Okay, we were literally walking into restricted areas of Taman Negara, inaccessible to the general public. All we had was a map (with some pencil lines drawn on it) and two units of GPS to help guide us. Once inside, we have limited communications to the outside world. 10 minutes in [...]]]>

Large pig mud holes

Okay, we were literally walking into restricted areas of Taman Negara, inaccessible to the general public. All we had was a map (with some pencil lines drawn on it) and two units of GPS to help guide us. Once inside, we have limited communications to the outside world. 10 minutes in and already the jungle starts to reveal itself.

They weren’t kidding when they say we needed parangs for this trip. It soon became obvious that we are moving into an area of the jungle where it has not been ventured in by people for a long time. There are simply no trails at all. The only faint ones that we can identify are probably animal trails and may lead us away from where we are supposed to head to. Constant check on the GPS against the map was necessary to make sure that we are heading towards the right direction.

We had to stop often to compare the map against the gps to make sure we are heading the right direction

The deeper into the jungle we walk in, the darker it gets. This is the first ‘change’ I realize. There was little light on the jungle floor. The ground is covered with all sorts of plant matter, creepers, vines and rattan thorns that make our progress slow and at times extremely painful. We pushed on and on, bit by bit with the Perhilitan officer at the front slashing relentlessly to make a path for the rest of us to come through.

Some wild jungle fruits that has been partially eatan

A beautiful feather we spotted on the ground inside the jungle

Beautiful fruit that is accompanied with some serious thorns!

It wasn’t until a good few hours walk before we finally found the first Taman Negara plate. This is the first indication that we have reached the border. Our jubilation was short lived when we realized that it is the only tree marked. The direction of the border can be anyway!

It was already a long days walk and we were running out of water. We took every opportunity to fill up on water. Even the wines that were cut when making the path through the jungle looks tempting for drinking!

It was a long day, hot and humid. We filled our bottles anywhere we could. Used tablets to make water safe for drinking

Jungle vines is a source of drinking water but unless you know which one, best to stay away

They call the jungle rainforest and water is supposed to be abundant. But finding a clean water source at an area that is suited for camp can be a challenge.  Though the map indicates water sources, streams and even rivers, many have ‘disappeared’, some simply too doubtful (stagnant water) while others simply do not have enough flat land. Our group needed flat land because several of us using tents.

In desperation, we make do with a small stream for the first night. It was a small stream. Abang Mat (Perhilitan) was quick to work the stream by digging and damming it so that we have a pool of water to collect water for cooking and even washing. Whatever flat land was cleared for the tents while the hammock users picked their trees.

The small stream was an awesome relief after not being able to find any other more suitable sites

The first day was a tiring day. Resting in my hammock, I was amazed at how noisy the jungle is. I remembered the night well. It was about 8pm and just as I was about to doze off, a loud single burst of ‘uuung’ when off and this ‘call’ was responded by a similar call from opposite the river where my camp was situated. Seconds later, more such calls rang out in the jungle. They appeared to be frogs and they kept on ‘uuung-ing’ each other for the longest time. I came out of my hammock, reached for a piece of stick and try to disturb the ground, hoping that the frog near my camp would just move away. It did…for a few minutes that is. Soon it was back ‘uuung-ing’ away. Well, nothing much I can do. I lie in my hammock, thanking God for the good and safe journey and slowly drifted into my sleep.

Taman Negara Trailblazer jungle trip…here I come! It was a Wednesday morning and we all gathered at the Gombak LRT station. With all our fully loaded packs, we hopped onto the MYCAT Hilux and headed for Karak highway towards Merapoh. We only stopped for breakfast [...]]]>

On our way to the Merapoh entrance to Taman Negara

Taman Negara Trailblazer jungle trip…here I come! It was a Wednesday morning and we all gathered at the Gombak LRT station. With all our fully loaded packs, we hopped onto the MYCAT Hilux and headed for Karak highway towards Merapoh. We only stopped for breakfast and toilet breaks. Man, the only rep from MYCAT did most of the driving while the rest of us chatted about matters ranging from parangs to blood diamonds (it is a long drive).

By the time we arrived at Taman Negara Merapoh, the four of us had already started to ‘gel’ together. Well, for sure we have differences but like all things in life, we make the best of what’s on the table. Upon checking in and doing away with formalities, we went straight to work. Checking and dispensing gear. Food was a major issue to me personally. The moment I see the 15kg bag of rice and cans of sardines and chicken curry, I knew I am in trouble. Hey…I love food but lugging can food for days isn’t exactly my kind of adventure. But heck, here we are with the goods and I already agree to be ‘flexible’.

Sorting out food for 5 days in the jungle

Now…the plan is to cook for dinner and breakfast only. There is no time to stop and cook lunch, so packets of biscuits etc for lunch on the go is called for. We have Camping Gaz stoves with us. Each of us carried one full canister each. Thankfully, by the time we finish with food, there’s heaps of rice and other bits left behind.

The perhilitan truck that ferried us into the unknown

We were initially informed that our journey begins the following day. But just an hour after finish packing, a Perhilitan officer drives up to our cabin in a truck. We looked blankly at each other, realizing our hope to sleep comfortably in the cabin for the first night no longer exists. I heard a few exchanges of words between Man and the officer and the next thing I know, we were all on the back of the truck on the way to Kuala Yu outpost. Our ‘Trailblazer’ adventure has just gone into hyper mode.

I can feel my heart beating fast as we sat on the back of the (flying) truck. It took us a good 40 minutes to get to the Sg Yu outpost. 1001 things racing through my mind. Did I pack my shoes? Did I leave anything behind? Hope I have all the sardine cans. What on earth is going on??

The truck came to a complete stop right smack in the middle of an oil palm plantation. Alighting from the back of the truck, we were greeted by a suspended bridge over a river that separates this unsightly landscape with the Sg Yu Outpost. A tall structure that stands tall on what looks like a small hill.

A suspended bridge separates the outpost from the oil palm plantation

Looking down the suspended bridge, I see a beautiful river with steep sides on both sides. The river flows out into a arch of pristine jungle with some trees bowing towards the water, as if trying to take a sip of water from the flowing river. This to me is an epitome of what a jungle should look like.

A beautiful river at the side of the outpost

This outpost it seems will be our shelter for the night before the real ‘challenge’ the following day. We took every available moment to do final preparations. Its now or never.

Going through our maps

The structure was built tall to avoid elephants that may pass through the area!

Wee Siong doing final packing and checking on his gear

Nervous? Maybe. Excited? A little bit. Scared? Yes. But I have come this far and I have been longing to do this sort of trip into the ‘off the beaten’ trails of Taman Negara for a long time. Now is my chance.

Some months back, I received an email with an attachment on MYCAT ‘Trailblazer’ project. Being a member of Malaysian Nature Society, I am aware of MYCAT works but have not been able to get involved personally. This particular project seems interesting, with volunteers spending multiple nights in [...]]]>

Visit MyCat website by clicking the picture above

Some months back, I received an email with an attachment on MYCAT ‘Trailblazer’ project. Being a member of Malaysian Nature Society, I am aware of MYCAT works but have not been able to get involved personally. This particular project seems interesting, with volunteers spending multiple nights in the jungle with Perhilitan officers doing border clearing and patrols (though volunteer are not doing the actual partoling itself). But the email indicated that this would be the first trial run for the Trailblazer project. Trial runs usually mean uncertainties and this holds true as the days unfolds.
3 volunteers showed up for the pre-trip briefing two weeks ahead of the actual trip. The MYCAT team was there to brief us on expectations as well as preparations for the trip. After the meeting, few key words kept lingering in my mind, among them ‘be flexible’, ‘super fit’ and ‘cans of sardines’. I imagined myself an adventurer with a blank map with only two ‘X’ marked. Start and end.

So…we are going into an undetermined part of Taman Negara to do park border clearing as well as to keep an eye out for illegal activities. Parang action seems unavoidable, something which I am (happily) up for. We were told to start building up on our stamina…so that we will not ‘suffer’ too much on the actual trip. Last but not least, they also told us all that all pictures taken, GPS readings and any publish material must be screened through to ensure certain aspects of the project is not jeopardized. We even signed forms agreeing to all this. And this write up you are reading has definitely gone through MYCAT’s censorship board.

Plenty of opportunity to see amazing stuff!

Clueless yet willing, I psyched myself for this rare opportunity to volunteer for a MYCAT Trailblazer trial run project at Taman Negara Merapoh…in support of the Malayan Tigers.

We were told that there were several waterfalls in and around Batang Ai area. Our campsite was actually half way to one of them. The stream that ran close to our campsite has been exceptionally low for the past few weeks according to our Iban guides. The [...]]]>

We continued our river walk towards the waterfall

We were told that there were several waterfalls in and around Batang Ai area. Our campsite was actually half way to one of them. The stream that ran close to our campsite has been exceptionally low for the past few weeks according to our Iban guides. The morning of our second day in the jungle, we were all pumped up to continue walking to  get to the waterfall.

We were told that the walk will be long and we were also warned that some sections can be rather difficult. The walk itself was indeed a long one but thankfully extremely rewarding and enjoyable. Some areas were a bit tricky but still passable with a little bit of care when moving. At one section of the river, we had to make a choice. Either chance walking on the river bank which was steep rocks or wade through the river. The choice was obvious for some of us.

Vincent wading through the river

Further upstream, there was some commotion among the 2 guides at the front. We caught up with them…beaming with pride, they showed us their catfish which took the bait they left overnight. There was sincere joy in their faces. We were simply over the moon!

Chong with on of the catfish that took the bait

Our Iban guides put out a few catfish lines the night before. If my memory serves me right, we got a fish on every line and there was actually one line that went missing! Guide Chong and Sabang secured the fish back to the river so that we need not carry them along the trek to the waterfall.

The first, lower tier waterfall

We arrived at the first tier waterfall not long after. Well, by all means it is not a magnificent waterfall but it is pristine. Sensing that we are not contended, guide Sabang pointed to us…hey…why not we go explore the upper tier then. It tooks us some scrambling up but not far above the first tier falls, the river opened up to a beautiful fall. According to Sabang, the locals call it Wong Meruntum.

A group photo at Wong Meruntum waterfall, Batang Ai

Wong Meruntum is a nice fall. Not big but it has sort of a cozy feeling to it. There was a brief silence when were were there. It is that moment when veryone seems to be immersed in the beauty of it all. And of course some of us took the opportunity to submerge in the waterfall.

Local Kuching guide Danney Tan enjoying the waterfall

Well, some of us really are happy with the waterfall. Just as we outsiders think that it is time to leave, one of the guide started climbing on the side of the waterfall. Seconds later…he emerged on top of the waterfall, shouting in Iban…’Hey…another waterfall’. Without a moment wasted, we scrambled up the other side (where it is safer) to get to the upper falls. It was a steep climb and the fallen trees made the climb a little harder. Finally…another upper tier, small but with a nice enough pool for a few of us to sink in. It was a fine day indeed.

Guide Sabang very happy to arrive at the upper tier

After spending some time at the waterfall, dipping and taking pictures, we started our way back to camp. Only to stop on a few spots to rest and collect the catfishes. Waterfall, bush tucker and good river trek…what more can one ask for?

Some of the fishes and river crabs caught for dinner

Never a big fan of waterfalls but when we (Jim & I) went for a walk in the jungle near Batang Kali, we stumbled upon 6 small waterfalls. An exhilarating walk through some really nice river, jungle and OrangAsli trail.

Jim is an [...]]]>

We came across close to 6 mini waterfalls on a one day walk!

Never a big fan of waterfalls but when we (Jim & I) went for a walk in the jungle near Batang Kali, we stumbled upon 6 small waterfalls. An exhilarating walk through some really nice river, jungle and OrangAsli trail.

Jim is an established canoeist (he is a Canadian after all) and obviously an avid adventurer who is really keen on exploring the jungles in Malaysia. I decided to invite Jim to this part of the jungle near Batang Kali as I have always been curious about the place since I last visited it. I never explored far in back then.

We followed whatever trail there was. But it became very obvious soon that there isn’t any actual trail around (so we thought). Having a parang then really helps as it cleared much of the way of which otherwise would be near impossible. Soon, we arrived at our first mini waterfall.

The first waterfall

Though we started at around 830am, the day was rather dark and gloomy that threatens rain. We were ready for that and continued on. However, taking photos were a challenge, especially when one has a camera with a broken flash unit!

Gloomy & cloudy day in the jungle, not good for pics

The initial 500meters of our walk was just covered in thick undergrowth. We had to cross the same river a couple of times. It is only then that we were able to pick up an old Orang Asli trail. The trail is clearly used and some patched of ground along the way has obviously been cleared.

Another one of the many mini waterfalls

Following the Orang Asli trail was a bit intimidating actually. There were plenty of bamboos in the area. I remembered walking on some of the trails, with traps and bamboo arrows that could have easily been mistaken for road signs. We walked slowly, keeping an eye on our surroundings.

Jim measuring the depth of a hole in the river

Jim getting trying to get a closer pic of a waterfall

After close to5 hours of walking in, we decided that it is best to stop, have some warm drinks and food. Jim brought rice and some bannock which I am more than happy to accept. We made some warm drinks, had lunch and enjoyed the last waterfall we came to.

We both had a great time exploring this jungle

My stove and Jim’s 'signature' pot

My parang at the base of a tree that has fallen. Note the rocks held together by the tree roots

With some food and warm drink into our tummy, it is time to head back. The clouds were already gurgling up above, a sure sign of rain. Walking out is faster (as usual) and what took us 5 hours to walk in only took us 2 hours to walk out. On top of that, we think we found an easier entry to the trail, so the next time around would be much easier. The start of the trail is marked by an abandoned Orang Asli hut.

An abandoned Orang Asli hut

We arrived at our car just in the nick of time. By the time we got the engine running ready to drive away, the rain was pouring. It was a day well spent, with 6 mini falls and beautiful jungle along the way, Jim and I had a wonderful time exploring this jungle near Batang Kali.

My friend Jan has been talking about exploring some parts of the jungles near bentong in Pahang for some time now. I always imagined Bentong to be hours of driving from where I live. But as it turns out later, it is only [...]]]>

One of the rivers we saw while exploring the jungles near Bentong

My friend Jan has been talking about exploring some parts of the jungles near bentong in Pahang for some time now. I always imagined Bentong to be hours of driving from where I live. But as it turns out later, it is only about an hour drive away and the jungle there is surprisingly nice.

Jan had an idea that perhaps Spencer Chapman did cross over from Bentong over to Kuala Kubu Baru back during the Japanese occupancy. I have to say that Jan has been very diligent in doing his research on Chapman’s trail. To help him, I got him some pretty cool topo maps for use.

There is a huge area of jungle in Bentong. As we drove around, we pass through a big open area which I believe used (and probably still is) a garbage disposal ground. But instead of the usual smelly stench you’d expect from a garbage dump site, this site is covered is clay dirt and flattened flat. But as we were driving in, we can’t help but notice what seems like lamp posts sticking out from the ground, littered all over the site.

The area is big and flat

But upon closer inspection, we found that the ‘lamp posts’ were actually wind turbine connected to big pipes stuck to the ground. We came up with some crazy ideas about what it is but we believe there are ‘breathing’ valves for the decomposing rubbish buried underground. Probably a way of releasing trapped methane gas from inside the ground.

A close up picture of one of the wind turbines

As we got closer to the fringe of the jungle, we started to notice a peculiar character in the landscape. Trees must have been chopped, land cleared exposing huge boulders. It turns out later that similar landscape is found in the jungle.

The land is cleared, exposing large boulders all over the place

Somehow I have the feeling that they jungle will not stay that way for long. There were tractors moving the large boulders to one side. Seems like a big project happening. Nearby there was a military camp doing some jungle exercise. I was tempted to take some pictures but decided otherwise. As long as they are not doing some firing exercise, I guess we should be okay.

There was an obvious jungle trail. We decided to follow it. Some locals we met told us it will lead us to some Orang Asal communities inside. It was close to noon time and the heat of the day was more than enough of a motivation to us to start walking.

Jan standing at the start of the trail

The river reminded me a lot of Sungai Luit. 10 minutes into the walk and already we had to cross a stream. A usual thing in the jungle. Along the trail, there were several bridges made of bamboos. We reckon these were made by the Orang Asal. Some of these crossings even had old remains of wooden bridges which were either rotting or has broken down.

One of the several bamboo bridges along the trail

Jan monkeying around (safely) on one of the bamboo bridges

We met an Orang Asal couple. Husband and wife walking into the jungle to hunt and set up traps. Ah Seng was carrying a blowpipe. I wanted so much to take pictures of him and the blowpipe but reckons our ‘brief’ encounter would be a bit of a rude shock to do so. He was telling us about the jungle and how he and many from his village go hunting there. All the while, I can sense that the wife is rather ‘suspicious’ of our intentions. He later pointed us to his hunting hut by the river, which we decided to stop for a break.

Ah Seng’s hunting hut near a stream

Most of the material to build this hut came from the jungle around

We parted ways with Ah Seng and his wife. We decided to move on. Further on the trail, we came to a small waterfall, much to Jan’s delight. I am just glad I could cool off in the water.

The waterfall as pointed out by Ah Seng

We explored the trail a bit further up later on. But at a point, there was a landslide and the trail was broken off. We decided that exploring further on would have to wait another day. This trip has to be a one day trip only.

Walking back on the same trail, we took more time to look around. Below are some scenes from the trail.

We wondered if this stacks of rocks are natural occurrence or man made

A ditch with rocks lined up on one side of the wall

A Lantern bug we spotted on a tree

A tortoise skeleton perhaps?

All in all, it was a good day out. The jungle is good with visible trail. I think it is safe to say that we made new friends with the Orang Asal which is something I am looking forward to. There’s plenty to learn and discover about the jungle and bushcraft through them. I am grateful that Jan managed to convince me to join him to explore the jungles of Bentong.

We have been planning for this trip to Semban village since 2009. It was a rather impromptu decision to join a local Kuching guide, Mr Danny Voon after his relentless invitation to visit this ‘magical’ place. Meun and I have always loved Sarawak and this was [...]]]>

The early part of the trail up to Semban

We have been planning for this trip to Semban village since 2009. It was a rather impromptu decision to join a local Kuching guide, Mr Danny Voon after his relentless invitation to visit this ‘magical’ place. Meun and I have always loved Sarawak and this was our perfect excuse to go there again. Having returned from the trip, we’d say this is a very memorable trip indeed.

Semban is a Bidayuh village located roughly about 42km from Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak. The hike to Semban is nostalgic in a way actually. Though Semban is spared, it’s road access will be submerged together with the 3 other Bidayuh villages (Kampung Bojong Pain, Kampung Rejoi and Kampung Sait) located at lower elevations once the Bengoh dam is completed.

There were four of us in the group, both of us and our good friends Jan and Aric. We departed from Kuching about 10pm towards the trail head. Our first stop was the small town called Batu Tujuh or Seven mile, Danny’s favorite stopover for supplies to be carried to the village. Some fresh food, packed lunch, cans of 100plus isotonic drinks and an entire carton of 500ml drinking water were among the supplies purchased.

Guess what we had?

The drive to Semban’s trail head was pleasant. As we drove along, I can’t help but feel like we are in Ipoh. The limestone hills remind us so much of beautiful Ipoh but without the scarring of quarries and buildings.

Beautiful sceneries along the way

From Kuching, the drive to the trail head is about an hour. Just before we enter the dam area (which is under construction), Danny picked up his trusted guides and porters…Nyun, Glen (both from Semban) and Desmond (from nearby village Danuk).

Danny meeting Glen, Desmond and Nyun

Danny did tell us about the dam being in construction. Sad to say, the works on the dam during our visit looks like it is nearing completion. What an awful sight and the idea that it will be swallowing large tracks of jungle is really hard to swallow.

The dam nearing completion?

The sheer size of the dam is sickening

It was getting late; the sun is almost directly above our heads, so we hurried on with our gears. As we (visitors) were loading on our gears, Nyun and Glen were busy putting on their ‘improvised’ packs. And they carried all, ALL including the entire carton of drinking water for the entire groups.

Glen’s ‘pack’ probably weighs twice or more my pack

Nyun’s and his pack

With all our packs on our back, we started or climb to Semban, the village above the clouds.


Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV-  The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades

The start of the trail leading to Kenip waterfall begins just behind one of the Kampung Kenip huts, covered with low shrubs and foliage. Just a few minutes of walking later, the landscape changed. The green blanket we walked through at the beginning slowly changed to gold. Surrounding us was [...]]]>

The Semais main staple…hill padi

The start of the trail leading to Kenip waterfall begins just behind one of the Kampung Kenip huts, covered with low shrubs and foliage. Just a few minutes of walking later, the landscape changed. The green blanket we walked through at the beginning slowly changed to gold. Surrounding us was a sea of hill padi. The stroll turned out to be a very educational jungle walk.

Big areas, just behind the village have been cultivated with hill padi. We were practically walking through their rice bowl!

The hill padi planted by the Semais

Hill padi being dried under the sun

Rows and rows of hill padi

We soon entered the ‘jungle’ backyard of the village. One thing for sure, there’s lots of bamboos here. Not surprising that bamboo was the villager’s main building material. Very evident in the huts they build.

The useful bamboo everywhere

Rahim made prior arrangements with Pak Dollah to guide us into the waterfalls. A village elder, I had a long chat with Pak Dollah in my car as we drove to Kampung Kenip. Already a grandfather, this fit looking gentleman is told me he used to stay in an area very remote in the jungle, until the government encourage them to move out. I asked him if he feels that life is better now. No is his answer. He feels that it is more difficult to feed himself and his children. Hunting is bad and everything is expensive. But he does however appreciate the fact that medical help is much more accessible now. Pak Dollah still hunts with his blowpipe and I asked him to tell me more about the jungle during our walk, whenever there’s opportunity.

All Pak Dollah was carrying is his parang. Nothing fancy as well. Not long into our walk, he stopped to the side of the trail and stared at some bamboo shrubs. I assume he saw a snake or something but said to me…”Inilah buluh temiang…buat sumpit” (this is the Temiang bamboo, use to make blowpipe). He went on to describe the bamboo and the blowpipe to me.

What’ amazing about this bamboo is that it is small in diameter, light (thin wall), relatively straight and has a good length inter-nodes. Normal bamboos I have seen have inter-nodes about 30cm in length but this particular Buloh Temiang is at least a meter in length! I believe the scientific name for this bamboo is Poaceae Schizostachyum jaculans, also known as ‘buloh sumpitan’ in other communities.

Long internodes on the Temian bamboo. Pak Dollah hands are at the nodes of the bamboo

Me holding the nodes on a piece of Temiang bamboo. No wonder they use this bamboo for blowpipes- pic by Jan

The hike was mostly gradual uphill climb. For a person about 60 years old ( though he claims he is older than that!), Pak Dollah seems much fitter than any of us!. Later along the trail, Pak Dollah stopped and pointed at a tree. “Pokok Ipoh…racun sumpit”. This is the tree where the poisons for the blowpipes darts are obtained. The cut marks on the tree trunk is evident that the tree is being harvested

Pak Dollah beside the Ipoh tree

The sap from Pokok Ipoh

This is an interesting jungle walk no doubt. It was becoming more of a bushcraft jungle walk to me. Closer to the waterfall, we walked pass a trapped (unfortunately dead) porcupine. It looks like a snare, made out off thick fishing line caught the left rear leg of the animal. Could this would be a young Himalayan Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)?

The porcupine size, compare to my parang

The snare still attached to the animal leg

We left the animal as it is. The Orang Asal will surely come back to check the trap later on. We continued walking and not long after, we arrived at the Kenip Waterfall No. 2.

Continue reading…

Part I – A visit to Semai’s village at Pos Betau

Part II – The remote Kampung Kenip

Part IV – The waterfalls at Kenip

Final part – Hill rice, blow pipe & traditional fire starter of the Semais

We did this walk somewhat [...]]]>
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.

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. [...]]]>

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