Random Clouds

Missing the embrace of the forest, I joined my cousin's family for a hike at Gunung Lambak in Kluang. Its summit is at 510m above sea level. My cousin planned to brought me up to the northern peak where we could get a great view. Initially I was confused by the signboard as the numbers indicate distance instead of elevation.   After walking up the paved road, we started ascending a steep slope with natural steps formed by sprawling tree roots. It's amazing how the tree roots formed pockets of steps.   After conquering the root-steps slope, we sat on some benches for a rest. Suddenly, my cousin's wife N started panting. With her eyes wide opened, she screamed in fear, "It's dark! It's dark! I can't breathe!"  N slumped and my cousin quickly held her and said, "Breathe! Breathe!" I rubbed some Chinese medicated oil on the back of her neck. She was still panting. I touched her right hand. By then, her limbs had become stiff. Her voice quivered:

After a long pause of 3.5 years, I felt the urge to go hiking again. As I've been warned that it's not safe to hike alone in Malaysia, I contacted my cousin who hikes weekly with his family. He recommended Bukit Kangkar Pulai 佛莱山. The hill is located in Pulai where I seldom visit. Following the navigation app, I was led to a blocked road under construction. After some turns and a phone call with my cousin, I finally found the entrance! My cousin shared with me the three most important rules when hiking: (1) Don't take anything from the wild (everything in the wild belongs to the spirits). (2) Don't say each other's name (so that the spirits cannot track us). (3) Don't curse and speak nonsense (so that the spirits are not offended). As I tried to focus on the treks, I didn't take many photos. Here are a few when the trails were more manageable. Blue Lake One of the four rest stops.