop of rain and I am thankful for the wonderful weather on this trip.

Bukit Apek, Syiok Syiok saja!

                                                     A rewarding waterfall for the hike!

Gunung Ulu Semangkok was just last week where I made my knee hurt even more. Bella and Chin was discussing about Bukit Apek during the hike. They asked my opinion and I told them," I really need a rest if I were to make it to Gunong Rajah this 21st April." So, it was between them.

During the return to our car, me and Bella left our hiking poles in Chin's 4WD. Bella called her and Chin asked her to pick it up on the trip next Saturday. As the week progressed, my knees was healing and so, I agreed to the hike. We made plans and then I asked Bella if she could lead other hikers in Bukit Apek, since she knows the trail very well. It was like her playground, hiking there without fail every Saturday. I convinced her and then I announced it in KL Meeting's website.

Till midnight, the day before the hike there was 18 hikers who has RVSPed. All gathered without much problem except one hiker which misread my description but he made it there finally. Bella cautioned that on the walk to the trail head, we should keep our volume down so as not to disrupt the residents there who are still in their slumber. With a group like us, that's going to be hard!  Chin was the most prepared man that day, he's ready for camping! I did mention to him that today's hike is just like a day walk in the hills.

                        Group photo before the hike, all look so fresh and nice!

So, the hike starts. Bella has roped in her fellow hikers of the hill to help out. A kind man Palini was willing to sweep. I want to thank all of them. So, I WAS FREE ! Ha,ha,ha. The trail was a well trodden one, the local residents took care of the trail and it was well marked. From the trail head we moved to a small bridge crossing, then on to the 3rd station. The rest of the group was waiting there. Then we proceeded to another rest stop called 'Gold Hill' by the residents. Chin's friend gave up here and decides to return. I got a feeling that this it will be his last hike. Just as I was going to continue, Thai YF jumps in front of me and Lilian. She was with us during the Gunung Rajah survey hike. We changed greetings and chatted for a moment. I heard this was also her regular hiking haunt.

Chin was getting slower at this point but Palini was with him. As me and Lilian reached the 6th station, and then on to the Saga rest stop. Here I saw Jag and company swaying on the hammocks. Chin was resting and since Palini was there, me and Lilian decided to catch up with the group. This is where I met Victor and Mr Tee. I told them I was trying to catch up with the main group. I thought they were going to the waterfall so me, Lilian and Victor went for the trail. We were not sure and then kind hikers directed us. On the way to the waterfall, we bumped into the main group. Ha,ha,ha. Bella was leading and told me, " Aai! how come you are here?" I said, " I don't know." They were on the way to the 'beirut'. We rejoined the main group and went to the 'beirut' which marks the highest point of this hill.

See the two guys on the right. I guess they were new hikers, at least on this hill.

Overheard them saying, "I thought we were here a while ago ? ? ?"

We proceeded to the waterfall after some rest and the usual jokes and banter. The way to the waterfall was familiar to me because we did that during another hike last September. As usual me and Lilian was taking our sweet time at the rear. After a few ascents and descents into a valley, walking on a fallen log, another ascent, we can hear the voices of the group. They were already splashing and playing in the waterfall.We joined them and had a sandwich and the 'Gatorade' that I bought at 7-11 this morning was a life saver. It was here I heard that Jag and her friend tried to catch up with me as Chin gave up. I also felt guilty that her friend fell and hurt herself. I didn't know but I was glad they were OK and they were there at the waterfall.

                                      Nice 'hammocking' time at the waterfall.

After a rest, it was time to trek back. Bella took us back on another trail. The trail was supposed to be easier and more gradual but the ascent to the top first is a 'killer'. From there onward, I was falling to the back and Lilian accompanied me. 'Going home' feeling always plays with your mental fitness. "Why, are we not reaching yet? ", this question always plays with you. It was a slow, uneventful trek back. 

Finally, we returned to Station 3 but Bella's paper trail was not on the trail that we came here. We trek a few steps and then I checked my GPS. The return trail was another one. Then a fellow hiker told me that  Awana is the other trail. So, I took the other trail as advised. The last kilometer was a few steep descents and even steeper ascent. I thought to myself, "This shouldn't be." We were supposed to descent but we were also ascending. The trip meter on my GPS says we have already hike almost 9 kilometers and the moving time

was equal to the stopping time. Ha,ha,ha. We were resting more than we were hiking.

The trait with Lilain was, she is always very eager to return and get it done with. She always leaves me behind at the last few stages. It was up to me to catch up with her. I made a mistake of not taking my hiking pole with me. The descent while catching up with Lilian really hurt my knees. At the last stretch, I saw Bella. She was suprised, " Is that you KT?" "Yes, it's me", I replied. I was faster than the main group. Ha,ha,ha. This has to be the first time. You should see Ann Daim's face (she was really tired) when she saw me taking a short cut. It was priceless!

                                See the red trail, Bella took them on that trail while 

                                             I used back the former trail.

Bella then informed me that Chin was still in the hills with Palini. I told her I would wait for him. Ray Lee came and had a drink with us. The rest dispersed and Ray Lee and Raymond Hah invited me for lunch but I declined as I still need to wait for Chin. I told them to carry on as we won't know how long Chin will take. I was waiting and waiting, I almost morphed into a rock! It was already 2.30pm but no sign of Chin and Palini. I decided to walk back into the trail when I saw Chin and Palini having a 'yum cha' session at the drink stall nearer to the trail. While we were waiting at the stall outside, he was here all the while. At least he was OK and so I bade goodbye and left.

Now I really, really want to rest my knees for the coming Gunong Rajah trip.

Ulu Semangkok, itching legs.

                                                          At the top of the first peak.

It's been two weeks since my trip to Gunung Rajah. Although the knees still pains when I wake up in the mornings, I felt like going into the mountains again. A check with the KL HIking website didn't help either because there's only the Gunung Nuang trip. Being a slow trekker and compounded by the time frame, it's not my cup of tea.

Just as I was pondering, I got a call from Chin and he was asking if I have any plans for the Saturday. It just hit me on the instant! "Yes", I replied. I am hiking Gunung Ulu Semangkok near Frasier's Hill. He said he will join in together with his friends. " OK, good", I said. Now I have a hike coming and the venue was something that I have always wanted to try. Somewhere not many hikers go.

One Friday while browsing through Evergreen Adventures I met Bella and I told her of the trip. She was interested. I said I will pick her up Saturday morning. Our appointed time was 8.00am at the foothills of Frasier's Hill. When I was in KKB for breakfast, I got a call from Chin saying he was a bit late and he is in KKB. I told him I was there too and so we met for breakfast at the Hainanese coffeeshop.

                                                      Our meeting point 

During breakfast we decided to go in Chin's car so off we went after breakfast, all five of us. we reach the old colonial rest house after 45 minutes of twisting and turning roads. Bella almost barf because of the high center of gravity of Chin's 4WD. Maybe she needs getting used to. LOL!

We park at the dilapidated car park just below the colonial building and then off to the trail head. None of us has tried this trail but a check through blogs and 'youtube', I knew the trail head was a slight slope just beside the road. we located the slope and then clambered up. It was quite steep and slippery. All of us managed un-assisted though and we then encountered bamboo forest. A lot of them are falling and we have to hike underneath the bamboos which is painful for my sore knees.

                                                        The trail head.

The air was cool and crisp, a much awaited bonus of hiking. It was quite steep but very pleasant trail. It was raining last night, judging from the three landslides that we saw on the way from KKB. The trail was wet, making us quite cautious on the slippery trail. The fresh fallen leaves did not make it easier at all. As usual me the 'au naturel sweeper' was at the back. I had a leech stuck on my ankle but it was soon taken out with a spray of 'Mozziegard'. They made it to the first peak after an hour and I took another 7 minutes. We took a breather there and Chin's watch recorded the altitude at 1130 meters and 22 degrees Celsius. It was cooling and it was windy that day.

                                                   Bella telling Mr.Chin, "It's this way".

                                              Into the bamboo forest.

After a rest we proceeded on to Ulu Semangkok. From here onwards the trail got steeper and harder but the trail was well marked and clear. From the info from blogs, I estimated that we will reach by noon. We hiked down into the valley and up back to the ridge and then down again into another valley and then up again to another ridge. This went on and on without ending. I, at the back was getting really tired and knees was getting from sore to pain. At one clearing we took five and Bella gave me a bottle of 'Revive'. It really revived me a bit and we hiked on.

The sign saying, " Ulu Tranum Forest Reserve ". The same reserve where Pine Tree Hill is, according to some, there is a trail all the way to Gunung Kutu from here.

At 12.30 pm, we came to a deep gorge and at the opposite was another hill with steep slopes. My guess was this is the last slope and the summit is on top of the hill there. Bella went to check it out and Chin followed. Then Lilian went over too but it was foggy and cold then. Altimeter reading was 1280 meters. The peak was rated at 1398 meters. But it was almost 1.00 pm and Chin advised us to return as we want to end our trek before 5.00 pm. What lies ahead is still unsure as no one among us has climbed this peak. Sadly, we disciplined ourselves and turn back. A check later from the web revealed that we were a mere 20 minutes from the 'beirut'. Sigh...................... next trip. 


I will be there again after the Meteor watching trip in Gunong Rajah.

Gunung Rajah 2 - Bukan main main.

After the 'hoorays' and 'hoohaas' at the peak we finally descended. We started off after 8.00am. As usual me and Lilian was last and we were even slower now as we were tired with muscle sores. Most importantly Farid and Zul was at the 'Rock'. It is the utmost important that everybody made it down safely. I thank them for this. We won't be able to descend safely without them. When we were all finally down, Azmie another hiker whom they called the 'Otai' was gone. They have left, leaving behind even their female companion.

By the time we descended down to 'Bonsai' the female hiker, (sorry I didn't get her name) Farid and Zul was there. By the time we were back at camp, ZHT and Vincent was cooking and packing. Azmie and the 'Otai' has almost completed packing and was waiting for the female hiker. By the time I was back from a bath, they left. ZHT left earlier because he was going to see if Chin LK was still in Lata Naning.

After a meal and packing, me and Lilian, Vincent, Farid and Zul started descending. Since they are the faster hikers, they went first. My muscles were sore and trying to stand up is an effort. Slowly me and Lilian trudged down the slopes and we were alone by ourselves most of the time. By the time we reached Lata Naning, everyone was gone! The place was empty!! No campers, no Farid or the others, just the two of us!!! A storm was looming above and this must have hasten all of them to leave early. I checked the time and it was 2.25pm. Although we were exhausted, we moved out and hiked as fast as we can. Just after 20 minutes after we left, heavy rain poured. In the heavy rain, we trudged and trudged. Finally, we saw the river crossing but we can't cross as the water was too swift. We sat there by the banks and suddenly there was a gush of water coming from the right side. We hurriedly went to higher ground. Only then did I know that at that particular place two rivers met. Water was gushing from the other river and making the existing swift water at the crossing even higher. 

As we sat there, I told Lilian that we might have to spend another night here. She was calm but on her looks, I can see the questions in her mind. " What about my cats at home?", "The house is empty, we might get burgled again", I know this was in her mind. Then she spoke, "You realized that we are the only two persons left in this mountain." She's right actually, we were basically sweeping right from the peak. Other than EZ Paul which made an appearance, then overtook us we are the last two. Her face was sad and she was reluctant to set camp.

Then at 6.30 pm, I saw something on the opposite banks. Something I won't mention here, probably because I was fatiqued and my mind was running wild. I can challenge anything but the sad face of my wife is just hard to take it. I decided to swim across as the level of the water has gone down a bit. I took out my rope and then tied it to a tree and the other end around my breast under the armpits. I saw the worried look on Lilian. I told her if I drifted, pull hard to bring me to the bank. She nodded also very worried. I went further upstream to the place I want to land and went in the water. I swam hard but overshot the target. Luckily my legs can reach the sand and went up the bank.

I shouted for her to take the rope and tie around her waist. She did and I ask her to slowly wade into the river. The backpack was impeding her movements so I told her go back to the bank. Then I ask her to tie the backpack to the rope and I pull it over first. She then asked me, " How are you going to throw me back the other end?" Something I didn't thought about in the midst of the chaos. I asked her to release the rope and coiled it back and went to the narrowest part of the river. It was above the big rock with the markings. I secured one end and threw the other back to her. One by one she tied, I pulled back the backpack and then threw it back to her. Then it was her turn and the rain is getting heavier. If the water level rises again to the former level, she won't be  able to cross. The thought of she's on one side and I am on the other is scary! She tied and  then waded into the river, I pulled with all my might and she was already at the bottom of the rock where I was standing. She didn't have the strength to pull herself up and I too am too drained to pull her up. I ask her to swim (her legs are not touching ground) further down behind the rock. The current there was blocked and so it's easier. She waded there and  "Thank God!" it was shallower there and she came up the bank. At last she said happily, " Lucky you brought a rope ."

The hardest part is behind us now. We took a rest and then slowly, we put on our headlights and slowly hiked out.Our legs are in pain due to the constriction of the shoes due to wetness. Even untying the shoe laces was not helping. We were like walking in circles, maybe because we were tired and our mind running wild. We kept walking and walking. The pain doesn't matter anymore. Every step and every place looked the same. The leaves were shimmering with the rain once our light shone on them. Then we thought we were heading the wrong way and back tracked and then I realized that when we started hiking in, the river was on the left, so naturally to go out, the river must be on the right. We reached the logging trail and took off our shoes and changed into slippers as it was too  painful. We have to changed back into shoes as the slippers can't be used on the muddy trail. The mud gets stuck to the slippers and sucks the slippers out of our foot.

Slowly in the dark with two headlights (thank God! it's still functioning) we trudged and then we saw the 'orang asli' huts. I encouraged Lilian saying it's near already. Near is never near when you are in this situation. I saw some headlights approaching and tried to stop the 4WD  it but it didn't. No matter, we are already beyond the half way point of the logging trail. We reached the pump station and then finding the trail back down is also a problem. We finally found some old streamers tied to a branch and found it. I was too tired and drained to actually trek down the steep slope so I just chute down on my behind.

I checked the time and it was already 1.00 am. We washed our shoes and slippers in the toilet and then went to the car. We didn't prepare dry clothes this time. We didn't cared anyway. We stopped at the Genting Sempah Rest Stop to get some drinks and then straight home.

I was thinking to myself. What if I have drifted away? Nobody knows and those who were hiking  with me, didn't thought of it. Whatever it was, I think you have to be mentally strong and if  you are not confident, only go camping or hiking with people who are more caring. I didn't thought of it.

I am cancelling or asking someone else to take charge of the trip that I have planned as I don't think I can shoulder the responsibility nor I am confident of taking charge of 30 campers. I almost failed even to take care of one person, my wife!

PS/ After calming myself and thought over the whole episode I came to a conclusion,

01.  Always be prepared with any eventualities of nature. Be prepared with 

ropes, 'parang' , extra food etc.

02.  When you prepared clothing for campsite, always wear it for sleeping or around the campsite. Don't be lazy to change back to your hiking clothes. I made the mistake and I was without dry clothes at the river bank. If I were to camp there, I would be really miserable in my wet clothes. It was one of the reason why I did not camp and took the risk of swimming across. Small and petty details can change your decision! Either for good or for worse.

03.  Make sure you also have extra water and dry clothing in the car.

04.  Most importantly! The whole episode won't be as scary as it was if we all stick together. The group was splintered with individuals don't know where or how the others are. Every situation at every  different moment is different. We should start together and leave together.

If I were to stay back with Chin LK in Lata Naning (as I should have done), this would not have happened. The mind was too engrossed with conquering Rajah. All in all, I think I deserved to punished as I was by NATURE!