Sunny Outdoors

19 Jun 2010 - Gunung Belumut (1010 m) is situated in Kluang, Johor and is about 2.5 hrs drive from Singapore.  We arrived at about 9am and started the trek assisted by local guides. It is compulsory to hire a local guide from the ranger office when you trek in Belumut. Depending on your group size, you may need more than one guide.   At the foot of the mountain, there was a nice river where families played and swam in the water. In the beginning, the trail was generally flat and easy.  Like all gunungs I have attempted so far, the easy part doesn't last long.  Once we got nearer to the midway point, the trail becomes steep and demanding.  Gentle beginnings .... Steep midsection The midway point ! There were lots of fallen trees and branches along the way.  I knocked my shin twice (double ouch !) onto fallen logs when i tried to get across them.  The fatigue must have impaired my judgment and sense of balance.  Anyway, the only good thing...

04 Jun 2010 - "Climbing Gunung Belumut can be challenging for beginners and seasoned trekkers". "Hated Belmut [ sic ] coz both legs cramped when i climbed up"....  Are these all ominous warnings that Gunung Belumut is a "mountain" too far for the beginner climber ?   Some members of the expedition have already begun their stairs climbing training.  I also hear stories of members climbing their apartment's stairs for training.  Stress ah! Surely i wouldn't want to be the only one who struggles and falls behind.  There's also an ongoing joke that the last person will offered to the tigers if they do appear ! Apparently, some trekkers heard the roar of a tiger at Belumut. O_O "If you spot a tiger roaming around do not be afraid, for the tiger itself would not harm a human unless you agitate it. They usually go into hiding when they spot a human." http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Johor/guide_johor_gunung_belumut_recreational_forest.htm The...