I find it hard to say no to nature trips with Nature Guide John Chan. Once strangers, we have come to know each other better. The one thing we have in common is probably the fact that we like to explore the jungle, especially in the more remote [...]]]>

There are many hidden treasures in Terengganu

I find it hard to say no to nature trips with Nature Guide John Chan. Once strangers, we have come to know each other better. The one thing we have in common is probably the fact that we like to explore the jungle, especially in the more remote and less known places in Malaysia. We have visited quite a number of places together but the road trip to Lake Kenyir, Terengganu turned out to be a very rewarding experience indeed.

First of all, here are some travel tips for those traveling in the state of Terengganu. One… rent a car. Public transport will cost you an arm to get to Terengganu’s hidden treasures. Secondly, throw away that itinerary…there’s just too many things to see! If you are a nature lover with thirst for adventure, this state of Malaysia will astound you many times over.

Also, if you are looking for a nature guide at various locations in Malaysia, try this http://www.offdcouch.com/ website.

We had no plan really. The whole idea of the trip was to see Lake Kenyir. We were to start driving from KL towards Terengganu and once there, just go with the flow. We turned John’s Perodua Myvi into a small camper with fishing rods, tents, backpack & other essentials. The one things that really mattered of course was the cooler box with our cold drinks.

We passed by many small towns on the way. Stopped at a few markets to get some provisions, food stuff mainly. At one particular small town market, I got some of my favorite ‘stink’ fruits…namely the Kerdas. Bush cooking is never complete without one of them stink fruits.

My 'stink' food heaven

There are a few places we have in our mind (or rather, John’s mind). He has never been to Lake Kenyir. I have been there a couple of times and am feeling confident enough to be his guide for a change. I have local contacts and am rather familiar with the place. Other Terengganu attractions, we will leave it up to the sign posts to divert us.

This is a continuation to my recent Perlus waterfall trip. After my first trip to Perlus, I realize that I had to take extra gear with me. Leeches are aplenty along the trail to Perlus. They are everywhere. So…leech sock is a must this time. I make do without [...]]]>

My leech sock and my boots

This is a continuation to my recent Perlus waterfall trip. After my first trip to Perlus, I realize that I had to take extra gear with me. Leeches are aplenty along the trail to Perlus. They are everywhere. So…leech sock is a must this time. I make do without socks, tucked my pants in and had the leech socks up.

Yup…I have my jungle boots on. It’s the only pair of shoes that will actually give me the support and grip that I need on the trail. The trail is mostly wet, muddy and slippery. Other things I packed extra for this trip was my UHF radio and my GPS. I want to record the route as much as I can.

Cars were parked at local Orang Asal’s house. Sali was not around but his porcupine friend finally decides to show itself. It came out, though I doubt to greet the morning’s visitors, grabbed some fruits and quickly ran back to its hole in the cement walled ‘compound’.

Click Nature Guides Malaysia to look for nature guides all over Malaysia.

Say cheese Mr Porcupine

Camera shy Mr Porcupine decides to head back into it’s ‘hole’

A bit of briefing to the entire group and a few minutes later, we were already on our way to Perlus waterfall. John, being a nature guide had the whole group interested in plants and the surrounding when he stopped and shared about them.

Nature Guide John Chan sharing some of his knowledge on useful plants

The Senduduk or Melastoma malabathricum is known to be used for the treatment of piles, high blood pressure and diabetes

The Senduduk or Melastoma malabathricum is known to be used for the treatment of piles, high blood pressure and diabetes

This useful Senduduk plant also has purplish fruits that can be eaten. A good jungle plant to look for in case of a survival situation.

The fruit of Senduduk can be eaten

The initial part of the trail saw mostly small orchards planted with banana, durians and some local guava. Gradually the trail change it’s look and became more ‘wild’.

The initial part of the trail passes through some orchards

The trail soon became more ‘off road’ and the scenery that surrounds us began to change. The jungle became denser and shouts of ‘leeches!’ began ringing among the group. The terrain too gradually became steeper. All part of a good hike…(to be continued)