Partly a continuation of the Spencer Chapman trail, this is a jungle walk with Pak Abu and Jan at one part of the jungles surrounding Templar Park near Rawang. Surrounded by lush beautiful jungle, we came across mini waterfalls, numerous signs of wild animals and an endless supply rejuvenating mountain streams.
We did this walk somewhat in December 09 I reckon. Pak Abu and Jan have been tediously working on history books, modern and old sketched maps to hi-tech GPS mapping software to determine the closest possible route that may have been used by the British Military Officer during the Japanese occupancy. Both Pak Abu and Jan are dead serious about doing as much as possible of the trail.
The start of the trail is clearly marked. Obviously this area has been a popular picnic and hiking spot. There were works ongoing to repair some areas of the trail that has collapsed.
Parts of the initial trail is very clear
Later on the trail, Jan’s GPS is pointing to another direction. So, we had to take a detour off the main trail and another trail. Ah…this is what I call ‘off the beaten track’.
The hidden trail
We did find another trail. Not too old but probably have not been used for many months. We followed the trail as far as we could before cutting into a fast flowing stream. We followed upstream, some parts we had to scramble up mini waterfalls.
One of the mini waterfalls along the stream
Pak Abu and I striking a pose at one of the waterfalls-pic by Jan
The bigger waterfall
We continued walking, stopping only occasionally to take pictures and have some feed. Some parts of the walk along the stream open up to clearings with sandy beaches. There were many signs of wild animal being there, especially wild boar. But one particular animal footprint stood out. It didn’t look like any other prints I use to see.
This can only be wild boar!
This particular foot-print sent chills down my spine
We realized we were getting quite high up the hill when the stream was getting smaller and smaller.
Pak Abu walking along the stream higher up the hill
A rather unique and beautiful part of the stream we were walking along
Nearing to the end of our walk, our path following the river was overshadowed by a big uprooted tree. Not that I have not seen an uprooted tree but this tree was unique as to its size and it’s roots that were still holding on to the number of big rocks from the ground. It just wouldn’t let go.
The roots of this uprooted tree held on to big rocks
Time flies when you are having a good time. Several hours have past and we knew we had to turn back before it gets too dark. Jan was obviously keen to go further and we had to literally pull him away.
On the way back, Pak Abu used his Sarawak parang to show me how a horizontal bamboo cooking pot is made. But of course we used our usual pots to brew our teas and coffee. Blissful.
The bamboo pot prepared by Pak Abu
Pak Abu making his brew
Our jungle walk ended with warm drinks and a dip in the refreshing waterfall. Pak Abu and Jan were satisfied with the distance we have covered this time around. It was a beautiful day indeed and most of all, we have accomplished what we came here to do and that feels great!
Click here to read the first part of the Spencer Chapman walk.
Love this trek!
Yeah…really nice walk
Wow looks great, Templar park is the only “outdoors” place I’ve been to so far…
I didn’t go far in as I was with the kids and dog, where can I connect with the trails there? I saw group camp area and the stream but didn’t see any trails
Once again great pics!
that trek sounds great, do you mind a tag alonger?? i lost my hiking buddy recently and havent found a replacement yet!
would be great if you could reply by email, it’s on my profile at my blog, thank you!
Hi Steve! Kids and dogs? Awesome! There are a few other places where we can bring dogs and family to. We should explore that some time. The trail is partially hidden and we had to backtrack a few times. Its a big jungle there. Will let you know the next time we go again, you can come along
Hi Louise! Sure, we have new friends coming along from time to time. But we will not be doing any walks for this coming few weeks because of work. I will let you know when we have a new trip and you can come along
There used to be 2 real trails and about half a dozen ” spooky ” trails or trel hantu as we called them in malay left by armed bandits or PGKs as we used to call them travelling from Fraser’s Hills past Ulu Yam and into Rawang via Templar park, acquiring money and supplies from couriers based around Rawang.Good intel provided by SB operators provided us much needed info in cutting and intercepting roving groups of 3 to 6 armed bandits.
Quite a number of OPs were found, food dumps uncovered and a variety of signalling and traps dismantled in the 80s too…
There’s also a small salt lick with sulphuric smell abound too. Used to be tiger country those days as the areas were cordoned off and curfew imposed and hence wildlife was literally protected.
I believe Templar Park is an island now surrounded by development from all sides…
what a shame!
Wow…ForestGump…thank you so much for the info. Really good. And you are right about the park being an island now. It is sad really. Hey…with your knowledge on all this, you should write a book at the very least!
I used to do remote treks tracing old Force 136 commandos trail with the son of James Hannah who was a member of F136… it was fun…particularly on the perak/kelantan borders as well as the ulu langat/janda baik trails pahang/selangor borders too….
Even came across a WW2 Liberator bomber that was shot down by Jap zeros…with one of the F136 officers later becoming Malaya’s first IGP!
ForestGump…I think we have to sit down for a TT session. I have to convince you to write a book on all your adventures. You should consider sharing your experiences with the world!
Sharing with the world? Sounds too easy for the rest..
everyone should make their own adventures without relying on anyone.
Hearsays should mean that one should find out herself or himself…and along the way, you will fall down – just stand up again – get lost but learn from being lost…and along the way, you will find many treasures that others can only dream about
My teacher was called CURIOUSITY and FEAR – fear makes me alert. And ALWAYS have EYES LIKE A THIEF wherever you walk or trek about….
Adventure..is a romantic name for trouble!
Hey ForrestGump…in years to come, probably when we are not around anymore, our future generations would probably have lost so much of the natural jungle. Your first hand experience can give them a rough idea how it all should have been (my personal thought).
As for me, I think I need to get out of my comfort zone more.
Thanks for your comments dude.
Get a group going…b4 I travel for 7 weeks end July.. and perhaps we can do something in the jungles over 4 straight days in Perak.
Hey ForestGump…I wish I could. I am going to be quite busy these coming months. Email me, what you have in mind. Your survival course I think may be a bit too tough for my group of friends.
the worst day in the jungles is always better than the best day in office – tough is a very subjective word.
Yet many came and walked out of the jungles with me realising that every obstacle they met introduced them to another person in them that they never knew existed.
tough is in the heart and adaptability and acceptance are in the head
and with lots of good humour, an open mind and a simple WHY NOT? all have made it since 1996!!! Younegst being 11 years old and oldest at 69 years old!!!!
Okay ForestGump, tell you what. I will try to organize a group. But when, am not sure yet. I will put the word out. Hopefully some will take up the challenge.
Hi,
Forestgump> How do I contact you. I read from above that you hold survival skill courses. I would be interested to know more.
Can Keong kindly pass my email to Forestgump if he agrees to contact me? Many thanks.
Hi Fuji…check your email.
any jungle trip recently?
Actually have but just no time to do write-ups. Time consuming
hi mr keong,
oh… hope i can join some of your adventures! it’s great to find someone from my own soil actually enjoy doing some bushcraft and stuff
Hi Trevor…hey…definitely. Where are you based anyway? I think I sent you and email or two but not sure if they got to you.
hi there, too bad i didn’t receive any mail from you. i’m based in JB but with arrangement, i’m ok to go for a day or two.
Hi Keong: Looks like you’re the man for organizing jungle trips. My husband from America and I, a Malaysian, are retired and are looking for things to do. Can you email me when you organize new adventure trips?????? Thanks!!!!
Just sent an email to you