I.S.A Plus Club 2010

I.S.A Club is considering as an active club with self-funding through participation fees. I’m part of the committee member which carries a title called Auditor but it doesn’t justify my role there. The only significant role is between is President and non-president post. That’s it.

This club had brought me the whole new experience in organizing activities. We have come out a whole year plan to be carried out and we do meet up for every quarter to discuss about arrangement and rules.

In Q1, we have Green Day, in conjunction with Earth Day. We collected old paper, bottle & can from office to recycle and increase our fund. It’s called REuse, REduce, & REcycle,

There goes with Go-Kart Championship @ Batu Tiga, Shah Alam. I’m not involved.

I.S.A Go-Kart 2010
Venue : Go-kart Circuit Shah Alam
Time : 9am – 10am
Date : 23 January, 2010

My first participation was Bowling Championship held at BTS and it was a huge support from the department. We have about 30 players. Competition was quite stiff and my team was not able to clinch even a medal.

I.S.A Super Bowl 2010
Venue : Berjaya Times Square
Time : 7pm – 10pm
Date : 4 February, 2010

Other than outdoor activity, we have a Birthday Bash party every quarter. In Mar, we have CNY Open House Party. Everyone have to wear red.

By late of the month, we organized a Jogathon @ KLCC jogging park. It was held after office hour, means everyone has to gather at the park after 6pm. I didn’t involve as it fall on my birthday date.

I.S.A Beat the Clock Challenge 2010
Venue : KLCC Park
Time : 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Date : 23 April, 2010

In early April, I was assigned to be the co-organizer for the badminton tournament. It’s called Super Series Tournament and I did it very well. I’m the one who sole organizer from paperwork to physical arrangement. All I did was segregate some job to my committee member to help along. Indeed, this was what I felt proud of myself for being able to run an event for 20+ players.

I.S.A Super Series Tournament 2010
Venue : The Challenger Centre
Time : 10.00am – 2.00pm
Date : 27 March, 2010

After a successful event, the following was Futsal. It was organized by those experienced players and we held it at Taman Cuepacs Centre. I wasn’t participate because  no place for me. Instead, I was just helped taking photograph around.

I.S.A Agong Cup 2010
Venue : The Challenger Centre
Time : 10.00am – 2.00pm
Date : 5 June, 2010

Following the month, we have swimming competition called Sh@rk Swim Cha11enge. This might be the lowest participation event after all, with 10 peoples competing for 3 top placing. I was able to secure No.2 in single 100m Men and No.3 in Team 4×50m. Guess? I got 2 medals in my first ever competition. Hehe.

I.S.A Sh@rk Swim 2010
Venue : Condo Swim Pool
Time : 10.00am – 2.00pm
Date : 10 July, 2010

Swimmers participating … a small group anyway

CS Team … winning bronze in team event

The following event below was my last event with the Club. A basketball event. I’m leaving this company indefinitely. I’d resigned from my committee post and all related positions.

I.S.A H0tsh0ts Challenge 2010
Venue : Sg Buloh
Time : 9.30am – 12.30pm
Date : 7 Aug, 2010

All teams representing … a large group with few hot shooters.

Winning team (Champion) … I’m proud to be part of it

Endless say … thank you President the great opportunities and guidance

Well, bye to I.S.A Club. You will be my memories forever.

Upcoming MATTA Fair 2010

3 – 5 September 2010

MATTA Fair second edition for the year is going near at 3-5 September 2010 soon offered a year-end sale package to all travelers. My aim this coming fair is to plan for year trip as well as obtain information for tentative trip.

Since economy is start showing some positive figure, it drives tourism industry to the grow as well. I expect many travel agencies start throwing cheap packages out to attract people to buy it even without full deposit. A minimal booking fees is required to secure the package price.

My upcoming traveling list has been revised half-yearly to keep track where am I going and progress in completing my list. Those who seek short holiday may find it useful and informative.

Travel Plan for year Q2/2010 and 2011 ahead.

As planned, my Gunung Mulu National Park trip has been completed successfully and posted. It doesn’t stop here, my upcoming mountain trip has extended to Indonesia, with Mt Bromo tour on next year March. And the list of over obsessed with nature exploring will not slowing down and keep growing.

Let’s see my completed trip for first half of year 2010.

• Mountain/Hill – Saga/Apek Hill | Gasing Hill | Bukit Tinggi | Tabur Hill (East) | Mulu Caves & Pinnacles | Mt Irau | Mt Nuang

• Island – Ketam Island

• Waterfall – Rainbow Waterfall | Pandan Waterfall | Kanching Waterfall

• Park – National Zoo | Taman Pertanian Malaysia | Putrajaya

Apart from this, I have completed few marathon such as KL Marathon and Siemens Run 10K. My upcoming Perhentian Challenge and Penang Bridge Marathon are in progress of planning.

Anyway, let’s see how it goes for this second half year. I shall update again by end of year.

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010

27 June 2010

My running time in the past was fairly below average @ 90 min for 10km distance with difficulties. Today, I managed to achieve 78 min (in recent Siemens 10K run) in a same distance with comfortable level. Thanks to my series of mountain hiking lately.

For me, my great interest is yet to be in this field.

My result for SCKLM 2010 is as below (82 min):

This year, I have a lot friends who joined for fun, aligned with over-marketed marathon event in various media channels. It draws a huge crowd and some of my passive friends also joined and caught me surprise.

As usual, the event flag off at early morning @ Dataran Merdeka. We didn’t meet with anyone there due to massive huge crowd and different categories we were participating in.

Vest and bib number were collected 2 days earlier at nearby Titiwangsa lake. The sling bag is somewhat better and nicer this year, I mean more presentable for other usage.

Stadium Titiwangsa … place to collect our vest and bibs

The run itself is quite relaxing provided I have trained in other sport activities. As usual, I sweat a lot in short few km, upon reaching last 2 km, we were cheered up by cheerleaders group and I hesitate to walk along but running non-stop. Haha. A short motivation boost good for everyone.

Medal give-away once completed the run. Another medal into my collection for my own satisfaction.

SCKL 2010 … with our completion medal

Siemens 10K Run … 3 weeks after SCKL 2010

Starting point … at 7.00am

Long queue and crowded … for free goodies

Hopefully in future, I’m motivated to try further distance run such as 15km & 21km.

My next run will be Penang Bridge International Marathon coming this November. Yet another great trip going on soon.

Gunung Nuang @ Hulu Langat

31 July 2010

A second attempt to Gunung Nuang has proven to be successful. Can you believe it? Yes. My first attempt 3 years ago was stuck at Kem Lolo. I developed a phobia and refused to climb this mountain after that. Only after I successfully completed Mount KK and Mulu Pinnacles, I was confident enough to accept the challenge and I vowed to overcome this phobia.

Gunung Nuang is touted as very difficult mountain by many hikers. No doubt is a good to train for Gunung Kinabalu and Gunung Tahan. Our expedition took about 13 hours in total with 4 hours reach to the top from base.

I followed my hiking guru, Alvin (which he had completed many mountains locally) to conquer Gunung Nuang. He guided a group of people and we exchanged hill-hiking information and experiences.

The entrance in few years back wasn’t as beautiful as today.

Welcome to Gunung Nuang … the highest peak in Selangor

My preparation was quite good. I packed two 1.5L of isotonic drink, a lunch pack, some breads and two eggs. I took my hiking pole together to reduce tense on my legs. I wore a light wear and appropriate hiking shoes (Kampung Adidas).

We started our Nuang challenges very early, that was 5.40am after get registered. We walked in the dark. There were 7 of us in a group. Our mission was moving forward as soon as possible with consistent speed. None of us left too far behind. Alvin did left some paper trail for us to follow him.

The first part of the trail was fairly easy, with just walking up and down on stony route. Due to sky still dark, we used headlamp to light up our trek. This route was known as Never Ending Road, which took me 1 hour 8 min to complete and reached the first base.

Before reaching the base, there were 3 huts for hikers to rest in between, to ease the feel of Never Ending Road effect.

Blue rooftop hut … the last before start hiking trail

At 6.50am, we reached the base. The real challenge was going to start. I told myself to go all the way, all the passion and all the time motivated, no matter how tough it is.

Follow the trail and DO NOT cross the bridge or river at this point. Use the left trail until you met the pipeline and small water reservoir as at below pictures.

Old … rusty and luckily not stinky

Shallow water level … easy job to cross over

Hikers normally focus on hiking, photographer focus on photography … what if hikers cum photographer pose to be? Photo-hikers? LOL.

Yes, I’m a photo-hiker of myself. I took photos along the way, no matter how dangerous and weird position, I’m bound to take photo not only for scenery but progression of hiking path. Natures are bound to be my subject, but I’m more to capture the signboard and how the path leading to destination.

Just half an hour, we reached Kem Lolo (Camp Lolo). Hikers normally spend a night here after a long hiking and will continue in the next morning. Some more, the water resources is available just nearby only.

Camp Lolo … popular for camping

Waterfall sighted at Camp Lolo! I imagined how great if I can soak into water. I almost sweat 100%. Due to cold weather, I just forget my intention.

Since we have no intention to stay at Camp Lolo, we decided to pick up our energy to Kem Pacat (Camp Pacat). The grueling journey starts from here, with muddy steep terrain and endless of the route in 2 hours. Thanks God, it wasn’t any rain and good weather all day. If not, the journey shall turn into very slippery and terrible tough. Hard to imagine.

Energy drain … such condition requires cautious mind

Small leeches spotted … too tiny to spot in picture

Almost reach … Camp Pacat

We stopped at Kem Pacat (Camp Pacat) to have our light meal before continue to Kem Pengasih (Camp Pengasih). If you thought Camp Pacat is full of leeches, you were wrong. There were a lot of bees. However, it was lucky enough that we were NOT meeting any one of them, included leeches. Weird!

Camp Pacat was another place to build a camp, but not that favorable compare to Camp Lolo. However due to huge spaces available, camping was possible here.

Another camping area … better but no water resources

Tree icon … almost every hiker should recognize this

Having light meal … nice camping area

Ants kingdom … one leg kick, it’s done LOL

Train crossing … millipede spotted

The journey to Camp Pengasih (known as false peak) was the toughest with almost 90 degrees steep hiking in about one and half hour later. The final push to the summit is one hour from Camp Pengasih. Not going to stay long here, we proceeded with our climb to Camp Pengasih.

Toughness started to feel … rooty path

Steep path … blocked by flying roots

Camp Pengasih … took one hour to reach

Mossy forest … cold air

The remaining times taken along the route were the motivator for me to go up consistently. With full of energy back again, I advanced with confident mind. Mount Nuang peak is just not far away from me.

Border between states … Pahang and Selangor

Oh no! … muddy trap

Climbing at big leap of … 1.5m from the ground

Finally, we placed our foot on top land of Gunung Nuang. We were the first group to arrive, hence, we occupied the Beirut as our resting base. There was nothing can see from the peak due to overgrown trees around. We only able to enjoy the view nearby and the view were stunning. We have our lunch pack here at Nuang Summit.

Early bird … went to feed the squirrels

Beirut … as shelter from hot sun

Cooking utensil … prepare our lunch

New friends … Chuah & Michelle

The squirrels were seen loitering around waiting us to feed them. They were not even scare of us.

They were eating our food … wafer

Look cute and adorable … total five of them

It was a bit sad to see rubbish everywhere. Those uncivilized hikers should understand the importance of keeping the hill clean because those rubbish will stay on the hill forever and wouldn’t decomposed easily. This will create an eye sore to the hill and other hikers.

Michelle … pro-photographer

View from the Nuang summit … so high!

Group picture … before getting down to base

After spent 2 hours on top taking pictures, we made our descending back to camp in few hours.

Descending was about much easier that day due to dry ground and non-slippery. I managed to escape from any falling. After Camp Pacat check-point, I descended very fast, hop off and accelerating my steps. My mind was all about getting to the waterfall ASAP.

Although clear path sighted … it got blocked by roots in between

Descending very fast … hop off most of the time

Thorny plant … no idea

Fallen bamboo trees … increase the cautious

Once I touched base at Camp Lolo, I was very excited to dip and cold down myself in waterfall pool.

I really took my sweet time in the river and waterfall. I took off my shirt and the water acted as pain reliever to my whole body. I spent another hour here. It was worth to hold my tiredness during descending in order to enjoy the reliever after that.

Alvin … enjoy the water pressure

At 5.30pm, we continue to walk out from the jungle and we finally put a sigh relief when we saw the logger trail. It was no more hiking but a flat uneven trek.

I took about one hour walking through the Never Ending Road with endured the pain of my knees in last 30 minutes. My last 5 minutes, I was poured with heavy rain before touched base the exit.

Walking in such trail … for an hour plus on average speed

We were so lucky that our hiking trip turned to be quite smooth and completed without much hurdle. My challenge was ended at 6.50pm.

Designated washroom … FREE to use

I left Gunung Nuang with full of memories. If I decided to give another try again, I shall choose to camp for one night there at Camp Lolo and go for final push in very early the next day.

I promised to be better preparation and of course as a guide leading a group.

Gunung Irau (Mount Irau) @ Cameron Highlands

24 July 2010

It’s relatively the easiest mountain to climb at this height. Among Top 10 Mountains in Peninsular Malaysia, Irau is slightly 80 meters lower than Gunung Tahan. Gunung Tahan requires about many days to reach its peak (camp in jungle) while Irau is only takes 3 hours to reach its peak with steep ascent at certain points. Overnight in camp is optional.

There are two reasons; first of all, the track starts at trunk road with relatively high altitude, the highest paved road in Peninsular Malaysia. Secondly, the distance from the entrance to the peak is only 2.35km, can be done comfortably within 7 hours for a return trip.

It was a hard decision to make whether I should climb Gunung Irau or not this round. It’s due to work commitment and appointment in the weekend. At last, I decided to cancel the appointment and delay my work, so that I could catch up this golden opportunity to hike Gunung Irau with my old buddies. Oh yeah!

As this was my last minutes decision, I only start packing my stuffs on Friday and took an emergency half day leave to prepare for my 6.30pm flag off from house. We were expected to reach by 12am after our meet up at Ipoh. Instead, we reached at 1am. We quickly prepared ourselves for next day hiking.

There were 11 of us in the group. We actually have seen each other before, so it was relatively easier to communicate.

We had booked our accommodation earlier at Num Song Apartment @ Tanah Rata. The price is quite economical, aiming at family or group who prefers complete house facilities. The unit costs us RM286 per night with 3 rooms.

As early as 7.00am, everyone woke up to prepare for the challenge. At 8.00am, we had our light breakfast at nearby mamak stall. We drove towards Brinchang Town, turn into Palas Tea Boh Garden signboard stated Gunung Brinchang with a small one-way trunk road until we saw the entrance of Stesyen Mikro Gunung Brinchang.

Early breakfast … simple but enough

Great view … tea farm by the local

Magnificent view … a rare opportunity

Look for this sign … correct direction

Leading road … very close to the farm

We were pretty excited to reach here and among the earliest to reach! Soon after 10 minutes, a group of 40+ people arrived and the crowd started to begin.

Our group shot … before start

Our shoes to prove the cleanliness … before start

Mixed with big group … before start

Officially we started our trekking @ 9.20am on this nicely made wooden walkway to make us feel relax. We walked about 200 meters on this walkway and we saw a very scenic moment out there. The mountain ranges across the border of states.

Wooden walkway … just enjoy while you can

Rest hut … for non-hiker

Found a dry snake … not dare to verify

Mark the ending … of relaxing mood

At the end of this walkway, we started descending. We were been told that the descending actually from Gunung Brinchang. When we start ascending, we were actually starting our Gunung Irau hiking. This took us an hour plus. We were like stepping into the fantasy misty wonderland. Imagine it.

The mossy forest is covered with green carpets, roots and mud combined with the soft cushion-like ground makes a fantasy world comes to life. Our beautiful and clean shoes have become soaking with mud and look dirty. Even it wasn’t raining day, the ground is very muddy. So if you want to avoid these muddy traps, you will have to look for roots to step on. The terrain which was covered by mud and soft ground is quite challenging and we have scrambled a lot over exposed rooty trees.

What no one crossing the center? … It’s a TRAP!

Marking the border … between two states

Mossy forest … covered with mist

Rooty route … step on it carefully

Green carpet … soft and wet

I was surprise with the most scenic I ever saw in my life and won’t let go any view from my sight of DSLR camera. The track wasn’t too tough to hike but the entire environment has created a new experience as a hiker. While hiking in between an hour to two, we were acknowledging with the distance and remaining distance to reach the top. A motivation to us!

Completed 0.8km only … 1.55km to go

Done 1.4km in 2 hours … another 0.95km to go

In merely 3 hours, we had reached the peak, a false peak according to the experienced hikers. No view, just rubbish everywhere. There was actually another 800m to go, which roughly one hour to complete.

Another 0.35km to go … gambate!

Camping can be built on this false peak with spacious area. However, with the temperature of about 10-15 degrees Celsius, you need to prepare thick clothes and blanket in the camp. Also some sufficient food and water to keep you warm through-out the night.

Strong scene of fantasy land … how could I resist it?

Nice, nice, nice … speechless

Yo!! I’m finally at the highest peak of Gunung Irau. The notice board stated the altitude and height from sea level. Congratulation everyone. Just enjoy the scenery and weather. We have ample of time to stay at summit but as time goes by, more peoples joining us and it has become crowded. About an hour later, we started to descend.

Mount Irau peak … proved!

Our group of achievers … looks good and satisfied

Our dirty shoes … just partially, later even worse

Crowd slowly build up … wondering how to build a camp at peak

Small area on the peak … hardly can see any view here

About 3 hours plus, we’d reached the starting point. It has marked our hiking completion.

Completed! … Well done.

Gunung Irau is really a good trek to do hiking. It was so enjoyable to be part of them to explore this mountain together. Thanks to all. We shall explore another mountain soon.

At last, I have completed my mission on 9th highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. By excluding Gunung Batu Putih, that’s mean, I’m ready for G7 Summit Challenges anytime soon, just matter of commitment only. LOL.

Zoo Negara (National Zoo)

June 2010

My recent visit to Zoo Negara proved that I’m also concern about the nature inhabitant but definitely not animal fanatic.

As early as 9.00am, me and DarkOne were up to the entrance after having breakfast at Tesco Ampang. Both of us were excited about this visit to remind us of our memories. Although it’s a pleasant trip, the cost of entrance fees is not cheap, RM25 (included insect & butterfly park). Car park fee is RM4.20.

We decided to explore each corner of the Zoo to fully utilize our entrance fees. The park is not that big, however, it’s enough for typical family to spend a day there.

Having a glance … map of Zoo Negara Park

We moved quite steady from section to section. We walked around and stopped at each cages for view and some close shots. The luck wasn’t simply with us with those animals either hiding somewhere else or still sleeping. Most of them are so passive and lazy even we all try to interfere them, they gave no damn to us.

I know they’re sad because they lived in concrete floor and small area where they suppose to run around in the wild. Maybe having them here can protect their species and treat them better. I mean live in luxury. Why not? Well, they just look unhappy when we encountered them. Sigh!

As long as we entered the park, we saw an empty tram which already booked by VIP. That’s mean we have no choice but to walk. I’m fine since my initial purpose is walk around and visits each of our friends.

Empty tram … fully booked by VIP

Our 3 hours plus visits have rewarded us some new experiences for me … at least not as toddler anymore. Freedom is here to stay with me. I can walk and stop wherever I want. No halt at halfway or rest in between. Really enjoy a small group with only 2 of us walking around.

Giraffe … remains what they’re more than few decades

Open park … safari style

Elephants … I guess most of them are young, so they can entertain visitors better

Emu … just enjoy looking at them

Bird cage … inside the cage and become part of their world

Feed them … I guess toddlers are enjoying this, definitely not me

Hog deer … but is called Rusa Babi, how weird?

Tapir … the ant eater

Oh Malayan Tiger … boring maybe or simply not give a damn face to us

Early morning … walk freely without human traffic exist, lol

Leopard … not the one we normally saw on the road side (giant soft toy)

Puma … simply do not bother our existence

Alert … I guess someone must have gone into without permission, that’s why

More park & kingdom visit … the last area and farthest in the Zoo

Savannah Park … looks like Jurassic Park, a park with dinosaur replicas

Ankole Cattle … look interesting

Sign of no interference … no use, they’re simply too passive

Source of milk … the one sit there is really a darkie

Quite and simply nothing … however, we spotted it, do you? It’s black

How we could we reach that? … LOL

Good news … our friend is very interested to see what it does offer, we think the same person to occupy the space, LOL

Mammal Kingdom … a small place housing some uninteresting mammal (for me lar)

Dulan face … not even bother us

Most adorable animal in the zoo … just simply our love icon for our past due

I guess the most freedom place in zoo … mixed around, hope no fight of each other

White Rhino … generally sponsor by Tractors company, guess represent the strong icon

Fine weather … means it’s hot and dry

Reptilian world … my non-favour place

Beautiful decorated toilet … an opposite of typical Malaysian toilet, not bad!

Ape Centre … a place where at last someone is going to entertain us

Swinging orang utan … everyone amazed especially toddlers, I’m not

Aging must be respected … the reason he got everyone throw him all the bananas, lol

Our long lost friend … so glad we found them (Ape)

Flamingo pond … at least they know how to come back after flew outside the Zoo

Small kangaroo look alike … but they don’t bother us also, guess we don’t have the food they need, lol

The World’s Bee Museum … not everything in the zoo gets my attention

Brown Bear … does it look like the one you had in your room?

Sun bear … Malaysian’s teddy bear

Wild boar … end up we saw an old wild boar, guess no one sponsor, late this cage have to close shop

Most of the animal I expected to see were found, except for the lion. Why? I guess they couldn’t risk of having the King of the Jungle (Lion King) here. Or else one roar will cause the anxiety among the inhabitants.

Insect & Butterfly Park

Well, it doesn’t amaze me much as I could get a better place for these in specialty of KL Butterfly Farm.

Small place housing various insects … doesn’t amazed me at all

Mini butterfly park … once you glance it, then you’re done

Big butterfly replica … the only thing that catch our attention

Flower source … as their food

Two worms … reminded us our friends tagging to each other closely … oh gosh

Amphibian world … another place for your research paper, quite informative

Crocodiles … not bad but look so lazy

Tortoise … simply get along just to entertain us, how pity!

Ultimate REASON … meets HIPPOPOTAMUS in real life

Most awaiting moment … aiyo, want entertain us like this meh

When can you get up to show your naked body? Don’t shy shy … I got one HiPPo here

HiPPo meets Hippopotamus … a rare occasion to get this reunion

Wish not granted … HiPPo went back disappointed, only baby show a bit face

Animal Show

I wasn’t fascinated about the show because it’s merely to entertain children and I was getting enough of these in the past. I think I should get better show in somewhere else in Lion country, if you know what I mean.

After walking endlessly for hours and taking quite a number of pictures, we were tired, and so we decided to end our trip with pleasing mind.

Penguins … swim actively under the water

Fish world … one of my favorite hangout

Nice landscape and well renovated … not bad overall plus informative

Children World … how come we end up in such place, haizz

Time to bid goodbye and see you maybe a decade later, if only you do not relocate.

For those who come for Kuala Lumpur city tour, you may consider a great place to stay with discount prices. Visit Kuala Lumpur Hotels for more information.

Personally, the National Zoo is falling behind those uprising animal keeper such as Taiping Zoo (Perak), Safari Park (Melaka) and Zoo Melaka. As being known as National Zoo (country owned), they have to keep up the expectation to compete with others. Else, will left behind and become insignificant for our future generation.

Magic Mulu Caves & Mulu Pinnacles

1 – 4 July 2010

The Ultimate Challenge

To be part of this great challenge, we were advised to book the flight and accommodation for over a month earlier to prevent disappointment. We got our FREE SEAT promotion from AirAsia more than 6 months before the departure date.

We choose to stay at long house style accommodation instead of 4-star resort to cope with our budget. We took 4D3N tour package with Blessed Holidays for only RM839 (MATTA Fair price) per pax to explore Magic Mulu Caves & Pinnacles. Included MAS Wings flight (The Malaysian Airlines regional carrier) to National Park HQ where used to connect with other travelers from all over the places included famous Mulu Mountain trail (24km).

If you’ve been following my adventure of Mount KK last year, you might have remembered how tough I struggled to complete the Climbing Mount Kinabalu 2009. This was rather more extreme, instead of cold and long trekking up to blue sky, it’s pitch black darkness.

The Mulu Magic Caves & Pinnacles adventure 4 days 3 night was all about the following:-

• Lang Cave – Got rocks shaped like jellyfishes
• Deer Cave – View of Abraham Lincoln face and huge ancient riverbed. Can house few huge airplanes inside
• Wind Cave – This one is known for the King’s Chamber where one of the rock’s formations resembles a King
• Clear Water Cave – This is the one that we got a chance to jump into the icy water outside of the Cave’s entrance
• The Pinnacles – A terrible tough hike limestone mountains of Mulu are bedecked with sharp needles along the way and terrifying sharp.

A day before, I run into packing my stuffs last minutes into 3 bags with load of stuffs. I don’t know why, but all items were necessary to bring. Well, I did bring some extra clothes, the light cotton one. My check-in bag was 7kg after get weighted.

Day 1 – KL to Miri/Mulu (Deer & Lang Cave)

We made our way to Miri Airport via AirAsia. Flight in the early morning and reached before noon. Had our lunch there opposite the airport, Shun Fong café offered us the local delicacies. Yummy!

Then traveled again via MAS Wings in the afternoon and reached Mulu Airport in late afternoon. On the flight it was amazing to see the vast tracts of untouched rain forest sweeping as far as the eye can see. We landed at Mulu Airport, a town airport accessible to National Mulu Park HQ and surrounding forestry area after 30 minutes. The weather was good and windy. Enjoy the feeling and environment even though it’s my first time step into Sarawak. Kind of excited.

We were greeted by our guide. The guide fetched all of us to National Park HQ for registration and we took a plank walk to visit the Deer Cave and Lang Cave. I felt everyone of us was quite rush due to the park will close at 5pm. I’m wondering if the flight is expected to land at 3pm, that’s mean all the time, this flight visitors will always rush for it? That’s a bad arrangement.

Lang Cave

Immediately after that, we start walking to the caves totaling 3km. First of all, it’s Lang Cave, a small but beautifully decorated. Along the boardwalk, we were able to access the lush rainforest with buzzing of life.

Small and intimate, with walls beautifully decorated with long shawls, layers of rim stone pools on the floor, and throughout the cave, spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. In this smaller cave the bats are easier to see, small white cave prawns hide in pools of water and shimmering near the roof are strands of web spun by the thread worm larvae waiting for a passing meal.

After visiting the caves, you can wait at the Bat Observatory to view the evening exodus of bats from the Deer Cave.

Deer Cave

After that, follow by Deer Cave at opposite direction, around 100 meters away. As it was known as biggest cave passages in the world, it has yet been overtake by any new found cave larger than this. However, what we experienced in the cave was priceless. See pictures for self-explanatory.

Pause in Deer Cave’s ancient riverbed and wonder at the force of the water that once roared through, tumbling huge boulders around and carving the scalloped walls. Listen, that squeaking noise is the 3 million strong colonies of Wrinkle Lipped bats stirring themselves.

They sense that dusk is not far away and begin to prepare to leave the cave to feed on insects. The path continues to wind deeper into the blackness of the cave and suddenly the Garden of Eden appears in the distance, a green oasis shining in the sunlight.

During our visit in this cave, it was a heavy rain which we didn’t manage to see bat exodus as we expected.

Bat Exodus

Supposedly we will wait at the entrance to Deer Cave, where thousands of bats emerge most evenings to hunt for insects over the forest but it was nothing due to heavy rain. It has been 6.00pm and this was a rare occasions bat would come out.

We were returning late and walk in the dark to Park HQ. The return trip to Park HQ is a wonderful time to move through the forest, listening to the calls of the frogs and insects. Got few occasions where I saw fireflies around. We were so lucky and to have spotted a Moon Rat (not a rat but a beautiful white insectivore).

We transferred back to Benarat Inn by van for dinner and overnight. Our guide, Nang Kai will be our guide cum porter for the whole 2 days challenge.

Day 2 – Benerat Inn to Camp 5 (Wind & Clearwater Cave)

As early as 7.30am, we had our light breakfast. Our meal was satisfying and all finished up in short time. Our departure/check-out was at 8.30am. The day light has already come out as early as 6.00am but we were less aware due to excessive tiredness.

We were advised to drop our extra/unused luggage/item at store room in Benarat Inn and only bring along things for 2 days used in Camp 5. We shall claim it back at Day 4. Our next 2 days activities will be spent in the Camp 5, a jungle far away in Mulu Forest were much awaited and yet mysterious.

Essential things to bring to Camp 5 are:

• Hiking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Personal first aid kit/medication
• Toiletries
• Torch light
• Raincoat
• Towel
• Sleeping bag/light blanket
• Inflatable pillow
• Sandals
• Gloves (the rocks are sharp)

Climbing Pinnacles requires:

• Small back pack
• Energy snack pack lunch
• 2 water bottles (3L in total, 1 bottle will be left at halfway point for you to use when return)

Longboat brought us along the way to Kuala Litut. Our first stop after 30 minutes was at Batu Bungan Penan Settlement where we can purchase some hand-made souvenirs by locals such as baskets, bangles and mats by Penan tribe. They welcome visitors to the handicraft market and their displays of medicinal plants.

Our second stop was at the small jetty leading to Wind Cave. No doubt, as the name mentioned, we felt the wind along the way. In addition, the sculptures of the cave were amazingly created by nature. These unusual calcite formations, including the tall, slender stalagmites is located in King’s room. See photo for self-explanatory.

Just a few hundred meters upriver, there was Clearwater Cave. The route to the cave, however, was blocked by fallen tree caused by heavy rain, hence we took our boat to the pavilion nearby for tea break. The place was kept clean and not what I saw in my recent trip to waterfall. It’s more than expected and satisfactory.

At one corner, visitors can take a swim in crystal clear water. You can even feed the fishes when you swim.

From here, the Clearwater Cave is accessible in just a matter of 200 steps only. Our guide doesn’t mind to brief us about the caves history and specialty to look around. Most of the caves here were formed by the action of water dissolving the limestone and by the action of powerful rivers flowing through them, each has their own particular attraction. Very informative and worth my pennies to spend in this tour.

In Clearwater cave, the river is called water stream. It was the main element that shape the cave into what it is today in million years time. To know how it was formed, you may refer to the information board placed along the way. It took about an hour to complete this plank walk.

Then, we headed back to pavilion for lunch break and rest. Optionally, we can choose to dip and swim in the clear water river. Ang mo was spotted swim around with bikini. Local school girl’s tour also joined in as well. Of course I did. How can I miss out? LOL.

After our lunch, we transferred to Kuala Litut by long boat. It’s where our starting point of 8.8km trail trekking begins. This route will lead us to Camp 5, where our overnight accommodation a day before and after our Pinnacles hikes. We took almost 3 hours to walk through the virgin forest of 8.8km trail with much effort. Even worst, our effort was quad-triple by a heavy rain in our last 3km. It was terrible but as soon we reached Camp 5 in total wet, it was totally fun and enjoyable.

When it rains … it pours!

We cleaned up and get to our open area bed. No bed sheet and wall in between. Sleeping in a dormitory and on mats on a wooden floor was a new experience for me. Due to this concept, we were actually exposed to various insect and mosquito intermittent came from nature. We were advised to rent a mosquito net for RM10 per day each. All of us did. Toilet and shower facilities are provided and well-maintained.

Camp 5 long-house is nestled beside the beautiful Melinau River and facing the Benarat cliff. The meal provided was quite good, nearly no complaint at all. It’s suited our taste and all meals served to us were finished up, frankly says. It was guide that help to prepare our food.

At 9.00pm, we prepared our good sleep for next day Pinnacles challenge. I was a bit hesitant to sleep early but it was nothing to do in Camp 5 other than chatting. Just enjoy the restless night at restless dormitory. Good night.

Day 3 – Camp 5 to Mulu Pinnacles

My alarm buzzed at 4.40am, waking up everyone. But all started to wake up at 5.00am to catch up with 5.30am breakfast. We get ourselves prepared and ready for Pinnacles hiking in the morning. These limestone mountains of Mulu are bedecked with sharp needles along the way. The biggest and best example, The Pinnacles, is on the north end of Gunung Api Mountain.

We started our journey at 6.15am with much awaited feeling. The first 1000m steep path to the viewpoint will able to overlook the Mini Pinnacles. If the path is too rough for you, you can descend back without go further road, if not you have to complete it no matter how. A total of 3 guides with 14 hikers getting up to the Pinnacles. When the climb begins there is no turn back unless you’re in between 0-900m checkpoint distance of out 2400m. If guide decides that you cannot continue due to your fitness levels, you must comply.

This steep climb needs us to be fit. The climb will depend on weather conditions at the Pinnacles. We’re not allowed to climb if the condition is unsafe and must follow out guide’s instructions to turn back if necessary. However, it’s rarely happened that a climb is cancelled due to weather.

My climb from 500m to 900m onwards was kind of slow. I felt tired but I believe if I go slowly, I’m sure can overcome the tiredness feeling. Hundred by hundred meters passed by, we finally reached at Mini Pinnacles in one hour. That’s mean our check-point of decision making. One word, exhausted and sweats a lot. Never had we all felt such sweating pattern but we did. We form our mindset tougher to overcome the fearsome and continue with the hike.

From 900m to 1500m was another rugged ground. We finally placed our drinking bottle for later come back consume to ease our bag weight. After 3 hours hike, we reached 2000m check-point. The last 400m, the vertical cliffs and incredibly steep slopes reach summit ridges before dropping abruptly down to deep gorges and hidden valleys. Another hour spent to reach top at 2400m mark, The Pinnacles view. Yeah!

The Pinnacles view of Gunung Mulu. This sharp limestone pinnacles is beautiful and unique but don’t place a mindset of rock climbing. This rock is terrifying sharp.

Merely 40 minutes spent at peak of Gunung Api to view The Pinnacles, we were asked to start climb down. If you thought of getting down is much easier than hike up, you’re wrong. It’s required double effort and time to descend down and much painful and endure. Every step was a deep consideration or any misstep will cause injuries. Terrible feel right?

I took my step carefully without injured myself, but my feet already in pain due to sharp rock keep poking my feet when I landed my step. The pain was very much to endure and causing some wound around my feet. Each 100m is like forever to complete, from 1200m downwards … arggghhh, until 600m meters. Nearly give up on descending, but have to make it no matter what before dark.

At 5.45pm, we finally touch the ground and walk with full gratification. Yo! We made it even the last batch. I straight headed to river side to cool down my precious feet and leg. Such a good feel. Hey the day light is still there. I know I need some clean up but I was too hesitant and proceed to walk around in wet attire and snap some scenery. I must do it before its getting dark.

Cleaned up finally and had my delicious simple dinner. Our legs all like nobody, all mumbling about how they completing the descending with very much pain and endurance. From each of our eyes, I know it was a great accomplishment even though it’s tough like hell, *there’s a will, but there’s no WAY*. Our leg is not our leg. End up crawling with help of our hand. LOL.

Everyone want to have a good sleep after packing all stuffs needed for check-out tomorrow early morning. Good night everyone.

Day 4 – Camp 5 to Mulu/Miri back to KL

Early in the morning, we all picked up our bag pack and return back to Kuala Litut by foot at same distance of 8.8km where we came earlier. Terrible huh? We have to follow the schedule very tight in order to be able to catch our flight at 1.25pm.

After the 3 nights of stay (one day in Benarat Inn and two nights in Camp 5), the 8 cavemen and women flew back to reality.

We have yet to explore Lambir Hill, Niah Caves and much more forest activities listed under Mulu National Park HQ. We are definitely not giving a waste to explore these new places if opportunity arises.

Day Trip @ Bukit Tinggi

6 June 2010

Frankly say, my short visit to Bukit Tinggi has been a fruitful moment. I called it a day for me and my dear for our second year. In fact, we had delayed a week of two due to unavailability. So at last, we managed to set off a day trip in a short planning.

That day, the weather was indeed good and bright. Sky was blue, wind was breeze and heart was at cloud nine. LOL. Pardon me. I drove up to the hill, after exiting at Berjaya Hill Resort signboard along Karak Highway. According to my GPS, there were another 11km to go before reaching Colmar Village. So, don’t panic whether you’re on right track.

I was felt relax in a smooth drive and very few cars on the road. The weather is appeared to be very friendly to my camera, means very suitable for scenery photography.

Entrance fees … per person

Colmar Village… the main gate

Carpark … only two cars

Palace … guarding the village

I’ve reached the destination when I entered the car park. Colmar Village is just in front of me. I couldn’t express any better word than awesome place. From far, the village is look like a castle, an imaginary dream during childhood.

As a free traveler, I explored the place on my own, equipped with no fancy stuff other than camera.

My recent purchased new lens was a portrait lens, therefore getting change between kits lens and portrait is quite troublesome and I decided to stick with kit lens as it provide me wider captured.

And I felt that I need a wide angle lens seriously … as a travel photographer.

As what I heard from people, you only need one to two hours to complete your tour at Colmar Village. No point rent a room and stay overnight. Online room booking can be as cheap as RM110 onwards but have to plan earlier.

Yes, it’s indeed true to overnight if you opted for night photography. Staying a night will rather boring if not with family with kids. I believe there were some entertainments at night to keep the visitors engaged and stay happy.

Reached in the early morning … with strong morning sunlight

Probably watch a goose swim around … kid’s favorite

Colmar the village … clock at 10.10am

Other than all these classy building … there is nothing much to do here

Also can pretend to enjoy life …. sit down for a sip of tea

Classical French village building … available for overnight stay

Watch tower … oversee entire village

Wandered around with joyous … as picture proven this lol

Children will keep entertain with soft toy hunting … with token (RM4) for each try

On the top … watch tower @ 4th floor

Our best companion … HiPPo

At the time, I was wondering where people get into observation tower for entire village view. Yea, I finally found it as earlier on, nobody was there, and hence I wasn’t realized there is a tower. I guess I won’t climb up through the stair.

We spent about an hour enjoying the village neighborhood, I reminded for our next stop at Bukit Tinggi, Japanese Tea Garden. It was a fancy place that I ever had. Scroll along why I was saying that. The landscape of Japanese village was awesome, imitating the real one and by all odds a good place for photography!

Japanese Village

We took a short wait at designated area to fetch us to Japanese Village about 5 minutes of driving distance.

Designated station … for shuttle bus

Tren schedule … half hour for each ride

Gentle breeze keep blowing … our feeling keep intact and cheerful

Japanese Village Garden

This village is dubbed as the world’s only Japanese village in a tropical rain-forest, marking the uniqueness of the place and worth to visit. I was noted that there wasn’t any Japanese person around to keep our instinct close to Japanese culture.

Map of village … as well as entire Berjaya Hills

The entire village were tucked into a nicely landscape garden in the forest. Very awe-inspiring …

Landscape … landscape everywhere

Koi pond … landscaping build along the garden

Japanese house … typical house of japanese

Tatami Spa … for Japanese style spa

We wanted to try something new and it’s truly recommended if you come in as couple. A fee of RM20 for 30 minutes of kimono OR samurai rental is well-worth for me, at least once at Bukit Tinggi. Both of us decided to try this costume for first time. I know not many visitors were willing to try the costume due to the price.

Both of us walked out to the garden for photo shooting. I noticed many on-lookers at us but I hardly bother about it and rather to catch my time in taking the best shot. I used normal lens as I wanted the garden vicinity in my photos. Enjoy the shots below.

Portraying … in Japanese costume

Botanical Garden

Not far from Japanese garden, there was a Botanical Garden. It’s divided into different area in which accessible by staircase along the route. One have to climb down and up in order to view and explore entire garden at once. I did it without much problem, easier than hiking.

Entrance … going down the stairs

Eatery place … japanese food

Unique style … normally seen in japanese comic doraemon

Landscaping … is great

Overall, it’s an awesome place which can be very expensive if you didn’t plan in advanced. Meals can very expensive and out of expectation, not even can fill-up your appetite if quantity is what you’re looking for. I’d skipped Rabbit Park as it’s not our favorite place and proceed for our lunch back to KL.

End of trip.

Kanching Waterfall (Sg Kanching Recreational Park)

20 June 2010

It doesn’t get long enough for me to get into waterfall obsession again. It took matter of words and I’m back to the nature which my old gang of hikers, namely TKT, WMK, CM and Dansan. We drove from KL about 30km along the way to KL-Rawang Road, which normally you would see signboard pointing to Templers Park.

I know many people are familiar with the name of Templers and Kanching Recreational Park is just nearby only. This park is better organized and much larger.

Car park is charged RM2 and entrance fee per pax is RM1. The weekend crowd is great and I saw many picnickers around until walk around also need to be careful.  This park offers big shades for family outing with few huts available. Toilet and bathroom is available for small cost.

Anyway, my visit this round is more about recreational purpose. Also the park offers a great scenic for photography. Adventurer should find this place a bit choke up some stamina, however, it doesn’t require much hiking. To get from first level to highest level, you need around 30-45 minutes depending on your speed.

We all continue explored level by level until reach the last one. Of course we don’t reach the peak where the rivers begin due to safety reason. That is source where the whole series of waterfalls first started. We touch-base all seven waterfalls with proven photos.

Map … to ensure you won’t get lost

Remember this gate … correct way to the waterfall

Confusing sign … but at least remind me it’s just nearby

Light exercise … before reach first waterfall

1st waterfall … Lata Bemban

2nd waterfall … Lata Terentang

Got Level indicator … but no name, what Lata?

Picnic shelter … for free

Smoky air … creating ray of light

3rd waterfall … Lata Tempenis

CM … is looking something interesting

Advanced to next … not far away from 3rd

Bridge connecting … toilet bathroom

4th waterfall … Lata Kapur

Most exciting moment … signboard show the last three levels

5th waterfall … Lata Tembusu

Great forestation … needs to protect the environment

Great adventure started … with unknown end of stair case

6th waterfall … Lata Gapis

Upon 6th waterfall onwards … trekking become challenging

Preview … 7th waterfall, sign of heavenly

7th waterfall … Lata Bayas

Scenic view … Lata Bayas

Higher view … maximum level I ever gone

Probably this is not the end yet, but we resisted to moving further due to safety purpose. However, we saw another group went up further. I insisted to go up further. Challenges always are there for you to explore. I believe normal picnicker won’t go up such height, let alone trekkers do the job alone.

The 5th waterfall began on a fairly steep slope with exposed roots. Shelter is up to here with piles of rubbish, done by uncivilized citizen. The trail ahead is constricted amazingly, under the thick of vegetation. The magnificent view is started and 6th waterfall came into view. It’s looked untouched and fair clean.

We continue to climb further with very steep slope, over roots and rocks (slippery type). Be preparing of these challenges ahead. At last, the 7th waterfall might be the best and we try to settle down but surprisingly this waterfall is way further up and unknown to us.

By not taking any risk in our group, we decided just chill up with our snacks and bread.

We were not manage to explore the plateau where the river begins. I vow to explore in next round again.

Michelle & Tee Wedding Day

02.01.10

Wishing you a Happy Wedding … Happiness always, Merrier ever after

I wasn’t put into high hope when I come into the picture. I was a completely stranger which nobody care to ask who am I and which side I was standing on. I braved myself as a guest and just walk around anonymously but not awkwardly.

Of course my whole intention was to capture the best moment and polish my skills in this area to become a quality wedding photographer, but I don’t see myself in this expertise due to lack of exposure.

Well, practice makes perfect. Just have a look and enjoy the photos.

Brides … waiting

Tricky games … in planning

Strong Chinese culture … interior house

Tricky games … get ready

Sisters … busy with preparation

Car … arrived!

Bride was excited … it finally arrived

Knocking the door is nothing … must give angpow

Also games as well … by brothers

Passed all levels … final level is here

Lovely couple … having each other by side

Praying … moment

Walk under … red umbrella

Groom’s house … sisters gathered

Couple … bed & accessories

The event ended at bridegroom’s house, where guests were invited to have buffet lunch and chit-chat before calling off the day. Bye.