Essential Hiking Checklist

Essential Hiking Checklist

A daypack to Gunung Berembun & Telapak Buruk

 

        We did it! A day backpack from the foot of Berembun mountain to B24 Liberator British Fighter Jet crashed location and continued to Telapak Buruk peak ! We started at 8am from Berembun trailhead, almost 3 hours picnic at the peak and crash site and made our way out at Telapak buruk at 6.30pm.
The wet weather provided us with a challenging trail together with our constants companion, leeches the bloodsuckers.
Alhamdulillah, we made it as well as safe and sound out from the jungle. Most of all, we had fun still.
   

  A few days after I came back from camping at Legendary Gunung Ledang, I was summoned to hike again. A few participants whom I met during our Ledang trip invited me for their next hike. Although the sore still shrouds my legs, the temptation to be surrounding by nature hard to resist.. so, I agreed to join them again.


The plan was instead of entering from Telapak Buruk trail down to Gunung Berembun peak, we decided to hike from Gunung Berembun trail, up to the B24 Liberator British Fighter Jet crashed location site and then continue hikes to the peak of Gunung Telapak Buruk in just a day Backpack!
(sounds like doing trans, hmmm.. I'm not sure if my body is up for the challenge, but my mental is definitely ready .. phew!!)

After discussing and planning all the necessaries that we need, as early as 4.30am we left KL on 21st November heading to R&R Seremban for our breakfast and regroup with the rest of participants.
(Me, Intan, Rashid hop on into Hani's car and drove by Abbas). All 20 of us, a combination of all age in five cars drive through the cooling morning and heads to Klawang, N.Sembilan. All excited, looking forward to the adventure and discovery.

We embarked to the location site near Kampung Pantai, parked our cars closer to the water station area, briefing, doa and some stretching before we step into the trailhead at 8 am.
Dianz, whom I first met at Pinetrail several weeks ago was trusted to leads the group and the kind-hearted Abas responsible as a sweeper. Meanwhile, Rashid (a.k.a Aaron Aziz ..haha), Hani, Dekwan, they are in between the whole group, making sure no one is left behind or separated.

The path rises and drops gradually (as we pass small streams) and snakes its way on the left bank of the river valley. I carefully marched down the trail along with others, watching my every step and maintaining my pace. (After several hikes, I've learned about the pace and conserving my energy). Am, (just like in Ledang) was patiently walking behind me while helping to carry the white box filled with cake!

We reached Lata Berembun around 8.45am and took slightly more than 1 hour to arrived at Gua Kambing. (Along the way, we passed camp site and waterfall, and had to walk on the fallen tree to cross the stream with our constants companion, leeches and stumbled into a python with a size of human thigh curled up in the mid of the trail!).

Reaching Gua Kambing, we bumped into other groups of hikers and we greeted each other. The weather seems promising with the clear sky. We took a rest for a while and as usual posed for pictures, while the guys filling up the empty bottles with water before we continued our journey.


From Gua kambing, we had to climb the steep trail almost 90-degree angle, I look up and started scratching my head (Remembering the story about my other hikers friends on their miss unfortunate incident, I pray harder that our journey will be blessed with safety).


The trail is too slippery due to the current wet weather. I watched other members in front of me as they carefully climbing up and hold tightly on to the rope and scattered roots, before my turn to go up. Not only some level of fitness and stamina, but safety and a basic survivor skill definitely required on this trail.
(At that moment, I found myself saying why would I want to leave my comfy bed and get bitten by the bloodsuckers, covered with dirt and sweat all over.. oh boy! I guess, I must be loving it LOL)

We reached the peak of Gunung Berembun at past 12pm after almost two hours crawled to the top. I take a deep breath slowly exhale it to relieve the fatigue that envelops me. The men began to cook and prepare meals for us. Sitting cross-legged on the ground and joking each other, we fill our hungry stomachs with rice and preserved fish, fried eggs, and drink hot black coffee!

Some other hikers who enter from Telapak Buruk trail started to flood the peak and we greeted each other. Suddenly the weather change and drizzling. We pack up after we finished eating, took group pictures and continued our journey to the crashed site.

After more than an hour walking, we arrived at the site where the B24 Liberator British Fighter Jet crashed down the ravine almost 200 meter deep on 1945 during the world war 2. ( I was told before that the remained of the 7 passengers who perished in that crash were buried nearby the body of the plane..)

Some of us went down the ravine to see the wreckage while me and a few others taking a break and snap some pictures.

Around 45 minutes later (at 4.45pm), we continue our hike to the peak of Telapak, I look up and watch the sky changing it color, I knew its gonna rain and according to the info we need to walk another 2 hours to reach the peak of Gunung Telapak Buruk. 

We hurriedly walk, but it was slippery with a couple of long upwards stretches which hardened our journey. I was afraid that my left knee gonna hurt again and had to stops several times to catch my breath. We finally reached the peak of Gunung Telapak Buruk at 6.30pm.

A Long Walk in the Park - Pinetree trail

Instead of being holed up in KL and venting out about Jerebu, we are breathing in the fresh air while strolling through the rainforest trails paths at Pinetree trail Fraser Hill, Pahang.
This cooling retreat destination nestled quietly at 1524 meters above sea level among the Titiwangsa mountain range and took about two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is one of the most enchanting Highlands in Malaysia.

Our trip to Fraser Hill started three weeks after our hike to Mount Nuang, Hulu Langat recently. This time we choose to trek Pinetree trail at Fraser Hill, a peaceful retreat destination locally known as Bukit Fraser. The highland was named after Louis James Fraser who set up a tin-ore trading post in 1890.
There are other trails too and each told a different story, but Pinetrail has the most challenging trail and offers a different perspective to adventures seeker. It takes 3 to 4 hours trekking to get to the peak (depending on your pace and how many times you stop). Many said it is the most difficult trail among the eight trails offered in Fraser Hill, probably because it has a long trail.

“I plan to hike Pinetrail soon”, Linda told me, whom I get to know from another friend during my early hiking. She started to gathers the participants. Without a second thought, I jumped and say yes! I’m in! my eyes sparkled.

Finally, six of us, Khairul, Linda, Zamri, Intan, Liza and me agreed to do a day pack to Pinetree trail.
We started our journey from Kuala Lumpur on 24th October at 5.30am and stop by at R&R Rawang to regroup and have breakfast.
Leaving Kuala Lumpur at that hour, our view was obscured by the early morning fog mixed with the haze that has engulfed the environment for the past few weeks.
As soon as we finished our breakfast, without wasting time we proceed our way to Fraser hill via Kuala Kubu Baru, Khairul jumped in to our car and take over the driving seat.
Reaching the Fraser hill we registered ourselves at the nearby polis station and informed the officer on our plan to hike the Pinetrail.

Before heading to the trail head, we stopped for awhile at the clock tower to take a few pictures, there were other hikers taking a group photo too, we exchanged a smile and greet each other.

After we parked the cars and all gears up, we walk steadily towards the entrance with a huge signboard which located about 20 metres from the TM Bungalow. There, we bumped again into the same group which we met at the clock tower earlier. We waited for our turn to enter the gate and took another group picture before we step into the trail at around 9.15am.
The freshness of air greeted our faces as if a signed of welcoming us, all eyes sparkled excitedly.


I’ve been here twice and still enjoying the trail as the first time, it is one of my favorite trails. I love the cool fresh air on my face while strolling down the trail.
We strolled in slowly like walking in the park through a few set of stairs. A few minutes after we walk our eyes served with the view of hill and valley thought it wasn’t that clear due to the haze.
There are also several huts at the beginning or the trail with the information on plants. As we walk deeper and began to explore the trail a new sense of wonder and appreciation enveloped us.

The winding trail with the distance of 5.5 KM to the peak marked clearly; there is the time we had to crawl on top or under a few fallen trees. Along the way, we stumbled into growing moss, pitcher plants, kingdom of fungi and huge tree root.
We found special pleasure in leaving the city for a little-used back road. Walking atop logs and taking some nice pictures made us feel like little kids again.We were lucky to have Intan and Zamri who is expert in photographer and video. 

After almost two hours walking down the trail we passed by a beautiful tree roots formation resembled a canopy, like a little kid in a candy store Liza, Linda and me crawl on top of it while Intan was trying to choreograph us for some nice pictures. We took several nice pictures before we continue walking.

There was also a small campsite area and water point with a clear signboard available an hour from the peak.
My left knee suddenly feels pain and I had to walk slowly and let the rest of us walk first while Zamri stays behind me.
We finally made our way to the famous vertical rocky section where we had to use the fixed rope to climb up with a steady foothold required. Linda, Khairul, Intan and Liza were waiting at the bottom of rope section.
I look up and remembered my first time on this rope section, I wasn’t able to go up alone.. lucky one of our hiking buddy always surprised us with his gears. I smiled and reach for the rope.

We finally standing on the summit at around 12.45pm and joined other hikers in the solitude of nature. We are infiltrated with a sense of satisfaction.
The peak is surrounded by beautiful mossy trees, the weather felt great although the view wasn’t that clear due to haze. We decided not to proceed to another peak known as twin peak but took out our food supply and filled our hungry tummy. I recommend you to bring enough drinking water.

After resting and enjoying the cool air at the top of the peak, we took our group pictures and decent at 2.30pm as we decided earlier.
Walking back in a slow pace with the pain in my knee made the trail seemed never to end. I gathered all my strength and tried to forget my pain, Linda was patiently watching my back while we let others walking in front of us. I keep talking to her to distract my pain. The sounds of leaves and the feeling of wind blowing my face helped easy my pain too. In my mind, I said to my self “Oh I want to come back here again... I love the trail”..
We finally reach the entrance at 7.30pm, exhausted, hungry and in pain… all I can think is a bowl of soup with rice!


Picture credit to: Intan Baizura & Zamri Mustafa

Essential make-up components when traveling

                    One of the most exciting parts when planning for travel is packing. Packing means not only considering your travel outfit, but also the right toiletries bag including a few make-up components especially for women is an essential.

Weather you heading for a short weekend or a long adventure trip and carrying more than 20 kg backpack, you don’t need to lose your feminity. You are going to meet new people daily and you certainly want to look good and received a good impression.

You don’t have to bring your whole make up case, as with every other packing list when you are thinking thought what makeup to bring, start with the basics and build your essential beauty kit like the sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, lip color, mascara and eye liner, invest in a set of travel make-up brushes and consider products that multi-task. 

Don’t forget nail clippers and tweezers. Plan your make-up kit packing according to your packing goal and destination: checked or carry-on.   

You can also just pop into the nearest drug store to get your travel make up kit that you need. Apart from the essentials skincare in a handy cosmetic care, as low as RM100 there’s more brands that offering travel-size version for make-up like compact palettes which is incredibly convenience for travel.

Brands like cover girl & Revlon do the job well and won’t break your wallet. In practice you can or will be able to buy any make up supplies you need while traveling. This makes even more sense if you plan to take your bag as carry-on when taking flights as regulations are in force limiting you to 100ml of liquid or cream per item.

Aside from the make up, you also might need a headband and bobby pins which can give you a different look without much effort. Don’t forget your travel first-aid kit, just what you need to get through any emergencies until you next get to pharmacy. It should include something for the sore throat, adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream or some ointment.

Make your trial pack to ensure your toiletries and make-up travel bag is the correct size for your intended packing goal. You’d be surprised what you can fit into a smaller bag!

MUSEUM IN MALAYSIA

KOTA KUALA KEDAH MUSEUM

Less than 10km away from Alor setar, Kota (Fort) Kuala Kedah also known as Kota Kuala Bahang located on the northern shore of the river Kedah.

Designed by Datuk Maharaja Kadhi, Hafiz Sab, while the skilled craftsmen were brought in from India, the fort was built as a fortress in 1771 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Jiwa's to defend Kedah and its capital, Kota Setar and the construction was only completed in 1780.

The first gate known as the "Gateway Kadapuri" was built on the east wall overlooking Melaka Alor and facing a small village.

The fort was once attacked by the Bugis in 1619, Acheh in 1771 and Siam in 1821, and was used as the headquarters of the Japanese army until 1945.

On August 31, 1978 the town was gazetted by the Department of Museums and Antiquities now known as the Department of Museums Malaysia as the "Land of Historic Sites ".

http://www.jmm.gov.my/en/museum/kota-kuala-kedah-museum
Free admission and open on Saturday - Thurdays: 9.00am - 6.00pm Friday : 9.00am - 12.30pm 2.30pm - 6.00pm

BUJANG VALLEY MUSEUM

Bujang Valley Archeological Museum is the only museum in the country to showcase the archaeological collection that proves the existence of an international trade center and the development of Hinduism Buddhism in Southeast Asia 3rd century BC to 12 BC. 

The museum is located in the Bukit Batu Pahat, Merbok approximately 23 km from Bandar Sungai Petani built to carry out research work and archaeological excavations and displays artifacts before islam pre-historic or historic sites of Bujang Valley. Bujang Valley Archeological Museum was officially opened on January 23, 1980 by His Royal Highness Al - Sultan Tuanku Almu'tasimu Muhibbuddin Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah , ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah , Sultan of Kedah Darul Aman .

Archaeological materials that are stored in this Museum is an artifacts that have been discovered through research work in archaeological excavation revealed archaeological sites in the vicinity of Bujang Valley in an area of 400 km.

Archaeological artifacts that are found in this museum is the materials that proves the Bujang Valley was once an international port and trading center which has been visited by traders who dominated the sea trade between the countries in the East and the West, especially the merchant traders from China, India, Arab including the Malays from Malay Archipelago who dominated the spices and exotic forest products to the Far East market since the 5th century.

Bario a place where eight people from four different countries bonded

Like a dream came true, the Asian Music Festival on last October in Miri has became a gateway to our visit to Bario. The little adventure has brought eight people from four different countries closer. It has also bonded us with the people in Bario.

After the AFM ended, the next day we were transported to Miri airport to catch the flight to our next destination. While we check in, we bumped into the musicians who performed at AFM, we exchanged smile and took several pictures before we went separate ways.  

Taking the MAS Twin Otter plane, our journey takes only 30 minutes. Sitting in such a small aircraft, nervous crawled into my vein but it quickly turns into an excitement the moment my eyes stares out of the window. 

The thickness of rainforest and the terrain serves my eyes with amazing view, according to our source, traveling to Bario through the land would definitely take more than 14 hours throughout the logging route.

Situated on the northest of Sarawak next to Indonesia Kalimantan, Bario at 3280 feet above thesea level also known as Bario Kelabit is a little green village populated by Kelabit etnic. 

We landed at a small old Airport safely, and as soon as we got off the plane balmy weather greeted our faces. Scot the owner of our homestay is patiently waiting for us. After a brief stop for coffee at the stall next to the airfield, we jumped into his four-wheel drive and headed to Ngimah Ayu homestay. 

There are plenty of Guest Houses or HomeStay with a wide range of prices. But with only 5 rooms, Ngimah Ayu provides a very comfortable and privacy surrounding either for a family or for a small group.In addition, there are 2 house keepers including owners who are ready to help us.

The shuttle charges from the airport to any guest houses normally around RM20 to RM30. There are also available attractive packages for a few nights with meals and the tour with the guide with minimum 6 people.

Approaching our homestay, we were awed by the beauty of the surrounding, like a living painting with fresh air filled our lungs.

After throwing our bags in the rooms, we marched straight to the kitchen as our tummy started to rumbling. We saw the helper’s busy preparing food, a warm smile curved on her face.

We lined up the plates full of venison and other local dishes on the table and enjoyed our lunch.

Donny who works for Indonesia radio station is full of humors and he kept making us laughing at his joke on the venison. Our laughter filled the air while we continued to enjoying our lunch.

After lunch, drizzling begins to fall but it didn't stop us from taking our little walk to explore the village. Scot took us to visit the Bario longhouse, walk up to Penan settlement, mingling around the village and greeted by the villagers. With only less than 5000 people, most of them involves in farming and hunting.  

Heading back to our homestay, we stop by at the nearby shop and bought the chicken for our dinner. Oil, our friend from Thai volunteered to cook the famous Thai soup. 

After dinner, hiding in our thick clothes from the cold night we gathered at the veranda facing the beautiful paddy field and shares funny stories as well as our best moments during traveling accompanied with laughter all night long.

The best part there was no distraction, no tv, not much telephone line and the home is all ours.

The next day after breakfast, Scot took us to our guide and like a kids in a candy store we reluctantly to sit in front but instead jumped behind the four-wheels. I spotted Scot smiling looking at us scrambled.

Arriving at the entrance which leading to the rock salt source, we walk leisurely for 45 minutes and reached at the hut where they process the salt. The guide explained to us the useful of the salt, after we bought a few packets, we then continue our walk inhaling the coolly air, passing by the wild mangoesteen, bumped into partridge until we reach at the large grassy field before crossing the bridge towards our next long house. The walk has unleashed the kids that trapped inside our adult body until we didn't realize that its almost 2pm.

We reach at the longhouse after more than an hour . We mingling around the house for a moment and then sat in a circle before we were serves with local the dishes for lunch.

Heading back to our homestay, we drop by to see the only two big boulders tucked behind of the village area. According to our guide the boulder carved a story about a headhunter.

Walking back to our way to, we saw an old lady working assiduously on her paddy field. Smiling at us probably We took pictures and wave at her.

Back at homestay, we were struggling with the cold shower. We can hear each other scream every time we enter the shower. I wander and laugh how they can stand the shower without heater, until it was my turn to scream.

Still shivering from the icy shower, we proceed to another longhouse for our dinner. Arrived at the longhouse we lined up and greeted by the Kelabit ladies completes in their traditional outfits and warm smile. They handed us the pineapple juice as a welcome gesture and later serves us with variety local dishes.

There were also other guests around, after a little while, they handed us the dress and invited us to join the dance. Our last night was filled with laughter and joy accompanied with traditional music and the dance captivated us.

We went back to our homestay before the midnight and reluctantly to call off the night. We sat at the veranda and joined by the Sarawak Tourism Officer and scot, sharing our thoughts and imaginations before we finally excused our self to bed.

The reality kick in the next day when we wake up  and had to get ready to go back to Miri, we exchanged contacts and promised to keep in touch and plans to travel together. 

SEVEN WOMEN CANCER SURVIVORS TOOK TO THE STAGE

              Seven women cancer survivors took to the stage along with other female models to showcase the Muslim fashion trends at the Islamic Fashion Festival held here yesterday. 

The women walked the ramp at the fashion show, titled ‘Giving hope, Touching hearts’, as an experiential therapy aims uplift the spirit and morale of cancer survivors.

The three-hour event held at Marriot hotel ballroom and was attended by the Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.

It was organised by Pink Unity, a non-governmental organisation in support of women cancer survivors, in collaboration with the Islamic Fashion Festival.

Pink Unity president Salmah Stewart, who is a cancer survivor hope that the cancer survivors involvement in events like this gives the cancer survivors hope and opportunity to be a part of the community just as other healthy people. 

The NGO is run solely by women cancer survivors as a support group for all types of cancer and has as its concept "By Survivors, for Survivors", they hope to drive home the message that despite facing challenges, cancer survivors can still look and feel good.

The event featured a wide range of fashion from various young designers such as Calvin Thoo, Salikin Sidek and Jarumas from Malaysia besides designers from Singapore and Indonesia.

ASEAN CELEBRITIES JOIN "AMAZING RACE" IN MALAYSIA TOMMOROW

Several famous Asean celebrities have been invited to the enliven the ASEAN Explore Quest Malaysia which started from  November 14 until 21.

Among them is including Miss World Malaysia 2008 and singer Soo Wincci, Miss Myanmar International 2014 Khin Wai Phyo, Thai singer-actress-model Ying Kanyapatch, Indonesian actress Mytha Lestari and Vietnamese singer-actress Nguyin Thi Phoun.

Hosted by Tourism Malaysia, the 'Amazing Race' type of event will joined by more than 100 participants from the 10 ASEAN countries. Besides the celebrities, representatives from media and tour agencies will also take part in this fun event.

They will travel throughout Malaysia which cover Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Penang while taking part all sorts of challenges like games which includes treasure hunt, cultural activities and visit to Malaysia's best tourist destinations such as Teluk Bahang, Penang and Legoland Johor.

 This programme aims to promote Malaysia in the ASEAN countries by leveraging on celebrities popularity and the power of social media as well as raising awareness of Malaysia Year festivals 2015 via their on fan page.

Soo Wincci

Ying Kanyapatch

Launched of Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015

More than 100 travel agents and members of media from the Southern Thailand region attended the launched of Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 (MyFEST) end of last month at Hat Yai, Thailand.

Participants was updated on the 2015 campaign and highlighted with several attractions in Malaysia including Star Wars Mini Park, Legoland Water Park, Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park, Johor Premium Outlets and Langkawi Island.

The Director General of Tourism Malaysia Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab who hosted the appreciation dinner had personally thank the travel agents and media for their support in promoting Malaysia in Southern Thailand and presented them with certificates of appreciation.

Also present at the event were Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla Mohd Faizal Razali, the Director of International Promotion Division-ASEAN Syed Yahya Syed Othman, the Deputy Commander of Second Naval Area Command Rear Admiral Niwech Butsri, and the Deputy Commander of the 42nd Military Circle Senior Colonel Thanin Suwannakadee.

The MyFEST themed “Endless Celebrations” aims to leverage on the momentum which already established during the on-going Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and feature the multicolor festivals celebrated in Malaysia.

Thailand is the fifth biggest tourist generating market to Malaysia. Last year, a total of 1,156,452 Thai tourists visited Malaysia, constituting 4.5% of the country’s total arrivals.

The most popular tourist destinations and products in Malaysia for Thai tourists includes Kuala Lumpur, Legoland and Hello Kitty in Johor, Sunway Lagoon in Selangor, George Town in Penang, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Genting Highlands in Pahang, and Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu.

With the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 coming to an end soon, Malaysia will continue to welcome visitors with endless celebrations on Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015. Aims to serves visitors with magical holiday experiences and multicultural festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Ramli Ibrahim - Love Re-envinted in New York

Accompanied with his dance troupe, performing 'Krishna, Love Re-Invented' through the vehicle of the 2,000-year-old Indian dance form called Odissi, Malaysian classical dance icon Datuk Ramli Ibrahim was given a rousing reception on Friday night at the prestigious Asia Society.

The Flushing performance was co-hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of New York, which is headed by Malaysian doctor Azimah Ehr, and the New York office of Tourism Malaysia, the Asia Society programme was partly supported by Rajika and Anupam Puri, with the major support coming from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Helen and Will Little, and the Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.
Earlier on Tuesday, he was giving his first performance in New York’s Flushing district on Tuesday.

The event attracted not only large crowds of mainstream Americans but also American-Asians who included Indians, Nepalese, Bangladeshis, Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Chinese and Japanese.
Ramli has been honoured with top awards in several countries because of his role in promoting goodwill and better understanding amongst different cultures through his dancing.

The Malaysian dancer, choreographer and teacher previously received a national award from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to promoting peace and understanding through his dancing.

His dance troupe has performed many times in the USA. He first performed in New York in 1981 with the Sydney Dance Company and discovered by the great dancer, the late Indrani Rehman.

He and his troupe would prepare for their forthcoming tour of India in the third week of this month and will be performing in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Baroda.