I have always been an adventurous girl, what more if it concerns nature which makes me feels at home. After the first amazing hike at Dedari Hill, followed by the glorious Gunung Ledang (a big jump, I know!), and a short visit to Soga Hill, I knew in my heart that this is the switch that will trigger the kind of life that I have always dreamed of all these while. I don’t have to wait until I’m working to pursue my hiking life. With supportive hiking buddies by my side, I pursue each mountain and jungle trail with zest and passion.
Thus begins my epic adventure in
Taman Negara…again!
But this time, it was so much
better than the first time. A week in Jerantut feels like a year to me. I
totally immersed myself in the atmosphere and life in Kuala Tahan. I was so
grateful when Mr Dan called upon volunteers to set up his new campsite because
I would never see the jungle again if it wasn’t for him. The journey to Taman Negara was absolutely
backpacker-style and adventurous enough for a small girl like me. I think
nobody would believe that I, the tiny me, would have taken such effort to get
there. Thanks to Niza, who has been the key figure in my journey to Jerantut.
Only God can ever repay her kindness to me and for that, I bestowed upon her the
nickname Niza the Magnificent because she can eat leisurely while driving a
manual car and still beat the road like a pro, avoiding dogs with a
drifter-style gear-changing skill! You can’t find that kind of lady often
nowadays.
First Day
We set out early for Danz Travel
office where I met new friends Elly (who happens to be from BP!), Felix from
France, and the energetic and friendly Paulo from Italy. We hang out in front
of the office while waiting for Mr Dan and the other volunteers, singing
Italian and German songs as if life is a floating cloud and we can fly like
Peter Pan. Paulo even gave me a nickname and we kinda click instantly. I am so
thankful to mommy for teaching me English when I was a small child!
Not long after, Mr Dan arrived
and he was surprised and happy to see me again! We exchanged pleasantries with
the rest of the volunteers and jumped into the van and off we went to Ulu
Tembeling. We reached Kampung Pagi, Ulu Tembeling, packed our food from the
stall there and jumped onto a Hillux where we enjoyed an exclusively exciting
ride across the damp, red road and river to reach the entrance to Lata
Layang-layang campsite. We ate our meal sitting on the rocks while soaking our
feet in the cool river, enjoying the nasi lemak and each other’s presence. I
swear Paulo and Felix were having the time of their life by the excited looks
on their face. Well, this is the forest calling you, Paulo!
Soon we were carrying planks and
bricks into the jungle, crossing the river and sliding down the forest slope
with a few leeches kissing our legs. I caught a fat one sucking my blood and
was very fascinated by the creature until Mr Dan came and threw some salt onto
it and the leech wilted away. Somehow I feel sad watching it died. Once
everyone reached the campsite (which was exceptionally amazing with a floating
tent and clean toilet and shower for the world yaw!), we rest for a while,
splashed around in the beautiful blue-green river, and continue our hike up to
Lata Layang-layang, the major attraction for this campsite. We hike for about
an hour and it was a challenging hike with steep slopes, slippery track with
ropes and vines and a whole lot thorny tree to watch out for. I was practically
jumping with excitement every time we cross the river because the water was
superbly cool and refreshing even the guides shook their head watching my
antics ahahaha! But I tell you what, even hiking Gunung Ledang did not make me
feel as challenged as this hike. So all you hikers must come and experience
Lata Layang-layang on your own. Those
who wish to hike up Mount Tahan, please make Lata Layang-layang as your practice
ground.
Once we reached the divine Lata
Layang-layang, there were no words to describe how I felt. I was so thankful
for this opportunity I spent the first twenty minutes or so sitting on the
rock, soaking my feet in the cool water and immersed into the beautiful
scenery, while the rest were jumping off into the water like Tarzan and Jane.
I think the best thing about the
first day was meeting new friends especially Elly, Paulo and Felix, all of whom
were very friendly and warm towards me. Somehow it felt natural talking and
sharing jokes and singing with the foreigners rather than fellow Malaysian.
Probably because we conversed in English and I’m a rattle tattle when I speak
in English because no one will laugh at my weird slang that surface when I
speak Malay. What lah I’d speak Martian if I can!
So we jumped and splashed and Tarzan and Jane
and share chocolates and drinks and took pictures and smile and made sweet
memories. After that we made our way back to the campsite through the slippery
tracks and rivers and vines and roots. It was challenging but I’d go through
the tracks a million time again for the love of it!
In the evening, Paulo, Elly,
Felix and the rest of the volunteers went on their next adventure hiking Dedari
Hill while I stayed at the campsite and jump into the water, smiling at a
handsome water snake and poking some water spiders with excited face and much
more excited heart. Soon it was sunset and I shower and pray and rest in the
tent until night time. Other than me, there were birdwatchers and some ladies
who cook for us so we had a great meal all the time at the campsite although I
did not really eat much in the forest but sardines, chicken, snacks and
steaming rice made us feel like kings and sultans in the forest. Thank you for
all the nice meals, merry cooks! It rained for a while in the evening so the
weather that night was kind of comfortably chill. All of us sat besides the
bonfire enjoying hot drinks and talks and jokes and I was totally at home with
the sound of crickets and insects at night. I could see some stars too and the
sound of the river flowing made me feel so tranquil I wish I can stay in the
jungle forever. My friend, Grey (as he will be referred to in my blog) brought
so many snacks I swear I might spank him if he shove more snacks at me!
Second Day
I woke up, shower, get prepared
and stuff and sit by the river soaking my feet in the cool water for what seems
like an eternity of bliss in the middle of the jungle. Soon, my other friends,
Carlito and Edy came to pick me and Grey out. But first we jumped and splashed
and chased the fish like crazy before we packed out our things. Soon we were on
Carlito’s Pajero crossing the river back to Kampung Pagi. That dude even made a
video of the crossing with Edy acting yahoos and yahaas ahahahah! But the
adventure did not stop there. These three party people took me around to Nusa
Camp, rivers, snack out Aiskrim Pasu (my first, actually, cuz I’m not a
hipster) and back to lodgings to throw my stuff and went out again to Kuala
Tahan where they took me to Sungai Tahan for another dip. Sungai Tahan was so
cool and refreshing. Well, I actually gulp down some water from each river that
I met and I must tell you, the Tahan River is truly different from the other
river. I can’t explain it but there’s something about the river that made me
feel different, energetic and zestful. Grey said there were a lot of taboos and
rules that we must follow if we decide to dip into the Tahan River. Well,
according to the old folks, one must cleansed themselves beforehand before they
swim in the river. But it was so deep I fear for myself because I don’t know
how to swim despite wearing a life jacket ahahahaha. Even the colour was
different with a darker shade and more big fish swimming in the river.
Imagine those fish biting your
feet. Muahahaha!
Later at night I chill out with
the gang watching stars twinkling across the Kuala Tahan sky, listening to the
forest’s sounds and enjoyed some peaceful moment of silence wrapped in the cool
night breeze. It was absolutely wonderful and was such a beautiful experience
watching the stars from in front of Danz’s office. I would give up the world
just to live among nature. The cool atmosphere, the silent night, the twinkling
stars, the sound of owls hooting and random far-off lights from the patrol in
Taman Negara, and the river flowing gently under the radiant moon, illuminating
an elusive yet exclusive life among nature.
I love Taman Negara Pahang.
Third Day
It was an activity-packed kind of
day as I pursue more adventure in the forest. Woke up early with an eagerness
to greet the forest and feel their embrace. I went hiking up Terisek Hill
which, to my surprise, was an easy hike because they prepared fiber stairs to
ease the hike. It must be something that I drank on the previous day which made
me so energetic I practically ran up the stairs and reached the first
checkpoint faster than the average people. Stopped for a while for pictures and
a quick rest, then I proceed on hiking to the second checkpoint which was the
peak of the hill, literally running through the natural path while smiling.
Well, I’ve reached the peak of Terisek Hill, people! From the peak, I can see
Mount Tahan’s summit stood majestically among clouds and mist, envisaging the
mysterious aura that surrounded itself. I shall work hard to reach Mount Tahan
and get its good tidings.
I met other tourist and guides on
top of the Terisek Hill. I met Long Suhaimi (if I’m not mistaken) who was a
snake lover too (yay my gang!) He can speak German and France, had a lot of
knowledge both on the academic field and the jungle way, and was very macho
talking about the forest while peeling onions that he’s going to cook! He even
brought this huge pot and teapot and stuff in his backpack OMG I was observing
him with amazement and respect! He brought two German teachers, of which didn’t
seems to be friendly or talkative much for a teacher, so there I was talking
with him like we’ve been friends for a long time but I think it’s more like he
was the respected elder of the forest ahahahah!
I would very much love to go snake hunting with him if I can have it my way!
In the evening I went to Lubuk
Simpon for bird-watching activity. It was actually kind of laze around thing
and watching two Americans swimming while exchanging curses about their government
and judgmental people. Why do they love cursing so much? They’d better be
careful with their mouth or the fish shall bite them off for all they know. On
my way back, I saw a rare bird called Crested Fireback (as told by Grey the
insect expert and again by Carlito the bird expert) and you know what, it was
so majestic-looking because of the mask-like design on its face! I saw two but
only one came nearer because my friend was making the sound calling it nearer.
It came approximately 3 meter from where I was sitting on the fiber track
gazing at it. Totally awesome!
Later on at night I went night
walking in search for snakes but I found none of them! The other guides’ team
found at least two but my team found none! I shall bear in mind that I must not
set any intention of finding anything if I go into the forest again. Some
people were very meticulous with this taboo and I guess the only snake that I
can have was the one swimming in the river in Lata Layang-layang. Sigh. I did
found many insects and one iguana, though, which I dislike. There were saying
that when you enter the forest and the first animal you found is a lizard, it
means bad omen. If you found a snake first, it means a good sign. After finding
the lizard, I did feel like I won’t find any snake that night. But my buddy did
found a porcupine running in front of him! Lucky! No matter, I still felt happy
walking in the jungle at night, listening to the insects cry and listening to
the other guides explaining about the insects they found. We did found this
huge scorpion, though, so I am contented with it.
Fourth Day
On the fourth day, I decided to
conquer my fear of height. It was not easy and I swear I was contemplating
hundred times over in my head whether I should proceed with the plan or not. Because
I had an extremely chronic fear of height, particularly on any swaying things
like the canopy and wooden bridges. But hey, I’m here to live the adventure
right? So I proceed with the plan (while at the same time still contemplating
about it as I track through the fiber planks to the canopy station lol) and I
did it! at first it was one helluva
kill-me-now-I’m-dead-scare-why-is-this-thing-keep-swaying kind of feeling but
as I reached the first viewing station, I slowly get my guts gripped together.
At the second canopy walk, I was able to smile and erased the fear bit by bit.
It was enjoyable to see everything from a high vantage point but once I look
down I went oh-there-was-no-ground-okay-I’m-scared-now-please-don’t-swayyy and
I turn stony. Luckily Grey was forever encouraging me to walk or else he would
shake the canopy walaowehh very good lahh this guy cis cis.
Seriously, it was fun watching
the forest from the canopy. I can see the vines hugging the tall trees and
birds of different colours hopping from branch to branch with all their lovely
chirps. Too bad there was no snake around. I would fancy seeing a snake hanging
from trees or eating some lizards. It felt so glorious basking in the sun rays
and walking along the canopy all alone, no worries at all about the world,
tranquil with the comfort and company of the forest that I love, it was divine.
I feel so close with nature, so at home among the trees and the greens around
me. it was true then, in order to conquer your fear, you have to face it right
smack on the face first. I can’t say I am hundred percent fearless when it
comes to canopy but I feel braver now and I think I won’t be shaking as much if
I have to step on another swaying canopy or wooden bridge again.
I wish I can walk on the canopy
at night. That would be adventurous indeed!
After the canopy walk, we walked
leisurely along the trail discussing about the forests, animals, insects and
such. I was introduced to a few kinds of insects like the plant hopper, leaf
hopper, centipedes, spiders and such. It was amazing how such tiny creature
could have a lot of details on its feature and it can survive the jungle with a
unique camouflage technique!
At night I went star watching,
river gazing with Sopi and Grey and later on Edy joined us. it’s good to have
friends who will accept you no matter how strange you can be at times and they
are equally strange too, so that’s perfect.
Fifth Day
It rained a little bit in the
morning, giving me a fresh and energized feeling. Rain is like my source of
life because it makes me feel all Tarzan and Terminator, unlike the sun which
leaves me melted like a scoop of ice cream fallen to the ground. Stayed indoor
most of daylight because of the rain but I did a lot of things so it was not a
waste. In the evening I followed Grey to the futsal court and I met Muaz there.
We talked for a while as he did not join the others in the court. At night I
went to the pasar malam and met most of my guide friends there buying yummy
foods and saying hi to the neighbours. It felt like I was one of them already.
All that friendly faces from the uncles and aunts, the wide smile from the
kids, the casual hi and hoi from the guides… it felt like home.
So my fifth day in Kuala Tahan
was probably my rest day because I did not do much outdoor activity today yet I
became familiar with the people here in a good way.
Sixth Day
I was supposed to go home today
but my heart just won’t say yes to the idea of leaving this place! So I stayed
another day like a boss ahahaha. I spent the morning observing life around me
and interacting with the local. Too bad Paulo had gone back or else I might
drag him to another adventure in the forest, perhaps going all the way to Kuala
Trenggan by jungle track! But no, my buddy went home so there I was, telling my
heart and my brain that everything good must come to an end; even if it’s a
temporary one because I definitely will come here again like a good pilgrim.
Hang out with Grey talking about
so many things, including learning to play the local games like little kids
ahahaha. It rained for a while in the afternoon so it was all cozy weather and
rest day indoor. In the evening, Grey took me fish-netting together with
Carlito and Andin. It was the most exclusive experience ever! It was so cold
after the rain, I felt so energetic and excited I literally throw my crocs away
once I jumped into the boat! Grey and Andin were throwing the fishnet like a
pro while Carlito…. let’s just say he was better with the birds than the fish
ahahahah! We went up and down the Tembeling River, netting here and there,
spotted some adorable birds on the banks, caught many beautiful fishes, hit
rocks and bump onto them causing the boat to sway playfully, play in the water
(especially me!), laugh and shiver, and had a great time munching on snack (I
eat everything, no problem) and went home to Grey’s with the fish where his mom
cooked the fish and we ate merrily together and his dad was cracking jokes
about me not wanting to leave Kuala Tahan lol.
I guess this is the perfect way
to leave. The perfect way to take all the memories with me back to Johor. Leaving with merry faces and laughter and good
company and everything nice and sweet and beautiful, this is the perfect end to
my getaway, with the entire beautiful thing about Kuala Tahan.
Seventh Day
Woke up with a heavy heart
because I’ll be going home today. I was holding back my tears as I bid goodbye
to Kuala Tahan and all the beautiful people there. I went home on a different
route this time, boarding the bus for a Kuala Tahan – Jerantut – KL – Muar
journey. Somehow, the journey back was saddening because I think I left my
heart in Kuala Tahan, in the care of the forest and the people there. Met my
brother for a short while in TBS and head home to Muar at 9pm. thus the end of my
epic solo adventure in Taman Negara Pahang in the year 2015. I will definitely
go back to the forest and river soon.
There is something about the
forest that draws me in, and I will always answer its calling no matter what.
Till the next adventure and escapades,
Ciao!
