TrekEarth

Pelapah Waterfall Expedition 29th - 30th Oct 2008

2009-04-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Participants and Planning committee
Our expedition committee team, consisting of Kim, Edward and Jerral leading the team to Pelepah waterfalls, which is located at Kota Tinggi.

About the trek
The entrance of the trek was just next to Kota Tinggi waterfall resort. The trek difficulty was average with a bit of technical climbing but it isn’t that bad as the trail is quite obvious with not many dangerous paths. The terrain of the whole trek, were rocky paths, some small river trekking, muddy and slippery climbs and then followed by rocky paths again.

How our team went through
Meeting up early at Kranji MRT, our usual rendezvous point, we did a final equipment check before leaving for Malaysia. The usual route was to Larkin Bus terminal by 170. Upon reaching, we headed to our usual hang out, MacDonald! Due to our rowdiness, we dare not settle at the air-con section, but to head up to the non a/c area. While feasting, some went to purchase necessities like snacks and water.

Kim and Edward managed to find transportation to Kota Tinggi. It was a tedious find, as many ticket salesmen bugged us. However, a kind sir offered us a ride in his van at a cheaper price. Upon agreeing, we loaded our gears and ourselves in the van and off we went!

The bumpy ride took us 1 hr and 30 mins. In the van, there were laughter, excitement and snores. Unloading our gears upon arrival, we did one final briefing, water-proofing all our equipment and we are ready and geared up!

After entering into the trail head, we are greeted with a stretch of rocky trail, which signifies the start of our adventure. Along the way, we found oil palm trees surrounding us, only to realise that these trees belonged to the oil palm plantations nearby.

Excitement was in the air, as for most of us, it was our first waterfall trek. Finally we reached a small stream which had a knee deep depth. The water rushing through of shoes were refreshing! Following down that stream, we found ourselves in the midst of nature.

It was just like any other jungle trek, but when we saw our first rest point, smiles were seen on those tired faces. Check these pictures out!

Fun shots! (Above)

Cascade! (Above)

Waist deep river! (Above)

The main waterfall of Pelapah.

Along the trek, we had great fun with the waterfalls and the waist deep rivers. Due to soil erosion, fallen trees were a common sight.

It was a challenge to cross, because some of the fallen trunks were unstable. Maintaining a good footing was important. Making sure the sturdiness of the trunks, we took a step by a step cautiously.

We managed to reach the summit within the time planned and started setting our tent before darkness sets in. All of us, managed to squeeze in one tent! It was definitely a challenge, but we found comfort and warmth in it. Soon, we were out in the wilderness preparing our dinner. Our dinner was simple, which comprises of instant noodles and canned food. Just as we finish our dinner, the sun set.

Rise and shine! Everyone felt lazy as the sleep was cozy. The guys woke up and prepared breakfast. After breakfast, some took hold of the chance and explored around.

Before the blazing afternoon sets in, we managed to unhitch our tent and packed our equipment. Ensuring that we kept all our rubbish to bring it down, we did area cleaning too!

The descend down was straight forward. We trekked down an unused logging trail. It was a rocky and tricky trail because this trail was used by off road jeeps recently. Tire markings were clearly carved in the clay. It was slippery. Along the trail, there were sharp thorns and a few of us got caught in them. It was a hassle trying to remove them, while enduring that sharp sting.

Upon reaching the end, we managed to gain access to Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort. We bathed and washed our equipment there. It was refreshing after a long night. While the rest are washing up, the guys went to book two cabs back to Kota Tinggi. Soon, we arrived in Johor Bahru. We did have a great lunch, and it was home sweet home.

Gunung Nuang Expedition 19th - 20th Aug 2008

2009-04-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our senior, Keith send us various links through MSN, getting us hyped for the upcoming G.Nuang that we are climbing. Many of us took initiative to do the read ups, and get ourselves mentally prepared for it.

The day we reached Larkin bus terminal, we took a night bus at 11pm. It was just like any night, but for us trekkers, it was a bus ride to Kuala Lumpur. Many dozed off as the bus rumbled down the North South Highway.

4 hours later, we arrived outside Hentian Puduraya, a central bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur. It was like ghost town as it was still early in the morning. The rest went to the 24-hour Macdonald’s outlet, while a few seniors went in search of the way to the small town named Hulu Langat.

It was a challenge, because the public transportation system there was totally different from those of Singapore. To make matter worst, we have no one to ask as it was so early in the morning. However, based on prior knowledge that was obtained through the read ups, we managed to get some info on how to take the local bus.

7am and the whole team was waiting in front of a building for the bus. We were told that it was the location to board the bus. After 30mins, the bus finally arrived. The bus captain was friendly, and explained to us where we should alight. The bus took us through the city into the kampong areas of KL.

Upon arrival, we settled down in Hulu Langat. It was “Hulu” indeed. (“ulu” means deserted in Malay) A small town where there are approx 100 settlers, living in kampong huts. The only toilet available for public use was in the Mosque. However, there was a shop that still does sell snacks!

Geared up with snacks, we did a final check of our bag packs, ensuring that all equipment is loaded, and we are ready to go. Took a few shots of pictures that were fun!

A sign stating that Gunung Nuang was to that direction caught our attention. Looking ahead of us was a never ending trail. Did our registration at the trail head and we started the walk. After research, the stretch of road was 6km long. It took us approx an hour to finish the walk. We walked through the road which was surrounded by trees, some which were bamboo. Finally! We reached the bottom of the mountain.

As we trekked, we came across a few streams that we had to cross. Rocks did provide us a bridge across with one condition. They were slippery and tricky. Some rocks had algae covering it totally.

Despite fretting over our wet shoes, we had great fun in those naturally formed pools of water. Jumping of rocks forming all kinds of patterns was a must do. The water was extremely chilly.

Feeling refreshed, we continued on the trek. We faced many challenging ascends with some almost 80 degrees upslope. Slippery terrain was common, and mud was on our shoes. The terrain gets so muddy and slippery that it seems like for after every three forward steps we make, we take a step backward. It was frustrating. However, step by step together as a team, we climb the mountain.

The steepness of the mountain starts revealing, and the trek starts to get difficult. As Gunung Nuang is often showered with rain, the mud which was a kind of clay, starts getting tricky. The clay starts getting trapped in between the grip of our shoes, and before you know it, we will start falling down on those slippery terrains.

After many hours of our trek, we managed to reach Kem Pacat. (“Leech Camp” in Malay) Here’s the funny thing. We did not encounter any leeches at that camp! Maybe it was well-known to previous trekkers and that was how it got itself the name.

That afternoon, we decided to camp down there as going to the summit from here will result in a dangerous night trek. Thus, we set up a shelter with two ropes and a tarpaulin. After building it, we started our field cooking! Our long awaited dinners were soon served as our efficient team gathered together and help each other out. Dinner never felt this good.

Everyone feeling exhausted, some slept in the shelter while a few slept under the gazing stars. The night out there was great! The beautiful night sky was beyond what words can describe. Soon, snoring can be heard within the campsite.

Awaken by an alarm clock; it was 4am in the morning. Our senior suggested that we should push for the summit now. All still in a daze, we secured our belongings and headed off. The dark morning trek was an experience never to be forgotten as it was the first time for most of us. At the altitude of 1300m, we were breathing vapour out of our mouth. How cool is that? Soon, the sun rose and light was provided. We encountered many ascends and descends before reaching the summit.

We were greeted by great sceneries. Nature was kind to us, removing any clouds that were blocking our view. We had a clear view of Genting Highlands and the surrounding mountains. That breath taking view was worth the hardship that was put in.

We trekked back to our campsite and started having our breakfast. Unhitching our shelter, we trekked back downwards. The trek descending seems much more challenging than before because of the morning dew. However, with experience, we managed to overcome it all.

Reaching back to the never ending road, we trekked with our heavy bag packs. It was mentally and physically draining. But with some accompany of our friends, we made it back to Hulu Langat, the town where we began.

Gunung Datuk Expedition 26th - 28th April 2008

2009-04-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Anxiously waiting for all trekkers to assemble at Kranji MRT in the wee hours of the day, most of us didn’t had any sleep as we were too excited for the adventure awaiting us. At 7am, all gathered and took the crowded bus to Singapore Checkpoint. In no time, we reached Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Larkin Bus terminal.

Getting ready for the 3 hour bus ride, trekkers bought snacks and bottled drinks along. Partnered up, we sat comfortably in the cushioned seats. Some fell asleep while some were entertained by music. Not before long, the bus arrived at Tampin, a small town at the outskirts of Johor Bahru.

Alighted afresh from the bus ride, we headed to a run down coffeeshop for our breakfast. Some had Nasi Lemak while some had Wanton Mee. While all the eating took placed, the seniors went around in search of transportation to the trail head. Thanks to the kind and friendly locals, we managed to get a local bus to the trail head of Gunung Datuk.

We trekked in the rubber plantations to get to the trailhead of the mountain. Upon reaching, we changed to our attire, tightened our bag packs and we are off to go!

Carrying our heavy laden bag packs, we preceded to the trail head. Our seniors guided us up the ascending treks following the markers. We faced countless steep slopes of approx 70 to 80 degrees. They were tricky to climb with our bag packs as some treks were slippery. Teamwork was clearly seen throughout as trekkers assisted each other up the slopes. The slopes were so challenging that some require us to use ropes to pull ourselves up. These ropes were left by previous trekkers that were thoughtful. It was an exhausting climb.

Finally we reached the campsite! Everyone cheered in joy and happiness, celebrating the first mountain they conquered with TrekEarth. We settled down, pitching our tents in allocated and surveyed positions. This is to ensure that there is a flat ground to rest and no falling branches.

A small climb up some rocks and a ladder leading to the summit, one by one we climbed with extra cautions. The breath taking scenery greeted us. Some explored, while some gathered and chitchat. What’s more better than having close friends accompanied with beautiful scenery?

Before sunset, we started to cook our first meal of the day, dinner. Gathered in 3 to 4 persons per group, we shared our rations and started cooking. Setting the fire from the stove was a little tricky. We had instant noodles and canned food. It was rewarding after a long day of climb.

We had a fulfilling dinner accompanied by the wildness of nature. All the trekkers gathered in the dark once more for a final debriefing by our seniors. After debriefing, some went to sleep in the pitched tents, while some gathered around for fellowship.

Rise and shine! We were awaken by the coldness of the natural environment. Breakfast was soon prepared and the unhitching of tents by trekkers was fast. Area cleaning was conducted, and in no time, we descended the mountain. Going down was as tricky as going up. Slippery and challenging terrains greeted us. But with our experiences, we managed to overcome it easily.

Reaching the base, we managed to spend sometime at the water catchment!

Transportation back to Singapore was by bus, and not long, it was home sweet home.