Bukit Puchong

Synonym with Bukit Puchong, the name of this hill was given because the geographical location at Puchong area. The exact name is Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve Puchong. It’s not a tough hill to hike, anyone with the passion of hiking should explore this place.

The uniqueness of this hill was the location. Under the rapid development of every piece of land in Puchong, you still can find such a woodland available for hiking. Normally I need to travel long hour to get a descent good place for hiking. But this was not the case.

I have hike this hill for few times. Hence this post is going to be a compilation from all few experiences.

The main entrance located at Jalan Wawasan 5/1 with GPS co-ordination here (Google Maps). You will find many car parks on road side, mostly with the reason of hiking.  It’s kinda pack on weekend. But parking is not an issue here.

Since I’ve started my training regime for my upcoming tough challenge, I’ve chosen few hills to explore and test my stamina. Not many hills were giving me tough time except Bukit Kutu (toughness equal to any mountains).

Normally we gathered at Giant Bandar Puteri Puchong, before we head up to the entrance car park. Many cars were earlier than us, but we managed to find a parking a bit far near the shop area.

At a glance, I know where the entrance is, because people were heading to one direction into jungle. We followed.

Car park area … normally pack on weekend

Starting point … a trail lead into jungle

Crowded during the peak hour … normally around 8am

Short hike moment … reached an open area

Not far … and real hike yet to start

At this point, most of us will joke that we’d reached the peak. But in fact, the real hike was yet to start.

Real hiking just started …

Once we further a bit, we met a junction here. Normally people will choose RIGHT because it’s much easier and popular. Both direction will still touch the peak, but RIGHT is definitely taking lesser time.

Confuse? … follow majority

Flat track … enjoy while you can

Misty and cooling air … what do you expect?

Upward hike started … follow the trail

Puchong Hill’s peak … a flat ground

Upon reaching the peak, there were none other than way downward the trek. Like it or not, that’s the peak after a short hike, just about to feel enough at last steady steep slope.

Forbidden entry …

From peak, there were 3 directions down to the hill, one direction from coming up while another is going down. The remain direction was also going down, but this was forbidden by a long thin orange rope with pink fabric.

Mind you, to decide whether to cross this borderline or not.

It’s not advisable because it will lead to crossing unauthorized area.

NO entry … to the other side of forest reserve

If you would like to know what was beyond the line, the next post entry shall reveal the place.

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Dong Zhen Temple

27 Jan 2012 | CNY Lantern & Flora Festival 2012

This year coverage was rather quiet compare to previous year. It has become a norm place for anyone who wanted to witness the uniqueness design of Chinese character and animal zodiac in lantern shape.

The attractiveness lies on the light during the night. It’s lightening the spirit of everyone especially the children. Photographer is not excluded from the list of favor visitors other than family-based.

If you expect something totally fresh from last design, you will find some recycling items around. However, do look for new design such as dragon related for photography.

I decided to reach this place after 6pm because of the daylight heat. This hour tends to be peak when many cars have just arrived. Parking extended too far behind the oil plantation.

Peoples were arrived in batches. Taking photography under this situation is tough. Just do it.

Wish notes … hanging on the tree

Dragon boat … with fishes jumping

Master & disciples … laugh while having a good time

Flocking dragon … around the globe

Gold Buddha … during the daylight

Dragon body … zigzag to and from the ground

Dragon sculpture … colorful and attractive but not lighted at night

Zen Garden … a large area consist of white sand

Colorful dragon head … children like to take picture with it

When night comes, the temple was lightening up everywhere. This year was exceptionally bright and many of my friends say “Amazing night view”.

I went up to The Buddha CG Art Exhibition located on top floor of the building. The entrance was not visibly to everyone unless you’re very observant.

Entrance to the CG Art Exhibition

From this exhibition, you were brought through-out the 3D dimension tunnel describing how Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Below story line explained all.

Ascetic Practice

The prince cut his hair and changed his beautiful clothes into robes. He experienced ascetic practice in the forest and just took a grain a day to sharpen his determination. Hence, he was very weak. He soon realized that practice was comparable to the string of the zither. It should not be too tight nor too loose. Subsequently, he received food offering from a shepherdess and adjusted his practice towards the middle way.

Subdue the Evils

Siddharta sat underneath a bodhi tree and was dwelling in a deep meditative state. The evil Mara and his troops attacked him, trying to distract his practice. Mara asked him, “Young monk, how do you prove that you have attained Buddhahood?” Siddharta was unmoved. He touches the earth with his right hand and said, “The earth can be my witness.” Mara was defeated and withdrew.

Enlightenment

As Mara and his troops left, Siddharta sat underneath the bodhi tree in total tranquility and emptiness. He raised his head and saw a bright star in the sky. “All sentient beings have the awakening nature. They are just bonded by various vexations and thoughts that they did not realize it.” He had become the enlightened one!

Teaching the world

The Buddha left his seat and walked along the riverbank of Ganges River to teach for forty nine years. His disciples included the royalty, the rich, and even the farmers and slaves. The Sangha (community of practitioners) consisted of royalty as well as the lowest class because the Buddha Dharma is equal and it can cleanse the dirt in our minds like pure water.

The Buddha: “Rahula, is the water in this basin drinkable?”

Rahula: “Of course not!”

The Buddha: “Rahula, you are just like the water in this basin, essentially clean, but as you persistently tell lies, you become tainted; no one will cherish you.”

Ceasing war

The Buddha was an advocate for peace. He valued all lives and could not bear to see war. During his old age, the rival King Vaidraka initiated a war against the Sakya clan and Kapilavastu. The Buddha sat in the way of his troops and gave advice to the King. King Vaidraka was deeply moved and revoked war three times.

Nirvana

At age of eighty, he was about to pass away in between two Sala trees. The Buddha said, “I have transmitted the Buddha Dharma for forty nine years. Those who were to be delivered, I had delivered them. Those who had not been delivered, I had sowed the seeds of deliverance in them. You should take refuge of the precepts and follow my teachings.” After the passing away of the Buddha, his teachings have spread to the whole world.

The Buddha taught that the way to end suffering is to practice the Noble Eightfold Path, i.e., right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

3D movie … display from the projector

Personally, I like this presentation very much. The 3D animation show was display for 9 minutes and very educative and easy to understand.

Towards the end, I was having another round for night photography. The night display was awesome and different. The magical wonderland was about to reveal.

Night view photography

I’ve decided to make it as annual trip to FGS Dong Zen Temple due to the magical wonderland created by the sculptures and lanterns. The night was awesome.

If you’re interested to witness by yourselves, you should pay a visit to this place no later than 7 Feb 2012 from 10.30am until 10.00pm.

23 – 24 Jan 2012 | Gong Xi Fa Chai 2012

From the picture above, this year is belong to Dragon year. A year of symbolizing good fortune and intense power. Dragon is said to be a deliverer of fortune and authority, hence for those born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.

I’m 29 years old this year, a meaningful year to keep on receiving red packet from elderly and those married. Many were expecting me to start giving out next year, means cash flow will be flowing out. I should get as many as I can this year from those married friend, associates and partner.

Rabbit year has seen myself progressing much in preparing my another life stage. Prosperity came to me in getting a property and capital for my business as well as future prospect career. Thanks Rabbit for making my year so meaningful.

I’ve total of 9 days leave for CNY 2012, hence a lot of plans getting on for the whole week. Pardon for less updates about my recent trips because I’ve giving many hours to perform my responsibilities this year.

Wish my readers, Kong Hee Fatt Chai and visitors a very good prosperous year.

Endau-Rompin Selai

It was a huge group consists of many hardcore camper and hikers. Only known few of them in the group, me and my own self with my partner have took this opportunity to join them. Two from my group were suddenly pull out, so I’ve to take over the accommodation portion which was confirmed earlier.

Jungle trekking and national park visit is always my desires no matter where, be this 2D1N Endau-Rompin Selai Trip. An advanced of registration is required about 2 months plus, the organizer was ensure everyone agreed on a specific date before the event kick-off.

Activities are ranging from jungle trekking, river boat, jungle night walk and river rafting. But my group was opted only for camping and simple waterfall trekking via jungle trail.

The cost for camping was quite cheap. I’ve no camping experience, therefore opting for a jungle hut instead, RM60 per night (up to 4 pax).

The breakdown cost is as follows:

 

 

• Permit – RM5
• Insurance – RM2
• Car entry – RM10
• Visiting cert – RM5
• Guide fees – RM50 per day (compulsory)
• Camping – RM5
• Jungle hut – RM60

The organizer collected RM70 per pax (inclusive of permit, insurance, certificate, guide fees and 4WD), excluded jungle hut cost.

DAY 1

8.30am … Registration at main office

Organizer has set 4am to leave from KL by car. Target to arrive by 8am at registration office. Met at Yong Peng Utara exit 241 from North South Expressway, we crossed towards Segamat/Labis and straight to Chaah town. Turn into Bekok town when you saw “Sg Bantang Air Terjun, Bekok”.

Pejabat Taman Negara Endau Rompin … where we park our cars and hop on 4WD

9.30am … Campsite @ Lubuk Merekek

The drive into jungle by 4WD requires about ONE hour for about 26km long. A bumpy ride is expected where we were comfortably sitting inside. We indeed saved a lot of ‘trekking’ hour by this trunk road if there’s no 4WD service available.

This road is leading to campsite area called Lubuk Merekek.

Leading into entrance of campsite … Lubuk Merekek

Large campsite area … cost RM5 as rental fees

10.00am … Jungle Hut @ Lubuk Tapah

A further from the campsite, around 500 meters by 4WD, there was a jungle hut area @ Lubuk Tapah. This facility is for those who prefer under the roof and willing to fork extra for comfort and warmer night.

Entrance of Lubuk Tapah … the base camp

Given FOUR unit for our group … simple and comfy

My unit number 15 …  a relatively small fit for maximum 4 pax

Toilet facilities … not far from ALL jungle huts

11.00am … Gathered @ Campsite (Lubuk Merekek)

Far from settle down completely in our hut, we have to rush for waterfall trek departure from campsite. We took 4WD again out to campsite. A huge group was difficult to manage by one or two, rather self-manage is more preferable.

Day 1 Activities was 2 hours trek to Takah Tinggi.

After briefing by our guide, we walked towards Lubuk Tapah (where the jungle hut located). The trail head shall start from there.

Self-punctuality … check-point for briefing on Day 1

1.15pm … Takah Tinggi Fall

An hour plus hike was required for the first waterfall. This was the only waterfall on Day 1 due to time constraint and gloomy weather. No choice and have to give up the second fall.

This fall (Takah Tinggi) was not allowed anyone to swim due to strong current and deep water. Sighted from far, we only can enjoy the breeze and sound coming from fallen water.

3.40pm … Touching base trail

Our Day 1 was ended after we reached the base. This was slightly earlier than expected due to skipping one waterfall. Our hope was dashed but joyful on the scenery. We were indeed amazed by the forest reserved landscape at our staying area (Lubuk Tapah).

There’s a kitchen preparing food for guest. However, understand that it should be booked ahead for meal (ala BBQ style). Mostly guest from Singapore are more likely to engage for meal on board.

Amazing river landscape … located at Lubuk Tapah

Kitchen for food preparation … DIY or meal-on-board

6.30pm … Night befallen

My humble piece of experience from this trip was I’m not prepared for any kind of dinner nor meal. My initial thought was having a place like warong (eatery hut) with ala-carte order. I was wrong, all participants were bringing at least some cookery or mash tin for the cook while the one person may in-charge of all the foods preparation.

I should at least contribute some foods in exchange of others, but in fact, I’m not aware of this. So it does a big joke for me. What an experience here. I should go camping ASAP. LOLz.

I was very lucky to meet Jeffrey Yeoh, who I met in FB first, before met in real-life. He was consistently commented all my nature hiking photos and coincidentally he was part of this group. He invited me to his ‘non-camping’ style dinner at the eatery hut.

Preparation was done at much look like food packing and fast cooking. At that night, I was delightfully joining their dinner and get fun together. Thanks man!

Light turn ON … after 7pm for 12 hours

Day 2

8.00am … Waterfall trekking (cont..)

As early as 6am, sound of people awaken has been heard. Not sure why, but I woke up around one hour before the actual gathering time which was 8am.

The hike was about an hour plus before reaching Takah Berangin. You should not expect some wind blow, but consistently heavy blow from the fall. Even my camera couldn’t stand long for watery drop from the fall. Better keep it out asap.

Heading to Takah Berangin … before to Takah Pandan

Rare sight … no camping place

Messing up with cold water … massaging in progress

Takah Pandan … the nicest view of falls

12.30pm … Back to our jungle hut

Time spending at this fall was rather short and just for our lunch period. We know it’s time to end our waterfall trek in this short visit to Endau-Rompin Selai. About an hour, I reached the base, clean up and get ready to check-out.

Having fruit/meal while soaking down … a different side of enjoying the nature

The GREAT photo … an ABSOLUTE group photo

3.00pm … Departing from camp to park office

It was a unwilling feel to leave the place within a short visit. This place is nothing than a place for group outing, at least for me. The fun was there. Camping experience, taken at a safe place.

No comparison made between Taman Negara Pahang and Endau-Rompin Selai because these two national parks were built under different commercialization. Endau-Rompin Selai was more suitable to adventure and independent, less focus on tourism or family gathering.

No doubt, I love nature and this was what I’ve visited to one of the Johor National Park, Endau-Rompin Selai last year. Let’s taking this as leisure nature trip rather than exhaustive and tiring long-hour hiking at some mountains I did last year.

End-of-trip. Bye

3 Jan 2012 | Happy New Year 01.01.12

A man’s vision can be concisely put in such easy way, notably career, family, health, financial and entertainment. To attain those, my resolutions must have a strong degree of relationship between them.

A greater shall look upon myself to get something done better than last year even though something must be loosen up a bit to get others go through.

Let’s me start with my Y2k12 resolutions before I recall back my Y2k11 achievements.

In Y2k12 ahead …

An immensely important year in my life. The turning point where I shall put myself in greater height of the year. Thanks to my past resolutions to keep me on track and become a guideline for me to look with greater outcome. The year is finally come.

Wise is better … the wiser the better

As I mentioned, a man’s vision can be put in very simple way.

• Career Status
• Health Maintenance
• Family Building
• Progressive Vacation

Career Status

It’s not beyond my expectation when comes to career. I’ve chosen a right career in a right time. I’ve never lose grip on opportunities where brings me to this stage. Really thanks to my lucky star. Time will be proven my worth and value.

Health Maintenance

Life is meaningful without health. It does bring all the joy and meaningful in my life. Treasuring a good life is a must in resolution every year. No doubt.

Family Building

Bells ringing when times is up to certain stage. No one could be exception unless plan otherwise. The relationship that I ripped all the years has come to ripen. You could figure out if you’re wise.

Progressive Vacation

Many can stand without it. It has been with my life for so long until I’ve been associated strongly to it. The key elements of Time, Money & Energy are well explain enough to justify it. Even though challenging was ahead me, I believe wise can solve the things out.

Let’s have a deep thought. What would be my life without this? I would be a dull-man, perhaps.

Y2k11 … looking back

In year 2011 …

- A sociable person and a person to be learn by others when comes to experiences and presentable when needed.

- Trustfulness person to lead and manage the group, be a social group or close associate group.

- Achieve the balance of nature exploring, be a mountain, hill, waterfall and beach.

- Put a halt on MBA course due to new undertaking task on hand. Foresee myself as a e-business entrepreneur with great compassion for innovative touring around the world.

- Innovative touring was a fruitful method where I’ve seen the world more than ever.

- Getting myself a powerful smartphone, to become an e-business entrepreneur on the walk.

- Readiness to settle down for a necessity of our life. My instinct told me it’s the right time.

- Fall in love with number versus time as ventured into investment money-making instrument.

- Having a tough moment to bring down my credit line. Even though, it brings prosperous which turn to be a good thing.

- Optimistic with great life definition even though sources are limited.

- Invested a basic shelter where the basic requirement counts.

Major Achievements … year 2011

— [January] —

• New Year hike @ Gunung GAP and Ulu Semangkok
• Visit Dino Alive @ Science Centre with MyKhaki
• Hike Gunung Angsi (first time)
• CNY Hiking @ Bukit Ketumbar (first time)

— [February] —

• VIsit FGS 2011 on CNY
• Explore Greenish Waterfall @ Puchong
• Join Paintball Challenge 2011 by Ambank
• New Tabur series – Tabur Extreme
• Hike Bukit Kutu (revisit)

— [March] —

• Hike Gunung Nuang (revisit)
• First time white water rafting @ Kampar
• Visit Kellie Castle
• Hike Bukit Apeh via Cheras Hatamas (first time)

— [April] —

• Explore Jeram Perlus Waterfall
• Explore Lata Nyur Waterfall
• Joined Ambank Treasure Hunt @ Pulai Spring Resort
• Hike Tabur East (revisit)
• Run Energizer Night Race 2011 (first time)
• Oversea trip @ Mt Bromo, Indonesia with MyKhaki

— [May] —

• Hike 3-in-1 mountain @ Cameron Highlands

— [June] —

• Go-Live project in Ambank
• Resigned from Ambank
• Visit Endau-Rompin Selai @ Johor
• 3rd Anniversary Trip @ Danga Bay with MyLove
• A’Famosa Melaka Water Park (revisit)

— [July] —

• Participate Feel-Good Fun Run 2011
• Hike Bukit Apeh @ Cheras Awana (first time)
• Organize durian trip @ Raub and yamchar @ Fraser Hill with MyKhaki

— [August] —

• Oversea trip @ Bangkok with MyKhaki
• Attempted Bukit Puchong (leisure & training)

— [September] —

• Hike Gunung Datuk on Malaysia Day (revisit)
• Hike Bukit Tabur West (leisure & training)
• Participate on Siemens Run 2011
• Pre-Honeymoon trip @ Krabi, Thailand with MyLove

— [October] —

• Hike Bukit Saga + Bukit Apeh (leisure & training)
• Hike Gunung Angsi (leisure & training)
• Melaka Makan-Makan Trip 2011 (Lite version)

— [November] —

• Hike Bukit Puchong (leisure & training)
• Explore Pulau Intan Beach Trek @ Tanjung Tuan Port Dickson

— [December] —

• BBQ at Sungai Nuang
• Completed Annual Gathering 2011 (3rd edition) @ Bagan Lalang
• Ipoh Ho-Jiak Trip 2011 during Christmas
• Melaka New Year Countdown 2012

Together with my associates and alliances, let’s make year 2012 another greater year to achieve.

That’s all about me. How about yours?

1 Jan 2012 | Minor changes of DeXXy.NET

Leisure activity was still going on but at slower pace.

I’ll be taking my sweet time from now onwards to catch up with posts and updates here. Stay tune and thank you for supporting this blog continuously.

17-18 Dec 2011 | Annual Gathering 2011

We called it Annual Gathering series because we have got rid of old-fashioned and closed-minded name, DC a.k.a Delivery Channel. We’ve moved for a better life. Two friends of us have married this year. Bonding between us never show signed of weakened. We’re still kicking as strong as ever because we’ve recruited two new members joining us this year, Tasha & Kelly.

The decision of choosing Bagan Lalang as our destination was made with majority. It’s a new experience to held barbecue (BBQ) session on the beach side. Barely one month planning, we have chosen Camar Laut Resort as our accommodation.

I booked 3 unit of semi-d chalet with 2 rooms (4 pax) per unit. Only cost me RM360 (RM120 per unit). Kind of cheap compare to Hotel Seri Malaysia which is next to us. We have 15 pax to fit one unit during the Gift X’Change session. Three decided not to overnight.

Even though packed, but it was fun.

Our event is similar to X’Mas but eventually is more like gathering. Or you can say it’s coincidentally merely a birthday celebration to one of our friend, Aaron.

12.30pm … Starting point

Each of us was having their own way to Bagan Lalang beach. Out of surprise, most of them were first timer and even few getting lost in their way.

I’ve my own group for car-pooling from Cheras. We started around this hour but in the middle, we had a quick lunch at Chinese restaurant.

Let’s GO! … Bagan Lalang @ Sepang

3.00pm … Check-in

Actual check-in time supposedly at 2pm, but I did it an hour late. No point getting so early when our actual BBQ session was only start at 6pm. Nevertheless, I just wanted to enjoy the resort with few running around with my camera.

Camar Laut Resort was previously known as Pusat Latihan Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM) that offered us a very special and identical place for travelers a place to stay. With a very competitive price and affordable, I’m strongly recommended this resort for Bagan Lalang’s visitor.

You may check-it out the photo below:

Twin Chalet … RM120 (weekend) per night for 4 pax

Clean and comfortable room … with air-con

Small and simple living room … Astro channel and mini-fridge (inside)

Clean bathroom and toilet … complete with water heater

3.30pm … More people reached

I get a corner lot side-by-side with a very minimal chance to disturb others at night. A totally strategic location of our unit due to noisiness that I expected from us during the late night. Hahaha.

The organizer of gift exchange was arranging the stack of gifts from us. Total 15 gifts to be give away. Big or small, long and short, colorful and single color all put on one stack.

The first batch arrived and subsequent follows.

Welcome … one of our rooms code-named Jenahak A

6.00pm … Packing up to the beach

ONE hour is needed to light up the stove. That’s why we’d chosen this hour to start our short journey to the beach. Well, the location was up to the end where our cars can go. Stopped and unloaded our stuff. Hooking up one permanent stove there and starts our stove building.

6.30pm … Green flocking the beach

You saw the picture. You knew it. Our theme color this year was GREEN. We were having this at nature place, so I’d chosen this color.

Sky was getting dark … our food was just a foot away from our stomach. The stove was lighted up by guys and food prepared by gals. As we have 15 peoples flocking around, busy with own task, we’ve everything get ready very fast. Amazing teamwork.

7.15pm … Food was ready

Not many varieties we’ve chosen to be our menu. But we have a very quantitative for our food. At the end, it not evens any wastage on it. Cheers and glad we did it compare to last year with excessive amount of foods being thrown away.

9.00pm … Start early, leave early

As we have second round to conclude, we packed once we’ve done. Our food stock/warehouse was wiped out totally, thanks to a big group like this. Even packing back to our car was done fair quickly. Wow!

9.30pm … Quick birthday celebration

Again surprises came every year made no different. He was waiting anticipatively. Unlike previous year, we have jelly cake this year.

9.45pm … Most awaiting

Our most exciting moment was Gift X’Change. It was like lucky draw for some of them where they wanted to book particular gift which was physically attractive and usable. Who knows? We’re using balloting for exchange. I’m thinking of using Secret Santa method next year after few suggested it.

Partial group picture from the gals … guys were out!

10.20pm … Drama begins

Our drama king was acting again. None others than WMK. He whips himself down to floor, crying, begging and all sort of playful faces he could show. Our group was hell laughing non-stop at him and teased him. Salute!

After all drama ended, they continued with new game introduced, dice game ‘Tai Wah Sik’. The loser needs to drink. We have 2 cartons of beer and 2 bottle of red wine to penalize the loser. It’s seems guys lose this round. Not enough with the losing, they went out to buy Ramly burger to escape.

I myself had stayed until 3.30am before fall asleep for the next morning to come. Have a very good chat outside the balcony.

8.00am … Morning Sunday

In the early morning, I went out for a beach walk as usual. If you know my style, I wouldn’t want to waste such opportunity to walk and be part of nature.

Next to Bagan Lalang … Sepang Gold Coast

As morning time passed, we checked out and proceed to our lunch at Tanjung Sepat. Well, the exact restaurant was called Restoran Batu Laut.

A quite cheap seafood restaurant to be recommended because I noticed few tourist buses have made a stop by here for lunch. Total cost was RM195 (RM15 per pax).

1.30pm … End of trip

The lunch concluded and we were heading our own way back to KL. Thank you all my members for making this trip so successful and smooth. We shall make it again next year.

17 May 2011 | Gunung Berembun, Gunung Jasar & Gunung Perdah

This type of mountain hiking has ONE best reason to explain: Iciness Temperature (Misty, Windy & Coolie). A strong contender for my ONE month, ONE mountain mission.

Three mountains conquered in one trip made my checklist go faster. Big applause for hiking enthusiastic who took us too unbelievable mission but achievable.

Weather was undetermined and underestimated at that point of our mission. Even though probability of canceling the event or make it shorter was there, but we seems didn’t lose our hands so easily. We hope and wait for any circumstances to make it even though we encountered ambiguity in between.

We planned as below itinerary:-

Itinerary: -
(Intake) Tanah Rata – Gunung Berembun:- Approximate 2.5 hour
(Outtake) Gunung Berembun – Tanah Rata:- Approximate 1.5 hour

(Rest) Lunch:- Approximate 1.5 hour

(Intake) Tanah Rata – Gunung Jasar:- Approximate 1.15 hour
(Intake) Gunung Jasar – Gunung Perdah:- Approximate 1.15 hours
(Outtake) Gunung Perdah – Tanah Rata:- Approximate 2 hours

Journey started a day earlier. We had chosen to overnight at the highlands before calling our mission on next morning. This place was none other than a temple @ Kg. Raja.

Three hours journey from KL to Cameron Highlands was considered long enough but excitement has taken us to think about tomorrow hiking.

Temporary shelter … temple’s hall

Sleeping time … let’s off the light

Early in the morning, the cold breeze has awakened us. I don’t think anyone of us have a good sleep under such condition (better than camping in the jungle).

Temple’s hall area … very early morning

Get prepared for breakfast first … after packing

Entrance of the temple … peaceful morning

A walking distance to the morning market where we had our breakfast. Anything goes into my mind for breakfast due to coldness I need to withstand on breezy morning.

Quiet road … peaceful mind

Old shops … blending with hiking feel

Wantan mee … small but enough to fill-up my appetite

8.00am … Driving to the starting point of Gunung Berembun

Soon after the breakfast, without dragging until the sun rise on our head, we started our move to the starting point of Gunung Berembun. With the need of crossing private property place, we seek permission to enter their area.

Car line-up … ensure everyone safety

Carpark stop … getting final preparation

Entrance of Taman Agro Teknologi … entrance to private property

Walking past … towards the back-end area

9.00am … Real starting point of sign-board

Even though the time has slightly beyond our schedule, it was such a good weather. It buzzed me further to hike this hill in less than 1.5 hours.

Entering jungle trail … 1.48km for Jungle Walk No.5

Knowledge sharing … while trekking

Completion for Jungle Walk No.5 … meet-up point for another trail

Another trail connected … alternative way

9.40am … Rest station before continue to Gunung Berembun trail

Good to have such station for rest. Neither of us was in rushing hour. We learn all the way up, to recognize the route, to understand the passion of hiking and spur our interest even more.

Hiking @ Cameron Highlands mountains always bring me new experience and joyful moment. I guess because of the weather and temperature.

It hardly made you want to stop in between but going for more wonderful scenery view along the trek.

Dedicated to advance further … Gunung Berembun

Final push … to the peak of Berembun

Sign of success … touch the peak

Group picture of my group … mark the completion

1.30pm … Descending for lunch

By the time we descended, it was the weather who alerted us to cancel the subsequent trip.

Completed ONE mountain … TWO more to go

Our lunch was at some cafe at Brinchang. We waited for almost two hours before we all decided to continue even though rain on and off in just a matter of minutes.

Since it was burning our desire in the first round, should we kill it off for second round?

Journey begins at Tan’s Camellia Garden … private property

Entrance open wide … entering the flower garden

Pitcher plant spotted … nice shape

Just not long after we started, it was a heavy rain. Journey to be continue with rain coat and poncho no matter what happened. Along the wet trek, we found many interesting plant and insect, but we less care.

Completed 850 meter … using Walk No.11

Not going to continue with Walk No.11 … use Walk No.10 instead

Decision to use Walk No.10 … at this junction

Straight going up … slippery trek

Rain has stopped but dark cloud still hovered on our head. That time was 4pm, we’re hurried and worried on the way back caught in dark. I’m thinking whether we’d gone to wrong route which took us longer than expected.

Open area … sign of peak soon

A very close encountered to … High Tension Electrical Tower

Funny surface carved naturally … stepping one by one

We’ve not reached the peak although the view proved so. A short distance is expected by entering the jungle again.

Entered the bush … no sign of peak yet

Standing on peak stone … no view or whatever due to thick mist

Peak of Gunung Jasar… TWO done, ONE to go

5.15pm … Close call for final MISSION

At this hour, we’ve reached the final peak, Gunung Perdah. It was a heavy rain and nowhere for shelter. It doesn’t bothered us anyway, we all fully wet.

Yo yo yo! … Third peak at Gunung Perdah

There were a group before us celebrating something at the peak, I guess birthday. Weird! But how they can reach before us?

They’re not look like hiking tirelessly like us. So we asked them where they come from. They mentioned from Kg.Ruil where a 10 min distance from the peak. We stunned. Really?

Suddenly I’ve recalled that Gunung Perdah was one of the easiest mountains to climb. Hence the reason why. As being told of the shorter route, we followed them going down.

Escape in less than 10 min … what an easy way

Roughly 15 min to walk under the mist … out from Kg.Ruil village

6.15pm … Walk marathon

At last one hour, we walked under the rain, mist and low temperature. We were such fortunate to found this shortcut to cut down our time to return to our base. I’m sure dark time will hit on us, caught under prepare and cause us in the nightmare. So lucky!

Once we returned to our car park, I immediately get washed and changed. A true basic facility (toilet cum shower room) is available outside the Camellia Garden.

Quick bath and change … outside Camellia Garden

Brinchang Town steamboat dinner … recommended by our leader

Completion of this hiking did mean to me a lot because we hardly gather after that. This was a crazy challenge that I ever tried.  We almost caught in the dark if we didn’t meet with the local group at Jasar’s peak.

In fact, I understand our leader didn’t want to upset us, instead of cancelling, he rather follow the flow. He was confident we all able to cope with any hard situation because he knew us so much.

Hiking these three mountains in one day definitely leaving me a good memory, hardly to express in words, but rather in my mind. I’ll treasure this feeling towards any of my future hiking.

The fulfilled and satisfaction grueling all the way under Iciness Temperature (Misty, Windy & Coolie) was incomparable.

Mountain in Cameron Highlands is always a good place to experience the real passion of hiking.

A Passage to BANGKOK @ Thailand

A 5D4N trip has brought us together in the world of shopping spree. Planned roughly 3 months back (May 2011), the budget control was not effective enough. Estimation of total expenses (inclusive of airfare + accommodation) is close to RM 1,400 in which half of it spent on shopping itself.

A strong bonding among us was formed and enhanced. Our fun and laughter doesn’t end easily. Poking fun on each other was a norm. In fact, something that we would like to preserve as a true friendship and it was accomplished without much hurdle but complicated way.

There goes the story of our fascinating trip …

DAY 1 … 7.00pm – From KL Sentral

Started at young night from KL Sentral with SkyBus which took us one and quarter hour to reach LCCT. We used web check-in first time ever and it’s just as simple as it described.

Our flight time was 10.20pm and there were ample of time wandering around.

Night departure … by Thai Airasia

Flight took 1 hour and 50 mins to reach Survanabhumi Airport @ Bangkok. Our time zone was one hour earlier than KL, means we have extra one hour to use.

Wide angle effect … new toy for the trip

11.00pm … Late dinner @ Survanabhumi

BTS Skytrain, a similar to LRT in Malaysia was closed its operation at this hour, so we decided to give up traveling to the city at late night. We have no where to go at this hour.

We stayed and overnight in airport instead. This was a new experience overnight in airport.

It was rather odd having dinner on the floor, but it was all fun together.

Dinner pack from 7-Eleven … cost 43 baht (~RM 4.40)

Not only us sat on floor eating, we have saw many had do so, some even sleep underneath the escalator.

However, we managed to find a row of seat for napping. Even though, we have all passer-by seeing us sleeping, but we don’t care.

It’s all fun when together. We weren’t alone anyway.

DAY 2 … 5.30am – Phaya Thai Express

We woke up and prepare for our first journey. Express rail cost us 90 baht (~RM 9.20) one way. It doesn’t stop in between and only stop at last station which is Phaya Thai took us only 15 minutes.

At this hour, we wanted to load our luggage at hotel lobby for convenient purpose.

Early morning … took the first operating train @ 6am

7.00am … Looking for breakfast

We started to walk from our hotel to a few streets along Sukhumvit Road, in and out looking for a decent breakfast.

At such hour, hardly any proper eatery shop open its business, rather have those stalls along the roads. But it never amazed us. End up starving.

Walk, walk, walk … along the road in busy weekday

8.00am … Busy street

We saw many local going to work at this hour. They all make up and dress beautifully and striking neat and professional. Especially those came out from train station elevator. Fuhyoo!

Finally we found a modest stall which we would like to settle down. It’s selling wantan noodle and char siew rice.

Breakfast … typical food stall outside 7-eleven

Char Siew rice … cost 40 baht (~RM 4.10)

Petrol floating price … a lot expensive (~RM 3.77 per litre)

Stopped at Au Bon Pain for a drink while waiting for check-in.

Starbuck equivalent … cappuccino time!

10.00am … Check-in time

Check-in CNC Residence without much hassle and straight forward.

We booked 2-rooms apartment, spacious yet feel luxury. Most importantly is CLEAN! Highly recommended if your budget is around RM350++ per night.

Our accommodation … the entrance

Simple yet elegant … lobby at CNC Residence

Apartment unit … luxury and clean

Open kitchen … fridge, washing machine & stove

Bedroom no.1 … clean and spacious

Bedroom no.2 … clean & modern

Bathroom … clean & simple

12.00pm … Shopping spree day

After settled down and nap for an hour plus, we prepared for a tour. Shopping spree was once a long run topic among us other than food hunting and massage services.

Money! … for everything we wanted

Are you ready? Not really.

In fact, we sound like dependent to one source as first-timer to this city.

Relying and looking for luck was kind of spirit killing. Another walking marathon goes on. Our innocence was at stake.

Boarding from Phrom Pong station … our nearest BTS

MBK Center … top fashion mall in Bangkok

2.00pm … Lunch @ BBQ Plaza

Lunch hour and our appetite went to BBQ Plaza. A gold plate cooking utensil with self-grilled food. We have 2 hours of shopping time after our lunch.

Familiar place? … but located in Bangkok

Took the basic menu (4 pax) … self-cooked

An overall look … MBK Center

5.30pm … Shopping spree continues

Two hours passed real fast. Having a bargain on price on clothes, bag, souvenir and undergarment was fun, promising you have enough CA$H on hand.

Walking over one after another mall, we crossed MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Centre, Siam Paragon and The Emporium. Not much happening, we walked and checked out some girls around. Appearance wise not bad, overshot our expectation for such quality and visual aspect.

The Emporium … a walk-over to the opposite

Outside all the malls … Linkin Park is BACK!

Siam Paragon … a similar to Pavilion in Malaysia

Inside Siam Paragon … high class & luxury shop

Melt ME … a sweet delicacies

Wish to hook on Madame Tussauds but entrance fees is 600 baht. Give up for now.

A good sample here.

Jackie Chan @ Madame Tussauds … Bangkok version

We wished to catch up with BTS Skytrain back to our hotel, but we miscalculated our timing, it was a peak hour of off-working. The station was jam and packed with people. Not willing to waste our time, we get back for a drink.

Finally walked back to hotel after taken from Siam station back to our Phrom Pong station.

Delicious hotdog … on the way to BTS station

Our DAY 2 was ended in fashionable way.

DAY 3 … 8.00am – Adventures begin

Our breakfast voucher only catered for 3 pax, therefore, we take turn to enjoy the in-house restaurant breakfast located at 6th floor. Not bad.

The swimming pool is just next to it and I decided to give a try on Day 3. Other than this have gym room and sauna as well.

My breakfast … simple choices but good enough

Swimming pool … a peek to the pool at Level 6

10.00am … Town tour begins

Our next destination was The Grand Palace. By taxi as transportation which cost us only 110 baht, we were greeted by local tour guide there. Their intention for such friendly manners was aim at one purpose; to recommend you for an alternative tour when The Grand Palace was closed at 12pm for prayer.

Greeted by local guide … to an alternative tour

Truly a tactic by local tout, they managed to bring us to the riverbank to kill our free hour. We hadn’t aware of this until we agree to their offer for a full tour (90 minutes) for freaking 900 baht. We regret for not bargaining for lower price or else we walked out from this. It can be as low as 500 – 600 baht if we know how to bargain!

Lead to the back lane … for boat tour

Group tour flooding the jetty … almost all are tourists

View from our boat … sailing on rough river

Our boatman … riding us for an hour plus

Sailing through canal … sought any difference with river in Malaysia?

Earlier with bread given … it’s feeding fish time!

Boat sailing from opposite … professional sailor

Met a floating boat … get a coke drink for 30 baht

How the boat look like … traditional with modern engine

Our tour package has inclusive 30 minutes stop at Wat Arun (A temple of the dawn). Out of awareness, we charged 20 baht for tips when we drop by the jetty. WTH!

Furthermore, Wat Arun visit need to purchase entrance ticket, 50 baht per person. A hidden cost, I can say!

If you wear short pant or sleeveless shirt, you have to bear another cost of 20 baht for clothes rental. With so many hidden cost, it may appear disadvantage on us being taken disadvantage just because we’re tourist!

12.30pm … Lunch

Entry to The Grand Palace from main entrance. Ticket cost 400 baht per person. Whether it’s worth or not, we all came here for once at least. So, we decided to take it. Dressing code remain same for ALL. Queuing along the counter was disastrous due to long line. There were too many foreigner tourist who wore sleeveless and short pant, taken unaware of this rule.

The Grand Palace … view from far entrance

Entry point … but not yet ticket counter

1.40pm … Hall of the Greatest

Without much hesitation, we entered The Grand Palace. Local Thai entered for FREE.

I realized the strong local culture in this place. A must visit if you’re in Bangkok, else your trip was never be worthy.

Various direction … useful for first timer

DSLR maniac … my group of Khakis

Wet land … after short heavy raining

After spent around 2 hours, rain started to fall. We trapped under the rain until it stopped. Our next stop was Chinatown. Tried to hire few cabs but they charged us 200 baht which was ridiculous due to peak hour on Friday.

We understood and we continued to pursue with other cab. Our luckiness to be able met a very generous cab charged us 60 baht only for 6 of us. WOW.

Condition wise, he will drop us at Gems Gallery, The World’s Biggest Jewelry Store. We have to spend at least 15-20 mins in order for him to get commission.

Chinatown was quite far, where taxi driver took a highway (45 baht paid by us) to drop us there.

Highway leading to Chinatown area … toll cost bear by us

We found surrounding a Chinese feel, songs, language, sign and etc. What a great place. Pork still remain widely available.

Selling pork delicacies … from wet to dry food

An hour walked later, we decided to stop by for Bird Nest drink. It’s not cheap but cheaper than our own country. A bowl of economy bird nest cost us 500 baht.

Specialty … mixed with half-boiled egg and honey

Due to excessive walk marathon, we decided for a foot massage cost 200 baht for an hour. This shop was a bit overwhelmed by customers caused us wait for quite a while.

Foot massage … 200 baht for 1 hour

7.30pm … My origin hometown

After a good rundown of our foot, we finally settled down with our wonderful dinner.

Popular stall for dinner … a proper dinner finally

8.30pm … Spoils by the weather

A heavy rain pour on us. No choice but to travel out from Chinatown back to our hotel. That’s end of our day trip at Day 3.

DAY 4 … 9.00am – Heaven of shopping

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to popular day market, Chatuchak  by taxi near our hotel. Cost us 110 baht.

This market have 3 main gate point. We dropped at Gate 3 and surrounding was crowded with majority tourist/foreigner like us. Absolutely a shopping heaven. Woohoo!

Fluck by tourist by majority … 2 hours was never enough

Found a special fried egg … quail eggs

Cost 20 baht only … from this stall

Shopping spree begin … spoil by choices!

Tomyam chicken … a short taste for 60 baht

ONE market heaven already killing us. We took BTS Skytrain to Phra Ram 9 from Kamphaeng Phet station for our lunch. Unfortunately the sky turned dark, we have to back to hotel to drop our stuffs before decided for next trip.

Last but not least … pork burger from McD

The last night has fallen to us before we ended our trip on next day.

8.00pm … Guy’s heaven

Dinner by walking distance at unknown place. In fact, we can say it’s in between Phrom Pong and Asok station.

We took BTS again to Si Lom station, a place where we wanted to go for a eyes opener. LOLz.

All sorts of interesting shows are available there. Girls were incredibly sexy and revealing. Various packages offered to us for a great show inside. We were offered many types of show, name a few, Tiger, Ping Pong, Pussy and etc.

We didn’t proceed further which was a big REGRET after that. Instead, we just had a simple drink nearby there before taking our sweet walk back to BTS, heading back to our hotel in great rain downpour. The rain had turned down our desire and everything.

Let’s drink … put aside all the great shows behind

We only had our supper at hotel bought from 7-eleven and nap early. That’s went our last night in Bangkok. A regretful night for not fully enjoy night life as expected.

Day 5 … 10.00am – Checking out from Bangkok

Check-out early to the airport. Everything seems rundown a bit with inner excitement on past few days still lingering in my mind.

From our hotel, we took cab to Makkasan station for transit to Survanabhumi Airport. A very convenient transport available in Bangkok. It’s not as complicated as I thought.

This marked an END to our Passage to Bangkok trip on free and easy basis. In fact, one can have multiple trip to Bangkok because it never feel enough for one trip alone. They’re still many places we have not covered.

Our leader, TKT said enough for this round because he had done so many times before. Hopefully with my current exposure, I’m would further to organize such trip again. It’s not hard but I need at least once trial (as follower) before to cover my latter plan as organizer. Hehe.

Thank you to my Khaki for making this trip successful and enjoyable. For any mishap or communication error, hopefully it can be forgo and improved in our next outing.

22 Oct 2011 | Gunung Angsi – A Training Ground

The reason I said so because I took 5.5 hours in 12.6km to complete the whole journey. A recent overgrown and few landslides along the way really made me think thrice if I ever go again in future.

Alternatively, there are another two routes which comes from Ulu Bendol Recreational Park (which entrance fees of RM5 applied) and via Panjang R&R.

My visit to Gunung Angsi this round was took longer than usual, due to overgrown ferny plant which slowing down my movement. But I was made aware there was a group came here 2 weeks before me via ferny trail. That’s why I was confident this route still available.

Unlike to many mountains which draw a lot of people, this mountain at this season still consider low turnout. I’ve met only three groups on that day. Those were casual hikers.

For this trip, I’ve set 6.30am as starting time and point of meet up was at Sg.Besi toll via KL-Seremban highway.

Early preparation was simple, just packed with minimum snack and food with 3 liters of water (for light training). It’s very depends on individual for serious preparation like insect repellent, tracking pole, hand gloves, energy bar and etc.

Quiet road … leading to Bukit Putus entrance

We started at 7.30am sharp. Expectation was there. We wanted to complete this mountain to mark our training fruitful.

Only 3 km distance …  towards Ulu Bendol Recreational Park

There was a short walking distance from car park to Bukit Putus entry. The entry point was a bit unrecognizable if you’ve not been there before. Many considered this as shortcut.

Look for the yellow sign mentioning Bukit Putus Base Camp 2.

Well hidden sign … spotted on right side of the road

Along the way, I sought a very long trail as ever. This was like no end for freaking 3 hours. Yes, I took longer than ever this round because of overgrown ferny plant. It was so irritating and I’ve no parang to chop it off. Even I’ve, it may took me another hour to go through.

To make it worse, almost look END POINT for me. The trail was faced a very serious landslide and fallen trees. Soon or later, the entire trail will disappear for REAL.

Everyone have to find some other way to cross this.

Challenging trail … trail had gone from sight

Struggling with endless ferny trail and annoying fallen trees, I’ve finally came into junction where Ulu Bendol trek was found. A big sigh, we were finally at right track and real hiking started.

Going up non-stop … the real hiking just begun

Met the Lazy Log #1 … as checkpoint for trekkers

Convincing sign … 60 minutes more

Lazy Log #2 … another checkpoint for trekkers

Another 27 minutes to go … at this rope trail checkpoint

Huh? … why so many checkpoint?

One after another check-point but never saw any positive sign of reaching the peak. I was so eagerly to complete this as I’ve bear extra hour to climb this mountain.

My passion has gone impatient. Finally, the sign of reaching the peak has come into my sight.

Group picture … strong contender of Mount Angsi

View from peak … limited with blocking trees

We spent an hour at Angsi’s peak for light lunch and chit-chat. With a long journey from excessive grown of ferny trail, I’ve reached for second time and this time, I’m in training mood!

In fact, for first timer, there’s supposed to be much joy to see such beautiful view stand at 825m height.

For descending, we’ve cross the other path via Panjang R&R. The reason why we took this because it was faster to descend.

Easy trek down … took an hour half to reach the base

Found a sign to waterfall … my next reason to come back

What makes Gunung Angsi different from others mountain? In one stop, we met a closed stall that supposed to open only on Sunday. A very generous uncle who provides trekkers a pit stop for rest and desert to heal our blood sugar level.

New notice board … not a GOOD SIGN anyway

The moment we touch base, it was another big relief for us. Don’t know why some people calling this as easiest mountain to trek, maybe via Panjang R&R, that’s true! Easy up and easy down.

Surprisingly a new board erected at this Bukit Putus exit. Soon or later, this entrance will be imposing with fees. That’s BAD news!

Hiking nowadays is quite limited. Many popular places start charging fees, with a valid reason of insurance coverage, conservation and etc to upkeep the place for convenience for all. It was partially true if some facilities are well maintain but shouldn’t this provided by local authorities FREE of charge?

The training ended at car park and marks its completion. We decided to drop by the recreational park for their toilet/bathroom facilities. Later, we had our late lunch at Seremban town before going back to KL.