Showing posts with label [Pahang] ALL POSTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [Pahang] ALL POSTS. Show all posts
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Somewhere in Bishop trail, I bumped into a small snake (about 50 cm long). At first, I thought the snake was molting skin. But, upon closer inspection, I noticed the snake was actually devouring another snake. It was surreal! I tried to get as close as possible to snap a decent picture. But, I was scarred to hell. I don't want to be bitten by a venomous snake and die in a jungle!
Beside that, there were loads of fungi on tree trunks and the forest floor. Along the trail, I saw a cluster of gigantic mushrooms. These fungi are HUGE! Some of them were bigger than my face! These cute little fellas look like mini umbrella :)
Overall, it was a refreshing trip back to Fraser's Hill. The best thing? No leech bites at all! OH YEAH!
Title: BEHOLD!!!!
Location: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 17 September 2009, 12:54pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 220
A mushroom as big as my face! Diameter around 28 cm. Check out my YouTube video below.
Title: Gentle Does It
Location: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 17 September 2009, 12:54pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 250
Remember to handle with care. Like pitcher plants, these mushrooms are very fragile. The mushroom's stem or stalk breaks easily.
Title: Protect Mother Earth
Location: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 17 September 2009, 12:24pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
WWF Malaysia and Pahang State Forestry Department did a great job protecting and conserving the thick forest in Fraser's Hill. Thumbs up for excellent work in making the forest trails safer with loads of signboards and labeling. By far, Fraser's Hill is the BEST place in Malaysia for jungle trekking (from moderate to extreme level).
Refer to the sign/tag. BIS-3 stands for Bishop Sign 3, T8 stands for tree number 8.
Title: Drop Dead Gorgeous
Location: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 17 September 2009, 2:10pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.2, ISO Equiv.: 200
A fallen beauty. Take your time and scan the forest floor for some real goodies.
Title: A Growing G.I.A.N.T
Location: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 17 September 2009, 12:57pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 360
Another cute mushroom but smaller in size. Diameter around 12 cm. The 'umbrella' is top part of a mushroom; best known as cap or pileus. Spores are located on the mushroom gills or lamellae (underside the cap). I LOVE fungi/mushroom - whether edible or not :)
Title: Fallen Trees
Location: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 17 September 2009, 1:06pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
Halfway trekking in Bishop's trail, I was blocked by a huge fallen gigantic tree. I miscalculated my next step and climbed up that trunk to crossover. It was the wrong path. The top end of the trunk was rotted and gave way easily - DEATHTRAP!!! Fortunately, I managed to grab hold some plants and find my way safely to back to the trail. I should have informed the forestry official.
Giant Mushrooms 'captured' with my phone
Next...Post 155th - The Grand Palace พระบรมมหาราชวัง or Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wangin in Bangkok.
Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) - Getting There:
Car
The journey takes approximately two hours from KL and is only accessible by road. Take the North-South Highway towards north, take the Rawang exit from the highway and drive further north to Kuala Kubu Bahru (KKB) and up to Fraser's Hill.
From KKB take the easterly road past the police station all the way along the winding roads to the Gap rest house. There is a one way up and one way down road system now at Fraser's Hill.
Bus
All public transportation to Fraser's Hill has been suspended since 1st January 2008. To get to Fraser's Hill, take the KTM Komuter from KL Sentral Station all the way to Kuala Kubu Baru station and from there catch a taxi (not really a taxi but normally they are private owners who want to make a few Ringgit pocket money) all the way to Frasers. The fare is between RM50 - RM70 per way.
For the komuter KTM schedule, please go to: www.ktmb.com.my . From KL Sentral (timetable Seremban - Rawang route) take the komuter to Rawang and then change trains at Rawang station for Kuala Kubu Bahru (timetable = Rawang - KKB)
Taxi
From Kuala Lumpur to Fraser's Hill the estimated fare is from RM160 to RM180 per way per taxi.
Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) - Things to Do/See:
a) Bird Watching
b) Jungle Trekking. Eight well marked jungle trails.
Hemmant Trail - An easy 20-minute trail along the north side of the golf course.
Bishop's Trail - Effectively a continuation of the Hemmant Trail, this is a slightly more challenging half-hour track through the jungle. Slippery when wet.
Pine Tree Trail - A challenging 6 kilometer trail up and down hills to the eponymous Pine Tree Hill, and you'll have to return the way you came to boot. This is a full-day hike that will take 7-8 hours at a moderate pace.
c) Golfing & Tennis - Not my taste
7 Days Weather Forecast for Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser):
Check the weather outlook in Fraser's Hill before you plan your trekking trip. Click this link to visit Malaysia Meteorologial Department:
http://tinyurl.com/kr4fsh
Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) - More info:
a) http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MH_fraser.htm
b) http://www.nature-escapes-kuala-lumpur.com/Frasers-Hill.html
c) http://wikitravel.org/en/Fraser's_Hill
Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) Map & Guide:
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Title: Fallen
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 12:15pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
I was busy scanning the forest floor for some green goodies. At last, I bumped into this strange coloured piece of fallen leaf. The forest floor was covered with thousands of fallen and decomposing leaves.
Title: Green GLOW
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 1:44pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
A piece of leaf glowing green from the afternoon light.
Title: The Entrance to Maxwell Trail
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 11:58am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
I parked my car at the roadside (opposite of Muar Cottage). There are two huge signboards directing trekkers to this small, partially hidden entrance.
Title: Green Twin
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 12:17pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Picked up a strange looking fruit. Look like two ping-pong balls wrapped together :)
Halfway scanning the forest floor, I got the shock of my life! A large-sized wild boar was squealing non-stop ...breaking the silence...perhaps trying to warn other piggies of my presence. My heart was beating fast. The sound was scary. I reached out for a long piece of twig to defend myself...just in case.
Title: Gigantic Wood Fungi
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 1:02pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot of a gigantic wood fungi. It was pretty difficult taking pictures while trekking along the forest. Initially, I was moving at a moderate pace scanning the forest floor for some nature goodies. After one hour of trekking, I decided to keep my camera.
Title: Walk This WAY
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 1:23pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 360
I was the only person trekking Maxwell trail on that day. I LOVE the jungle sounds....call of wild monkeys, occasional sound of wind blowing at the canopy-like trees and also mating songs from insects.
There were loads of leeches on this carpet of fallen leaves.
Title: Dark
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 12:26pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 200
It was quite dark in the forest. Nonetheless, you can find your way easily because there are numerous signboards. I was trekking alone for both Pine Tree and Maxwell trails. It can be scary at times especially when it started to rain. I still remember my agony finishing the last 1.5 km of Pine Tree trail...when it started to rain. The surrounding turned misty, wet, slippery and dark....very spooky.
Title: Hang on to the ROPES!
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 12:43pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 280
Both Maxwell and Pine Tree forest trails are narrow. At certain stretch, you'll bumped into these ropes. You may wanna hold on tightly to these ropes while navigating your steps. I have to say Maxwell trail is fairly easy. I explored the entire trek without relying on these ropes.
Title: Look MA! I can reach the SKY :)
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 12:58pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
After trekking for nearly one and a half hour, the trail leads to an opened surrounding with bright and sunny sky.
Title: Abandoned Corona Nursery
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 1:40pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
This picture was taken at the end of the trail. The dilapidated building once housed corona nursery. There is a Tamil school next to this building. I decided to trek back to the starting point since I parked my car at the side entrance (near Muar Cottage). Interestingly, trekking back was way easier.
It was a spontaneous decision - driving for two hours long to Fraser's Hill and spent another three hours to trek Maxwell trail. I really love forest trekking. There are eight forest trails in Fraser's Hill. So far, I've conquered both Pine Tree and Maxwell Trail. Jungle trekking in Fraser's Hill is the BEST! Along the way, you'll encounter amazing and authentic lush greenery. In addition, you won't get lost in these trails because there are lots of signboards in the jungle.
I'll trek again to Pine Tree trail (the most challenging trek). But, I'll have a trek buddy next time. Avoid any attempt to conquer Pine Tree trail alone.
This is my timing for Maxwell Trail:
Start journey: 9:00 a.m. from Kuala Lumpur
Arriving at the Gap or Guide House: 11:10 a.m.
Start trekking at: 12 p.m.
Mini Entrance to Corona Nursery Exit: 1 hour 40 minutes (reach Corona exit at 1:40pm)
Corona Nursery back to Mini entrance: Start time was 1:50 p.m. (reached back starting point at 3:00pm)
Total time spent: 3 hours
Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill - Getting There:
Car
The journey takes approximately two hours from KL and is only accessible by road. Take the North-South Highway towards north, take the Rawang exit from the highway and drive further north to Kuala Kubu Bahru (KKB) and up to Fraser's Hill.
From KKB take the easterly road past the police station all the way along the winding roads to the Gap rest house. There is a one way up and one way down road system now at Fraser's Hill.
Bus
All public transportation to Fraser's Hill has been suspended since 1st January 2008. To get to Fraser's Hill, take the KTM Komuter from KL Sentral Station all the way to Kuala Kubu Baru station and from there catch a taxi (not really a taxi but normally they are private owners who want to make a few Ringgit pocket money) all the way to Frasers. The fare is between RM50 - RM70 per way.
For the komuter KTM schedule, please go to: www.ktmb.com.my . From KL Sentral (timetable Seremban - Rawang route) take the komuter to Rawang and then change trains at Rawang station for Kuala Kubu Bahru (timetable = Rawang - KKB)
Taxi
From Kuala Lumpur to Fraser's Hill the estimated fare is from RM160 to RM180 per way per taxi.
7 Days Weather Forecast for Fraser's Hill:
Check the weather outlook in Fraser's Hill before you plan your trekking trip. Click this link to Malaysia Meteorologial Department:
http://www.met.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=696&Itemid=905
More info:
a) http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MH_fraser.htm
b) http://www.nature-escapes-kuala-lumpur.com/Frasers-Hill.html
Download Fraser's Hill Comprehensive Map:
Excellent details about the location of 8 trekking trails and places of interests in Fraser's Hill, Pahang.
http://rapidshare.com/files/221248971/MAP_FULL_1.gif
Fraser's Hill - YouTube Video (About Birding)
I'm no fan of birding but this this is a nice video.
Video courtesy of Jetwing.
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Title: Lucky Number 30
Location: Maxwell Trail, Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
Date: 24 July 2009, 12:35pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
An aluminium tree tag for identification purpose. The number was nailed into the tree trunk.
I just returned from a three hours forest hike in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang. Earlier this year, I had successfully completed eight hours of forest hiking in Pine Tree Trail. The overall length of Pine Tree Trail was nearly 11 km. The trek was challenging and insane. I barely made it out alive!
Today’s forest trekking was easy, short and fun. It was a 3.6 km jungle trek. The weather in Pahang was SUPERB! The sky was ocean blue and the wind was strong.
Halfway trekking deep into the jungle, I saw loads of creepy looking leeches on the forest floor. There were HUNDREDS of them! These leeches were intelligent. Initially there were crawling and wriggling like some harmless worms. The moment they sensed movement or perhaps body heat, the innocent looking creature will ‘stand erected’ wobbling left and right repeatedly; trying to stick to the ‘host’.
I ignored them because I was wearing long pants and I pulled up my stockings. I felt nothing until I returned to my house. When I changed my clothes, I saw a bloody fat leech hiding in between of my belt and my waist, a small leech on my tummy and two medium sized leeches on my feet. YUCKS, ALL TIME!
I took a bath and removed all the blood suckers. Blood was oozing for one hour after these leeches were removed. Leech bite mark seems to last forever. The bite marks I got from my trip to Commonwealth Forest Park are still visible today - ugly dark coloured marks :(
Remember to follow Part 2 for more pictures and details!
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I’ve spent a net total of RM224 on my 2D/1N Cameron Highlands trip. It was meant to be a budget trip with a maximum allocation of RM200. But, I guess blowing an additional RM24 is no big deal. I cannot help myself trying out different kinds of food. I just have to taste them. My mom loves those green veggies I brought back from Cameron. She enjoyed eating the raw corns!
During this 2D 1N solo trip, I’ve explored BOH’s tea estate in Habu, reached 360° Viewpoint in Habu, climbed Mount Brinchang, visited aboriginal village, Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cactus Point, Veggie Farm, Highlands Strawberry Farm, Mountain Strawberry Park, day market and Brinchang night market. I preferred to explore these places UP, CLOSE & PERSONAL. It can be a tiring hike or even a long walk up to the plantation. But, I guess this is the best possible way to enjoy what nature has to offer.
If you’re seeking a relaxing trip with endless green, Cameron Highlands is the recommended place. Looking back, I treasured every single moment. My legs are itchy again. I’m leaving KL this Thursday. I’ll be exploring the mysterious Kellie’s Castle, discover Taiping, tasting Ipoh’s famous delicacies and more.
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Title: Picture Perfect
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:46pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
The golden light of the setting Sun was all over the temple. I was lucky enough to capture this image.
Title: The Temple's Guardian
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:47pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 110
One of the two lions guarding the temple. The statue was painted in gold colour. I was leaving the temple when I saw the setting Sun. The golden light from the Sun illuminates the entire temple. The statue look like a huge chunk of gold!
Title: Entrance to the Temple
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:47pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
This picture was taken at the entrance of the temple. I LOVE the composition and angle of this picture.
Title: The Temple's Pagoda
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:49pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 110
A small pagoda in the temple.
Title: Getting Dark.
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:48pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Captured this picture in time before the Sun set.
Title: The Temple's Mini Guardian
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:46pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
This statue look like a medieval gargoyle.
Title: The GODS
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:25pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.0, ISO Equiv.: 800
I'm not sure if those idols are Lord Buddha or the compassionate Kuan Yin. I have not pray for ages. Already a humanist and believer in science.
Title: The Guitarist?
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:17pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 640
Nope...its one of the four Heavenly Kings idols in the temple. These statues are HUGE. Very similar to the 4 Heavenly Kings in Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang. The Heavenly Kings consist of Kwang Mu (Guardian of the West), Tou Wen (Guardian of the North), Ch'i Kuo (Guardian of the East) and lastly Tseg Chang (Guardian of the South).
Title: A Mesmerizing Stare
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:14pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.2, ISO Equiv.: 900
A statue with artistic design.
Title: The HEAVENLY KINGS
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:18pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 450
One is holding a pipa (a four-stringed Chinese instrument) and the other a sword.
Title: Over Here. Feed ME!
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:36pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 800
These koi fishes are CUTE, TAME and FRIENDLY. They even sucked my fingers like a baby.
Title: Move over, BIG MOMMA is here
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:34pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 800
The koi are HUMONGOUS! The length of these large-sized koi are around 50 cm - 70 cm long.
Title: Feeding Frenzy
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:39pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 800
I guess these koi fishes were too excited seeing my fingers lingering above the pond.
Title: The Temple's Roof
Location: Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 6:49pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
Interesting lotus print on the roof.
I returned to my budget hotel and took a short rest. Later in the afternoon, I decided to pay a visit to Sam Poh Buddhist Temple in Brinchang. I expected the temple to be an ordinary temple. But, I was wrong! It was a BEAUTIFUL medium-sized Buddhist temple. Once you step into the temple, you’ll experience authentic Buddhist’s architecture. I saw four humongous God idols guarding the entrance of the temple. It’s very similar to the four God idols in Kek Lok Si Temple. I’m a humanist. But, I feel PEACEFUL, QUIET and SERENE in the temple. I’m the only visitor that time (around 6.30pm). I walked into the grand temple and saw a KuanYin porcelain statue beneath a huge golden Buddha statue. The inner temple is so special. The four walls were decorated with thousands of Buddha’s motifs.
After that, I ventured to the outer part of the temple and saw a pond filled with extra large koi. The koi pond is a MUST-SEE attraction in the temple!!! The fishes are HUMONGOUS. It’s pretty tame and will swim to you when you move your fingers. The fishes’ mouth were opening WIDE trying to suck my fingers.
I was on my way leaving the temple (to visit the night market in Brinchang), when the Sun started to set. It was the most beautiful moment in my life. In less than five minutes, the whole temple was illuminated with the ‘golden light’ from the setting Sun. The temple was automatically transformed into a GOLDEN TEMPLE! I’m not exaggerating. Look at my pictures. The lion statues guarding the temple turned into a big chunk of gold. I hurriedly snapped lots of pictures before I missed the moment.
My last post is coming soon; wrapping up my amazing journey to Cameron Highlands. Remember to follow for more reviews and pictures.
Day 3 Expenses (My Budget Travel):
a) Breakfast at Restoran Sri Brinchang (ordered Maggi Goreng again) = RM4.00
b) Handpicked Strawberries at Highlands Bee Farm (around 20 fruits) = RM12.00
c) Mixed Veggies from a Bangladeshi stall (9 packets) = RM10
d) Petrol = RM20
e) North-South Expressway toll = RM17.90
c) Bought these from a generous Chinese lady who’s also a farmer:
- Corns (3 large pieces that can be eaten raw) = RM3.00
- One big packet of baby tomatoes (over 40 fruits) = RM1.00
Total Expenses on Day 3 = RM67.90
(+) Total Expenses on Day 1 & Day 2 = RM156.10
Overall 3 days expenses = RM224.00
Cameron Highlands – Getting There:
Please click this link for more info:
More info?
Read these articles before you travel:
Cameron Highlands – Map
Download FULL PDF MAP listing all places of interests including these townships: Ringlet, Habu, Tanah Rata and Brinchang. [PDF File, 902kb]
Destination [5] Aboriginal Resettlement and [6] Sam Poh Buddhist Temple
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Title: A Happy Day :)
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 2:02pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
Best friends captured in photo.
Title: What About ME??
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 2:13pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 280
This boy was not very happy being left out. The group of kiddos were actually looking at my hand phone. They LOVE the video I recorded on them earlier - asking permission to play it again, again and again.
Title: Lean on me
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 2:16pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 280
I was sitting on the hillside admiring the scenery when I noticed this kiddo puts his hand on my leg. I took the camera and capture that moment instantly.
Title: Brothers in Arm
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 2:15pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.2, ISO Equiv.: 280
A comforting embrace by the elder.
Title: I'm the next MUSCLE MAN :)
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:58pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This boy is 12 years old. One of the brightest and matured fella I met in the village. He was intelligent and seems to understand lots of stuff. When I asked him about his ambition. He told me he is going to be a fireman. I'm very sure, he can be more than a fireman.
Title: A Candid Shot
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:59pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
These two girls were trying out different funny pose. I LOVE this shot! It portrays the happy time they were having earlier.
Title: Brothers & Sisters
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:09pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
I was exploring the village and these kiddos were curious looking at me from a distance trying to figure out my intention. Once they understand that I come in peace, they approached me. I showed them the pictures I captured earlier with my Nikon DSLR D60 camera. They were asking lots of questions about photography. Later, they asked me to take their photos. I obliged immediately :)
Title: Here I come! Standstill, OK!
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:00pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Three good friends playing. I was a bit worried with the boy who was armed with that 'weapon'. One innocent shot from it will surely spoil the camera lens.
Title: The Fight Club - Junior Version :)
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:04pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.2, ISO Equiv.: 200
The boy in red was quite agitated. He wanted to teach the boy in white a real good lesson with his 'weapon'.
Title: Stacked it UP.
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:39pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
Interesting way to keep shoes.
Title: The Mist, the Mountain and the Village
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:48pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
The weather that day was so uncertain. I was sitting on the hill enjoying the lush greenery on the settlement. In less than 15 minutes, the surrounding area turned cloudy! If you refer to this picture, strong winds and mist was blowing. Faraway, you can see it was still a bright and sunny day!
Title: Hillside Homes, Anyone?
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:13pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
It's a big aboriginal village. Once you stepped outside from your car, you'll see lots of huts/houses scattered all over the hill. Some of these huts were built on top of the hill entirely with zinc sheets! I asked a native about the risk of being zapped by a thunder, she answered "SO FAR SO GOOD" No casualty yet.
Title: Clash Between Modern & Traditional
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 12:35pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
Traditional orang asli's hut on the hill and modern day buildings at the main road. The resettlement village has a kindergarten, a primary and secondary school, a sundry shop, community centre, JHOEA office and a clinic. Some orang asli huts were even equipped with Astro satellite dish. Talking about modern day influence!
Title: Life Goes On
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:38pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
It's a simple life for these aborigines.
Title: Cock-a-doodle-doo
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:33pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
There were lots of domestic animals beneath the orang asli's huts. This chicken is one of them. The rooster was clucking away even though it's afternoon. Be careful with stray dogs.
Title: It's Laundry Day!
Location: Aborigine Resettlement @ Kg. Sg. Ruil, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Date: 22 May 2009, 1:31pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 125
Hmmm....strange. Everyone seems to be doing their laundry the day I visited them. It was a dull and cloudy day. I guess the cold and windy condition is helping the clothes to dry.
I lost my way trying to locate Kg. Sg. Ruil (the aborigines resettlement village). I asked around and was informed the village was partially hidden behind an apartment. I followed the direction given and arrived at the community centre.
At first glance, it look like any other kampung (translation: village) in Malaysia. There is a kindergarten, a school, a sundry shop, a community centre, a clinic and a JHOEA – Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli Office (Aborigines Affairs Office). It doesn’t look like a traditional aboriginal village to me. I walked out from my car and got to see for myself the influence of modern day development on the community. The houses/huts are scattered all over the hill. I followed some narrow trail to reach the aborigines settlement. Halfway, I was surrounded by a group of CUTE and FRIENDLY orang asli kids. The kiddos were asking lots of questions. I was dumbstruck for a moment. They were speaking in Bahasa Asli (translation: aboriginal language). Fortunately, I bumped into an adult orang asli. She translated our conversation back to Bahasa Melayu.
Chatting with that lady breaks the ice between me and the aborigine communities. She was wearing sarong and hanging out some clothes to dry. She asked me lots of questions “Dari mana ni” (Translation: “Where are you from?”), “Nak buat ape dengan kamera?” (Translation: “What are you doing with that camera?”) I assured her that I’m no journalist. I’m stopping over to see or myself the aborigine village.
Later, I met another young lady (perhaps same age as me). An intelligent and pleasant girl. She answered all my queries about the orang asli. The ONE BIG QUESTION I like to ask her was “Cik, orang asli kat Pulau Carey buat kraftangan. Orang asli kat Cameron Highlands ni buat apa?” (Translation: “Miss, the aborigines in Carey Island make crafts. What about the aborigine community over here?”). She told me 60% - 70% are working as civil servants in government departments. Before I bid goodbye to her, she asked me to consult Tok Batin (Village elder) for detailed facts and figures about the community. Tok Batin is the village’s shopkeeper.
Then, I bumped into a group of teenagers. The moment they saw me, the boys and girls were calling me with all sorts of Chinese names. Well, I just ignored them. The name calling stopped after a while. They decided to sneak behind me following my every steps discreetly. I decided to show them pictures I took with my Nikon D60 DSLR camera. They were so excited and invited me to take their portrait pictures. It was a genuine expression of happiness.
I noticed 70% of the aboriginal population has been modernized. The kiddos and teenagers were fast adapting to modern day culture. Only 30% (mostly elders) were still practicing their treasured native culture. Nonetheless, the people still has distinct physical and facial features that resemble typical aborigines in Malaysia.
Overall, it was an insightful trip. The younger generation is getting compulsory formal education. Some of them were even admitted to reputed universities. I believe in less than a decade, Kg. Sg. Ruil will be transformed into a modern day village – no longer an aboriginal village. I don’t know whether wanton modernization is good or bad in the long run. One thing for sure, the traditional values are slowly dying. The community prefers modernization than living on a day-to-day basis (hunt and collect) for their meals.
Cameron Highlands – Getting There:
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Read these articles before you travel:
Cameron Highlands – Map
Download FULL PDF MAP listing all places of interests including these townships: Ringlet, Habu, Tanah Rata and Brinchang. [PDF File, 902kb]
Destination [5] Aboriginal Resettlement and [6] Sam Poh Buddhist Temple
