Friday, May 1, 2009

A Brand New Blog

Dear Visitors,

I have got another new website to hold my blog, the name is the same, walknature but you can find my blog more easily. Just go to Google search engine, intead of key in "walknature.blogspot", you can now key in only "walknature". Blogger is good but I just wanted to have my own website..... so that I can call it "my own". Haha...

A brand new website, hope you enjoy !

Cheers !

Monday, April 20, 2009

Mount Kutu / Gunung Kutu (1200m) - Exploration Part 1

On 12 April, we were given a task to explore Gunung Kutu. I was trying to search more information on internet but very little I could find. Since one of my friends was there few weeks ago with his other group and they failed to get to the summit, this time, his responsibility was shared by few of us, hoping we could find our way to the top.

The peak, claims to be 1200 m height, as I found on internet, was actually no confirmation by any recognized bodies. We have to be there to check it out ourselves.

We started our journey at 7am and headed to Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB) to look for a place for our breakfast. We landed in a small village, which is also famous for its Loh Mee, a local noddle which has its own ingredients to make the delicious soup. But we were too early and the Loh Mee coffee shop was yet to open for business. So, we finally went to a normal coffee shop but it did reminds me some of our children's life.




Here is the normal coffee shop where we had our coffee, tea, economy fried noodles, half boil eggs and bread with butter and jam.



To people here, life is simple and comfortable with such a wooden shop house.


We parked our car at vacant field where we were asked to pay RM10 by a local resident but finally our "negotiator" successfully convinced him to accept RM5.


Found this at the beginning trek.


A notice board informing us this is a reserved forest.


Our friend is trying his 2nd attempt to the top of this mountain.


We walked by the side of this river.


Another pretty flower.


The 2nd bridge that we have to cross but some friends preferred the water way.


Great place to relax but we have our mission now....


Be careful to choose the correct direction after crossing the bridge.


Are we on the right track ?


Look like the road was conquered by 4WD before.


Another junction we have to decide which way to go.


Long way to go......


First river we have to wet our foot.


Come on, let me help to put you on photo as well !


OK, but make sure you take a good one :)


Start changing our shoes now.


A good place for camping, flat and with a river down there.


Guys, undecided of the direction ?


It takes a good guts to walk through.


I was wondering what happens if a snake........ no risk no gain right ? ;)


2nd river we have to cross.


By the way, this trek has many hungry leeches that could not stop attacking us, including this small one found on my leg.


Despite the attack by leeches, we move on.


When you see this yourself, for a moment you forgot all the leeches.


What's more when you can enjoy to have discovered this little pretty ?
Do they look like bird ?


For a quick look, this could be an entrance made by someone. But, the 2 bundles of bamboos were actual waiting to be transporting out from the jungle. Who has the privilege rights to do so ? Your guess ?


Another plant.


So guys, are we in a right direction ?


Part of the obstacles we have to encounter.


Hey, our excellent "negotiator" found something here.


Looks like our "ghost king" brother is trapped by this thing.


It's not an ordinary string, it's a wire rope.


Our 2 brothers explaining to us this trap is to set up to catch animal like wild boar. He was just demonstrating to us how this thing works.


OK, class finished, let's get moving.


We are still searching for the correct way to summit.


One step miss and down you go.


Little creature that can make your skin feel itchy and rash.


Anyone can tell what is this ?


Someone is watching you, remember to talk politely. :)


I remembered seeing this plant in Gunung Nuang also.


An excuse for me to stop for while to rest :)


Each time I went for a trek, I have a plant that stand out among others. This one make it to the top of my list.


Our "negotiator" was attacked by leech again but this time, a bigger one. Feel scary ?


A kind of spider ?


Little white fungus are growing on a fallen tree.


Lingzhi families ?


I guess this creature has fallen in love with my shirt :)


We have walked for more than 3 hours but still unable to find the right trek to the summit. At the height of 775 meter, we finally decided to detour due to time factor, but we have not given up yet ! We will come back.

Mount Kutu / Gunung Kutu (1200m) - Exploration Part 2

Time for lunch now before we detour back.


Our big brother looks very tiring.


When you can have a "roti canai" up in the mountain, the taste is just super delicious !


"Ghost King" found this sticky flower that has a liquid like glue on it.


Stopped by another small waterfall to take the fresh air.


Only the sound of water and insects you can hear.


Hi, little butterfly, mind me to take a picture of you ? You are just that pretty !


Comparing the size of this with those we found in the city, isn't this big ?


Why this big shirt is hanging there and who did it ? According to our friend, it is to scare away the monkeys and obviously, is done by the orang asli (aborigines).


Our "negotiator" says when you see this, you would be sure receive very good luck and fortune. We saw it, so, I guess my luck and fortune should be coming very soon huh ! :D


Another type of fungus again.


The focus should be on the shape of the 2 bamboos, not the far mountain :)


"Ghost king" found this in a muddy pond. You know why he has this prestige name as "Ghost King" ? Because he has nothing to scare about ! ;)


At last we are out from the jungle.


Time to wash away your dirty shoes, especially remember not to bring any leech back.

Since we have plenty of time, we stopped at the water Dam here to enjoy our lovely afternoon.


We have a cloudy sky.


Unless you know how to appreciate the beauty of the nature, you can't find anything here.


Afternoon tea shall be ready in a moment.


Although it's afternoon but it still looks fresh.


How about this ?


And this ?

We had a relaxing time at the water dam before we packed and drove to a small place, Rasa in KKB to have our dinner.


A type of Spring Rolls where inside is filled with meat but this one is rolled with "Pork Net" on the outer part, yummy !


Clay Pot mutton ribs.


Stir-fry Nai Pak vegetables


Snakehead fish steam with ginger.



Our final dishes, wildboar curry meat.


Chicken a la Carte

When I watched this video, it teaches me a lesson. I am very fortunate enough to have enough food to eat and to have a shelter to shed away the sun and rains. I was thinking, how many people in this world has actually realize the poverty life of many unfortunate children in many countries. They have been starving everyday and yet they face the fact and carry on their life as usual. Our modernized society children are being pampered by parents, they can eat whatever they like but they through away the excess food without thinking of those who need the food desperately.

I know this real story is just only a tip on the iceberg, what about those children and family that we haven't seen ?

The parents have to educate our children, by showing them this short but valuable short film so that they have an idea how the unfortunate children out their are having a totally different life from them. Parents must also keep reminding our children not to waste any food at any time.

On the other hand, parents are supposed to lead by example, this is the most important factor to educate our children. Order what you only need.

Lastly, as a Humane Society, I believe we have to do our part to help those 100,000 people who are dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition.

Remember, when we come, we bring nothing, when we go, we bring nothing but memories to the people we left behind. We have a choice to leave either a good memories or the other way. It is up to you !



Show it to your children !

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Mount Kota Kinabalu Training

Since I will be going to Mount Kota Kinabalu in early May 2009, I have started my training in mid February. To keep track of my training plan, I am listing down all the activities that I have taken so that I can remind myself not to be lazy and be discipline in order to enjoy the reward later :)

1st (15.02.09) : Trekking at Route No 5 - Gasing Hill, Petaling Jaya.
Time : 45 mins - 3 laps

2nd : (16.02.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Section 7.
Time : 19 mins - 2 laps

3rd : (18.02.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins - 3 laps

4th : (22.02.09) : Gunung Nuang Trekking.

5th : (08.03.09) : Trekking at Route No 5 - Gasing Hill, Petaling Jaya.
Time : 64 mins - 4 laps

6th : (09.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 20 mins - 2 laps

7th : (15.03.09) : Took part in Larian Amal Seri Sinar for 10 km category.
Time : 70 mins.

8th : (18.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Recreation Park, Sec 27.
Time : 25 mins - 5 laps

9th : (20.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 20 mins - 2 laps

10th : (22.03.09) : Gunung Angsi (Angsi Hill) Trekking

11th : (26.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins - 3 laps

12th : (01.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins - 3 laps

13th : (03.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 45 sec - 3 laps

14th : (07.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 55 sec - 3 laps

15th : (08.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins 35 sec - 3 laps

16th : (10.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 35 sec - 3 laps

17th : (12.04.09) : Gunung Kutu (Mount Kutu) Trekking

18th : (15.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 45 sec - 3 laps

19th : (19.04.09) : Mount Ophir / Gunung Ledang (1276 m) - Hiking

20th : (22.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins 25 sec - 3 laps

My Hiking Events

19 April 2009 - Gunung Ledang (Pending)

12 April 2009 - Gunung Kutu (Exploration - Unaccomplished)

22 March 2009 - Gunung Angsi

22 Feb 2009 - Gunung Nuang

18 Jan 2009 - Gunung Datuk

1 Jan 2009 - Chilling Waterfall

26 Oct 2008 - Kledang Hill

26 Oct 2008 - Gunung Perdah

25 Oct 2008 - Gunung Brinchang

25 Oct 2008 - Gunung Irau

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Gunung Angsi - Part 1


Here is another part of the hiking that I went with three friends. As usual, we gathered at 7am on Sunday and took our breakfast at a nearby coffee shop. Then we started our journey about 7.30am to Seremban town.

It was not long when we encountered an uphill road, it was like driving in a snake body and along the road, we saw few landslides and the road is being repaired or widening. Luckily I was the one who drive else I would be contributing to the environment for some "Undigested" food :-D

The distance from Seremban town to here is about 18km. We arrived at about 8.45am, the place was rather well maintain compared to Gunung Nuang.



The signage provides clear information and direction.




Plenty of shops selling souvenirs and food.



For those who like Python reticulatus, it's just 150 meter away.



Guys, ready to go ?



Let's move in !



Looks like it is well maintained.



For family, this is a nice fresh water pool !



If you prefer more natural, the playing in the stream is not a bad idea.



There are plenty of camp sites for you to experience the not so wild jungle night.



Or you prefer Team building.



Shower and rest rooms are here for you also.



If you prefer a walk around this area, feel free to do so.



How big is this park ? See for yourself !



Before start hiking up to the top, we have to register here. We were told to pay RM5 each but the receipts would only post to our home later....mmmm. A bit strange !!

The officer also informed us that after 10am, no one is allowed to go up to Gunung Angsi for safety reason.



History of Ulu Bendul.



A symbol of the park.



Ulu Bendul Recreation Park's information.



Ants are moving house, maybe due to yesterday's rain, their home is flooded :)



Map showing different places in Gunung Angsi.



Not so tough huh.



The water was not so clear due to yesterday's rain fall. As you can see the soil erosion has taken place.



It's a good place to rest.



Maybe this is very common to some of you.



View taken from the top.



A small hut to take rest.



This is the real start of the trek !



Found this along the trek.



Going up now.....



Just in case you want to know what is the function of the jungle.



Small plant growing on a big tree.



A mushroom family ?



After 40 mins, we arrived at another camp site, Kem Tangga Batu.



We have to cross the river later.



Mmm....water not so clear.



Let's start moving......