I met CL while on the hike to the Foon Yew Blue Lake and have since been hiking with her and her husband. As we normally start at 4.30pm, it's imperative for us to return to the main road by 6.30pm before it gets dark. For CL and her husband who have been hiking almost daily for the past 3 years, the 2-hour hike through different terrains in Plentong / Seri Alam is like a stroll in the park. But it's a boot camp for someone like me. I can't even catch up to them on flat ground! 😂 Thankfully, they and their other hiking buddies are extremely patient. Someone would always walk with me at the end of the line.
Even though it's the year-end monsoon season, CL's motto is: "As long as it's not raining when I step out of my house, I'll go hiking!"
So here we were hiking to the Plentong Blue Lake despite the looming clouds.
Just about 15 min into our hike, the rain moved in fast from Bukit Lunchu area. We quickly took out our umbrellas. Within seconds, raindrops hit us like liquid bullets.
Crossing the ford with Bukit Lunchu and the Blue Lake on far right.
Water gushing down the cliffs of Bukit Lunchu.
Awe-inspiring
For comparison: on a normal day.
No umbrella is big enough for the downpour. I ditched my umbrella and put on a raincoat.
We decided to retreat via the palm plantation.
This was supposed to be a footpath! 😂
Submerged!
Another 100 meter to the main road!
The main road was flooded as well with cow dung and palm leaves washed off from the plantation.
Many of us were drenched from head to toe. Luckily my raincoat kept my upper body relatively dry. We all made it back to our cars safe and sound.
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:
I've always heard of Gunung Pulai but never had a chance to visit the mountain until now. As there is a river by the entrance, it's a popular outing spot among the locals. River by the entrance. The local villagers run food stalls and convert their home compounds into parking lots for RM3 per car. Put the parking coupon here.Without coupon, put RM3, OK! Masakan Panas = Hot Food A village house with many plants. Personally, I prefer taking the forest trail but it's closed for the monsoon. Even during normal seasons, taking the forest trail would require application for a hiking permit several days in advance. The permit costs RM10. A guide is also mandatory at around RM160. Forest Trail There are still plenty to see along the steep tarmac road. Mini Waterfall Surrounded by lush greenery. The light blue beyond the land is actually seawater. First time seeing this type of fern. Some even form shapes of hexagon. It took me two hours to reach the peak which is actually a restri
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