Keramat Perang's

The Grand Plan : Twin Peak X'pedition09

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:56:44 GMT

The Grand Plan
Twin Peak X'pedition

Since we've climbed 7 highest peak in Peninsular and Mt. Kinabalu which is the highest peak in South East Asia, we are planning to climb east Malaysia mountains. With proper plan and adequate training this will be possible but we was warned it won't be an easy hike. The plan is to climb 2nd and 3rd highest mountain in Malaysia. That would be the towering Trusmadi (8,669 ft) and Tambuyukon (8,462 ft) both in the state of Sabah.

It'll take at least 6 days to climb both if we were to do it non stop which will be too tiring. So, we've planned to do it in 8 days with a day off for rest in between. For a start I've realised that the land transport (four wheel) cost is just crazy for both of the mountain and the logistics seems a bit hard to tackle. Apart from that, the permit for climbing is relatively easy to get (as long as u do it way ahead). Did i tell you that the authority only allows no more than 15 climber on a single climb day at Trusmadi. Tambuyukon also limits its climber, so it will be best to plan and book your climb way ahead.

We were also advised to train and get ourselves fit before trying both of this mountains.

Altitute
Trusmadi ~ 8,669 ft
Tambuyukon ~ 8,462 ft

Standing
Trusmadi ~ 2nd highest in Malaysia
Tambuyukon ~ 3rd highest in Malaysia

Difficulty
Trusmadi
~ Moderate to hard for season climber
~ Hard for beginners

Tambuyukon
~ Hard for season climber
~ Not advisable for beginners, go somewhere else first

Duration
Trusmadi ~ 2 days 1 night
Tambuyukon ~ 4 days 3 night

Route
Trusmadi ~ Base - peak - base
Tambuyukon ~ Monggis - Wulu Camp - Musang Camp - Kepuakan Camp - Monggis

Climbing Team
1 ~ Frost
2 ~ Akademiks
3 ~ Sir Nazryst
4 ~ Chombee
5 ~ Atan K@t*
6 ~ Ameer Khan

Latest Info

7th April 09
~ Called AirAsia and was informed no sharp item is allowed on air, even for checked in bags
~ So guys, machetes and knifes are grounded. We will find knifes at KK town
~ This will be last entry before heading to KK tomorrow, so God Willing we'll update the blog when we are back on 17th April
~ May the force be with us

6th April 09
~ Ration by Chombee
~ Utilities by Sir and Atan
~ Reminder :
~ FLIGHT TO KOTA KINABALU IS AT 0930 HRS @ 9.30 AM, AIRASIA AK 5102
~ YOU HAVE TO CHECK IN BY 0845 @ 8.45 AM, FAILING WHICH YOU'LL MISS THE FLIGHT
~ YOU HAVE TO BE AT THE LCCT AT LEAST BY 0815 @ 8.15 AM TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AMPLE TIME TO QUEUE AND CHECK IN

30th March 09
~ Here are the list of item the team must bring in malay to facilitate :-)

4 pot beras dalam 4 bungkusan; 1 pot 1 paket - Semua
1 kg Gula - Frost, Akademik, Chombee, Atan, Sir
Sos Cili - Atan
Periuk - Atan
Kuali - Sir
Butane 18 botol - beli di KK (banyak weii.....)
Dapur - Atan, Ameer, Sir
Maggi - Semua (sendiri mau ingat)
Tongkat Ali & Milo - Atan
Ikan Bilis Goreng - Frost
Telur 1 papan - beli di KK
Perencah/Rempah - Chombee
Roti Potong 3 bungkus - Beli di KK
Plastik sampah - Amir, Akademiks
Baju Hujan - Semua
Stokin Pacat - Optional
Baju Sejuk - Semua kecuali kulit korang mcm kulit biawak Antartika
Pisau dan parang - Tak sure boleh bawak naik flight ke tak.
4 man Tent 2 buah - Atan, Frost
Makanan/Jajan sampingan - Semua
1st aid - Frost
Fly dapur - Atan, Sir
Fly Kecik - Akademiks

25th March 09
~ Confirmed booking for Summer Lodge at KK
~ Ration will be handled by Ms Chombee

15th March 09
~ Confirmed 4WD for Tambuyukon
~ Booked lodging for Tambuyukon climb
~ Still looking for a place at KK

14th March 09

~ Permit for climbing Trusmadi and Tambuyukon has been approved

~ Confirmed Trusmadi's 4WD, guide & place to stay

~ Confirmed Guide for Tambuyukon

~ 4WD Tambuyukon, have not received conformation from the 4WD owner

~ Still looking for a place to stay at Tambuyukon and Kota Kinabalu

Lost

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:10:35 GMT

Lost

Newspaper clip.

"Police have launched a search and rescue operation to find a member of an expedition to climb Gunung Yong Yap, who went missing near the Kelantan/Perak border near Pos Brooke, since 4.10pm on Sunday.

A 17-member search and rescue team led by Inspector Haris Turung from the Gua Musang police headquarters started the operation at 10am.

Gua Musang deputy police chief DSP Aziz Hassan said Mohammed Hassan Ayat Zainuddin, 28, was reported missing by members of the expedition upon arriving at Camp Agas at 4.10pm on Sunday.

He added that on Saturday at about 10am, Mohammad Hassan had joined 13 others from Kuala Lumpur in an expedition to climb Gunung Yong Yap together with an Orang Asli guide and had no problems reaching the peak.

However, when the expedition returned to Camp Agus at 4.10pm, he was not among the group. "One of the members, Mohd Hazlee Mohd Alip, 38, quickly made it to the Kampung Raja police station in Cameron Highlands at 9.40am yesterday to make a report," he said.

Aziz said police were being assisted by Orang Asli villagers in the search and rescue operation."

From what we know, he is a regular camper and not a first timer. Did not have any ration on his backpack as he was on daypack trip to peak from the campsite. He is short sighted and according to his mother, he did not bring his spec this time. Only had his headlamp and a bottle of mineral water.

Apart from Police Search n rescue operation, a few friends had already set up teams to strengthen the searching efford. Donations to help this operation (by friends) can be done via Maybank account :

Bank : MBB - Maybank
Ac Number : 166010020118
Nama : Zamzuliana M Nasir
email : zamz@spp.gov.my

The rescue operation is taken serious by friends as 2 teams has already went in. Assisted by radio and GPS, they will tackle a few main routes in this mountain.

Those who have a few extra bucks, pls donate to the above account. The money will be channeled to assist these rescue teams via Fendi, Naza, Matsaiko and Zam.

Latest Update

14 March 09
~ Today we believe is the 26th day Assan is still missing
~ SAR operation station (by friends & climbers) at Lojing are allowed for another extra 3 weeks
~ After that period, the current station (Police Station Compound) will not be allowed as a base for SAR operation
~ For the time being, there is a reward of RM2,000 offered for anyone who can locate Assan, believed from a foreigner
~ This reward hopefully will be a motivational factor for asli (natives) to expedite their efford

09 March 09
~ The Police have called off Search and Rescue (SAR) Operation after 21 days
~ Civil Defence Department and Fire & Rescue Dept has also stopped their operation
~ The halt was because of no new leads
~ Currently, friends and climbers are still proceeding with the SAR
~ It is also believed that his footprint were quite visible between Gg Yong Yap and Gg Bubu

03 March 09
~ Today is 16th day Assan is missing
~ Info from Search And Rescue (SAR) team is Assan did find his way down the mountain
~ His foot print was tracked down and he was believed to lost his way while coming down the mountain
~ He went onto different trek but did manage to find his route back to the actual trek
~ SAR teams also manage to find a few location where he rested at night time
~ His last foot print was found at the base of the mountain but SAR teams still could not find him anywhere nearby

Gg Rajah Successful

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:37:08 GMT

~Gg Rajah~

24-26 Jan 2009

We successfully completed this trip in 3 days and 2 night. Ten of us (Frost, Ita, Ameer, Sir Nazryst, Hapidz Senior, Hapidz Junior, Kus, Sarina, Wazi and our guide Mr Apek) climbed this mountain which is located in the district of Bentong, Pahang.

The starting point is located beside Chamang Waterfall. You can reach here (from KL) by taking the Karak Highway and exit at Bentong. Turn right at the 1st junction and head straight. After passing the Bentong town, you'll see Chamang signboard to the left. Follow the road till the end, you'll reach the Chamang Waterfall. The starting trek is just beside the rest room.

By the way, you'll be needing a climbing permit from Bentong Forestry (Jabatan Hutan Daerah Bentong). They can be contacted at 09-2221039, fax at 09-2223809.

On average we trekked 5 to 6 hours a day, with 1st day the most relaxed one. Second day was a bit tiring as we have to carry water to the peak and the route was steeper from day one. Well, it should be expected as the nearer to the peak the steeper it always get. We do have to climb in some of the part as there is virtually no walking route around it. The 3rd day was all about down hill to the base. The route would be maintained as moderate for beginners as the trek was not hard core. The only hard part would be the climbing part. Apart from that, it should be considered as a challenging trek.

The rating for this mountain will be as below :

Location        : Bentong, Pahang
Difficulty       : 6/10 - Combination of hike and climb
View (Peak) : 7/10 - Clear unobstructed sunrise view
Clean            : 6/10 - Overall good, campsite not that impressive
Nature        : 7/10 - Secondary forest, not much of big trees
Water           : 7/10 - Water along the trek and near peak

Special thanks to Sir Nazrist and Hapiz junior for sharing fly.

The 1st day, last check on items and rations before the hike
Delayed a bit by this pakcik (the one in red t-shirt) and his story telling session

Logging road. An hour long, hot, boring hike

Bumped into this asli (native) settlement on route to the jungle trek starting point. To be honest, it was quite surprising to see this kinda village in this part of the area.

Saw this unusually displaced creature in the middle of logging road
There was a suggestion that this might be the river crab from the river nearby
Am still wondering are there such a thing as river crab. hmmmm......

Junction to the jungle trek starting point
The route uphill in the middle of the picture that's the way

Jungle trek entrance - fern route
This kinda trek brings back Chamah Ulu Sepat trip

At water point after the fern route

Its peak from distance
Still a loooong way to go

The army

One of many beautiful natural pool we saw on way to our 1st campsite
The water is cool and clear and this place is just amazing

At one of the pool

One of the waterfall beside campsite - Lata Naning

Beside campsite - Lata Naning

Camp site Lata Naning
These are the guys using tents

Camp site Lata Naning
These are the guys sleeping under the fly
Open air and it'll get much colder than sleeping in a tent
..and if it rains, then you're in for a wet night

The tiny guy
A lot of his/her relatives around the camp site
Which in return attracts his predators (see below..)
The 1st night, we left our small lamp switched on on top of the fly, that attracted insects and that attracted these guys
We quickly killed the lamp (not the frog) as we knew if we let it be, then
sooner or later these frogs will attract snakes

Green in colour
Viper for sure since it do has a distinctive triangular shaped head
From the search on the net, it should be White-Lipped Pit Viper coz it do has red tail and from the Family of Viperidae
Vipers have hemotoxic venom
Hemotoxic venom normally will damage the tissue and causes excruciating pain
So, next time you see a snake, assume it is venomous and stay away from it
In our case, we have to move it away coz it was wayyy too close for comfort (did i say it was less than a meter away from our fly)

Packing on the next morning
We left around 9.30 am after having our breakfast
Also manage to prepare lunch as we will be having it on trek to summit
Meals are courtesy of chef Ita, Kus and Sarina
The guys are good at eating, which includes me he..he..

Trekking on the 2nd day to the summit
This part is much challenging than the 1st day trek

We crossed a few small streams on way

Our guide told us that during communist insurgency, the district of Bentong was considered as Black Area because of heavy communist activity,
this was from year of 1948
During this year, Mount Rajah was one of the place that was considered as Black Area because of communist activity
This block of stone is believed to be built by communist as a post many years ago, close inspection revealed it is stacked carefully and was camouflaged very well

At Kem Batu Hijau (which means Green Rock Camp)
This was one our check point or more to rest point
The leg and the walking stick is Ita's

This is the most interesting picture
Looks like a scene from the movie Lord of The Ring
Was a bit cold
Misty forest in its natural form
By the way, this pic its not edited in any way

On higher grounds
wet.. wet.. wet..

Puncak Rajah - Peak of Mount Rajah

Nice flower
Found this one at the summit

Pitcher plants
Its a carnivorous plant
It do eat flesh by trapping small insect in it
Can be found by abundance around the peak

Algae
Close to the peak, it looked almost like mossy forest
Snap this pic near the campsite

After rain

Us at the summit
Not Summit Subang Jaya ha..
This one have to climb for 10 hours
It was raining and we were forced stay in tent/fly
The original plan was to watch the stars and play UNO

Preparing dinner that night

Sunrise
I won't mind climbing any mountain for this
Ever seen a good sunrise from mountain peak? i would say it looks much beautiful in real than in pictures..
A picture says a thousand word,
..but why see a picture if you can see it with your own eye
Aii mate

The new age rap artist
Do look like we're posing for a rap photo shoot
or is it the chilling wind
This was at the peak

A hot cup of coffee in cold morning for breakfast

Group photo at the summit
Ten of us

Hapiz junior at the summit

Packing and preparing to descend

Lunch stop at Lata Naning on the way down

Sarina : "Abang... save me now!"
Hapidz : "Yes dear, abang is here.. u jump, i catch"
Sarina : "What if i fall into the river?"
Hapidz : "Dont worry sayang, if u fall into river, i'll see u downstream"

At last.. back at base, Chamang Waterfall

Monkeying around before heading back to Kuala Lumpur

That's all guys. It was a wonderful trip, hopefully there will be a lot of hiking, camping and all sort of adventures this year and years to come. Enjoy the nature while u can...

Like said before.. lowland are for boring people. See u on the next peak

Gg Rajah

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:30:39 GMT

~Gg Rajah~

24-26 Jan 2009

Well, never thought we'll be organising first trip as early as January. But since it's a holiday of 4 days, better do something with the time.

This mountain is in no record whatsoever (highest, longest duration, toughest, etc) but it's still a mountain. Well known for its 360 degree clear view. If any climber who's been there was to describe this mountain, it would be on 2 things - its view and the leeches. Don't mind the leeches, coz if we're too fussy on been bitten by a few leech, then it would be wise to stay home and sleep on the couch.

If you would like to see good view and enjoy mountain hiking. This experience should be the best start for year 2009.

Actually, this trip can be done in 2 days and 1 night but we planned it to be completed in 3D2N so we can have a smooth relaxing hike. If we are planning to do it in 2D1N, then it would include 7-9 hour hike a day.

So this trip would be a relaxing one.. he he a relaxing mountain climb. We made it sound like you're being invited for a spa treatment didn't us. In away, the leeches do provide some kinda spa treatment.. 10 would be the max no of pax for the time being, so 1st come 1st serve.

Altitute
~ 1,685m @ 5,526 ft

Standing
According to the list i have its..
~ 60th in Malaysia

Difficulty
Moderate for beginners

Duration
3 days 2 night

Route
Base Camp - Camp Lata Naning - Peak - Base Base

Interested ?
Mail us at : kp_hikers@yahoo.com

T�NTATIV� CLIMBING SCH�DUL�

Day 0 ~ 23 Jan 09 - Friday
2200 - Meet at KL
2300 - Drive to Bentong

Day 1 ~ 24 Jan 09 - Saturday
0130 - Arrive at Chamang Waterfall and sleep
0600 - Wake up, solat, bfast & pack for lunch
0830 - Briefing by guide
0845 - Start trekking
1230 - Lunch on trek
1400 - Trek to camp site
1600 - Arrive at camp site, Camp Lata Naning

Day 2 ~ 25 Jan 09 - Sunday
0830 - Start trekking
1230 - Lunch on trek
1400 - Trek to peak
1700 - Arrive at summit

Day 3 ~ 26 Jan 09 - Monday
0830 - Start trekking
1230 - Lunch on trek
1630 - Arrive at Chamang Waterfall
1730 - Clean up and leave to KL
1930 - Arrive at KL

CLIMBING T�AM

1. Frost - Car 1
2. Hapidz - Car 1
3. Guide - Car 1
4. Sarena - Car 1
5. Ameer Khan - Car 2
6. Kus - Car 2
7. Wazi - Car 2
8. Chombee - Car 2
9. Sir Nazrist - Car 3
10. Sir Nazrist II - Car 3

Weather
24-26 Jan 09
Morning ~ Weather is expected to be clear
Afternoon ~ Heavy rain till night

It only means;
Travel early in the morning to make sure reach campsite early in the afternoon before enjoying the rain.. ha ha

Lat�st Updat�

12 Jan 09 - Guide confirmed
14 Jan 09 - Permit request to Forestry
15 Jan 09 - Three more spaces available
19 Jan 09 - One more space available
21 Jan 09 - Full house
22 Jan 09 - Meeting place : Plaza Tol Gombak
23 Jan 2009 @ 2200 hrs

Sg Chilling

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:37:32 GMT

~RnR Trip~

Sg Chilling Waterfall

Welcome 2009, it seems like this will be a good year for climbing.

For kick starting this years program, we are planning to join a Rest n Recreation trip to Sg Chilling Waterfall. By the way, its organised by Hapidz and the gang, so we are just tagging along. This trip will be from 17 - 18 January 2009 and there will be BBQ dinner on 17th night.

Not much of trekking or mountain climbing here because this is a rest and recreational trip to get into the mood. From the web and a few who has been there this is a 3 story waterfall with beautiful scenery along the trail. Heaven for fish but not for anglers as fishing is prohibited. The trail will include crossing a suspension bridge, hiking along river bed and river crossing. So do come prepared for a wet hike and make sure u have proper shoes/sandals.

The activity over at the camping site will involve three things which are swim swim and swim again. As mentioned above, since this is a rest n recreation trip that is all that we intend to do.

You should bring towel, swimming short/shirt, hiking shoes, head lamp/torchlight, small backpack, personal medicine, junk food, playing cards, & personal items; and don't forget the camera.

BBQ preparation and the food will be handled by Hapidz and the gang. We'll have packed lunch on the day we go there (17th Jan) and will have BBQ for the dinner. For breakfast, we'll have mi or something. For travel arrangement, we'll plan to meet at KL or Putrajaya and poll cars. Well, the tentative plan is more or less as below :

17 Jan 2009 (Saturday)
1000~Putrajaya/KL - Sg Chilling
       ~ Packed lunch
       ~ Trek to waterfall
       ~ Set up camp
       ~ Swim
2000~BBQ + Nasi Lemak

18 Jan 2009 (Sunday)
0900~Breakfast
       ~ Swim
       ~ Pack up & hike back
       ~ Drive back home

Altitute
Flat land

Standing
No rank

Difficulty
1/10 ~ Fun filled

Duration
Day trip or 2 day 1 night

Route
NKVE - Exit Tg Malim - Kuala Kubu Baru
Trekking between 15 minutes - 1 1/2 hour depending where base camp is

Interested ?
Mail us at : kp_hikers@yahoo.com

Gg Datuk Successful

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:17:03 GMT

~Gg Datuk Success~

Successful with a few hicks in plan. We planned to arrive at base by 5 pm so that we could reach the camp site by 7 pm but only manage to reach the base by 7 pm. Why? We saw an accident and helped to send the lady to the hospital, so was delayed by 2 hours. Started to climb at 7pm and reached the campsite by 9.45 pm. It was dark and cold and 6 of us was carrying 8 tents (did i say it was 3 men tent). Phewwww...

Still we had time to crack some joke and ate our packed meal (fried rice) before setting up the tents. The wind was strong and we have expected a cold night. But then suddenly the wind stopped like someone has turn the switch off. For a moment the wind was about to blew you off and the next minute there was nothing.

After setting the tent we went to bed early. Woke up at 4.00 am because i thought it's already 7.00 am since i heard the guys chit chatting, but it was another group of 4 guys who arrived late. Went back to sleep.

Went to the peak around 8 am with the crew. It was a nice view for a 800 m mountain (or hill). After the visit to the peak around 10.30 am, me and Hapidz went down to meet up with the team who is coming up on Saturday. Managed to reach base in 45 minutes.

The guys arrived at 1 pm and started climbing shortly after briefing. It rained for almost half an hour during the climb. Everyone reached the campsite by 5 pm.

Climbed down the next day and reached base by noon. A successful trip. These are a few photos in the trip.

At the ER, Tampin Hospital

Just arrived, setting up tents

The girls preparing breakfast

View from our campsite

To the peak
Msud and Ameer

Sunrise view from the peak

At peak, looking for best angle

From left ~ Ameer, Ita, Frost, Hapidz and Sarina

The view from the peak

The cloud

The guys arriving on the next day

Transport from main road to base

Warming up before the ascend

Hiking up to the campsite

Take-5 on route
Actually this was the moment when one of the girl
was sick and started vomiting on the trek

Magnificent tree
One from few giant trees still standing at Mt. Datuk

Campsite

Climbing to peak of Mt Datuk

M'sud : Lost in thoughts

Group photo at the peak

Its dinner time
The guys are required to cook their own dinner
Mr Awie trying to feel whether the water is hot enough

Hanizam in here focusing to snap a picture

The latest casualty of God of Gamblers
Sarina and her 1st card game

The fire

Breakfast
Nugget anyone?

Yummy...

Cave?
Not really a cave but we did find a small opening on the ground
and squeezed inside
It turns out there's another layer of ground under our campsite

Our friendly neighborhood spider...?
Nah.. I would say it looked like Tarantula but I'm no expert in arachnids
All hairy and it acted like it was dead when we found it

Everyone cleaning up the campsite before coming down

One last photo before leaving the campsite

On trek down

Last rest point

That's all guys. This could be the last trip for this year
Planning for next trip early next year

Gg Datuk

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:22:15 GMT

~Gg Datuk Trip~

Yes.. Am planning to go there with my colleague from 1st to 2nd November 2008 but since its hard to secure camping ground on weekends, I'll be heading there a day ahead on 31st October. Leisure trip, purpose is to introduce a few guys/gals to the world of mountain climbing. Even thou i still doubt Gg Datuk can be listed under mountain category. Never the less, this trip will be joined by approx 25 pax and am planning to bring a few from outside my office for this trip. So, anyone who's interested, let me know ya.

Tentative Plan

31 Oct 08 - Friday
1430 - Drive from meeting point to Rembau
1530 - Arrive at Rembau and tea break
1630 - Drive to Gg Datuk base & preparation
1700 - Climb
1830 - Reach campsite & set up tent

1 Nov 08 - Saturday
0630 - To summit to view sunrise
1030 - Head down
1130 - Reach base & tea time
1230 - The participants arriving
1245 - Briefing & registration
1300 - Hike to the campsite
1500 - Participants arrive at campsite
1600 - Area tour to water point
1800 - Dinner preparation
2000 - Group activity

2 Nov 08 - Sunday
0630 - To summit to view sunrise with participants
0830 - Breakfast
0930 - Pack & area cleaning
1030 - Head down
1130 - Reach base & clean up
1230 - Drive home

Participants

1. Frost - Crew
2. Ameer Khan - Crew
3. Hapidz - Crew
4. Ita Omel - Crew
5. Pakuemas - Crew
6. Hanz - Crew
7. Zonn - Crew
8. Azmil
9. Sufian
10. Naim
11. Rahisam
12. Hapis
13. Siti Afzan
14. Aizam
15. Zawawi
16. Jackson
17. Endang
18. Mohd Joha
19. Roshidi
20. Ruswadi
21. Noor Haires
22. Osman
23. Kholil
24. Afandi

Survey Gg Datuk

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:30:45 GMT

~Survey Gg Datuk~

I wonder why it is called Gg Datuk? I'm not questioning the origin of the word Datuk, but the word Gunung/mount. I suppose hill would suit it better.

I never been to Gg Datuk. This was my 1st climb. Since i am planning to bring a few new guys who's interested to climb Datuk this Oct, i have to climb the mountain 1st. Well, it was a day trip. We drove to Gg Datuk and started climbing at 9.50 am. Reached the peak by 11.15 am

The 1st half an hour was exhausting since we were rushing to overtake the school gals and boys.. and nurses.. and some primary school children.. and some police, ohh.. i meant 200 of them.. and some climbers.. In my estimation i would say not less than 400 pax were climbing that day. The peak was cramped with all sort of people and we had to wait more than 40 minutes at the campsite before climbing to the peak.

After taking pictures and relaxing for an hour or two, we climbed back at 2.30 pm and reached base at 3.15 pm. Rested for a while and drove to Kuala Pilah to Hanizams hometown.. hmmm.... the fresh durians...

Location        : Rembau, Negeri Sembilan
Difficulty       : 1/10 - School boys ground
View (Peak) : 3/10 - Clear unobstructed view; lacking in altitute
Clean            : 4/10 - Too much visitor, too many bottles
Nature        : 3/10 - Secondary forest
Water           : 6/10 - Water at base and near peak

Water Point? At the campsite (near the peak) the water point can be found 10 minutes down the trail. Climbing up will take more than that. The small stream is clean and safe for drinking. There are also water at starting point.

How to get there? Driving there would be the best option since Gg Datuk is quite far from the main road. Drive your way to Rembau and follow the road sign. Its easy to locate. Car and van can get to the base easily but bus will not make it as the road along the rubber plantation is narrow. There are plenty of parking space at the base and it seems safe.

Climbing fee is RM3 per head and payable to the person in charge at the base. No permit is required to climb. A good training ground for beginners, not for serious climbers. Just for beginners.

Base

Starting

Heavy traffic

Rest Point

I wonder what they took for breakfast?
Hard time keeping up with them

"Abang.. amik la gambar kitorang"
Primary school kids near the peak

Blue sky

"I am the law" - Campsite full of police (PGA)

Climbing with jeans does'nt seem like a problem for this girl
I am referring to the girl with the jeans.. not the one with short :-)

The stairs before reaching the peak

Group photo at peak

Hang Tuah's foot print?
Some say it belongs to Sang Kelembai
This is the 2nd footprint i've seen, 1st at Mount Ledang

View from the peak

After coming down, we went to survey the water point
Not that far from the peak

Water point near the peak
Don't worry, it's safe to drink

The camp site after the police went down

"Durian, durians for free.."
We went to Hanizams hometown afterward to enjoy durians..

..and some rambutans
Ameen and Hanizams father here

We went back around 5.30 pm and reached home by 7 pm. Mission success!

Bt Puteh Success

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:20:33 GMT

Gg Bt Puteh Success!!

It is very hard to explain to lowlanders why some people would push the limit and take risk to climb a mountain. After all, what is there to be achieved of? I was asked this question on numerous occasion and more than less the answer would be "everything". The challenge a mountain gives will have a permanent print on ones spirit, it is not a scar but a print of triumph from overcoming defeat.

Tun Mahathir once was quoted saying "wonder why people climb mountain when it's safer to sleep at home". It was well said and its up for each and every climber to search their own answer. Well, for everyone who sleeps at home, you'll have to dream to know the answer.. which i doubt will ever come.

These are the shots from our latest climb to Gg Batu Puteh or a direct translation - Mount White Stone at Tapah, Perak. It was worth it coz we managed to reach Gua Azan @ Azan Cave and climbed Gg Bt Kak. Details of the climb is as the log entry. I would'nt say Gg Bt Puteh was hardcore, but it is not for beginners either. I would rate it as :

Location        : Tapah, Perak
Diff               : 4/10 - A bit difficult but not hard core
View (Peak) : 6/10 - Nice mountain range
Clean            : 6/10 - quite clean
Nature        : 6/10 - Still in good shape
Water           : 4/10 - Need to carry spare h2o

I would say this is a successful trip, and i enjoyed everyones company
The group were in good shape and very sporting

The view from the peak

Log

17 July 08 - Thursday
2330 - Meet at LRT Cempaka and drive to Tapah

18 July 08 - Friday
0145 - Arrive at Tapah
0205 - Arrive at Kuala Woh and sleep
             There is a good place to rest here
             Its called Caravan Rest or something but there's the word caravan
             There are bathroom and its gated, and best of all it was free
             Located at Hutan Simpan Kuala Woh
0700 - After waking up and missing the shower, well it was cold daa...
             We drived back to Tapah to meet our Guide(s)
             There were 4 of them, 1 guide and 3 practical student
             Took our breakfast and packed some nasi lemak/mee for lunch
             Then we drove back to Kuala Woh passing asli village & the dam
0900 - Arrived at power station (TNB)
             "Greeted" by curious asli (native) kids
             There are toilet but its dirty and looks very uncomfortable, so if you
             have any bussiness better do it before reaching here
             We started packing and changing into our hiking clothes
0925 - Briefing by guide and doa recital by Sir Nazrysy
0930 - Start trekking
             The starting point is behind the TNB quaters
1020 - Reached the bamboo bridge which can be seen at the pictures below
             It was a bit scarry, not that i'm afraid of height not water but the
             condition of the bridge as it was 100% done using bamboo and rattan
             We rested for 5-10 minutes to make sure everybody arrived
1030 - We started walking to next check point
1340 - Arrive at check point Camp Balak Tumbang
             Took our super fast lunch break
             I think we took off just after finishing our meal
1400 - We started trekking to next check point
1440 - Reached Camp Balak Tumbang II
1608 - Arrived at Simpang Gua Azan
             This is the junction to the peak and to Gua Azan
             Off couse as planned we took the turn to Gua Azan
             The trek is very narrow and was on the edge, have to be careful with
             the steps as one careless step would equal a long fall
1645 - We reached Gua Azan
             This is our camp site for the 1st night
             Its quit clean except for some rubbish dumped by previous campers
             Not suitable to errect tent as the cave is quit low
             We slept there only with our sleeping mat and sleeping beg
             Water access is nearby, right site of the cave 1-2 minutes down
             Not suitable to swim but very clean for bathing
             The trek was okay and was not that hard for the 1st day

19 July 08 - Saturday
0910 - Started trekking
             The trek was quit steep and not much of flat ground
             It was quite difficult, i wont say hardcore but a bit challenging
1025 - Reached Bt Kak junction
             We left all our backpack at the junction and climbed Bt Kaks peak
             To climb the peak we have to take the vertical makeshift stairs, and
             it was scary as it seem really unstable
             You'll need rope to climb if the stairs are not in good condition
             The view from the top of Bt Kak was 360 degree unobstructed
             We can spot the Bt Kak campsite down below clearly
             Climbing down the stairs, i realised that it was damaged, so we
             became spidey for a momment
1100 - After coming down, we relaxed for a short while at Bt Kak Campsite
             The campsite is just 5 minutes from the Bt Kak junction
1303 - We reached Last Water Point (LWP)
             From here it will be at least 2 hours before the peak and there are no
             water supply at the peak unless it rains
             The LWP is 2-3 minutes on the left side of the trek and the trail are
           well marked but it is very-very slippery
             Ameng fell down almost 2 meter when he stepped the log while
           heading down to fill his water container, some bruises but he's good
             The water fall here is known as Air Terjun Terbunuh and it's really
             beautiful and clean
             I took 3 liter in my hydration pack for drinking (climbing up, at the
             peak and climbing down to base) and 2 liter in bottle for cooking use
1415 - We started climbing to the peak
             Half an hour on trek to the peak, we had one big problem with wasp
             I was stung 6 times, Ameer 3 time and akademiks 2 time
             Believe me, after 2 weeks when i'm writting this, it still hurts a bit
1615 - Here we are at the peak
             It was not that cold but the wind was quit strong
             There's a beirut, old beirut and suprisingly clean up there
             Peak can comfortably hold 30 pax without any problem
             Because of small2 trees, the view is not 360
             After putting up our igloo tent and the other guys with their flysheet
             we started cooking and believe me the sardines tasted much better
             here than at home
             Sunset was beautiful.. the mountain range was just mesmerizing
             At night, as usual we had some chit chat before retreating to out
             sleeping bag
             Well the night is a bit cold

20 July 08 - Sunday
0955 - We left from the peak
             The weather was perfect, the sky is clear and we managed to catch
             the sunrise
1055 - We reached LWP
             Relaxed for a while waiting for the backtrekkers
1210 - Reached Bt Kak campsite and took our snack break
1400 - Reached Balak Tumbang II camp and here we took our lunch
             5 minutes after reaching here it started to rain for a while
1510 - Started trekking
1530 - Reached Balak Tumbang camp
             From here we took another route different from the way we came up
             The route was infested with leeches, literally infested
             The green leech and the small2 one is the most stubborn
1610 - Reached Lunch Point
             Not where we had lunch but this place is known as lunch point
             Its located near a stream
             Here we were soaked as the rain poured and poured non stop
             We stayed here for some time as few of us were still behind
1905 - We reached the TNB station, base
           Just a few minutes after reaching here it started to rain and with all
             our smelly feet and shirt we drove to the caravan centre
                Took our bath and went to Tapah for our dinner
             After saying bye to the guide we drove home

The pictures from our climb

At Kuala Woh, the starting point
Final ration and equipment check

Asli settlement at Kuala Woh

Native architects bridge
Anyone wanna try it out.. water down there ain't ankle deep

At Gua Azan, our day one campsite
From left : Badang, Mas, Ameng, Hafidz and Dhirah

Take-5 at Balak Tumbang

Climbing the vertical wall
Luckily the makeshift stair is still intact

On route to the peak
The nearer to the peak the harder it gets
Well, i have to say that Bt Puteh is not a walk in the park

On top of Gg Batu Kak
After a scary 10 meter vertical climb

Gg Batu Puteh was named after this vertical white face
but the mountain itself is not where the white face is located
Gg Bt Puteh is the one at the background, its peak behind clouds

Gg Batu Kak Campsite
Located less than 15 minutes from the peak of Gg Bt Kak

Meowwwww.... but it is not domesticated cat thou
Believed to be some species of big cat coz of the poo size is quit big
Close inspection revealed some fur and fragment of bone in it
Found this less than 5 meters from Bt Kak campsite
Any campers who overnight here have to be extra careful

Last Water Point before peak
Located on left site of trek and well marked
2 hours before the peak

At last, the peak of Gg Batu Puteh (6,990 ft)
Misty

View from the peak

Sun set

Sun set

Sunrise

Sunrise

At the peak waiting for the mist to clear
Pic courtesy of Hapidz

Early morning at the peak

Ita and Dhira at the peak, 2 of our 3 girls
Both of you got sponsored jacket ha?

Our Guide Mr Sahlan with traditional sarung

Miss Mas with her traditional batik,
but she did not climb with the batik lar..

One last shot before climbing down
Heard someone saying that the blurred mountain range at the background is the Titiwangsa Range, if anyone knows pls let me know for my log

Group photo before descending

Snack break at Gg Bt Kak campsite on the way down

Lunch break at Kem Balak Tumbang II
Have to set up fly as it was raining

And the rain started to pour down all the way down

Still raining
Pic courtesy of Hapidz

One happy face upon reaching down
Our hike ended approx 7.00 pm

Gg Bt Puteh

Wed, 21 May 2008 02:16:49 GMT

~Gg Bt Puteh~

Gunung Bt Putih is the 8th highest mountain in Peninsular, of course the 1st seven is the famous G7. Never the less, this mountain is just under 7,000 ft with height of 6,990 ft (2,130 m). This mountain was closed for climbing activity a few years ago because one climber was lost (still lost till now..) and was never found, even after large search and rescue (SAR) attempt. After some years, Gg.Bt Puteh was re-opened for climbers.

This trip will include apart from Bt Puteh summit, tour to Gua Azan and Gg. Batu Kak (1,4400 m) if everything goes as planned. If short of time, it'll be Gg. Bt Puteh only lar.

Tentative date will be 18-20 July 2008 (Friday-Sunday) and maximum of 14 pax.

Anyone interested?
Let me know (kp_hikers@yahoo.com) but as this will not be leisure jalan-jalan cari makan trip, as usual.. you must have some mountain climbing experience.

Altitute
2,131 m / 6,990 ft above sea

Standing
8th highest mountain in peninsular
13th in Malaysia

Difficulty
Moderate for season climber
Moderate to hard for beginners

Duration
3 days 2 night

Route
Kuala Woh - Summit - Kuala Woh

CLIMBING T�AM

1. Frost                            8. Hafidz
2. Akademiks              9. Arnett
3. Chombee            10. Mas
4. Ameer Khan            11. Dhirah
5. Nazryst
6. Bizzyleng
7. Boy

T�NTATIV� CLIMBING SCH�DUL�

17 July 08 - Thursday
2200 - Meet at meeting point LRT Cempaka
2300 - Drive to Tapah

18 July 08 - Friday
0200 - Arrive at Tapah and sleep
0545 - Wake up, solat, bfast & pack for lunch
0630 - Drive to meeting point with guide & drive to Kg Kuala Woh
0730 - Arrive at Kg Kuala Woh
0800 - Briefing by guide
0830 - Start trekking
1230 - Lunch at Kem Balak Tumbang
1330 - Trek
1800 - Arrive at camp site, Gua Azan

19 July 08 - Saturday
0830 - Start trekking
1230 - Lunch on trek
1330 - Trek
1600 - Last water point at Air Terjun Terbunuh
1800 - Arrive at summit

20 July 08 - Sunday
0830 - Start trekking
1230 - Lunch on trek
1930 - Arrive at Kuala Woh
2030 - Clean up and leave to KL
2330 - Arrive at KL

Ramalan Cuaca

Ramalan keadaan cuaca pada masa trip

�

Cuaca di Tapah, Perak diramal cerah dan baik pada sebelah pagi dan malam
Cuaca hujan dan kemungkinan ribut petir pada sebelah petang antara jam
3.00 - 6.00 petang

Lat�st Updat�

17 Jun 08 - Tempahan guide telah dibuat
23 Jun 08 - Perjumpaan bagi peserta akan diadakan di
                 Gerai Char Keow Teow Bangi, bersebelahan Shell & Bank Islam
                 pada 25 Jun 08 jam 9.00 malam
25 Jun 08 - Perjumpaan telah diadakan
26 Jun 08 - Guide confirmed
07 Julai 08 - Permit pendakian telah diluluskan
11 Julai 08 - Penyertaan ditutup, hanya 11 peserta
15 Julai 08 - Setting kereta adalah sepertimana berikut :
                   Kereta 1 - Hafidz, Frost, Chombee, Ameer Khan
                 Kereta 2 - Arnett, Mas, Dhirah
                 Kereta 3 - Bizzyleng, Boy, Sir Nazryst, Akademiks
             - Meeting point pada 17 Julai di LRT Cempaka jam 2200/10.00 mlm
17 Julai 08 - Permulaan ekspedisi, next entry kita tgk gambar2 trip
                Wish us luck! We're off to Bt Puteh

Pls click to read the disclaimer before agreeing to join this trip

Disclaim�r