In search of the light house at Jugra, Banting

The light house from a distance…a lot of bush to cover really

During a recent recee trip to a training camp at Banting, I decided to go for a bushwalk to look for the Jugra lighthouse. The area is located nearby the river that feeds into the ocean, separating the Jugra side from Carey island. I was told that there is a jungle trek that leads to the lighthouse which I later discovered was entirely misleading.

Of course there is road access to the light house. The area is also popular for para-gliding events. But with us having only one vehicle, I thought it would be fun to explore the jungle a bit and try finding my own way there.

I walked alone and started my walk from the training camp. My other colleagues were busy trying to climb and abseil natural walls as I packed my gear. My minimum kits and communication kit I brought along plus the other usual stuff.

There are many clusters of Dillenia in the area

Walking up the small hill behind the camp, I noticed the entire area was covered with Dellinia. Reminded me of the Delinnia Inn I stayed in Miri during my jungle trip there.  Looking closer, I also found a snake skin and a rather friendly dragonfly that allowed me to come up close for a photo shoot.

The snake skin I found along the way

This dragonfly wasn’t shy at all- A 'Grass Hawk dragonfly according to Jan

On top the hill, I can see far out the development that is taking place. Land has been cleared, mainly for palm oil. And the river that feeds into the ocean with Carey Island on the other side.

The view from the hill near the training camp

I found and followed the trail one of the locals told me about. It wasn’t marked but there were many signs enough to tell that the place has been walked upon. Twigs were broken, foot prints caked in mud and the occasional food wrappers. I followed the trail as best as I could and ended up at a mausoleum. It is the Royal Mausoleum of Sultan Abdul Samad. Turns out the 5 acre land has been the Selangor royal’s burial grounds since 1886. This particular mausoleum houses the grave of Sultan Abdul Samad, the 4th Sultan of Selangor who died in 1898. I wanted to go in and pay my respect but I doubt I look (or smell) presentable enough to enter a mausoleum.

The Sultan Abdul Samad mausoleum in Jugra

I lost the trail here. The trail could have continued at any of the many small trails around there. A check on the GPS and I took my chances. I continued walking and ended up in a fruit orchard. Well, I guess I have missed the actual trail. Too late to turn back now.

An organic farm of dragon fruits

My ‘intrusion’ into the organic farm was greeted by roughly 5 adults dogs which I would prefer to consider as singing at the top of their lungs. So loud that I know I have to get out of the place quick before someone comes chasing me out of the property with a shot gun.

From there on, I walked on the paved road. Yup, sad to say that my bushwalk adventure from here on consists of mainly paved and gravel road. I eventually started walking on a gravel road again. This time through a durian plantation, up a steep hill. Finally, the light house was within sight.

The light house at Jugra now within sight

Its funny how at times just when you know you are about to arrive at the destination, the road becomes most challenging. This is one of the cases. The gravel road ended abruptly and now I am faced with about 150meters of steep slope covered in chest high shrub.

The chest high Lalang stood between me and the light house

It was probably one of the hottest, most difficult Lalang infested slope I have ever walked on. The Lalang made the walk so much slippery that I have to hold on to them to stop myself from slipping down.

Finally, the sight of the light house.

Finally, I made it to the light house

It was like mid day and the heat was really unbearable. I gulped down 3 liters of water easy just getting to the light house. It is being manned by the Fisheries Department and no visitors are allowed into the compound.

Beside the light house is the para-gliding site. They even built a shaded seated area for spectators.

A shaded area for para-gliding spectators

The big Jugra letters beside the light house

Well, if you look carefully in the picture above, you will notice there’s a Malaysian flag on the flag pole. Now, look closer and you will notice that whoever put up the flag has put it upside down. Hmmm…

The Malaysian flag upside down…sigh

Anyway, I have finally manage to arrive at the light house. After marking it on my GPS, a short chat with a local I met there, I started my walk back to the training camp…this time via the paved road. Feeling satisfied, I can’t help but laugh alone thinking about the upside down flag.

A screen snapshot of my bushwalk to the Jugra light house