Showing posts with label [Malaysia Forest Hiking] ALL POSTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [Malaysia Forest Hiking] ALL POSTS. Show all posts
The Fallen 1
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:44 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
An up close and personal shot. The forest floor was carpeted with layers of fallen leaves. I had been too engrossed with macro shots. I didn't realized five bloody leeches were crawling up my shoes :(
The Fallen 2
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:44 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Same leaf but different angle. The pattern of the veins (venation) are AMAZING! Just like blood vessels.
The Fallen 3
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:44 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
SURPRISE! This is the actual leaf. From afar, it looks dull and boring.
VROOM! VROOM!
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:41 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 140
Halfway trekking, I stumbled upon a Temuan tribe boy. He was doing the VROOM! VROOM! pose. He looked back at me when I pressed the camera button :) Nowadays, Temuan forest inhabitants are tech savvy - with hand phones and motorbike.
After that, I continued with my trekking. Less than 100 m, I heard someone call me....repeatedly. I was shocked! I was searching high and low for that mysterious person. Later, I saw a Temuan elder hiding in the bushes setting up a small trap.
He asked me..."What are you doing with your camera?" I answered "Um...I'm taking photos of the forest :) " I walked off hurriedly. I think he saw me capturing junior with my camera. LOL!
The Fallen 4
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:32 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
Sahara desert??? or the surface of Mars???
The Fallen 5
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 12:18 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 720
Toffee flavored leaf :)
The Fallen 6
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:32 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
Into the valley of DEATH!
The Fallen 7
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:32 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
I've never realized the beauty of dead leaves until today :)
Fading Star
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:49 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
It's sweltering hot in FRIM. Look at this dying leaf. The lower part was 'burning'!
The Fallen 8
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:32 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
'Wrinkles' everywhere! Signs of premature aging :)
The Fallen 9
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 1:35 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 140
Nature never fails to amaze me! Fallen and dead but remembered by mylo :)
Green Highway 1
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 3:03 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A close-up shot of a natural backlit leaf.
Green Highway 2
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 3:02 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
When I look at this picture, I imagine myself as a small little fella sliding down the green lanes. WEE!
Green Highway 3
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 3:03 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
More green goody. I'm a sucker for close-up shots. I just can't get enough of these green beauties.
Green Highway 4
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 3:04 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
Another diagonal shot.
The Fallen 10
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 12:22 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 800
This picture reminds me of tissue paper :)
Purple Fruits
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 11:36 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
Two interesting purple fruits. About 13.8 inches in length.
The Trunk
Location: Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 11th March 2010 (Thursday), 2:04 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 140
Lichens can be found growing on tree trunks. These organisms are widespread and may be long-lived.
After parking my car, I walked almost 1 km to the entrance of Canopy Walk Trail. From there, I trekked 4.5 km covering several trails in FRIM.
At first, it was a peaceful and joyous walk. When I reached the steep climbing trails leading to Canopy Walkway, a big group of school kids (junior and senior high) arrived. OMG! These youngsters were SO LOUD! They were laughing, shouting and mimicking the cry of the primates. It was so ANNOYING! Even 'Mat Sallehs' were quietly complaining.
Do they read the rules before trekking? You suppose to walk quietly, observe your surroundings and listen out to sounds of the forest. I came here to escape the hustle and bustle of KL...but only to be surrounded by a group of loud kids. LOL!
Luckily the group only walk up to the canopy trail. Everything is finally back to normal after one hour. PHEW! I spent another two hours completing the entire trail. Honestly, the forest trails in FRIM are way to easy for me....Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy! I still prefer to trek in a jungle. FRIM looks like a commercialized forest with too many trekkers.
There's not much to see at FRIM. But there's an awful lot of hungry leeches. Halfway trekking, I took a short rest at a mini waterfall. I removed my shoes and socks only to discover four leeches sucking blood on my feet. I used a twig to removed these parasite. Later, I felt a persisting itch on my left thigh. So, I loosen my pants only to discover another horrible fat blood sucker on my thigh. Fortunately, it didn't crawl up to my dick. There are so many leeches in FRIM! Just like Fraser's Hill.
Overall, FRIM is SO-SO. I still prefer the authentic jungle trekking in Fraser's Hill, Pahang. Anyway, the fallen leaves on the forest floor were quite impressive. I spent some time capturing the fallen beauties.
I'll be updating this post again with more pictures plus informative brochures. It's 2:10 a.m. I'm really tired and sleepy.
Last updated 15th March 2010 (1:17 p.m.)
Forest Research Institute of Malaysa (FRIM) - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
These thumbnails are screenshots. Click link to download.
- FRIM Layout & Complete Map (1 page, PDF file, 235 kb)
- FRIM Keruing Trail Brochure (4 pages, English, PDF file, 1.65 MB)
- FRIM Canopy Walkway Trails & Complete Map (2 pages, English, PDF file, 738 kb)
Note: All PDF files are hosted in MediaFire.
FRIM is located along the Selayang-Kepong Highway. You can take the KTM Komuter train from the Kuala Lumpur Railway station or any KTM Komuter station that is in the vicinity and head for Kepong station. Once you reach Kepong station, alight from the train and take a taxi to FRIM.
Forest Research Institute of Malaysa (FRIM) - Contact Details & Opening Hours:
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM),
52110 Kepong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel : (603) 6279 7000
Fax : (603) 6273 1314
The operating hours of the park is from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
If you are driving, the entrance fee to the park is RM5/car else the fee charged is RM1/person.
About Canopy Walkway:
200m long, the canopy walkway was constructed in 1992 for scientific studies of above ground flora and fauna. It was built 30m above ground level.
- The walkway is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- Last registration --> 1:30 p.m. Operating hours and entrance are subject to weather conditions. The canopy walkway will be closed should it rains. Re-open within 2 hours once it has subsided and the weather is permissible.
- You may download the Canopy Walkway Brochure for more info. CLICK HERE
A small charge is levied for the visit:
- RM10.00 (foreigner adult)
- RM5.00 (Local adult)
- RM3.00 (students age 13 years old onwards – must show your student ID)
- RM1.00 (children age 7 – 12 years old)
Advance booking can be made at Visitor Information Centre by phone, fax or email.
Visitor Information Centre,
Tel: (603) 6279 7575
Fax: (603) 6280 4619
or contact:
Mohd Shazwara Ab Halim
Tel (603) 62797677
Email: mohdshazwara@frim.gov.my
Forest Research Institute of Malaysa (FRIM) - About & FAQs:
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is a statutory agency of the Government of Malaysia, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. FRIM promotes sustainable management and optimal use of forest resources in Malaysia by generating knowledge and technology through research, development and application in tropical forestry. FRIM is located in Kepong, near Kuala Lumpur.
The 486-ha site in Kepong located 16 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, is surrounded by the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve.
Forest Research Institute of Malaysa (FRIM) - Google Maps:
Forest Research Institute of Malaysa (FRIM) - Things to Do/See:
- Keruing Trail - This trail winds its way through one of FRIM’s oldest plantations and boasts of statuesque commercial timber trees.
- Salleh Nature Trail - Named after the first Director General of FRIM, Dato’ Dr.Salleh bin Mohd Nor since our statutory trip on trees and ground dwellers.
- Engkabang Trail - This trail takes you through a former wetland which back in 1930, was partially covered by grassland and by secondary forest.
- Rover Track - 1.3 km, The rover track is a dirt road which approximately the 170m contour on the slopes towards the summits of Bukit Beruang (401m) and Bukit Nolang (439m). It is a very popular track for joggers.
- Canopy Walk Trail - 500 m
- Waterfall Trail - 900 m
- Canopy Walkway - 200 m long
- Fruit Tree Arboretum
- Ethno-Botanic Garden (Requires Written Permission)
- Museum
- Dipterocarp Arboretum
- Bird Watching & Wildlife Observation
- Mini Waterfall
- Insect House
- Picnic
- Jogging
- Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Camping
- Nature Studies
- Library
Forest Research Institute of Malaysa (FRIM) - Read More & Useful Links:
- http://tinyurl.com/yg57yvm (Wikipedia Article About FRIM)
- http://www.frim.gov.my/index.cfm (FRIM Official Portal)
- http://tinyurl.com/y9jzgb9 (Read my previous articles on FRIM)
- http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/frim.html (An informative article by Malaysia Vacation Guide)
I Spotted A Baby Pitcher
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 11:44 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall is a little bit of everything - a mixture of Chiling's River Fish Santuary, Mount Nuang and Pine Tree Trail.
I was holding a baby pitcher plant. If you look carefully, you'll catch a tantalizing glimpse of the rainforest's hidden gems.
L.O.S.T
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 3:15 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Earlier (at the entrance of the Rainforest) I stumbled upon En. Roslan (a kampung folk and also a RELA member). I asked directions from him. He used a twig and sketch out many twist and turn on the sandy soil. It was confusing! Later, he gave me his number and asked me to call him up if I'm LOST.
After trekking for almost an hour, I reached this area overgrown with weeds, grasses, thorns, ferns, canes, and shrubs. This place have multiple openings and confusing trails. I decided to call up En. Roslan. All unanswered calls. What a bummer! I followed my common sense and trekked all the way to the waterfall.
HUGE OBSTACLES
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 12:44 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
The top obstacle is a HUGE fallen tree. The lower obstacle is a piece of abandoned water pipe. I need to crossover these two obstacles to reach the waterfall. So, I climbed up the rusted pipe and then the gigantic tree trunk.
Leap of Faith
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:00 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Thank God! I was not bitten by any leeches :) Leech bites are ITCHY & UGLY! I've still got 10 ugly black colored scars on my body (from previous trekkings).
This Is My Paradise!
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:01 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A well deserved rest. Look closely...a dragonfly just landed on my hallux (big toe).
It was one of the trickiest trekking. So many unmarked trail openings. I rely on my common sense to trek 3.5 km deep into the rainforest and locate the waterfall. Three words to sum it up - SCARY, CRAZY & FUN!
The water was icy cold! I was soaking my tired feet. Simply refreshing. I wanted take it all off for a skinny dip...but decided otherwise :)
Crystal Clear
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:00 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall is a combination of lush plants, peaceful rock formations and crystal clear water spilling into a large natural pond.
It's a medium-sized vertical rainforest waterfall - smaller than Chiling's River Fish Santuary. The water is crystal clear. A beautiful paradise! Stay tune for Part 2 to view pictures of the vertical waterfall.
The Waterfall & Cooling Jacuzzi
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 1:30 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/29, ISO Equiv.: 100
A decent 50 m vertical waterfall with a natural chilling jacuzzi. Not a GIGANTIC waterfall..but the water was ICY COOL despite the hot weather.
Dropped Dead, Gorgeous
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:37 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
A piece of wilted leaf. LOVE the details of the leaf. I should've zoom closer.
Baby Fern
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 11:02 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 125
Come and witness the wonders of the Malaysian Rainforest with shade tolerant herbs, a variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses.
Standalone
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 12:58 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
An interesting plant reaching out for sunlight.
There are plenty of canopy trees in the rainforest. These gigantic trees block sunlight from reaching the jungle floor. Smaller plants at the bottom will have to compete for that little sunlight.
Thumbs UP!
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 11:36 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Holding a medium-sized tropical pitcher plant....GENTLY :)
The inner cup features a deep cavity filled with watery-like liquid known as a pitfall trap. I peek through the cup and saw some tiny little insects. Interestingly, gigantic black ants LOVE to walk around the cup.
Scary Arachnid
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 11:48 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
There are SO MANY spider webs in the rainforest. Spiders love to weave their web across the trails. Usually, I use a piece of twig to 'push them aside'. Unfortunately, I got 'wrapped' with spider web more than 5 times while trekking in Lepok.
Luckily, I avoided this gigantic web spin by a scary looking spider. This is not a macro shot. It's a BIG MOMMA! As big as my face!
I spent 10 minutes staring at this fella. If you look closely, you'll see yellow colored sticky stuff. I move as close as possible to the web. But, I stopped after getting 10 cm face to face with this spider.
Dead, Shriveled Leaf
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 2:39 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A close-up shot.
The Starting Point
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 10:51 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Crossing a dilapidated wooden bridge to trek into the forest.
Into The ABYSS
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 11:24 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This is one of the darker trails in the forest. I saw a beautiful wild peacock along the way. Unfortunately, this beautiful bird disappeared into the forest before I can take out my camera.
Another Fallen Tree
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 3:17 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
As the path wound down along the waterfall's edge, walking grew more challenging. Leaves, fallen trees and big branches littered the trail.
A C.L.U.E!
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 3:30 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
I remember reading from somewhere about ribbons as clues. Luckily, I stumbled upon some yellow and red colored ribbons tied to the trees. Actually, these ribbons are not really a good marker - some ribbons are torn and loosen. I still prefer clear markings or signboards. Anyway, I rely on the ribbons to find my way out :)
I've just returned from Lepok Rainforest Waterfall in Selangor. It was one of the craziest rainforest trekking....EVER! Not really difficult. But the 3.5 km forest trail is mind boggling - with so many unmarked, confusing and crazy trails. I nearly lost in the jungle. It is not a one way trail. I bumped into so many openings (multiple trails). CONFUSING!
I've just returned from Lepok Rainforest Waterfall in Selangor. It was one of the craziest rainforest trekking....EVER! Not really difficult. But the 3.5 km forest trail is mind boggling - with so many unmarked, confusing and crazy trails. I nearly lost in the jungle. It is not a one way trail. I bumped into so many openings (multiple trails). CONFUSING!
At times, I wandered aimlessly...waiting for someone to 'help me' with the directions. Luckily, I bumped into two helpful Temuan tribespeople.
But it was also one of the BEST trekking in my life! I saw a beautiful wild peacock foraging the rainforest. Other than that, I was 'attacked' by a crazy flying lizard. I was walking along one of the dark trails. Suddenly, a flying lizard as big as my palm did a kamikaze dive straight on my sweaty face! YIKES! I nearly got a heart attack! I quickly brushed it off with my hand. You know what? I even whacked off my spectacle onto the forest ground. LOL! That's a FIRST!
I trekked at my usual pace (slow and steady) trying to find some good photo opportunities. So, I wasted almost 45 minutes doing that. Later, I decided to fasten my pace and reached the 'hidden' waterfall. It's a medium-sized vertical fall with a cooling natural Jacuzzi. The water is amazingly COOL despite the hot afternoon. I was the only lone wanderer in the forest. The only sound I can hear is the thunderous waterfall. It was a peaceful, relaxing and stress-free experience. An ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I wish I could stay there forever. But the sky turns cloudy. I decided to pack my stuff and trek back to the entrance. I was 'running' mad trying to avoid the rain. Overall, it was a beautiful trekking. There is a little bit of everything in Lepok Rainforest Waterfall. I'm looking forward to revisit this nature's paradise :)
Last updated October 29th, 2010 (1:50 p.m.)
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - Getting There:
Lepok Waterfall is located about 15km north of Hulu Langat, near Kg. Pangsun. You can use the highway to get there via Cheras. As you approach Hulu Langat, look out for Kg. Pangsun.
Just before you reach Pangsun, turn left to Lepok. Remember to ask the kampung folks for directions. There are many roadside stalls.
By now, you should be on a small dirt road. Just keep going straight and you'll reach a settlement and the start of the trail.
Best to start early in the morning (7 a.m. or 8 a.m.) as it can get quite hot later in the day.
Parking is RM2.
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - Google Maps:
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - YouTube Video:
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://www.waterfallsofmalaysia.com/83lepok.php (All About Lepok Waterfall)
- http://tinyurl.com/ybjcwyd (Paradise Found, Article by AllMalaysia.info)
- http://tinyurl.com/ybeqvcq (Backcountry wonders, Article by TheStar paper)
Article Preview
Title: Nature's Goose Bumps?
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 2:44pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 450
Nope. This is a close-up shot of a dark green leaf with droplets of rainwater.
Title: The Water is ICY COLD!!!
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 1:45pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 360
Remember to stop at Lolo Camp to enjoy the icy cold river. A refreshing, relaxing and well deserved rest. Check out my YouTube video below.
Title: Left to ROT
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 12:17pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A piece of bamboo stick with no commercial value. This mountain is a dumping ground for bamboos leftover.
Title: An Aftermath of S.H.A.M.E!
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 3:34pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
Piles of discarded bamboo sticks - a common scene in Gunung Nuang. Loggers picked the best sticks and dumped the remainders in secluded spots.
Title: Proof!
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 12:02m
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Tyre markings from loggers' motorbike. Logger keep bamboo sticks and shoots in huge plastic container (fastened to the back of the bike) and transport them out of the mountain.
Title: Lush Greenery Abundant
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 10:58am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
This mountain is full of pesky mosquitoes. Remember to wear long sleeve shirt for better protection. I was sweating like a pig! I guess my sticky and stinky sweat act as a natural repellent :)
Title: Still A Long Way To Go
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 11:17am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
The trail to Lolo Camp seems endless. Do not fret. The trail is full of surprises. If you search carefully, you'll find wonderful insects, lizards, wild monkeys, mouse deer and wild boar.
Title: Rocky Trails
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 11:20am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
I LOVE walking on rocky trails. Rough surface has greater friction, thus enabling better grip.
Title: The Shadowy Trail
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 11:11am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
What do you see? I see beautiful shadows!
Title: Rocky & Steep
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 11:18am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Climbing up rocky and steep trails is tiring and it drains my stamina.
Title: The Green Web
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 10:05am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot on a piece of leaf.
Title: Trident Shaped Leaf
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 3:33pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 125
A fallen beauty.
Title: Infected
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 12:08pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 280
A piece of leaf infected with fungus.
Title: Lush Greenery
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 2:46pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.8, ISO Equiv.: 360
I captured this picture on my way back. It was raining for one hour. Fortunately, the forest's canopy trees filtered out most of the raindrops.
Title: Aboriginal Kiddos
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 10:06am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
I stumbled upon two groups of aboriginal kiddos at the beginning of the trail.
These kiddos were fully clothed but without shoes or slippers. I tried to start a conversation but they were wary of my presence. A missed opportunity.
Title: The River at Lolo Camp
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 12:56pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/11, ISO Equiv.: 100
It started to rain the moment I reached Lolo Camp. I wanted to snap more river shots but the sky turns cloudy insantly.
Title: Warning Sign
Location: Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 28 September 2009, 10:01am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is the entrance to the Mount Nuang. The signboard says 'NO BURNING OR RM50 000 FINE OR 5 YEARS JAIL OR BOTH' I was hoping to see an additional clause saying NO BAMBOO LOGGING OR 100 WHIPPINGS ON YOUR ARSE!
Before I start rambling, let me clarify something. I deleted my earlier post entitled 'I Witnessed Bamboo Rape in Gunung Nuang' BUT WHY??? I guess I need more info before jumping into conclusions. Nevertheless, I DESPISE the fact that rampant bamboo logging is ongoing in Gunung Nuang.
This is my third hike to Gunung Nuang (translation: Mount Nuang). Gunung Nuang is the highest mountain in Selangor (1493m/4898 ft). Its peak marks the meeting point of three Malaysian states; Negeri Sembilan, Pahang dan Selangor. The mountain itself is the highest point in Selangor and part of the Titiwangsa Mountains. I always wanted to conquer Gunung Nuang. But, I woke up late. So, I can only hike up to Lolo Camp (1st Camp). To reach the peak, I need at least 8 - 1o hours.
On my recent trip, the forestry officer remembers me. He smiled at me and asked:
"Seorang saja" (Translation: One person only?)
I answered:
"Ya, encik (Translation: Yes, sir) Again, I reassured him that I'm a seasoned hiker. So, no worries.
Hiking in Gunung Nuang is no easy feat. On a scale of 1 - 10, I would rate Gunung Nuang as 7 and Pine Tree Trail as 8. The trail in Gunung Nuang is rocky. On rainy days, it can be muddy and slippery. The first one hour of hiking is a killer! My stamina drop rapidly especially when climbing steep trails. I was huffing, puffing and sweating.
After reaching the first sheltered rest area, I breathe a huge sight of relief. The trail is no longer that steep. I walked for another 60 minutes before reaching Lolo Camp. There is a nice cooling river at Lolo Camp. Remember to look for a concrete staircase that is overgrown shrubs. Walk down the stairs and you'll see a lovely river. The river is surprisingly cool. It feels like you are dipping your feet in a river of icy cold 7 UP. I can only think of two words - REFRESHING & RELAXING.
OK!!!! Back to the bamboo 'rape and rampage'. Gunung Nuang is a bamboo mountain. There are thousands of bamboo trees. The view is SUPERB! Look like China but without panda bear :) This is the BEST bamboo mountain I've seen in my life!!! Sadly, I witnessed large scale bamboo logging in Gunung Nuang. The loggers ride motorbike and carry along machetes. On my first and second visit, I saw at least 8 - 9 hardworking loggers. During my latest trip, I saw one logger on my way up and two loggers on my way out.
I was pissed seeing loggers chopping down bamboos for lemangs and shoots. Bamboo sticks are harvested to make lemang - a traditional food which is cooked in a hollowed bamboo stick lined with banana leaf to prevent the rice from sticking to the bamboo. Bamboo shoots are edible shoots used in Asian dishes and broths.
If the forestry office is located next to the main entrance...then.....how come loggers are SO DARING?? I was dumbfounded. So, I did some research and consulted my brother (who is an architecture consultant with building landscape and design knowledge).
According to Wikipedia, "Bamboos are the fastest growing woody plants in the world. Their growth rate (up to 60 centimeters (24 in.)/day) is due to a unique rhizome-dependent system". Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo
A whooping 60 cm growth per day?? WOW!! That's I.N.S.A.N.E!!! My brother said bamboo trees grow like wild grasses. Bamboos are fast growers. Perhaps these are bona fide loggers given permission to hack and slash. The mystery remains unsolved.
I'll return to Gunung Nuang soon. I dreamt of reaching the peak of Mount Nuang.
Gunung Nuang - Getting There:
- From Kuala Lumpur head out to Cheras-Kajang highway and go through the first toll way.
- Take the first left exit (Exit 702 - Persimpangan Hulu Langat) where a large sign points the direction to Air Terjun Gabai, Air Terjun Tekala, and Air Terjun Batangsi.
- Stay left on the two-lane road (Ulu Langat)
- Watch for a series of brown signs to Air Terjun Gabai, Hutan Rekreasi Sungai Chongkak and Hutan Rekreasi Gunung Nuang along this road and expect a left turn at a junction.
- Watch for blue signs pointing the way to Hutan Lipur Sg. Chongkak, Perdik and Gabai (another 20-25 km ahead).
- Continue straight ahead on Ulu Langat road until you see the signs for a left turn to Sg. Chongkak; Hutan Lipur Gunung Nuang is another 5 km at the end of the road at Pangson.
Gunung Nuang - Fees & Parking:
Only RM1 for entrance fee. Ample parking space available.
Gunung Nuang - Things To Do/See:
a) Hike up to Gunung Nuang (8 - 9 hours long for both ways)
b) Amazing Bamboo Trees
b) River at Lolo Camp
c) Mountain Top View
Gunung Nuang - My YouTube Videos:
On Location: The Bamboo Aftermath
The River in Lolo Camp
Gunung Nuang - Read More:
a) http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/27611 (All about hiking in Gunung Nuang)
b) http://tinyurl.com/ybb4d4k (A blog entry)
Gunung Nuang - Google Maps:
