tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45321473315831307422024-03-13T09:12:13.467+08:00DIARY OF A SMALL HIKERPersonal Notes on Hiking, Health &Fitness Activities and Personal FinanceSmall Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-22376043826645025472014-10-06T19:18:00.001+08:002014-10-06T19:18:27.816+08:00New Diet<p dir="ltr">I badly need to do something with my weight (excess baggage) & roughly I need to lose about 10kg to get into my ideal BMI.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So I embark on my version of paleo diet tonight whereby I will abstain from rice for at least two weeks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wish me all the best! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YWec0BuSAmA/VDJ6f-oxX3I/AAAAAAAAVsg/-rClCUKslIY/s1600/Fotor_141259276985977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YWec0BuSAmA/VDJ6f-oxX3I/AAAAAAAAVsg/-rClCUKslIY/s640/Fotor_141259276985977.jpg"> </a> </div>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-73760465819001334072014-10-05T07:24:00.001+08:002014-10-05T07:24:54.251+08:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7xt2Pg1UVDc/VDCBw752FzI/AAAAAAAAVeg/6ZLmfHEmHjc/s1600/Fotor_141176780455721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7xt2Pg1UVDc/VDCBw752FzI/AAAAAAAAVeg/6ZLmfHEmHjc/s640/Fotor_141176780455721.jpg"> </a> </div>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-10377501841760861232013-05-01T16:12:00.000+08:002014-10-05T07:07:14.633+08:00ISLAND HOPPING<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGknzHZfsI/AAAAAAAAAss/9dL9ft_M9gs/s1600-h/DSC07360.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373256834072805058" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGknzHZfsI/AAAAAAAAAss/9dL9ft_M9gs/s400/DSC07360.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>It's fasting month now and I don't have any <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">outdoor</span> activity to post on this blog. So this posting is almost like '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">basi</span>' as it happened while I was there in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kota</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kinabalu</span>. I was there for 5 days and so far I blogged about my 3 days of climbing Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kinabalu</span>.<br />
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On the fourth day, we decided to go on island hopping after having a night's rest at a highland hotel in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kundasang</span>. Not much to do there, we were there just to rest and to have a good sleep.<br />
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So, the next day, we left for our city hotel early in the morning without breakfast to get some stuffs for island hopping especially beach shorts, towel, sun block lotion and goggles. Pity our tour guide as he had to miss his breakfast too and to compensate for that we tipped him.<br />
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We could walk to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jesselton</span> Point but since our legs are aching from the climb, we decided to take a cab for RM10. We went straight away to see the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Abang</span>' that we met on the first day to book our boat transfer for two islands namely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sapi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Manukan</span>. The boat transfer was RM27 each and we had to pay additional RM6 each for jetty fee and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">another</span> RM3 each for park fee. For the park fee, we had to pay once only at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sapi</span> Island. We also rented <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">snorkeling</span> equipment and fin.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373254851368752002" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGi0Y96k4I/AAAAAAAAArk/uK9BXXxUo3U/s400/DSC06905.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Sapi</span> Island is more beautiful and the water is clearer as compared to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Manukan</span> Island. So after having our late <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">breakfast</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">nasi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">goreng</span> we jumped into the sea armed with fish food of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">dried</span> bread that we bought for RM2 at the restaurant.<br />
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It was a different experience altogether. We had fun time playing with all sort of fish species that come with different colour. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">advisable</span> to put on rubber shoes and swimming shirt for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">snorkeling</span> or else <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">you'll</span> end up like me, stepping on thorny coral and having terrible sun burn. As of today, the skin on my back was still peeling.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373255672568310722" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGjkMLJa8I/AAAAAAAAAsk/FWSgqvX_2uA/s400/IMG_0515.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
After spending about two hours plus on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Sapi</span> Island, we hopped to another island, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Manukan</span>, a more commercial complete with chalets, etc. The water <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">is not</span> as clear as the one in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Sapi</span> island and not as many fish as well. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our time there. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGjj_MX7bI/AAAAAAAAAsc/UoIZqQyYJcs/s1600-h/MANUKAN.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373255669083794866" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGjj_MX7bI/AAAAAAAAAsc/UoIZqQyYJcs/s400/MANUKAN.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 224px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Below are some pictures that I took on the first day including the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">sotong</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">bakar</span> that cost me RM12. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">sotong</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">bakar</span> was partly the cause of my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">diarrhoea</span> on the way up Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Kinabalu</span>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGji3dbAII/AAAAAAAAAsM/H-cYIL7y1do/s1600-h/DSC06934.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373255649827946626" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGji3dbAII/AAAAAAAAAsM/H-cYIL7y1do/s400/DSC06934.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGi104UnYI/AAAAAAAAAr8/qCF_D9I2Ptw/s1600-h/SOTONG+BAKAR.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373254876041354626" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGi104UnYI/AAAAAAAAAr8/qCF_D9I2Ptw/s400/SOTONG+BAKAR.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGi1Zx6JKI/AAAAAAAAAr0/7lHFWl8gjgc/s1600-h/DSC06931.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373254868766696610" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/SpGi1Zx6JKI/AAAAAAAAAr0/7lHFWl8gjgc/s400/DSC06931.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> So, what to write during fasting month when outdoor activity is off? I guess, I'd go into my passion, personal finance and diet! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Tunggu</span> ah! Coming soon!</div>
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Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-88790464914160728972012-06-23T07:01:00.000+08:002012-06-23T07:01:18.786+08:00Gunung Berembun - 1,840m asl<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4mVGl9fO3U/T-T3_Qr8fgI/AAAAAAAABgQ/lRAtwQTnSEo/s1600/Nuhad+at+1,840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4mVGl9fO3U/T-T3_Qr8fgI/AAAAAAAABgQ/lRAtwQTnSEo/s640/Nuhad+at+1,840.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went for a camping cum hiking trip at Cameron Highlands last week. I took my youngest son along. He's been following me to hiking activities at places like Bukit Gasing, Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve and Sungai Chilling Waterfall. He managed to reach the peak of Gunung Berembun at 1,840meter above sea level. It was an easy hike for him and he led all the way during the final push. Congratulations! </span></td></tr>
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<br />Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-56497443384884899332012-06-23T06:28:00.000+08:002012-06-23T06:29:36.392+08:00Taking A Year BreakMy next trip to Gunung Datuk on June 30 will be the last hiking trip for me this year.<br />
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I'll be taking a year break from hiking as advised by my Orthopedic.<br />
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If you have been reading my updates, you've probably noticed that I have been complaining about slip disc, knee pain and lately shoulder pain. The shoulder is a relapse from an incident that happened a long time ago.I will need a long time for them recuperate.<br />
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So what will I blog about? <br />
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First of all, the blog may have to be renamed to 'mini hiker'. LOL!<br />
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I may take about other exercises/activities that I will keep doing like swimming, brisk walking, camping, trekking on flat area (not hiking) and perhaps foods!<br />
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I change the name of the blog to Small Baker lah! LOL!Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-47389453051533790042012-06-23T05:51:00.001+08:002012-06-24T05:05:43.104+08:00Tabur Extreme<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCPkdaIbMP4/T4n0OrWmIDI/AAAAAAAABf8/amTxMAR28EI/s1600/DSC_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCPkdaIbMP4/T4n0OrWmIDI/AAAAAAAABf8/amTxMAR28EI/s640/DSC_3332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I heard a lot about Tabur Extreme but somehow I really had no idea on how to get there until I met a hiking friend at the peak of Tabur East. She was excited about the idea and had the trip arranged. Unfortunately, she couldn't join us on that day. The entrance is located deep inside after exiting at the entrance of Zoo Negara, I think it's about 5 km.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0W4hwFMovE/T4n0LHBuq0I/AAAAAAAABf0/YTksrAr3q0U/s1600/DSC_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0W4hwFMovE/T4n0LHBuq0I/AAAAAAAABf0/YTksrAr3q0U/s640/DSC_3330.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We started off at about 8am and completed the hiking about 4 hours later. My verdict is the place is nothing to shout about, Tabur Extreme/Tabur 3 offers scenery that is similar to Tabur West and East. There was nothing extreme about the except perhaps it's less hiked. The treks were not clear as the place and someone in the group had to use 'parang' to clear the treks. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPS6zLiwUa0/T4n0Rus2fFI/AAAAAAAABgE/jZk9r_zk_qU/s1600/DSC_3334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPS6zLiwUa0/T4n0Rus2fFI/AAAAAAAABgE/jZk9r_zk_qU/s640/DSC_3334.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ar the peak, I could see the peaks of West Tabur and East Tabur. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0Ctvt2OdmM/T4ny9WAQZdI/AAAAAAAABe8/XajTi4_WHO4/s1600/DSC_3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0Ctvt2OdmM/T4ny9WAQZdI/AAAAAAAABe8/XajTi4_WHO4/s640/DSC_3297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy the pictures. </span></td></tr>
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<img height="64" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCPkdaIbMP4/T4n0OrWmIDI/AAAAAAAABf8/amTxMAR28EI/s320/DSC_3332.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 481px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 290px;" width="96" />Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-54182800285077227492012-02-16T04:14:00.000+08:002012-02-16T04:14:40.506+08:00MSN Swimming Pool - Shah Alam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BsHYpS2nyqs/TzwQpzFSA4I/AAAAAAAABes/9JkQimSyKkE/s1600/DSC00001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BsHYpS2nyqs/TzwQpzFSA4I/AAAAAAAABes/9JkQimSyKkE/s640/DSC00001.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was so happy when I found out that MSN Swimming Pool Shah Alam has completed the repair works on their swimming pool. It's now open again for the public. I am planning to go there again with my son this week. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps the rates stated in the picture is outdated. I will snap picture of the the swimming pool and their new rates when I go there again. </div>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-52830208477862502852012-02-07T07:39:00.000+08:002012-02-07T07:39:52.851+08:00Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been to this place and it was for raptor watch last year. I was here again during the long weekend break for camping and jungle trekking. </span>Before leaving, I checked the PLUSTrafik Update and found out that the traffic was slow moving on PLUS highway to Seremban and I decided to drive here using the old road instead, passing through Bandar Enstek and Sepang. I enjoyed the road trip!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoUKaiWV8OA/TzBbVQlDqCI/AAAAAAAABeE/nB8_lDAOfhY/s1600/IMG01154-20120205-0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoUKaiWV8OA/TzBbVQlDqCI/AAAAAAAABeE/nB8_lDAOfhY/s400/IMG01154-20120205-0741.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were on the west coast of Malaysia but we couldn't see the sunset as this place was located in a bay area facing the east side. Nevertheless, the weather was good and I enjoyed the sunrise instead. </span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IRTyNhdQJk/TzBbWbZ9mFI/AAAAAAAABeI/nKBX-DMIthU/s1600/IMG01155-20120205-0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IRTyNhdQJk/TzBbWbZ9mFI/AAAAAAAABeI/nKBX-DMIthU/s400/IMG01155-20120205-0741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This campsite was well maintained and it has the basic facilities including gazebos, toilet and kitchen. However, we have to inform the management if we want to use these facilities. I didn't inform them and in fact I entered the area without registering. As for fresh water, there's a well that supplies clean fresh water. It was so clean, we can drink the water straight. I didn't dare to try though. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmSNU6dniF0/TzBbXB66QII/AAAAAAAABeQ/61yiNy8wH-I/s1600/IMG01166-20120205-0804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmSNU6dniF0/TzBbXB66QII/AAAAAAAABeQ/61yiNy8wH-I/s400/IMG01166-20120205-0804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was here for one night only. I could hardly sleep as it was warm inside the tent. It was cool outside the tent but then there were a lot of mosquitoes and sand flies. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx9Bip6AmP8/TzBbYGOfYII/AAAAAAAABeY/IpCK5OSqRzw/s1600/IMG01169-20120205-0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx9Bip6AmP8/TzBbYGOfYII/AAAAAAAABeY/IpCK5OSqRzw/s400/IMG01169-20120205-0812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After breakfast of scrambled egg and sausage, we packed our things and put them in the tent before starting our jungle trekking. The trek was right at the end of the campsite, near the well. The trek led us to the Tanjung Tuan Light House and it took us about 20 minutes. We stayed there for a few minutes before heading to Pulau Intan. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtnT7IAcEbA/TzBbY3SUIBI/AAAAAAAABeg/1qAn-4VnvGc/s1600/IMG01181-20120205-1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtnT7IAcEbA/TzBbY3SUIBI/AAAAAAAABeg/1qAn-4VnvGc/s400/IMG01181-20120205-1020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The above picture was taken near Pulau Intan</span> and apparently this was one of the areas where it's not muddy. I should've taken a dip here instead. We met a few campers here and apparently they brought in their fresh water from outside. It was a nice spot but I prefer the proper campsite with fresh water supply. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Upon reaching the campsite, we took a dip into the sea, it was a short one as it was muddy and I felt so 'geli' and not comfortable stepping on mud. After a shower from the well, we left by using the trek along the beach. It was another experience by itself and this route is only accessible during low tide. By the time we reached the parking lot, it was past noon and it was rally time for lunch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed this trip as though I was here for the first time and I'll come back here again and again. </div>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-13596659558479540212012-01-28T17:33:00.000+08:002012-01-28T17:33:39.644+08:00Swimming - Pusat Akuatik Darul EhsanJan 23 (Mon)<br />
It was the first day of Chinese New Year and my back was still in pain. Carrying my son on my back crossing the river at Sungei Chilling had its toll on me. I was walking like a robot and could hardly walk straight. I did my physio work-outs (perhaps I should blog about it too) to alleviate the pain. It helped a lot as I always did whenever the back pain relapsed. <br />
<br />
I wanted to go swimming as that's the only exercise that I could do in that situation and also it could help further to strengthen my back. However, the swimming pools were mostly close on Monday for maintenance.<br />
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Jan 24 (Tue)<br />
Today, the swimming pool was open.<br />
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There are only two public swimming pools in Shah Alam. I go to both of them; Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan (PADE) and MSN Swimming Pool. <br />
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I am only good at breaststroke and I normally do 20 laps in the pool. I learned to do freestyle but I could never get my feet coordinated. <br />
<br />
These days, I go to the pool with my youngest son as I want him to learn swimming and it's for him not to be scared of water. <br />
<br />
However, as I wanted to focus on my swimming and to do 20 laps non-stop I went to PADE alone. <br />
<br />
Yup! I did my 20 laps non-stop. My twitter friend didn't believe that I did that. My comment was in actual fact, with the right technique, swimming is slightly more tiring than brisk walking! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_LH3qpnWYo/TyO5g7Z_H_I/AAAAAAAABdk/aSDthVPTw8E/s1600/IMG-20120124-00192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_LH3qpnWYo/TyO5g7Z_H_I/AAAAAAAABdk/aSDthVPTw8E/s400/IMG-20120124-00192.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The operation hours of the pool and it's closed on Monday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EI78ZPDzSY/TyO5nNMbqqI/AAAAAAAABd0/084KoZCgEAs/s1600/IMG-20120124-00197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EI78ZPDzSY/TyO5nNMbqqI/AAAAAAAABd0/084KoZCgEAs/s400/IMG-20120124-00197.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are four pools in this swimming complex; two outdoor pools (Olympic sized pool and wading pool for children) and two indoor pools (Olympic sized pool and diving pool). As I was here alone, I opted for the indoor pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrz5T1mWIk4/TyO5qRNBHkI/AAAAAAAABd8/tcoXe1y5aaQ/s1600/IMG-20120124-00198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrz5T1mWIk4/TyO5qRNBHkI/AAAAAAAABd8/tcoXe1y5aaQ/s400/IMG-20120124-00198.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As for the ticket price, weekends and Public Holidays - RM3.50 for Adult (indoor), Tue - Fri (RM3.00). Outdoor Pool - RM2.50 (weekends and Public Holiday) and RM2.00 (Tue - Fri). The ticket counter can also be contacted at 03-5511 1648. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The toilet facilities used to be very dirty and it was okay now and when it comes to cleanliness I'd rate it as 2.5/5. <br />
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Happy Swimming!Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-28785745737468363552012-01-23T07:58:00.000+08:002012-01-23T07:58:48.697+08:00Sg. Chilling CampsiteI haven't been updating this blog for ages. Somehow the urge to update it hasn't been there. I still do a lot of hiking activities. However, there was a long pause during the last monsoon season. <br />
<br />
Just to show that that I still do the hiking activities, I have just been to Sg. Chilling Campsite over the last weekend. Below is my diary!<br />
<br />
Jan 21 (Sat)<br />
It was a busy day for me and I had to say 'No' to a breakfast invitation by a friend. A plumber was coming to the house and I had to send my wife's car for repair. By the time, everything was done, it was already 3.00pm. And I had to rush for last minute grocery shopping before having my lunch and doing my last minute packing.<br />
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There were four of us in this trip, my two sons and my elder's son's friend. We left at about 4pm and it was a mistake! The road was jammed from Sungei Buloh Hospital all the way to the exit of Bukit Beruntung. My only worry was I didn't want to reach the campsite when it was dark. <br />
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We had our dinner at about 8pm and dinner was roast chicken sandwich. We decided to retire early and it was a good decision and it started to rain at about 10.30pm. It was a heavy rain and it continued for about one hour. And it rained again the next morning.<br />
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Jan 22 (Sun)<br />
We started trekking to the waterfall after having breakfast of scrambled egg, sausage and hot milo. Due to the heavy rain, the trek became more like small stream. And I could see that that the water level was high and the current was strong. Nevertheless, I wanted to give it a go. <br />
<br />
We did the first crossing without any problem at all. And my eldest son lost one of his slippers in the strong current. It reminded me of the same incident happened to a friend in my previous trip. As for my youngest son, I had to carry him on my back to cross the river. <br />
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When we reached the second crossing, a group of 8 trekkers who were ahead of us were struggling to cross by putting up a bamboo across the river. It helped us as well but I could really feel that the current was strong and a slip could just end up being swept by the current.<br />
<br />
I decided not to proceed and turned back as it was too risky to take my children along. We decided to have fun in the water at the campsite instead. For my children, they enjoyed themselves there. That was the important thing.<br />
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It was a good trip nonetheless. We enjoyed the camping despite the heavy rain. As for me, I had the excuse of not worrying about diet and had those camping foods!<br />
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I'll go there again later on this year definitely.Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-38149482779661412442011-08-06T07:33:00.001+08:002011-08-12T05:03:23.861+08:00Sungai Chiling - Before Ramadan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TXJ8SZGjqA/Tjx3VMsi11I/AAAAAAAABcw/YwzXiCtdWe8/s1600/SC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TXJ8SZGjqA/Tjx3VMsi11I/AAAAAAAABcw/YwzXiCtdWe8/s400/SC1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Two days before Ramadan, I went to Sg Chiling with a friend and we planned to explore the second and third level waterfalls. All the while when I went there, we never explored the other levels. I know that people can go up to the other levels as I saw them up at the second level at one time. At the last crossing, we didn't cross, instead we hiked up following established trek until we reached the second level. It was very high and I guessed that the water was deep too. I don't think people can swim here unless Via Ferrata team of Mount Kinabalu do something about it!</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Standing at the edge made feel aerophobic!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NxOSlIvXW4/Tjx3Wo9foyI/AAAAAAAABc0/ZhAv469C-Wk/s1600/SC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NxOSlIvXW4/Tjx3Wo9foyI/AAAAAAAABc0/ZhAv469C-Wk/s400/SC2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After a few snaps on the camera, we went up further to the third level. Wow, it's just as beautiful. It was raining when we reached here and we took refuge under the trees and at higher ground too. I have read and seen video of 'ibu air' and I didn't want to take the risk. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrYd34DAvRQ/Tjx3XkVkkAI/AAAAAAAABc4/DVWRIjeFOTU/s1600/SC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrYd34DAvRQ/Tjx3XkVkkAI/AAAAAAAABc4/DVWRIjeFOTU/s400/SC3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was another level, a smaller one but it was inaccessible. We decided to take a dip once the rain stopped. The water didn't look clear enough that day as the water level was very low. Nevertheless, it didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves far from people at level 1. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEuOCFx6E74/Tjx3ZFHfhtI/AAAAAAAABc8/JDTRj6WSIws/s1600/SC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEuOCFx6E74/Tjx3ZFHfhtI/AAAAAAAABc8/JDTRj6WSIws/s400/SC4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We left Sg Chiling at about 1pm and on the way back we treated ourselves to a 'durian feast' at Kg. Rasa. We paid RM7.50 each for the feast of 101 and 'udang merah'. It was a steal as compared to the price in KL. We ended the day with the expensive banana leaf rice at Raju's. Salam Ramadan to all!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-17540988670516087592011-07-17T07:15:00.001+08:002011-07-19T07:40:48.377+08:00Mount Marapi<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q18hEdi7UvQ/TiIJfPx8eLI/AAAAAAAABcI/a_Gfctk5yJo/s1600/Merapi+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q18hEdi7UvQ/TiIJfPx8eLI/AAAAAAAABcI/a_Gfctk5yJo/s400/Merapi+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Gunung Merapi or Marapi is located in Bukittinggi, Padang, Indonesia. It's an active volcanic mountain and it normally takes about 6 hours to scale to the peak. It's 2,891m above sea level, therefore the temperature at the peak can be chilly to most people</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">. It's advisable to wear three layer of clothes with thick windbreaker. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkx8pnI8ewc/TiDbIva3LAI/AAAAAAAABas/NUXeAZUnIn0/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkx8pnI8ewc/TiDbIva3LAI/AAAAAAAABas/NUXeAZUnIn0/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">There were seven of us, 4 guys and 3 ladies and I really looked forward to this trip as this is my first oversea hiking trip. I have been to other parts of Indonesia but it was never for hiking. We arrived at Minangkabau International Airport at about 8.30am after an hour flight. Our tour agent was there waiting for us outside the arrival hall and after short pleasantries,we were taken in a van to Bukittinggi. It's 4 hours drive from the airport. Along the way, we stopped for for breakfast, lunch, sightseeing sthat included Rumah Gadang. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sV0JfYiz7Kg/TiDbOubI_JI/AAAAAAAABaw/FSW_5sF6zdQ/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sV0JfYiz7Kg/TiDbOubI_JI/AAAAAAAABaw/FSW_5sF6zdQ/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">We started hiking at about 11.20pm, local time (past midnight Malaysian time). I was really excited as it was also the first time that I hike at night. I enjoyed it immensely. I hiked at night before but it wasn't a complete hiking trip from the base to the peak in one day. There was night hiking from Laban Rata to Low's Peak in Mount Kinabalu and there was also a trip in Nuang to go to campsite, Kem Lolo. I find hiking at night as fun and very effective as we are not distracted by the surroundings and no stops for pictures. After 5 hours of hiking, we reached the last checkpoint called Chadas and we stopped for coffee before continuing with the final push to the peak.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5ABt00Nyl4/TiDbVehbBfI/AAAAAAAABa0/5iqqCbrWQIQ/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5ABt00Nyl4/TiDbVehbBfI/AAAAAAAABa0/5iqqCbrWQIQ/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were told that it'd take another hour to reach the peak and it turned out it took more than that. It took us one and a half hours instead. When we reached the peak, there were already about 10 people there waiting for the sunrise. It was an awesome feeling upon reaching the peak as the hiking wasn't easy. The peak was covered with dried volcanic ashes and soil. It was dusty too as the morning breeze at the peak was quite strong. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was told there was crater at the other end of the peak but I didn't dare to go as the trail was very narrow and small. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HVJMVpBR7Y/TiDbf7UO4zI/AAAAAAAABa8/pgkfS0JOIIw/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HVJMVpBR7Y/TiDbf7UO4zI/AAAAAAAABa8/pgkfS0JOIIw/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">There were smokes coming out from the caldera.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-S_AURK180/TiDbmDJNT-I/AAAAAAAABbA/5U-G21ifoOk/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-S_AURK180/TiDbmDJNT-I/AAAAAAAABbA/5U-G21ifoOk/s400/8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is the mountain opposite of Mount Merapi and it's called Mount Singgalang. It's not a volcanic mountain and we don't have the intention to come back for this mountain. This mountain is very common in Malaysia. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhEbQepV_To/TiDbuNWx-yI/AAAAAAAABbE/HFUEdVGbn5g/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhEbQepV_To/TiDbuNWx-yI/AAAAAAAABbE/HFUEdVGbn5g/s400/9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A close look at the caldera!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMhMcxIPGQM/TiDb3kEhUrI/AAAAAAAABbI/y-tH8-DKIYo/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMhMcxIPGQM/TiDb3kEhUrI/AAAAAAAABbI/y-tH8-DKIYo/s400/10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The trail from the last checkpoint to the peak was full of these volcanic stones and the surface can be very loose. We were very careful and took it slow at the same time</span>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhzzaOP5o-c/TiDcFYh05GI/AAAAAAAABbQ/pRjVkazUTyQ/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhzzaOP5o-c/TiDcFYh05GI/AAAAAAAABbQ/pRjVkazUTyQ/s400/12.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">More picture of the caldera. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUu5lhmKhVw/TiDcMOEeXpI/AAAAAAAABbU/Gv8tUdgcrUY/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUu5lhmKhVw/TiDcMOEeXpI/AAAAAAAABbU/Gv8tUdgcrUY/s400/14.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBhRl4ahBLs/TiDcSCtmJTI/AAAAAAAABbY/byRAjmkRZ6s/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBhRl4ahBLs/TiDcSCtmJTI/AAAAAAAABbY/byRAjmkRZ6s/s400/15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZeC6caMATw/TiDcYaI_9vI/AAAAAAAABbc/1DW01UZRVFk/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZeC6caMATw/TiDcYaI_9vI/AAAAAAAABbc/1DW01UZRVFk/s400/16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">On the way back, we saw the trail that we took to reach the peak clearly. It could be dangerous if we were not careful and at some slopes, not only the surface was loose but also steep. It's really not for someone with aerophobia. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qflK9YvyNFw/TiDce6GZsaI/AAAAAAAABbg/3b9UaVkzkmE/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qflK9YvyNFw/TiDce6GZsaI/AAAAAAAABbg/3b9UaVkzkmE/s400/17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I took the pictures below on the trip back from the peak when we were almost reaching the base. When it comes to speed, the group was divided into three, the fastest ones completed the trip within 12 hours, followed by 13 hours by those with moderate speed and the slowest with the sweeper completed it within 14 hours. A few of us swear that they'd never do any more hiking that takes more than 5 hours! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEpM5stAUWg/TiDcl8SH4aI/AAAAAAAABbk/Z9KSFlmfDG4/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEpM5stAUWg/TiDcl8SH4aI/AAAAAAAABbk/Z9KSFlmfDG4/s400/18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3ATOCK2_cQ/TiDcsXiqggI/AAAAAAAABbo/ErRFtOuCgIk/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3ATOCK2_cQ/TiDcsXiqggI/AAAAAAAABbo/ErRFtOuCgIk/s400/19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-at2KqAmyYpc/TiDczHijqRI/AAAAAAAABbs/UjwIwAnogEk/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-at2KqAmyYpc/TiDczHijqRI/AAAAAAAABbs/UjwIwAnogEk/s400/20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JUi47xFQ8M/TiDc6GsiZvI/AAAAAAAABbw/8qgBoWKDbBU/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JUi47xFQ8M/TiDc6GsiZvI/AAAAAAAABbw/8qgBoWKDbBU/s400/21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyPcil6i8OM/TiDdApMfsrI/AAAAAAAABb0/HAUT6I9bUC8/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyPcil6i8OM/TiDdApMfsrI/AAAAAAAABb0/HAUT6I9bUC8/s400/22.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bukittinggi is about 900 m above sea level. It's not as cold as Cameron Highlands. Avocado trees were very common and we saw a lot of them at their backyard. It was also my favourite drink! I had avocado juice at all meals except the last dinner. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3mfuWcbR2I/TiDdYsVK8fI/AAAAAAAABcA/-AUjX0OKg1A/s1600/25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3mfuWcbR2I/TiDdYsVK8fI/AAAAAAAABcA/-AUjX0OKg1A/s400/25.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This picture was taken at the peak with Mount Singgalang at the background. Will I come back to this mountain again? Perhaps not. There are so many other volcanic mountains in Indonesia and we were already talking about Rinjani, Agong, Batur and Bromo. We'll decide by early next year!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-9523317327638601572011-07-09T03:43:00.002+08:002011-07-17T07:16:34.408+08:00Leaving for Bandar Udara Internasional Minangkabau<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZO38ZL_EhU/ThdckgoavtI/AAAAAAAABak/3u2Px_gVvB0/s1600/Minangkabau+Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZO38ZL_EhU/ThdckgoavtI/AAAAAAAABak/3u2Px_gVvB0/s400/Minangkabau+Airport.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In less than 2 hours, I'll be leaving for LCCT, taking a flight to Padang, Indonesia. I am excited as this is my first oversea hiking trip. There are 7 of us, 5 from the same office and another 2 friends from outside. Our group is made up of 4 Malays, 2 Chinese and 1 Indian. It's really a muhibah trip. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-13322815538016916292011-06-28T08:39:00.000+08:002011-06-28T08:39:19.208+08:00Bukit Tabur - 2011 <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48F-eOh_xD4/TgkhYcQNt_I/AAAAAAAABag/WqcBmlDbqf4/s1600/265347_10150215544598100_624508099_7166755_1122753_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48F-eOh_xD4/TgkhYcQNt_I/AAAAAAAABag/WqcBmlDbqf4/s400/265347_10150215544598100_624508099_7166755_1122753_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I haven't been to Bukit Tabur for a long time. I don't think I have been there this year. I decided to go there with a friend a few weeks ago. When I reached there, there were a group of hikers from Singapore who reached the starting point almost at the same time with us. Later on I found out that they are related, a mother and a son, her sister and a niece! I hope I got it right! I promised that I'd put up our picture together here in my blog! It's nice knowing you guys. if you decide to go to Sg. Chilling waterfall, please let me know!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-38106078101599059512011-06-26T22:36:00.000+08:002011-06-26T22:36:02.654+08:00Janda Baik - Waterfall<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This trip was just an excuse for me and some friends to have a retreat at Janda Baik. We were here when we climbed Gunung Nuang a few months ago. We saw the waterfall, unfortunately we were so tired to enjoy it and we made a promise to come back. It was also an activity for us to know each other better as majority of us will be climbing Gunung Merapi, Padang in July, </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOynzmRfWjo/Tgc8amGji4I/AAAAAAAABaI/_vVgnDHzJXs/s1600/JB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOynzmRfWjo/Tgc8amGji4I/AAAAAAAABaI/_vVgnDHzJXs/s400/JB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The jungle trekking to the waterfall took about 1 hour 30 mins. It's the same trail that people use to climb Gunung Nuang. I don't think there were other people going to Nuang that day. The trail was quite dry and we had no problem at all to reach the waterfall. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCT1bYmsX2s/Tgc8lbITReI/AAAAAAAABaM/00rZjSDkfuQ/s1600/JB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCT1bYmsX2s/Tgc8lbITReI/AAAAAAAABaM/00rZjSDkfuQ/s400/JB2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I didn't realise that the rock formation looked scary in picture. The water was cool and it felt as though it was just coming out from a fridge! My friends were saying that the water was cooler than that of Sungai Chilling. The place is really pristine, secluded and untouched. There were no other people and we had the place to ourselves! We left feeling satisfied after spending about one hour there. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Kkff0dko6M/Tgc8pBTujpI/AAAAAAAABaQ/487kZVzFmUM/s1600/JB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Kkff0dko6M/Tgc8pBTujpI/AAAAAAAABaQ/487kZVzFmUM/s400/JB3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tagging along in this trip was our resident 'Herpetologist' or I called him 'ularologist'. It was his lucky day as we came across this rare baby reptile! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9abejcGIMTE/Tgc8rJKdoFI/AAAAAAAABaU/W-c2M2DIXPg/s1600/JB4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9abejcGIMTE/Tgc8rJKdoFI/AAAAAAAABaU/W-c2M2DIXPg/s400/JB4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5SkCDELn3I/Tgc8ssw7IvI/AAAAAAAABaY/3vC9S_QaKD4/s1600/JB5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5SkCDELn3I/Tgc8ssw7IvI/AAAAAAAABaY/3vC9S_QaKD4/s400/JB5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gahCnLL_WqE/Tgc84vC1_yI/AAAAAAAABac/-fhGcti9ZPI/s1600/JB6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gahCnLL_WqE/Tgc84vC1_yI/AAAAAAAABac/-fhGcti9ZPI/s400/JB6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apparently, there are more than 5 waterfalls in Janda Baik area. Perhaps, I'll come here again and again in the search for the other waterfalls! In the meantime, I am ready for Gunung Merapi and I will start packing this week! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-59863359778466195912011-05-22T06:18:00.000+08:002011-05-22T06:18:14.180+08:00Gunung Berembun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbyjR_fuYcw/TdaI3jh8b1I/AAAAAAAABZI/1kApktB0s1I/s1600/B+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbyjR_fuYcw/TdaI3jh8b1I/AAAAAAAABZI/1kApktB0s1I/s400/B+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gunung Berembun is located at Cameron Highlands. Peaked at 1,836m above sea level, it normally takes about three hours to reach the summit. We used the trail labeled as Jungle Walk No. 6 located right behind Kem Sungai Pauh. The mountain is quite high but why doesn't it take long to reach the summit? The answer is Cameron Highlands itself is an elevated land that is 1,500 meters above sea-level. If that was true, we only climbed for about 300 meters? Yup! The next question; but then if it was only 300 meters why did it take so long to reach the summit? The answer to that is the height doesn't matter much but the distance to reach the summit that matters. The first CheckPoint; Persinggahan LBT is about 2 km from the campsite! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgSm-O9iEtM/TdaI5fqMSXI/AAAAAAAABZM/48mZ4uGZY6k/s1600/B+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgSm-O9iEtM/TdaI5fqMSXI/AAAAAAAABZM/48mZ4uGZY6k/s400/B+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I had a good sleep after popping in panadol and piriton due to sneezing. The dusty tent must have caused me to sneeze incessantly. I never got the time to clean the tent, after using it, I folded it and put it in my backpack and it stayed there until the next camping trip! The temperature must have dropped to 15 ˚C that night , it was cold and the sleeping bag helped me a lot to stay warm! It was a sunny day when we started hiking at 8.30am. The signboard at the entrance stated that the journey to reach the peak was 3 hours. We were ready for that with enough snacks and water. And we left after a breakfast of burnt pancake! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Vs21kUYJo/TdaI7RuqT_I/AAAAAAAABZQ/uFl9Mv0_6UQ/s1600/B+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Vs21kUYJo/TdaI7RuqT_I/AAAAAAAABZQ/uFl9Mv0_6UQ/s400/B+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After going through muddy traps at the beginning of Jungle Walk no. 6, we were welcomed by breath taking view of the forest. It was unlike any other forest area that we have been, we had the feel of being in high country with cool climate. Any of our pictures may not be able to depict the beauty of the forest area. We felt as though somebody had laid out carpet for us to walk on as the ground was covered with dry pine leaves. However, the same feeling was gone when we came down as the dry leaves can be slippery! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c90vUOmGfk4/TdaI9JptE-I/AAAAAAAABZU/3cD8c6qz95s/s1600/B+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c90vUOmGfk4/TdaI9JptE-I/AAAAAAAABZU/3cD8c6qz95s/s400/B+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This picture was taken at Persinggahan LBT, the first Check Point, about 2 km from the campsite. It was also the end of Jungle Walk No. 6. We didn't know that Persinggahan LBT was a Check Point with good facilities to rest, about 10 minutes before that we took our first 'take five' that lasted about 10 minutes. On the way back, we stopped here again and we met a Caucasian couple. They were already thinking of going back using Jungle Walk No. 6 (to Mardi) but we convinced them to go up the peak of Gunung Berembun. When it rained upon reaching the campsite I wondered how they were like trekking in the rain!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5HEoY0nq3Y/TdaI-vG9p0I/AAAAAAAABZY/R0F4qnBhaOg/s1600/B+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5HEoY0nq3Y/TdaI-vG9p0I/AAAAAAAABZY/R0F4qnBhaOg/s400/B+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, it was only 3 hours but the trails were challenging too. When we saw this window of light, we were excited as we thought the summit was just around the corner! Our excitement was short-lived as the summit was no where in sight and it was just a false peak!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_qEXTzJNVc/TdaJAa-yobI/AAAAAAAABZc/JIbQL69t-R4/s1600/B+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_qEXTzJNVc/TdaJAa-yobI/AAAAAAAABZc/JIbQL69t-R4/s400/B+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When we reached this area, again, we thought that the summit was just around the corner. And this time, we were right, the summit was just about 5 minutes away. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFFC4JlMJQQ/TdaJDu18_6I/AAAAAAAABZk/BKGzX5balcU/s1600/B+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFFC4JlMJQQ/TdaJDu18_6I/AAAAAAAABZk/BKGzX5balcU/s400/B+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We reached the summit in 2 hours including a 10 minutes 'take five' in between. Yes, another mountain conquered and a lot more to go! From here we had a good view of Cameron Highlands (not sure which side though) and the temperature was slightly cooler even though it was already bright and sunny. We rested for about 30 minutes by having snacks and taking a lot of pictures! As usual, going back was faster and we completed the journey in less than 4 hours. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdrEzzE7l8o/TdaJCH8Cv5I/AAAAAAAABZg/1E3fMpAawko/s1600/B+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdrEzzE7l8o/TdaJCH8Cv5I/AAAAAAAABZg/1E3fMpAawko/s400/B+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the peak I saw this trail, it seemed heading to another mountain that I had no idea what it was! And I wasn't ready to explore either as we had other plans at the campsite! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">As a summary, if someone were to ask me, how difficult it is to climb Gunung Berembun? It wasn't a walk in the park but it was close, perhaps slightly more challenging. And I don't mind to come here again with my colleagues!</span>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-42939806886014304442011-05-17T09:10:00.002+08:002011-05-22T06:19:46.128+08:00Kem Sungai Pauh<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How to Get There?</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's located in Cameron Highlands, inside the compound of Jabatan Hutan Cameron Highlands. To those who are familiar with Cameron Highlands, the exit from the main road is at Smokehouse Guest House. Upon taking the exit, you will pass Telekom Malaysia building until you reach a small round about. Take a 3 o'clock turn and drive down until you see Jabatan Hutan at the corner. Upon entering, you will pass through a security booth. Drive further inside by taking the first left turn until you reach a dead road where you can park your car. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The place can be quite popular during weekend, therefore it's advisable to call them first to check whether there's any spot left at the campsite. I was busy at the office and forgot completely to call them before going there. Yet, I was lucky as there were not many campers at that time. </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lk-5itvOak/TdHAThDE0UI/AAAAAAAABYs/VeekYxNkKZg/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lk-5itvOak/TdHAThDE0UI/AAAAAAAABYs/VeekYxNkKZg/s400/01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We parked the car right at the entrance of the campsite. The entrance fee is RM5. However, they never came to collect the money from us and we left without paying. The parking area is just in walking distance, therefore it's okay if you were to bring along of stuffs. </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiChOR39N7c/TdHAV2d2kLI/AAAAAAAABYw/UVUTmMEUGDg/s1600/01A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiChOR39N7c/TdHAV2d2kLI/AAAAAAAABYw/UVUTmMEUGDg/s400/01A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The campsite is furnished with the basic amenities like toilet, shower room, surau, gazebo and BBQ area. The water from the tap is supplied from the mountain, therefore it's freezing cold. You must be adventurous to stay here otherwise you'd end up complaining there was no hot shower! Unfortunately, the cleanliness of the toilet is not up to the mark. The doorknobs were gone and the toilet flush was not working too. It's also advisable to bring a lot of bottled water, the water can be dirty when it rains! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0M6vlJQZF8/TdHAYwKJBSI/AAAAAAAABY0/2F8DfKB6cag/s1600/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0M6vlJQZF8/TdHAYwKJBSI/AAAAAAAABY0/2F8DfKB6cag/s400/02.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the many gazebos located at the campsite. The water from the stream may not be as cold as those from the tap. However, it's still freezing cold. Nevertheless, I took a dip in the water in the morning before leaving for KL. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRcyk-V1Oeg/TdHAdW5MXEI/AAAAAAAABY4/zR-lY1HXUDc/s1600/02A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRcyk-V1Oeg/TdHAdW5MXEI/AAAAAAAABY4/zR-lY1HXUDc/s400/02A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The campsite was lighted at night so it's okay if you don't bring your torchlight. And you can bring along your handphone charger too as the power sockets are available at some gazebos and in the surau. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2hgStQRzKw/TdHAgrdQ_mI/AAAAAAAABY8/ES5aTzw01jk/s1600/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2hgStQRzKw/TdHAgrdQ_mI/AAAAAAAABY8/ES5aTzw01jk/s400/03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It can be chilly at night especailly when it rains. Don't forget to bring along your sleeping bag. Blanket may not be thick enough!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3uziIR8pD4/TdHAixpkoXI/AAAAAAAABZA/cWXu5BpBHUQ/s1600/03A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3uziIR8pD4/TdHAixpkoXI/AAAAAAAABZA/cWXu5BpBHUQ/s400/03A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">This is the BBQ area</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">. Please bring along your charcoal and portable stove. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">It was funny as I bought my portable stove and gas but I forgot completely to take it out from my car. We ended up buying new stove. I am not a regular coffee drinker, but I must say when I had my coffee there it tasted so good. Must be the weather! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0U5eaNELfE/TdHAlUoTXtI/AAAAAAAABZE/50Z1QGeUtIg/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0U5eaNELfE/TdHAlUoTXtI/AAAAAAAABZE/50Z1QGeUtIg/s400/04.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the bridge that links the campsite and the amenities area. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were here as we planned to climb Gunung Berembun. The trails were located right at the back of the campsite and it's labeled as Jungle walk No. 6. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> I will talk about Gunung Berembun in my next entry! </span>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-62853766484280654082011-04-25T04:34:00.002+08:002011-05-10T23:47:49.578+08:00Gunung Bunga Buah<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1pwqD3mY8/TbR3wIywuBI/AAAAAAAABX4/F2vNIYL5_nw/s1600/DSC01342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1pwqD3mY8/TbR3wIywuBI/AAAAAAAABX4/F2vNIYL5_nw/s400/DSC01342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When a friend in FB invited me to this trip, I clicked 'Attending' without much hesitation, after all I had nothing planned on the same date and I have never been to Gunung Bunga Buah. After a few messages, we decided that we'd meet immediately after the first Karak toll in Gombak. In FB, there were 4 of only who clicked 'Attending', however, after breakfast I was told there was a group of 20 odd hikers joining us. They had already parked their cars while we had our breakfast. True enough, there were 31 of us after the final headcount. 31 of us of various fitness levels! It was a big group and we expected that a few of us might not make it to the peak. We started at 9.00am and everyone was told to turn back at 2.00pm regardless where their locations were at that time. Otherwise, they might not make it to the entrance under the sunlight! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7jDYADVX60/TbR3yoIlvbI/AAAAAAAABX8/GagmPryxJhQ/s1600/DSC01344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7jDYADVX60/TbR3yoIlvbI/AAAAAAAABX8/GagmPryxJhQ/s400/DSC01344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read at one time that the access to the mountain was blocked as the land belonged to GohTong family. I am not sure whether we were still using the same entrance. The entrance that we used was just behind a row of shop houses at Gohtong Jaya. We had to trek through vegetable farms before we started with the first ascend. It was a steep slope and it took us about 20 minutes to reach the first checkpoint. Joining the trip was a 12 year old girl who reminded me of my daughter when she was of the same age. I helped her especially at some steep trails. It had been raining non-stop a few days before that, therefore the trails were wet and slippery. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBqi9iDc-dA/TbR31KS-ohI/AAAAAAAABYA/ASzT16_Q7C8/s1600/DSC01346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBqi9iDc-dA/TbR31KS-ohI/AAAAAAAABYA/ASzT16_Q7C8/s400/DSC01346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the first stop, we continued the journey along the old Genting road. The road was already abandoned and inaccessible even by 4WD. It took about 45 minutes before we reached the 'real' entrance to the jungle! On the way back, we felt that the same road was longer and tougher. To a certain extend, it reminded me the never ending trails of Nuang. </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBYm6SSszkc/TbR33bN8rRI/AAAAAAAABYE/QIoCpDgGMhI/s1600/DSC01353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBYm6SSszkc/TbR33bN8rRI/AAAAAAAABYE/QIoCpDgGMhI/s400/DSC01353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a 'must' place for photo opportunity as there is cliff at the background. It was foggy as it was still early in the morning and we didn't get to take that many good picture as the cliff was covered by fog. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7I2DIwbJLM/TbR35wBWJKI/AAAAAAAABYI/n9I_axkmcVA/s1600/DSC01355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7I2DIwbJLM/TbR35wBWJKI/AAAAAAAABYI/n9I_axkmcVA/s400/DSC01355.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical wild orchids that can be seen on other mountains like Gunung Besar Hantu!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dKROdc8fbE/TbR38afKSMI/AAAAAAAABYM/9SaXZGODDxc/s1600/DSC01358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dKROdc8fbE/TbR38afKSMI/AAAAAAAABYM/9SaXZGODDxc/s400/DSC01358.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The typical trails all the way up! The trails were almost as tough as Nuang. Some said it was tougher. At one point, there was a checkpoint that reminded me of Gunung Tahan! Like Nuang, there was a false peak too, It was stunning view from here. A few of us couldn't make it to the peak and they stopped here at the false peak! We were told that the distance to the peak was about 20 minutes or 'sebatang rokok' and it turned we had to trek for another 45 minutes! After the false peak, the trails were rocky like Bukit Tabur for about two hundred meters. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kF51nkQ4XvI/TbR3-oTzC-I/AAAAAAAABYQ/O7SNX8pOgus/s1600/DSC01365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kF51nkQ4XvI/TbR3-oTzC-I/AAAAAAAABYQ/O7SNX8pOgus/s400/DSC01365.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made it to the peak after a 3 and half hours of hard work. I thanked my friend who invited me and told him that I made it somehow, he replied <i>'<span data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You're most welcome, friend. Some even say this was tougher than Nuang! And you didn't make it "somehow", it was with plenty of strength, pails of sweat, and with enough determination and resolve! Pat on the back for you! And all those who <span class="text_exposed_show">attempted as well! And the weather was very kind to us - beautiful clouds, cool winds ... and best of all, no leech bites . . . although the few that were sighted were knocked out with Mosi-guard!!!'. </span></span></i><span data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Thank you again, Henry! I found out later on the way back that the 12 year old girl made it to the peak too. Congratulations! </span></span><i><span data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lZuaUAOh9U/TbR4BPD1g4I/AAAAAAAABYU/mki9UKNkaZc/s1600/DSC01367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lZuaUAOh9U/TbR4BPD1g4I/AAAAAAAABYU/mki9UKNkaZc/s400/DSC01367.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crawly creature that we saw just on the way out of the jungle!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ehMiDmJ9s/TbR4DjkYM2I/AAAAAAAABYY/knzCBG_VryI/s1600/DSC01370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ehMiDmJ9s/TbR4DjkYM2I/AAAAAAAABYY/knzCBG_VryI/s400/DSC01370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was dragging my feet back and the 'never ending road' seemed longer and I could feel the pain from my recent slip disc. It was still there and it hasn't recovered as yet. That was the reason I said to Henry that I made it 'somehow' as I really had to struggle more as compared to other people who had no medical condition. Anyway, my slip disc wasn't a severe one and it doesn't stop me from doing all my physical works, except it has slowed me a bit! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmGtE0KFtuo/TbR4FZlp3dI/AAAAAAAABYc/J9K9FCSm7do/s1600/DSC01375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmGtE0KFtuo/TbR4FZlp3dI/AAAAAAAABYc/J9K9FCSm7do/s400/DSC01375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the way back, I stopped over at Gombak R&T to clean myself and to pray. Unfortunately, there was no shower room here for me to bathe. I took the opportunity to take the picture of Bukit Tabur. Yup! It used to be my favorite hiking place. And then I got my slip disc. That was the end of Bukit Tabur being my favourite hiking spot! Well, I think I am ready soon! I will make it there before leaving to Merapi!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-80366585904558855192011-04-05T22:24:00.000+08:002011-04-05T22:24:13.685+08:00RAPTOR WATCH - TANJUNG TUAN<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5D9WZKzHrg/TYpQkVaCGlI/AAAAAAAABXc/5iarM5qPYNk/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5D9WZKzHrg/TYpQkVaCGlI/AAAAAAAABXc/5iarM5qPYNk/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were here in Tanjung Tuan by the invitation of our PD friends and Malaysian Nature Society to enjoy raptor watch. Raptor watch is an annual event organised by Malaysian Nature Society to raise awareness on these preying birds that are migratory in nature. They make a stop in Tanjung Tuan while waiting for the cold weather in the northern hemisphere to end and when the winter is over, they will fly back home to their habitat . These birds come from as far away as Siberia.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7x2O9mfCf8/TYpQhz3VzVI/AAAAAAAABXY/qqq7INFRASo/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7x2O9mfCf8/TYpQhz3VzVI/AAAAAAAABXY/qqq7INFRASo/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The exhibition for Raptor Watch was held at Ilham Resort, just by the seaside facing Straits of Malacca. Most people went inside Tanjung Tuan Wildlife Sanctuary to see the preying birds. Armed with their 2 feet long lenses and DSLR, these people hiked up the tarred road to the lighthouse to wait for that opportunity to snap the picture of the preying birds. As for us, we were there not only to join the raptor watch but also to do jungle trekking along the many trails of Tanjung Tuan Wildlife Sanctuary. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEvUHTzikQI/TYpQmmxqYKI/AAAAAAAABXk/6niW7ZFinbo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEvUHTzikQI/TYpQmmxqYKI/AAAAAAAABXk/6niW7ZFinbo/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a busy day for me, I dashed home immediately after attending a wedding reception of nieces in law (two of them at one reception!) and prepared the meal to bring along for the trip. It was a simple chicken bolognese spaghetti that was ready in less than one hour. The trip to PD took about 1 hour 40 minutes from Subang Jaya. When we reached there, there were already huge crowd, some of them leaving the area after a few hours of raptor watch. From the parking lot at Ilham Resort, it took us about 25 minutes to reach the campsite. Each one of carried at least two bags consisting dinner, tent, water, etc. The campsite was large enough to accommodate 60 campers and I got the tent ready in no time at all and there was god supply of fresh water from a well nearby.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DMWsUr9STbU/TYpQloGHQ7I/AAAAAAAABXg/CTXsdct-12c/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DMWsUr9STbU/TYpQloGHQ7I/AAAAAAAABXg/CTXsdct-12c/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I thought we were facing the west and expected to see sunrise. Much to may surprise, we were facing the east at a lagoon area and I was delighted to see sunrise the next morning. I slept in my tent and was restless the whole night. I am always restless, tossing and turning in the tent when I go camping. That's why I always try to avoid camping. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7WR_YqkgbJw/TYpQe4XC7UI/AAAAAAAABXU/f-3Ssr7RGGc/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7WR_YqkgbJw/TYpQe4XC7UI/AAAAAAAABXU/f-3Ssr7RGGc/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The light house here in Tanjung Tuan is known as the oldest in Malaysia. From the raptor watch exhibition, we walked all the way up to the light house. From here, we followed the trail down to the beach.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R4okEyVTtFE/TYpQSVqkYEI/AAAAAAAABXQ/PMxs_EqlPcw/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R4okEyVTtFE/TYpQSVqkYEI/AAAAAAAABXQ/PMxs_EqlPcw/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were supposed to follow our PD friends for cliff climbing but we changed our mind and we ventured out on our own. Upon reaching the beach area, I decided to trek along the rocky beach to go to the campsite. It was a fun thing to do but I opted for the land trail after a while considering it turned out to be tough for my female colleagues.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zll4gyhE7AI/TZslt4lz-0I/AAAAAAAABXs/jrMZtLJI3pc/s1600/Cliff+Climbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zll4gyhE7AI/TZslt4lz-0I/AAAAAAAABXs/jrMZtLJI3pc/s400/Cliff+Climbing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is the cliff that I'd climb one of these days!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We reached back the campsite about noon and after a long rest, we went back to our car. It was an enjoyable experience for all of us. It was the first time camping for some of us. Personally, I don't mind to come back again for camping and to explore the other trails in Tanjung Tuan and to cliff climbing. </span>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-38365339305624494142011-03-24T03:08:00.002+08:002011-03-24T03:30:51.568+08:00Nuang Via Janda Baik<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have been to Gunung Nuang via Ulu Langat twice. The first time was part of the preparation to climb Mount Kinabalu and the second was to prepare for Mount Tahan.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent 11 hours of hiking when we went there the first time. For the second time, we camped for one night. From the experience of both trips, I can conclude that climbing Gunung Nuang is very challenging. It's not first timers and not for new comers either. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have often heard that Nuang via Janda Baik is less tough and hikers spend less time to complete the climb. With that in mind, I planned another Nuang trip (via Janda Baik of course) with my group. We were told it'd take us between 3.5 to 4 hours of hiking to the peak.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I were to go there again, perhaps I will not climb Gunung Nuang, I will just do jungle trekking up to the waterfall area and enjoy myself there. And come back to Zaini's Guest House to have BBQ dinner. Gunung Nuang is definitely more fun via Ulu Langat and camping is recommended due to distance. </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b472w3U_478/TYNjJ-27QHI/AAAAAAAABWk/zlPTp-2UWss/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b472w3U_478/TYNjJ-27QHI/AAAAAAAABWk/zlPTp-2UWss/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We were supposed to follow a group of friends from PD but eventually we went ahead in our smaller group with the help of John and Joey (J&J) who were kind enough to be our guides. Thank you to both of them, whom I met in my previous trip to Gunung Angsi. We planned to start the trekking early in the morning. So as not to trouble anyone, having to get up early at around 4am, we decided to come one day earlier and stayed at Zaini's Guest House. The chalet is located about 500 meters from the starting point. We liked the ambiance at the chalet</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">and enjoyed our short stay there. We got up as early as 5.00am and after a quick breakfast at about 6.15am, we went to </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">our car to get ready and joined J&J at about 6.40am.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-et75j_ag21M/TYNjLf1ZU_I/AAAAAAAABWo/MIqpfsdcNzo/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-et75j_ag21M/TYNjLf1ZU_I/AAAAAAAABWo/MIqpfsdcNzo/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">After a short introduction and pleasantries, we started our trekking and the first challenge was to cross the stream. It was still early in the morning and the water was very cold. We crossed at the second spot to do so as water level at the first place was higher. The water was very cold as it was still early in the morning. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mNxUh6fpJB4/TYNjY0xRsKI/AAAAAAAABXI/92olryQ3wvc/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mNxUh6fpJB4/TYNjY0xRsKI/AAAAAAAABXI/92olryQ3wvc/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Along the way, we saw agri crops like french beans and four angled beans. We thought of picking up some and pay the caretaker when we got back. By the time, we got back, we were already very tired and no longer excited about the idea.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q1IUylUhUg4/TYNjXHTLxpI/AAAAAAAABXE/GPqmW8C2pAM/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q1IUylUhUg4/TYNjXHTLxpI/AAAAAAAABXE/GPqmW8C2pAM/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This signboard was very important to us. We were kind of lost, trying to figure out which way to go. One of the farm caretakers told us to go to the signboard and follow the trail from there. From then on, we were sure of our trail and never looked back.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BesLN-Pi5mg/TYNjQkWhWxI/AAAAAAAABW0/6KJZcTgKDdA/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BesLN-Pi5mg/TYNjQkWhWxI/AAAAAAAABW0/6KJZcTgKDdA/s400/8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Amongst the differences between between the trail of Ulu Langat and Janda that I noticed are the trails at Janda Baik are not as established as Ulu Langat due to the fact it's less popular and less number of people using the trail. I prefer Ulu Langat trails as it's more fun, there are Check Points to look forward to namely Kem Lolo, Kem Pacat and Puncak Pengasih (false peak). There were none of those in Janda Baik. The trail between Kem Pacat and Puncak Pengasih was the one that differentiate Gunung Nuang from other mountains and we didn't see that in Janda Baik. I must say that the trails in Janda Baik are less challenging, nevertheless, it takes almost the same number of hours.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LMDZw2a70dM/TYNjSNy1X_I/AAAAAAAABW4/SpbhTJWZbnc/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LMDZw2a70dM/TYNjSNy1X_I/AAAAAAAABW4/SpbhTJWZbnc/s400/6.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were prepard with confetti to be left along the trails. As it turned out, we didn't have enough up to the peak. I like leaving confetti trails as it gives the confidence to the people behind that they are not on the right track.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-InRF17LFE1o/TYNjVgl_orI/AAAAAAAABXA/YJElEdbEHtA/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-InRF17LFE1o/TYNjVgl_orI/AAAAAAAABXA/YJElEdbEHtA/s400/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We had to go through so many bamboo tunnels along the way. There are bamboos along the never ending road via Ulu Langat but we don't have to pass through any tunnel. The trails were cleared off of bamboo hurdles. That's not the case here in Janda Baik. The trails were slippery especially when we came back as there were so may people hiking on that day. And it was raining heavily for two days in a row!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WYwnPJookhI/TYNjPBkuZeI/AAAAAAAABWw/FddXyZxOVAw/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WYwnPJookhI/TYNjPBkuZeI/AAAAAAAABWw/FddXyZxOVAw/s400/9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We reached the peak about 5 hours later. There were already many people hikers when we reached there and majority of them were using Ulu Langat trails. As expected, my friends from PD overtook us along the way too. </span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-28863941191573085582011-03-06T18:57:00.000+08:002011-03-06T18:57:19.707+08:00Update!I go through my blog updates lately and I noticed that I haven't been updating much about hiking activities anymore. <br />
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The fact is I still go out and hike but I haven't been exploring new places as yet. Hiking is my favourite outdoor activities that I do it very often over the weekend. These days, it's a fortnightly event that I do with either family members, colleagues or friends. There was one time I had no one to follow me as it was unplanned so I went alone to Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve in Puchong. It's not advisable to hike alone but it's okay to do so in places like Bukit Gasing, Ayer Hitam FR, Broga Hill and several others at the fringe of KL area as these places are frequented by a lot of people over the weekend. <br />
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When I was hiking alone in Ayer Hitam FR, I took the time to read at least a chapter from the book that I was reading at that time. <br />
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For the first time ever, I went jungle trekking with my family members. We are not from Selangor but all of us with the exception of one brother are currently staying in Shah Alam and Klang area. Eight of us including my eldest brother and his wife, my sisters, youngest brother, a niece and a nephew went for jungle trekking at Ayer Hitam FR last month. It's a beautiful and memorable experience to have an outdoor family outing like that. It was the first time that we had such outing and we plan not to make it as the last one as well. We now plan to do it at least once a quarter. <br />
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I have got my hiking activities planned with at least one monthly event up to July this year. The curtain closure before the fasting month will be the trip to Bukittinggi, Padang, Indonesia. Other than that, we are also planning to go to Port Dickson for raptor watch and cliff climbing, to Penang for hiking, swimming at Pantai Kerachut and makan-makan and to Cameron Highlands for hiking and shopping for fresh agri produces. <br />
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I am happy as everything is going on smoothly and we have implemented two trips planned for the month of January and February namely Angsi via Bukit Putus and Nuang via Janda Baik. I'll blog about our experience at Nuang soon.<br />
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How about the update on the wight loss initiative - KL's Biggest Loser? The second update is due and I lost almost two kilos within two months. We were ready for the third weigh-in but the scale at the gym was broken. It was a relief to some of us as the result hasn't been encouraging. Losing weight and dieting should be a life long journey instead of a destination. It should be a mental state of being, being conscious of what we eat all the times, being conscious about exercise and living healthy lifestyle. It's also about commitment and not about interest. Everyone is interested to lose weight and do a lot of exercise, but how many can say that they are committed to it? Commitment is about not accepting any excuses, just results! <br />
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Books? I am currently reading a local book on coaching. It's my new passion at work as part of the company's initiative towards crating coaching culture. I am reading the book to equip myself to be a better coach. I am planning to be a certified coach and amongst the requirements is I need to do at least 100 hours of coaching. Coaching is about empowering the employees to come up with their own solutions towards improving their performance at work. I will not talk much about it except for the book that I am currently reading. This is the third book for this year. I am also planning to finish reading some books that I read half way, there was biography of Anita Roddick, the founder of Body Shop that I read half way. I couldn't relate to her mid way through. What the heck, I'll finish it soon. It was one of those cheap books that I bought at exhibition for old books.<br />
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Other than the above, it's business as usual!Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-85346282474921856072011-03-06T17:48:00.001+08:002011-03-06T17:49:58.460+08:00Small Hiker's Book Series - The Power of Subconscious Mind<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7VneuZALxjc/TXNPPL_jubI/AAAAAAAABWA/Kl2wX3cNzqY/s1600/The+Power+of+Subconcious+Mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7VneuZALxjc/TXNPPL_jubI/AAAAAAAABWA/Kl2wX3cNzqY/s400/The+Power+of+Subconcious+Mind.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I bought this book about three years ago. I read it half way and put it down as I wasn't comfortable about the references to bible in almost all chapters. The book is about the power of subconscious mind towards self healing and removing some mental blocks in achieving success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">I was about to spend some money to buy more books to read during the last CNY holiday but then I remembered that I still had books that I read half way and this was one of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">I decided to give it one last try and finish it. And I also decided to filter what I read and digested only the universal values shared by the author. After all, all religions in the world are about propagating better individuals in the context of the community at large using the values of good deeds. With that in mind, I finished reading the book within a week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">It's a practical book and it talks a lot about self affirmations and the inner self. As one saying goes 'we are the sum of our thoughts'. That's what I do these days, I start the day by having the attitude of gratitude, by being grateful of what I have, my good health, good career, good family, wife and children. By being grateful I remove the worry of not having enough and I am in a positive emotional state for the rest of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Being grateful is an energizing way to start the day and a relaxing way to end it. Give it a try!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-81395787149196780192011-02-13T04:49:00.000+08:002011-02-13T04:49:09.372+08:00Small Hiker's Book Series - The Last Lecture<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sLAAiFHyE4/TVbuu5FAtzI/AAAAAAAABV4/GazD6CmQGQ0/s1600/Last+Lecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sLAAiFHyE4/TVbuu5FAtzI/AAAAAAAABV4/GazD6CmQGQ0/s400/Last+Lecture.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I always put in reading as one of my hobbies when asked to do so. However, I don't do that much of it these days with the exception of reading through the online pages of TIME, The Star and Google News. That's why it was an event for me after I finished reading this book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Randy Pausch (October 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008) was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and he had only months to live. The book was based on the last lecture that he gave at the University he was teaching, Last Lecture was a series of talk where top academics are asked to think deeply about what matters to them, and then give a hypothetical "final talk", with a topic such as "what wisdom would you try to impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?" His lecture was very popular on Youtube and he gave the abridged version in Oprah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">When I was reading the book, I updated the lessons learned. Here they are:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lesson #1 - 'when you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><strong>February 3 at 10:08am</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Lesson #2 on Time Management</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">a. Time must be explicitly managed, like money</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">b. You can always change your plan, but if only you have one</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;">c. Are you spending your time on the right thing?</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>February 3 at 2:43pm </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Lesson #3 - too many people complaining about their problems. If you took one-tenth energy you put into complaining and applied it to solving problem, you'd be surprised by how well things can work out. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>February 3 at 6:02pm</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Lesson #4 - experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. Failure is not just acceptable , it's often essential.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>February 3 at 6:27pm</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Lesson #5 - when you can't pay someone back, pay it forward. Go out and do good for others what somebody did good to you </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>February 3 at 6:45pm</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Lesson #6 - when giving an apology, any performance lower than an A really doesn't cut it. A good apology is like an antibiotic; a bad apology is like rubbing salt in the wound</span> </div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>February 3 at 7:23pm</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And I finished reading it the next day with this update: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Watammat! Now, I have the urge to read another book! Perhaps one of those that I stopped half way!</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>February 4 at 8:54am</strong></span></div>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-61638484800280302022011-02-05T06:38:00.000+08:002011-02-05T06:38:16.013+08:00Avoiding the Diet PitfallsThe weigh-in time is coming soon and I'll get to know the diet result of yet another long break and celebrations. It's the time to 'balik kampung' and enjoy the home cooking of our beloved parents. I see updates every now and then FB on how my friends were enjoying their time having holiday with their family members. And I was there to spoil the mood of a few of them by reminding them not be such a glutton. Or else, they'd have to have self-imposed penance of crash diet for one week. <br />
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Crash diet is one of the common pitfalls of dieting as it will not have lasting result. In fact it's detrimental to the whole idea of dieting. I came across a list of habits that will wreck any dieting plan. Here they are: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshCklpBQI/AAAAAAAABVA/UXYCYEIM8Gk/s1600/CD+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshCklpBQI/AAAAAAAABVA/UXYCYEIM8Gk/s400/CD+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Relying on Crash Diets</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Decided to lose 10kgs fast, you turn to crash diets for no meal except fruits and vegetable or the famous 'liquid diet'. You take less than 1,000 calories a day. True enough, the extra weight goes away. However, when you eat less calories, you train your metabolism to slowdown. When the diet is over, your body is used to slow metabolism and you gain weight more than ever before</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshFDF8IBI/AAAAAAAABVE/CnnNvrePYR4/s1600/Dorset+Cereal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshFDF8IBI/AAAAAAAABVE/CnnNvrePYR4/s400/Dorset+Cereal.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Skipping Breakfast</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Skipping breakfast sounds like an easy way to cut calorie but you end up having the hunger pang for the rest of the day. Breakfasts that are high in protein and fiber can reduce hunger throughout the day. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshHU61JYI/AAAAAAAABVI/7-OyNXEQZhs/s1600/CD+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshHU61JYI/AAAAAAAABVI/7-OyNXEQZhs/s400/CD+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Losing Track of Your Snacks</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is a difference between having more frequency of meals yet in small portion than having snacks in between meals. The culprit has always been the free snacks being offered by colleagues at the office, cake from birthday party, goreng pisang by a colleague who just comes in from visiting clients, etc. All these snacks could sabotage a well planned diet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshKaWBLcI/AAAAAAAABVM/4pKJBTwP3_Y/s1600/CD+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshKaWBLcI/AAAAAAAABVM/4pKJBTwP3_Y/s400/CD+4.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not Snacking at All</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Unplanned snacks can increase your waistline but thoughtful and planned snacks may do the opposite. People who eat several small meals and snacks a day are more likely to control hunger and lose weight. Snacking helps keep your metabolism in high gear, especially if the snacks are protein-rich. Nuts are a good, high-protein choice, and research suggests people who snack on nuts tend to be slimmer than those who don't.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshNMrv5mI/AAAAAAAABVQ/N2-TIZ6Ph2c/s1600/CD+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshNMrv5mI/AAAAAAAABVQ/N2-TIZ6Ph2c/s400/CD+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Loading Up on Low-Fat</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Low-fat products can play an important role in your diet. Just remember that low-fat isn't the same as low-calorie and it's not a license to take second and third helpings. If you pile your plate with low-fat cake, you may end up eating more calories than if you had a smaller slice of regular cake. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshPmy8NqI/AAAAAAAABVU/ZKVltjZaM38/s1600/CD+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshPmy8NqI/AAAAAAAABVU/ZKVltjZaM38/s400/CD+6.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sipping Too Many Calories</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Personally, this is the biggest diet wrecker. Some fancy coffees and alcoholic beverages have more than 500 calories. What's worse is that liquid calories don't curb hunger. You're not going to eat any less after a high-calorie drink.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshSJ_8EZI/AAAAAAAABVY/jlACvRMBILY/s1600/CD+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshSJ_8EZI/AAAAAAAABVY/jlACvRMBILY/s400/CD+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Drinking Too Little Water</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am guilty of drinking less water in the office. The cold air-cond in the office doesn't make me thirsty that fast. However, this is one of the simplest diet blunders to fix. Water is essential for burning calories. If you let yourself get dehydrated, your metabolism drags -- and that means slower weight loss</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshXYX6I-I/AAAAAAAABVg/0nvBXBM5z7E/s1600/CD+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshXYX6I-I/AAAAAAAABVg/0nvBXBM5z7E/s400/CD+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Weighing Yourself Every Day</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Weighing yourself daily is not advisable and doesn't yield useful information. It's more important to look for a long-term trend with weekly weigh-ins. If your goal is to lose 1kg a week, you'll be satisfied to see those full-pound drops when you step on the scale. The result is more motivating that the confusing swings that may accompany daily weigh-ins.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshbL8Px7I/AAAAAAAABVk/ukdfsoC6JBo/s1600/CD+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUshbL8Px7I/AAAAAAAABVk/ukdfsoC6JBo/s400/CD+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Avoiding Exercise</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">When you don't exercise, you place the entire burden of weight loss on your diet. If you become more active, you can eat more of the things you like -- and still lose weight. The key is finding an exercise you enjoy. If the treadmill seems tedious, try hiking or cross training! Spend time at different activities until you find one you want to do regularly </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532147331583130742.post-50362572607999250152011-01-30T14:00:00.001+08:002011-01-31T03:42:33.118+08:00Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve - Tinnitus<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">F<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUT3ENGM1RI/AAAAAAAABUw/1jgPNPEBymA/s1600/AHFR+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUT3ENGM1RI/AAAAAAAABUw/1jgPNPEBymA/s320/AHFR+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest trip to Ayer Hitan Forest Reserve in Puchong is my first hiking trip this year. Since the slip disc incidence in Sg Chilling, I switched back my weekend exercise to brisk walking and swimming. I enjoy swimming as it helps to strengthen my back. In fact when I go to the gym these days, I don't miss doing the physio routines that I learned from the physio team in Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Thank God, I am in much better condition now. However, I don't think I am ready for major hiking trip! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUT3Hrc6cnI/AAAAAAAABU0/NhuIXPgKW0g/s1600/AHFR+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUT3Hrc6cnI/AAAAAAAABU0/NhuIXPgKW0g/s320/AHFR+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, I added another health condition to my present state. The medical condition is called tinnitus, the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound or in short <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">ringing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">similar</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sensation</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">sound</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">in</span> the ears! I always hear hissing, buzzing and whistling sounds in my left ear. It made feel imbalanced and caused me to have headache. Since that incidence I have been on MC for 4 days. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUT3KR1-lII/AAAAAAAABU4/5tryOFznOFM/s1600/AHFR+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tvLsCowV4DQ/TUT3KR1-lII/AAAAAAAABU4/5tryOFznOFM/s320/AHFR+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I learned from this trip, the noises from the jungle help to neutralize whatever sounds that I had in my left ear. I felt so relaxed and the buzzing and hissing sound were gone temporarily. As of today, the sounds were still there and I really hope it's not permanent. In the meantime, I always put on my earphone to listen to nature sounds to help me neutralize the cricket's sounds in my left ear! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394649827721158269noreply@blogger.com2