PINE TREE HILL AND TWIN PEAK DAYPACK HIKING

From 6th-8th August 2010,the Underestimate team went to Fraser Hill for a hiking trip at Pine Tree Hill and Twin Peak. This is the last Underestimate activity before Ramadhan I guess. At first, 30 people agreed to go but eventually only 20 people turned up. Together in this group were SRM Melaka (+Cyberjaya) group who joined us for their unusual concept of Induction Camp, team from MMU Cyberjaya and three from KL.

The journey started at about 10.00pm from MMU Melaka. But, we stopped at MMU Cyberjaya to fetch two SRM members. After that we headed straight to R&R Sg. Buloh where we agreed to meet and take a rest for that night. I got some uncomfortable sleep for about 2 hours inside the van while some of us didn't sleep at all.



Our planning was to wake up at 4.30 am and head to Kuala Kubu Baru for Subuh prayer and breakfast. It was raining that morning in KKB and after Subuh we went for some breakfast at KKB. I couldn't really estimate the time to reach Fraser Hill Entrance at Gap from KKB since the last time I went to Fraser Hill was way back in 2003. We need to reach The Fraser Hill gate latest by 7.40 am since the gate is opened for uphill traffic during odd hours starting 7.00am-7.40am and for downhill traffic during even hours. We planned to start hiking at 8.00am. However, we'd only finished our breakfast at about 7.15am and I really doubt that we could reach the gate before 7.40am. Anyway, we reached the gate just few minutes before 8.00am. So we had to wait for 9.00am uphill traffic and plan to start hiking at 10.00am.

Waiting and taking rest before the gate to Fraser Hill is reopened

However, something unpredictable happened when one of the car driven by Azmir broke down on the way up. Various efforts were done to fix the car but none was successful. So, I decided to go up to Fraser Hill to find help. I asked at the police station whether there is any workshop or mechanic at Fraser Hill but unfortunately they said none. Usually, breakdown cars were towed by a "tow truck" from Raub which costs RM450. However, the policewoman said that she knew somebody who is not a mechanic but know a little bit about repairing a car. She showed the house and the person was still enjoying his sleep when we knocked the door. Luckily, he is kind enough to help us together with his friend. Thank you Brother Lah and brother Shafiee.

Unauthorized mechanics trying to fix the car

Luckily, they managed to fix the car. So, we moved straight to Fraser Hill. We changed our planning. We are not going for hiking that day since it's already too late. Instead, we had a tour around Fraser Hill before checking in at Sri Peninjau. We will start hiking the next day early in the morning.

The landmark of Fraser Hill...the clock tower

The next day, we woke up at 5.00am, had our breakfast and get ready for the hiking.

At Sri Peninjau Resort before hiking

We reached the entry point to Pine Tree Hill at about 7.45am and started hiking at around 8.00am. The entry point to PTH is just after Sri Intan TM Resort and marked by a simple arch.

The entry point to Pine Tree Hill

The trek was quite easy and visible. In term of difficulty, it is relatively easier except at certain part where it it involves steep climbing.

Signboard showing the distance from starting point

The steep slope just before the peak of Pine Tree Hill

We reached the peak at about 11.45am after a leisure 3 hrs and 45 minutes trekking.

At last, the Underestimates conquered the peak

View from the PTH peak

After reaching Pine Tree Hill peak, a lot of the Underestimates refused to go to Twin Peak since according to bloggers it takes about 1 hour to reach Twin Peak from PTH. Only three of us (myself, Bob and Kay) decided to go. The rest stayed at PTH to prepare the food. With a lot of energy still remaining, it took us only 15-20 minutes to reach Twin Peak.

Reaching Twin Peak... so happy

Taking rest at Twin Peak...not very shady here...360 deg ree view

We started climbing down at about 1.30pm and reached the starting point at about 5.45 pm. Surprisingly, I was the last person to reach the starting point. Wow!

As a whole, the trip was a bit running out of plan due to some unforeseen circumstances but that doesn't mean we didn't enjoy the trip. For me this is the most wonderful trip I've ever had because:

1. The Underestimate is getting more new friends this time. Congrats to all who had made this program a success.

2. A lot of unpredictable events occured throughout the program which taught us good lessons and experience.

3. Colourful experience with only little costs.

So, my dear Underestimate friends. Don't stop your outdoor quest. Join us again in our future outdoor trip. We'll try to diversify our activities so as to meet your demand. Keep in touch always! For those who could not join our trip this time due to unavoidable circumstances, don't worry! we still have a lot more to come.

NEW DIVE EQUIPMENT

Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2010 was held at PWTC from 30th July - 1st August 2010. We went there to find some equipments and for some reasonable dive package. I bought a Hollis BCD and an IST equipment bag.

My dive equipment set...still not complete

Next year MIDE, I plan to buy a regulator (together with the octopus and gauge) so as to complete the collection.

DT 11 RECCE, RANAU SABAH

This time the selected location is Kg Lohan 1, Ranau,Sabah. We were there from 26-28thJuly 2010. Interesting places around this area are:

1. Near to Poring Hot Spring.

The main hot spring

Canopy walkway

2. Near to Sabah Tea - it's better to buy tea here since it is relatively cheaper

3. Tagal Luanti at Sg. Moroli at Kg. Luanti Baru

Infront of the Tagal with it's Chairman

Loads of fish icluding Kelah (Pelian)...they'll do foot nassage

The Pelian sucking the food in my hand

GUNUNG BUNGA BUAH DAYPACK JULY 2010

BUNGA BUAH MOUNTAIN, GENTING HIGHLANDS

Last weekend, The Underestimate team went for hiking at Gunung Bunga Buah. It is located at Genting Highlands, Pahang and is about 1430 meter or 4690 feet from sea level.

Ten of us from Melaka and 3 from KL joined in this daytrip hiking.From Melaka, we departed using three cars at around 9.00pm and we stopped at Serdang to watch World Cup match between Brazil and Holland. Unfortunately, Brazil lost 2-1 to the Dutch. Though we were very upset with the lost (except Nazir), this did not deter us from continuing our journey. We went straight to Genting Sempah R&R after the match to spend the rest of the night there before starting the hiking the next morning.

At Serdang, after watching Brazil lost to Holland

After Subuh prayer and breakfast the next morning, we headed straight to Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands to wait for three of our friends from Kuala Lumpur at the mamak restaurant next to Hotel Seri Malaysia.

At Genting Sempah R&R before heading to Genting Highlands

While waiting for the friends to come, some of us did some preparations for the hiking behind the Hotel Seri Malaysia. This is because the road leading to the vegetable farm where the hiking will start is just right behind Hotel Seri Malaysia.

The road behind Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting that will lead to the vegetable farm

We parked our car near to the vegetable farm. The hiking started at 9.30 am. None of our team had been there before. As usual, The Underestimate just relying on informations obtained from the website especially http://sarshiverson.blogspot.com for the route and directions. Fortunately, there was a group of KL hikers on that day that we could depend on to lead the way.

The following pictures describe the chronological events of the hiking.

The Underestimate...ready for action. Everybody looks excited

The vegetable farm as our starting point

The entry point to the tarred road leading to the abandoned quarry

Climbing up the slippery terrain for about 20-30 minutes before reaching the tarred road

After the steep climbing...you will see this tarred road. From this road, if you take right, you will end up at the strawberry farm. To go to Gunung Bunga Buah, take left.

Stretching a bit before continuing the hike

Along the way

At the end of the tarred road, you'll find this junction. Take left to go to the abandoned quarry.

Continue .... the quarry on your right side

After the quarry, the trek was a bit bushy...try to wear long pants and long sleeve shirt to avoid scratch

You could see the peak of Gunung Bunga Buah if the atmosphere is clear from this angle

Foggy morning at Genting Highlands

Stop for a while before entering the Pintu Rimba on your right

The gatekeeper at Pintu Rimba asking for"toll"

After the Pintu Rimba, the hiking involve a lot of climbing up and down

Taking rest...the muscle starts to ache now and the knee starts to shiver.

At about 1.00 pm, we reached the Rock Garden. The view here is magnificent with cool breezy air. If you have much time, do spend a lot of time here as there's not much to see at the peak. From here, it took about 45 minutes for us to get to the peak.

The view of Genting Higlands Resort from Rock Garden

About 1.45pm, we reached the peak group by group. There's abeirut here. It can only accommodate 20-30 people only at one time sitting like us

The Underestimate taking pictures before going down at 3.00pm

We touched down at the place where we parked our car at 7.00pm. In total, we took about 9 hours 30 minutes to complete the return journey. A bit tough especially for beginners. As a whole, I personally think that The Underestimate had underestimated the Gunung Bunga Buah once again. It looks easy but the time to complete the journey could be too much for the underestimates. However, at the end of the hiking, all of us were still positive and excited...only a little little sore on the muscles. I'm also happy that The Underestimate is getting more friends this time.

Gunung Bunga Buah is very interesting since:

1. The temperature is cool. You don't feel tired even after long hour hiking. You'll drink less water as well.

2. There are various types of terrain you'll find with different level of challenge.

3. The view is so beautiful especially with a little bit of fog in the morning. You can't miss the enchanting view of the Rock Garden.

My Advice:

1. A day trip hiking might be interesting but make sure you are fit enough.

2. Bring enough water and food if you plan for a day trip hiking.

3. Study a little bit about the trek before hiking to get general idea about the route. Once you have reached the tarred road, it'll be easy since you could follow the paper pieces left by hikers before if there is any.

See you in our next trip. Bye.

REEF LOVER 2, PULAU PERHENTIAN

May 2010 was a hectic month for me. In this month, MMU is having 2 Registration Day for both international and local students plus MMU Melaka is facing shortage of accommodation for its new students due to the closure of hostel for refurbishment. However, I still managed to spare my time for doing some outdoor activities.

Reef Lover 2 was held in Pulau Perhentian Besar from 19th-23rd May 2010. This program was a collaborative effort between Kelab Pembangunan Belia Melaka, Watersport Club Cyberjaya, UPG Cyberjaya, Jabatan Taman Laut and Seahorse Diver, Perhentian Besar.

Seahorse Diver...one of the sponsor

Around 80 participants from both MMU Melaka and Cyberjaya took part in this program. They departed on Wednesday (19thMay) night and reached Kuala Besut in the morning (20th May). From Kuala Besut, they took speed boats to Pulau Perhentian Besar (Taman Laut). Female participants stayed at D'Ayumni while the male stayed at Suhaila Resort.

Activities on the 1st day:

Snorkelling infront of the Marine Park

Divers doing weight check...some of them have not dived for quite some times

The others were doing beach clean up

However, I could not join them on the first day due to International Registration Day at MMU. Straight after the registration day, Shamsul sent me to LCCT and I took an Air Asia flight to Kota Bharu (Kelantan). The flight took about 45-50 minutes but at the later stage there were some turbulences and some 'air pockets' which made a lot of the passengers to scream. Luckily the turbulence occured only about 5-7 minutes before we landed....Alhamdulillah.

At Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Abang Shahrin and Abang Lan were already there to pick me up by van. From Kota Bharu Airport to Kuala Besut Jetty took about 1 hour. Luckily, I managed to catch the last boat to Pulau Perhentian at 6.00pm.

On the 2nd day:

1. Divers doing underwater clean up.

Our first clean up was just infront of the Marine Park...at the Jetty. There were 6 divers and 1 divemaster (Sun) from Seahorse in this dive. The dive was fun. we did not only focus on clean up but enjoying the view and life underwater.

Divers taking picture infront of Seahorse Dive Centre

Taman Laut (Marine Park) provided tanks for all divers

First clean up was just infront of the Marine Park

Divers with their rubbish collected underwater

Cleaning the equipments after dive

Our 2nd clean up was infront of Teluk Kekek beach (about 5 minutes boat ride from Marine Park). The beach was very nice and the water was very clear. It has beautiful corals at one side and white sandy ground at the other.

A diver doing clean up at Teluk Kekek

Resting a while at Teluk Kekek beach after the clean up

Our 3rd clean up was at Batu Nisan (near Long Beach). This time, we were accompanied by another divemaster, Nurul from Seahorse, and two more divers from Marine Park. We divided ourselves into 2 groups. There were not too many rubbish down there. One group end up cleaning the C.O.T (Crown of Thorn) but my group did manage to get a lot of rubbish. The most interesting part diving here was confronting with 'Bumphead parrotfish'. Our group saw only one...quite sizable... but the other group saw a school of big bumpheads...I envy them so much. We didn't expect to see the bumphead here since we didn't get the chance to see them in Sipadan last January. However, the dive was awesome.

On the way to Batu Nisan with Seahorse's boat

2. The other participants went to Pulau Perhentian Kecil to have some community program with the school childrens and villagers. Among the activities were LDK with school childrens, sukaneka and sport day with the villager.

Program with school childrens

Sukaneka with villagers including tug of war

On the 3rd day:

It was raining in the morning until afternoon. So, our plan to go to Pulau Rawa was delayed a little bit. At about 2.30pm, a fishing boat took us to Pulau Rawa for about 45 minutes from Marine Park Jetty. Pulau Rawa is quite popular for snorkelling and it is near to Pulau Susu Dara Besar and Kecil. It has a nice corals but a lot of them are dead...maybe due to excessive unethical snorkelling activities.

The fishing boat that took us to Pulau Rawa

Besides snorkelling some of us also played beach soccer

While you were snorkelling, I...hehe..

Before leaving the island, we did some beach cleaning at Pulau Rawa

At night, Marine Park gave us some presentation on conserving the nature where we got a lot of useful information. Thank you Marine Park for your support. Next year, please support again...hehe..

Mr. Megan from Marine Park doing his presentation

Congratulations to all participants of Reef Lover 2 (Perhentian Island edition). See you in Reef Lover 3.

Conclusion:

On the whole, the program was successful eventhough the budget was very high. This year, the program was more compact campared to the previous one. We introduced a new element i.e LDK with the local school children in our agendas so as to bring more benefits to the participants, local people as well as the nature. Most importantly, the awareness of the importance of preserving the nature must be instilled in the heart of every participants.

Congratulations to all committee, participants (Melaka and Cyberjaya) and all sponsors for making this event a success. See you in the next edition of Reef Lover. Where?...you decide.

Bye.

(Audited by.... hehe)