Sunny Outdoors

Sep 11, 2011 - On a whim, my wife and I signed up for a hike to Gunung Nuang via Janda Baik, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Hiking and Trail Running Meetup group.  We were supposed to attend a wedding ceremony on Monday. Since we had the Sunday free, why not ? Climbing Gunung Nuang from Janda Baik is supposed to be easier than starting at Hulu Langat.  Apparently, the trail starts at a higher altitude and the route to the base of the mountain is shorter, making it an easier climb ... or so I was told. At 5:30 am, my wife and I waited at the Summit hotel bus stop for our ride. Chanec, a fellow participant, was kind enough to drive us and 2 other hikers to the starting point. We started the hike at 8 am from a dirt track where the cars were parked.  We had to cross a river that was about ankle deep and we foolishly decided not to remove our shoes. Our feet got wet at the beginning of the hike. Starting Point Once we got across the river, the path led us through...

23 to 24 Feb 2011- This is my first time climbing Mt Kinabalu and I am really excited to be here after 3 months of training. To prepare for the climb, we trained by stair climbing (40 storeys building) and hiking up Bukit Timah hill weekly. I can't wait to ascend this mountain, after all this is South East Asia highest mountain right ?  Jo's Climbers (Photo from Jo)  Briefing before the trek starts  We started the climb at about 9:45am and were advised not to go too fast as that will increase the risk of acute mountain sickness (ams). Anyway, all the good advice went out the window when I started.  I was just focused on reaching Laban Rata base camp.  Distance markers and maps at every 0.5km The terrain goes UP UP and UP, with steep inclines with very little flat ground. I am really glad I trained for the climb.   Porters carrying 30 kgs load  Resting for lunch on the steps as the huts were fu...

10 July 2010 - The mountain was swarmed with blood sucking leeches ! Almost everyone in the group got bitten, myself included. Some even had multiple bites. Legs and ankles were still bleeding at dinner time ...  These suckers came in different lengths and sizes -  there were small thin ones (that can easily squeeze into your shoes) and long fat ones that looked like an earthworm. We constantly had to look at our shoes to check.  Without fail,  every 5 minutes or so, there will be leeches making their way up for a fresh blood meal ! Even when we stopped, we had to scan the ground for leeches.  A lot of us got bitten when we stopped to rest for the first time.  You stop to catch your breath and have a drink of water and the next thing you know, you have leeches making their way up from the ground to your shoes and ankles. Yikes ! Although, I got bitten by one blood sucker who made it up to my ankle and had a good feast, there were at least 10+ leeches t...

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...