Mount Nuang: Second Episode

Seramai 3 orang pemuda dan 3 orang pemudi menaiki sebuah kereta ke kawasan meletak kenderaan di kaki Nuang pada jam 6 pagi, 30 Ogos 2014. Ekspidisi yang di sertai oleh Aizuddin, Aqif, Afifi, Atihrah, Nabila dan Sakinah dimulai pada jam 4 pagi. Kira-kira pada jam 6.50 pagi ketika suasana hampir terang, kami memulakan perjalanan menuju ke Kem Lolo. Perjalanan kami mengambil masa selama 2 jam lebih. Setelah mengambil tapak yang sesuai, kami segera mendirikan khemah dan mengeluarkan peralatan untuk menyediakan sarapan. Kami semua sungguh lapar ketika itu. Menu kami ialah roti bersama jem strawberi ataupun tuna dan air teh panas. Kami berehat seketika kerana Aizuddin, Aqif, Afifi dan Sakinah akan meneruskan perjalanan menuju ke puncak Nuang. 

Pada jam 11 pagi, kumpulan pendaki meneruskan perjalanan manakala Athirah dan Nabila tetap di Kem Lolo bagi menyiapkan makanan.

Pendakian Nuang amat mencabar mental dan fizikal kerana laluan ke puncak amat curam. Kadangkala kami terpaksa menggunakan tangan untuk mendaki. Pada masa yang sama berlangsung acara marathon dari kawasan meletak kenderaan ke puncak Nuang dan berpatah semula ke kawasan meletak kenderaan sebanyak 5 kali. Acara tersebut berlangsung selama 48 jam. Kira-kira jam 3.30 petang, kami tiba di puncak Nuang. Terdapat dua puncak di Gunung Nuang. Puncak yang pertama dipanggil Puncak Pengasih dan kedua di panggil Puncak Nuang. Puncak Nuang lebih tinggi daripada puncak Pengasih. Semasa kami berada di antara Puncak Pengasih dan Puncak Nuang, hujan turun namun hanya sepintas lalu.

Setelah berehat selama setengah jam, kira-kira jam 4.00 petang kami turun menuju ke Kem Lolo. Tempoh perjalanan turun lebih pendek kerana tidak memerlukan banyak tenaga berbanding mendaki dan pergerakan kami agak pantas. Kira-kira jam 6.45 kami tiba di Kem Lolo dan membersihkan diri sebelum menjamu selera. Senja sudah melabuhkan tirainya dan kegelapan menjelma. Menu kami malam itu ialah nasi, kari ayam, telur, dan sambal bilis. Selepas itu, kami bersembang dan berbincang seketika berkaitan projek kami yang lebih besar pada tahun 2015 sebelum masing-masing kembali ke khemah dan berehat.

Pada pagi 31 Ogos 2014, suasana amat sejuk. Kami bangun kira-kira jam 6.30 pagi dan menunaikan solat Subuh. Sesudah itu, kami duduk seketika menantikan cahaya matahari dan menyediakan sarapan. Pagi itu kami menikmati hidangan ‘pancake’ bersama jem strawberi dan air kopi. Selepas makan kami kembali berehat di dalam khemah kerana ketenangan hutan menenangkan kami. Kira-kira jam 12 tengah hari, kami ke sungai untuk mandi dan menyediakan makanan tengah hari. Menu kami ialah nasi, daging kurma, sambal bilis dan telur dadar. Kami makan bersama dan melakukan aktiviti air. Setelah semuanya puas bermain air, kami mengemas kembali alatan kami dan bersedia untuk bergerak pulang.

Dalam perjalanan kami ke kawasan meletak kenderaan, hujan turun dengan lebat. Ketika itu berlaku insiden yang menyayat hati kerana tapak kasut Sakinah tercabut. Dia terpaksa menggunakan selipar Afifi dan malang tidak berbau, selipar itu putus. Lantas Aizuddin meminjamkan seliparnya.  Akhirnya kami berjaya sampai ke kawasan meletak kenderaan pada jam 6 petang. Kami bersiap-siap membersihkan diri dan bergerak pulang.

(ditulis oleh Aqif)

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By car, 6 teenagers arrived at Nuang parking lot around 6 a.m. on 30^th August 2014. This expedition was participated by Aizuddin, Aqif, Afifi, Athirah, Nabila and Sakinah and this team started their journey on 4 a.m. on the same day. Around 6.50 a.m., we continued our journey towards Lolo Campsite while the daylight shows us the path. It took about 2 and half hours to reach there.  After getting suitable site, we built our tents and prepared some breakfast. We all were starved at that time. Our menu was bread with strawberry jam or tuna and hot tea. We took rest for a while because Aizuddin, Aqif, Afifi, and Sakinah will continue their journey to the mount top. Sharp on 11 a.m., the hiker team carried on their plan while Athirah and Nabila stay at the campsite and preparing the dinner. 

The route to the top was challenging our mental and physical because the path was getting slopped every times we moved forward. On the same time, there was a marathon held there which the participants need to run from the parking site to the Nuang’s peak and return back to parking site for 5 times. The event was held for 48 hours. Around 3.30 p.m., we reached Nuang top. Actually there is 2 peaks at Nuang which the first peak is Pengasih Peak and second one is Nuang Peak. Nuang Peak is higher than Pengasih Peak. When we were in the middle of these two peaks, rain was pour heavily but luckily it was just a moment.

Then half an hour later, we returned back to Lolo Campsite. It took shorter time to return back compared with hiking because we use less energy and our movement was quite fast. We arrived at Lolo Campsite around 6.45 p.m., and clean up ourselves before ate. The surrounding was getting darker. Our menu at that night was rice, chicken curry, egg, and ‘sambal bilis’. After that, we having a conversation and discussion about our next year bigger microadventure before went to our own tent and took a rest.

It was cold and relax condition on the 31^st August 2014 morning. We woke up around 6.30 a.m. and perform Suboh prayer. Then we take a seat for a while to wait for the sun rise and prepared our breakfast. On that morning, we ate pancake with strawberry jam and coffee. After that, we take a break in the tent while enjoyed the forest relaxation. At 12 p.m., we gather at the river nearby to take a bath and prepared our lunch. Our menu was rice, stew beef, ‘sambal bilis’, and egg. We ate together and having some activities. Then we suit up and pack our stuff to get back home.

While on our way to the parking site, rain was pour heavily and at that time there was an incidence happened which Sakinah shoes cannot be used anymore and had to throw away. She had to borrowed and used Afifi sandal and the sandal was too. Then she had to borrowed Aizuddin’s sandal and use it for a while. Then, we managed to arrive at the parking site on 6 p.m. After clean up ourselves, we get back home safely.

<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/105846376" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/105846376">Microadventure Mount Nuang</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user26534166">aizuddin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

 (written by Aqif)

Broga - Gunung Tok Wan - Sungai Tekala

Ekspidisi pada kali ini di sertai oleh 10 orang peserta yang bersemangat untuk menawan puncak Broga yang terletak di Semenyih. Kami mengorak langkah menaiki dua buah kereta menuju ke destinasi kami pada jam 10 malam bertarikh 20 Jun 2014. 

Perjalanan kami bermula di Shah Alam dan mengambil masa selama dua jam untuk tiba ke kaki bukit Broga. Suasana di kawasan tempat meletak kereta sungguh gelap hingga membataskan pergerakkan kami. Mujur setiap orang mempunyai lampu suluh dan kami meneruskan perjalanan kami ke puncak Broga.

Kami tiba ke puncak kira-kira jam 2 setengah pagi. Setelah memilih kawasan yang sesuai, kami meletakkan peralatan dan berehat seketika. Kami mula memanaskan air untuk membuat teh dan membuka sedikit makanan seperti biskut dan roti. Kami menggunakkan apa sahaja hamparan yang ada seperti ‘ground sheet’, ‘sleeping bag’, dan ‘sleeping mat’ untuk melindungi pakaian dari terkena tanah. Sambil mengisi perut, kami berbual-bual sambil berkenalan kerana ada di antara kami baru pertama kali berjumpa. Kemudian kami merebahkan badan dan cuba untuk melelapkan mata.

Kira-kira jam 5 pagi, suasana menjadi hingar-bingar. Pengunjung sudah mula memenuhi puncak Broga dan kami semua terjaga. Kemudian kami menunggu waktu Subuh dan menunaikan solat. Kami menunggu sehingga matahari muncul sambil bergambar. Setelah suasana menjadi terang, 4 orang dari kumpulan kami mempunyai misi yang lain iaitu menawan puncak Gunung Tok Wan pula. Jadi kami berpecah kepada dua kumpulan; kumpulan pertama meneruskan perjalanan ke Gunung Tok Wan dan kumpulan kedua turun dari Broga ke tempat letak kereta.

Perjalanan ke puncak Tok Wan mengambil masa kira-kira 3 jam. Cabaran pada kali ini ialah keadaan jalan yang mendaki dan diselangi menurun. Kami menempuh keadaan sedemikian banyak kali dan mengakibatkan kesakitan pada bahagian peha. Malangnya, semasa dalam perjalanan, kaki Aizuddin mengelami kekejangan dan tidak dapat meneruskan kerana bimbang kecederaan menjadi serius. Maka perjalana di teruskan dengan 3 orang peserta iaitu Shaq, Nazreen dan Aqif. Kami bertiga tiba di puncak kira-kira jam 10 pagi dan berehat seketika sebelum berpatah balik.

Keadaan di puncak Gunung Tok Wan tiada apa yang mengujakan kerana di permandangan puncak di halang oleh pokok-pokok yang besar. Kemudian kami berpatah balik dan ketika sampai ke kaki gunung, kami hampir berputus asa kerana terpaksa menempuh kawasan Broga yang tidak mempunyai pokok dan kelihatan seperti padang. Jam menunjukkan pukul 1 petang dan kami terpaksa juga meneruskan perjalanan walaupun meredah panas terik matahari. Keadaan Broga yang seperti gurun kerana debu-debu memasuki mata dan bekalan air sudah habis. Kami berjaya tiba di kawasan tempat meletak kereta dan berjumpa dengan ahli pasukan kami yang lain. Setelah berehat selama 10 minit, kami meneruskan aktiviti kami ke Sungai Tekala. Jarak Sungai Tekala dari Broga tidak begitu jauh, kira-kira 15 ke 20 minit.

Di sana, kami mula memasak nasi dan lauk sambil menikmati air sungai yang menyegarkan. Menu kami pada ketika itu ialah nasi, telur dadar, sardin, dan sambil bilis. Setelah mengisi perut, kami membersihkan diri dan menukar pakaian. Kami bertolak pulang kira-kira jam 5 petang dan akhirnya sampai ke rumah masing-masing dengan selamat

Broga-20 June

Tekala-21 June

(ditulis oleh Aqif)

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This time, our expedition was to reach the top of Broga’s Hill located at Semenyih. We managed to gather 10 persons this time. By using two cars, we were heading to our destination around 10 p.m. on 20 June 2014. We started our journey at Shah Alam and the journey took about 2 hours to reach Broga’s Hill. The environment at the parking site was pitch black and caused a problem for us to walk. Luckily everyone had their own torchlight and we continued our journey to Broga’s peak.

We managed to arrive on the top of Broga’s Hill about 2 a.m on 21^st June 2014. After getting a proper place, we put down our equipment and take a breath for a while. Then, we heat up plenty of water for the tea and recover our energy with some biscuit and bread. We used ground sheet, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat to cover up from the dirt. While rest, we talk about ourselves because some of us just met for a first time. Then, after settle down, we try to sleep.

About 5 a.m., our surrounding turns from silent to noisy. Visitor started to reach the Broga’s peak and all of us woke up. Then, we perform Suboh prayer and wait for the sun rise. To fill the gap, we took tons of pictures. When the daylight covered the surrounding, four members from our group decided to continue to Mount Tok Wan peak. So our expedition team split into two groups; first group continue to Mount Tok Wan and second group went down to car park. The journey to Tok Wan peak took around 3 hours. The challenges this time was the continuously incline and decline path. It caused our thighs loosen. 

Unfortunately, Aizuddin cannot continue the mission because he suffered from muscle cramp and won’t take any risk. So the mission was carried on by Shaq, Nazreen, and Aqif. We made to the peak around 10 a.m. and take a breath for a while before turns back.

Actually, nothing was unique there. The peak view was block by the big trees. Then, we turn back and when we arrived on Broga, we almost lost our hope. It is because we had to across Broga that doesn’t have any trees and look like desert field. We had to across it even though the heat from the sun burns us because the clock shows 1 p.m. Its feel like we were at the desert because the dust enters our eyes and we had no water supply left. We made to the car park and gather with our group members. After take a short break for 10 minute, we continued our activity to Tekala River. The distance between Broga and Tekala River was not far, it took about 15 to 20 minutes.

We started cooked rice and dishes while enjoying the clod and refreshing water. Our menu was rice, egg, sardine, and ‘sambal bilis’. After having meals, we clean up ourselves and changed our cloth. We went back home on 5 p.m. and arrived at our home safely.

Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Sinar suria matahari telah lama melabuhkan tirainya. Hanya limpahan cahaya dari lampu neon jalan menerangi kawasan tempat kami menunggu. Pada malam ini, atau lebih tepat lagi, pada malam 23 Mei 2014, kami berada di Stesen Bus Shah Alam untuk menunggu bus kami yang dijadualkan bertolak pada jam 11 malam. Perjalanan kami kali ini agak jauh kerana kami memilih untuk bermalam di Pulau Pinang. Kali ini, dengan kehadiran Nazreen dan Intan, kami menuju ke Pulau Pinang atau nama lainnya Pulau Mutiara berempat. Oleh kerana perjalanan ke Pulau Pinang di jangkakan mengambil masa selama 5 jam, kami membuat keputusan untuk bertolak pada waktu malam supaya sepanjang perjalanan nanti kami dapat melelapkan mata dan berehat selain menjangkakan yang kami akan tiba di sana pada awal pagi.

Jam menghampiri 11 malam dan pengangkutan kami sampai. Kami teruja kerana bus yang bakal kami naiki ialah bus dua tingkat dan kerusi kami berada di tingkat atas. Sepanjang perjalanan bermacam-macam yang kami lakukan tetapi kebanyakkan masa kami tidur.

Awal pagi 24 Mei 2014, kami tiba di Stesen Bus Butterworth. Jam menunjukkan pukul 5.30 pagi dan kami tidak boleh kemana-mana kerana untuk ke Pulau Pinang, kami terpaksa mengambil feri yang dijadualkan tertolak paling awal pada jam 6 pagi. 

Jarak dari stesen bus dan jeti tidak begitu jauh. Perasaan teruja menyelubungi tatkala terlihat cahaya matahari menyinar menerangi bumi dan kabus yang semakin menghilang. Setelah tiba di pulau, kami mencari-cari kedai makan. Malangnya tiada kedai makan berhampiran jeti, jadi kami berbincang di Stesen Bus Rapid Penang dan sekaligus menaiki bus menuju ke tempat tujuan kami. Kami bersetuju untuk pergi ke Taman Negara Penang dan turun dari bus sekirannya terlihat mana-mana kedai makan sepanjang perjalanan kami. Ketika bus kami tiba di satu kawasan, Aizuddin terpandang akan sebuah kedai makan yang tidak berapa jauh dan kami segera turun dari bus.

Apabila sampai di kedai makan tersebut, kami meminta makanan dan minuman. Penting untuk kami mengisi perut sebelum tiba di Taman Negara Penang kerana khuatir di sana tiada makanan dan tiada tenaga. Usai makan, kami meneruskan perjalanan ke destinasi kami dengan menaiki bus. Apabila sampai di Taman Negara, kami teruja dan segera mendaftar masuk sebagai langkah keselamatan. Lebih kurang jam 10 pagi, kami memulakan langkah memasuki Taman Negara Penang. 

Bermacam-macam kawasan yang kami lalui antaranya kawasan hutan, paya, pantai, batu sehinggakan tidak tahu sudah berapa kilometer kawasan yang kami lalui. Terasa sedih ketika melihat sampah sarap angkara tangan-tangan manusia merosakkan permandangan indah Taman Negara Penang. Kami tiba di kawasan pantai yang agak luas dan membuat keputusan untuk berehat seketika. ‘Groundsheet’ Aizuddin dibuka dan kami beramai-ramai merebahkan badan di atasnya. Bayu laut ketika itu sungguh mendamaikan dan pohon-pohon rendang melindungi tubuh kami dari sinaran terik cahaya matahari.

Setelah sejam berehat, kami meneruskan perjalanan tetapi sebelum itu, kami memakai krim pelindung UV bagi mengelak kulit kami dari terbakar. Kemudian kami dikejutkan dengan kecederaan yang di alami oleh Intan. Kakinya melecet kerana pemakaian kasut yang tidak sesuai. Walau bagaimanapun, perjalanan kami di teruskan. Kami tiba di satu lagi kawasan pantai yang mempunyai ramai pengunjung sedang bermandi manda. Kami tergoda dengan air laut yang diharapkan boleh meredakan haba yang terhasil daripada tubuh kami tetapi kami harus fokus. Kami mahu tiba di rumah api sebelum melakukan aktiviti yang lain. Kami berhenti seketika untuk berehat dan membeli air. Jarak antara kami dengan rumah api tidak jauh tetapi kami harus mengharungi pendakian tangga yang amat mencabar. Pada masa itu, beg yang di galas oleh Aqif dan Aizuddin seberat kira-kira 10 kilogram dan terasa semakin berat semasa keletihan. Dengan keazaman yang tinggi kami meneruskan perjalanan walaupun tidak pantas. Semasa dalam perjalanan, kami bertemu dengan seorang pengunjung dari Thailand yang berusia dalam lingkungan 60’an yang masih gagah mendaki tangga-tangga rumah api itu dan dia seorang wanita.

Akhirnya kami tiba di lokasi tujuan kami iaitu rumah api. Malangnya keadaan di sana terlalu panas dan kami kehabisan air. Air paip juga tiada untuk kami menyejukkan badan. Lantas, Aqif dan Nazreen mengambil keputusan untuk membuka baju sementara tiada pengunjung lain. Tetapi tidak lama kerana pengunjung dari Thailand itu tiba. Kami berbual-bual dengan dia. Kami mengenalinya sebagai Aunty Petra. Bermacam-macam soalan yang di tujukan kepadanya dan dia menceritakan pengalamannya mengembara ke lebih 60 buah negara bersendirian dan kadangkala berteman. Baginya, mengembara amat menyeronokkan dan dia lebih teruja melihat kami yang mula menjelajah pada usia yang muda. Bagi dirinya, apa yang kami lakukan bagus dan tidak semua berpendapat dengannya. Sesetengah orang beranggapan kami ini hanya membuang masa tetapi dia memberikan kami semangat dan harapan. Semasa berbual, Aunty Perta juga memberi cadangan tempat-tempat yang kami boleh lawati dengan kos tempat tinggal yang murah. Tidak lama kemudian, Aunty Petra berpatah balik tetapi kami bercadang untuk berehat seketika. Lalu kami menaiki rumah api untuk ke puncaknya. Kami menyesal kerana tidak menaikinya awal-awal kerana keadaan di situ sungguh berbeza dengan di bawah. Keadaan berangin sungguh mempersonakan dan kami bercadang untuk berehat lebih lama sambil menikmati permandangan.

Lebih kurang jam 2.30 petang, kami bersedia untuk turun. Kami tiba di pantai paling hampir dan mencari kedai untuk membeli air. Luluh hati kami ketika mendengar pertanyaan peniaga di sana yang musykil kerana kami membawa beg naik ke rumah api. Peniaga tersebut mengizinkan para pengunjung untuk menumpang meletakkan beg di kedainya. Tiada apa yang kami boleh lakukan kerana kami telah pun turun. Terasa diri ini kurang bijak pada ketika itu. Kami membuat keputusan untuk menaiki bot kerana kami telah kehabisan tenaga untuk berpatah balik dan menjimatkan tenaga. Setelah sampai di pintu masuk, kami mendaftar keluar dan membersihkan diri sebelum bersolat. Terasa amat lega ketika air menyentuh tubuh dan menghilangkan bahang kepanasan. Setelah semuanya bersiap dan letih mula menghilang, lapar pula menjelma. Kami segera mendapatkan bus dan menuju ke kedai makan yang kami kunjungi pagi tadi.

Kami tiba di kedai makan dengan penuh berselera dan lebih kurang jam 5 petang, kami tiba di tapak perkhemahan kami yang berada di tepi pantai. Rancangan kami untuk berehat terbantut kerana terik matahari menyebabkan kami seperti cacing kepanasan. Nasib baik kerana ‘flysheet’ milik Aqif dapat digunakan untuk melindungi diri dari bahang matahari. Kawasan perkhemahan kami sebenarnya terletak di hadapan chalet yang di sewa oleh ahli keluarga Aizuddin dan Nazreen. Lewat petang itu, kami semua menaiki ‘banana boat’.

Pada malam hari, kami hanya berehat-rehat di perkarangan khemah kerana masih penat mengharungi Taman Negara Penang siang tadi. Kami berasa bangga kerana boleh melihat rumah api yang kami daki dari kawasan perkhemahan kami. Bangga kerana kami boleh berjalan begitu jauh. Pada masa itu Nazreen tertidur dan kami masih berbual-bual. Semasa kami tiba siang tadi, kami bercadang untuk menghidupkan unggun api tetapi kerana keadaan pantai yang tidak begitu sejuk, niat kami terkubur. Tidak lama kemudian, hujan mula turun dan Aizuddin mengejutkan Nazreen untuk memasuki khemah. Tidak lama kerana selang seminit memasuki khemah, Nazreen keluar. Rupa-rupanya khemah kami basah di masuki air. Mujur hujan tidak lama tetapi kami di kejutkan oleh bunyi bising dari chalet jiran yang memasang lagu dengan begitu kuat sambil berpesta. Pada jam 11 malam, ahli keluarga Aizuddin dan Nazreen pulang sambil membawa pasembor. Kami makan sambil di temani bunyi music dari chalet jiran. Pada mulanya kami tidak kisah kerana mereka mengadakan parti hari jadi tetapi bunyi bising itu berpanjangan sehingga ke jam 2 pagi. Kami menghadapi masalah untuk tidur kerana gangguan bunyi serta bahang di dalam khemah. Kawasan khemah kami tidak berangin langsung dan menyebabkan tiada aliran udara di dalam khemah. Jam 3 pagi kami nekad untuk membentangkan ‘groundsheet’ berhampiran khemah dan tidur di situ. Intan tetap berada di dalam khemah kerana bimbang akan keselamatan. Aqif, Aizuddin dan Nazreen tidur di kawasan terbuka walaupun gangguan bunyi masih belum berhenti.

Pada pagi 25 Mei 2014, kami berempat kelihatan lesu kerana kekurangan tidur. Hari itu merupakan hari terakhir percutian kami ke Pulau Pinang. Kami terpaksa berangkat pulang kerana keesokkan harinya merupakan hari Isnin dan kami tidak cuti pada hari Isnin. Pada pagi itu, kami membuat kopi dan minum bersama roti serta tuna. Kami mengisi perut sambil menikmati permandangan pantai di awal pagi. Kemudian kami berkemas-kemas dan mengambil beberapa gambar. Kami menyertai ahli keluarga Aizuddin dan Nazreen bersarapan di kedai makan berhampiran. Usai bersarapan, kami menaiki Rapid Penang menuju ke jeti untuk menaiki feri. Kami bercadang untuk menaiki bus di Penang Sentral setelah bertanyakan pendapat penduduk tempatan. Ketika tiba di Penang Sentra, kira-kira jam 12.30 tengah hari dan kami terpaksa berpecah kepada dua kumpulan kerana Aizuddin dan Nazreen perlu menaiki bus ke Stesen Bus Pudu manakala Aqif dan Intan perlu menaiki bus ke Stesen Bus Shah Alam. Bus terawal ke Pudu pada jam 1 petang manakala bus terawal ke Shah Alam pada jam 3 petang. Setelah masing-masing menaiki bus ke destinasi yang di tuju, kami pulang ke rumah dengan selamat.

(ditulis oleh: Aqif)

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The darkness was rising during that time. The only light source was come from the road lamp nearby. On that night, specifically on 23^rd May 2014, we already at the Shah Alam Bus Station, was waiting for the bus which should depart on 11 pm. We choose to go further at this time for our expedition which at Penang Island. For this time, this expedition to Penang Island or known as Pearl Island was involving 4 person which includes Aizuddin, Aqif, Nazreen and Intan. 

We decided to choose the journey on the midnight because the journey will took about 5 hours so we can sleep or rest while on the way there. We expected to arrive there on early morning. Time was nearing 11 pm and our transport had arrived. We felt so excited because our bus was double storey and our seat was on the top storey. On our way, we slept, chat, took pictures and others but for the most of the times we slept.

On the next day which on 24^th May 2014, we arrived at Butterworth Bus Station. Time shows 5.30 am and we stuck there because to get to Penang, we need to take a ferry and the earliest departure time was on 6 am. The distance between the bus station and jetty was just nearby. Excitement was felt when we saw sun rises and fog disappearing. Once arrived on that island, we search for the restaurant nearby to eat while discussion our next destination. Unfortunately, there was no restaurant nearby so we had to make a little discussion on the Rapid Penang Bus Station and directly took the bus. We had decided to go to Penang National Park and will stop if there is restaurant available. When the bus pass through the unknown location, Aizuddin saw a restaurant and we choose to get down there.

Once arrived, we ordered our meals. It is important for us to eat before get to National Park because we afraid if there is no restaurant the means no energy to continue the journey. After took the meals, we continued our journey by bus. 

The excitement was increasing when we were arrived at Penang National Park but first, we need to sign in for safety purpose. We started our quest on 10 am. Our journey was already covered lots of area includes forest area, beach, swamp, rocky area until we don’t even know how far we already go. It feels terrible when saw rubbish that left by human being which disturb the nature scene there. When we arrived on the beach that the area was quite wide, we decided to take a rest for a while. Aizuddin open his groundsheet and we laying down on it. The sea breeze was so good and we were covered from the sunlight by the shaded trees.

We stop for an hour before continued the journey but before that, we use sunblock to avoid the sun burns. Then, an accident occurred when Intan foot was blistered because of improper shoe used but the journey was going on. We arrived on another beach that had lot of visitors. We were stunned by the sea water that looks chilling but we have to focus. We wanted to reach the lighthouse first. Then, we stop a while and bought some drink. Our distance to reach the lighthouse was not too far but we had to face the incline steps first. At that moment, Aqif and Aizuddin bag was about 10 kilogram and it felt heavier when the energy decreasing. With the high spirit, we continued our journey. While on our way, we met a female visitor about 60 years old came from Thailand and she was alone.

Then, we managed to reach the lighthouse but unfortunately, the condition was too hot and we already have no drinking water left. There is no tap water also to cool our body and Aqif, Aizzudin and Nazrenn had to remove our shirt while there is no other visitor there. But, few minutes later, the visitor from the Thailand came. 

We had a conversation there and known her as Aunty Petra. Ton of questions went out from out mouth and she told us her experienced that already explored over 60 countries alone and sometimes with her friend. For her, exploring is fun and she felt excited to see us started exploring on young ages. For her, what we were doing is good but not everyone will agree with us. Some people thought that we were wasting our time but she gave us hope and motivation. Aunty Petra gave us suggestion about the suitable country that we can visit for the future with low living cost. Then, she decided to return to the beach but we want to rest for the moment. After that, we climb to the lighthouse top. The condition on the top was different with the ground. The windy condition chill us and we decided to take a few minute to rest while enjoying the view. About 2.30 pm, we were ready to turn back. We reach the nearest beach and searching for drink. We were disappointed when seller ask us about the heavy bag that we been carried along our journey. She said that the visitor can put their bag at her shop and nothing can we do because we already on our way to campsite. We felt stupid at that time. We decided to take a boat because couldn’t manage to walk back. At the gate, we check out and clean up ourselves. It felt so relive when cold water touch our body. When all of us were ready, we search for restaurant because all of us felt hungry. We went to the same restaurant that we took our breakfast on that morning.

We took our lunch late and about 5 pm, we arrived at our campsite which located at the beach. Our plan to get rest on the beach was stopped by the heat from sun but luckily we have a flysheet belong to Aqif that can be used as cover. Actually, our campsite was located in front of the chalet rent by Aizuddin and Nazreen family members. On the late evening, all of us rode banana boat. During the night, we just rest nearby our tent. 

From the resting place, we can see the lighthouse that we went before. Nazreen already slept meanwhile Intan, Aizuddin and Aqif still having a conversation. On the evening, we plan to build a campfire but the condition was not suitable. Later then, rain was pouring and Aizzudin ask Nazreen to get into tent. Few minute later, Nazreen get out from the tent because our tent was flooded. Luckily it won’t get long but we were shocked by the loud sound came from the nearby chalet that played music while having a party. 

On 11 pm, Aizuddin and Nazreen family members return and bought us local food called ‘pasembor’. We ate with the loud noise still played. Initially, we don’t even bother because they having a birthday party but they won’t stop until 2 am. We can’t sleep because of the loud noise and the condition in the tent was very hot like in an oven. Our campsite didn’t have proper air flow so the heat inside our tent cannot be release out. On 3 am, we open the groundsheet in front our tent and slept there. Intan still on her tent for safety purpose but the rest was falling asleep in open placed even though the music won’t stop.

On 25^th May 2014 morning, all of us were tired because lack of sleep. That day was the last day for us to Penang Island for that expedition. We had to get back home because on Monday, we had a work to do. On that morning, we made coffee and drink it with slice of bread with tuna. We having a breakfast while enjoy the beach view. Then, we pack our stuff and took few photos. We join Aizzudin and Nazreen family members taking a breakfast at restaurant nearby. Once get full, we took Rapid Penang and headed to the jetty to get a ferry. We decided to take a bus at Penang Sentral after getting an opinion from local people. We arrived at Penang Sentral about 12.30 pm and we had to divide into two group. It is because Aizuddin and Nazreen had to go to Pudu Bus Station meanwhile Aqif and Intan had to go to Shah Alam Bus Station. The early bus to Pudu was on 1 pm meanwhile to Shah Alam was on 3 pm. Then, all of us were arrived at home safely.

(Written by Aqif)

Cameron Highlands

Hati kami merasa gementar ketika menunggu pintu nombor 12 di buka. Bas kami di jadualkan bertolak pada 11 Mei 2014, jam 8.30 pagi dan kami tiba awal bagi mengelak daripada timbul sebarang masalah. Perasaan gembira, teruja, kelam kabut silih berganti kerana aktiviti kami kali ini agak jauh dan seperti biasa kami tiada pengalaman ke sana sebelum ini. Destinasi pilihan kami pada kali ini ialah Cameron Highland.

Cameron Highland merupakan destinasi pilihan penggemar strawberi di Malaysia kerana suhu tanah tinggi di sana memberi persekitaran yang sesuai bagi penanaman buah strawberi. Selain itu, pengunjung juga dapat menikmati permandangan ladang teh. Pengunjung dari selatan semenanjung mempunyai 2 pilihan untuk ke sana sama ada melalui Perak atau Pahang. Kedua-dua jalan mempunyai daya tarikan dan cabaran yang tersendiri. Bus yang kami naiki memilih untuk melalui Perak. Tidak banyak permandangan menarik yang boleh kami ceritakan kerana kami hanya di sajikan dengan pokok-pokok sepanjang perjalanan dan ada kalanya kami tertidur. Ketika memasuki Tapah, kami berasa teruja kerana bus kami melalui Lata Iskandar. Melihat air terjun yang mengalir dari celah-celah batu membuatkan kami berasa seolah-olah mahu mandi di situ tetapi malangnya kami menaiki bus dan sudah tentu kami hanya mampu berangan.

Kira-kira jam 1 petang, kami tiba di Tanah Rata, Cameron Highland. Kami tidak tahu hendak ke mana kerana tidak pernah berkhemah di situ. 

Dengan mengharapkan cerita dari rakan-rakan, kami cuba mencari tapak perkhemahan. Ketika sedang mencari-cari hala tuju, kami bercadang untuk bertanyakan kepada seorang kakitangan di sebuah sekolah di situ. Malangnya pekerja itu tidak tahu lokasi tepat tapak perkhemahan tetapi dia menyatakan memang ada tapak perkhemahan berhampiran. Ketika itu, kami mengambil keputusan untuk singgah di masjid dahulu untuk menunaikan solat dan berbincang mengenai hala tuju kami. Usai menunaikan solat, kami berehat berhampiran pintu masjid. Tidak lama kemudian, kami di tegur oleh seorang lelaki yang lebih berusia daripada kami. Beliau kelihatan teruja menegur kami. Bermacam-macam perkara yang kami bincangkan dan di penghujung perbincangan kami, beliau mencadangkan kami tapak perkhemahan yang pernah beliau lawati suatu ketika dahulu. Katanya tempat itu memang sesuai untuk berkhemah kerana mempunyai sungai yang bersih.

Setelah bersiap, kami menuju ke destinasi yang di bincangkan tadi. Kami tidak jelas dengan arah tapak perkhemahan itu tetapi masih mahu meneruskan perjalanan. Tidak jauh dari kawasan masjid, kami terlihat sebuah papan tanda menunjukkan kawasan perkhemahan berhampiran. Kami terus menuju ke arah kawasan perkhemahan tersebut. Perjalanan yang mengambil masa lebih kurang 2 jam membawa kami ke tapak perkhemahan Sungai Pauh. Sebelum sampai ke tapak perkhemahan, kami di bantu oleh sebuah lagi papan tanda yang menunjukkan lokasi-lokasi yang boleh kami kunjungi pada keesokan hari. Kami bercadang untuk mendaki Gunung Berembun yang berada tidak jauh dari lokasi perkhemahan kami. Ketika sampai di tapak perkhemahan, hanya sebuah khemah yang kelihatan dan ini bermakna ramai pengunjung telah pulang. Kami mencari tapak yang paling sesuai untuk mendirikan khemah. Kelengkapan di situ agak memuaskan kerana ada tandas, surau, sumber eletrik, lampu dan sebagainya.

Ketika mencari tapak perkhemahan yang sesuai, kami sempat berbual dengan seorang pengunjung yang sudah beberapa kali ke sini. Beliau merupakan seorang bekas askar dan sukakan suasana hutan. Kami memanggil beliau Abang Aris and beliau mencadangkan agar kami mendirikan khemah di pondok agar terlindung dari hujan. Abang Aris sempat bercerita tentang pengalamannya semasa berkhidmat dulu. Beliau juga sempat mengajar kami tentang cara hidup semasa di dalam hutan. Paling kami tidak boleh lupakan ialah semasa beliau menjamu kami dengan jagung rebus. Kebetulan pula pada masa itu hujan gerimis, saat menjamu jagung panas memang terasa nikmat dan tidak boleh kami lupakan. Kemudian kami mendirikan khemah dan mengemas barang-barang kami. Pada masa yang sama, Abang Aris mengemas barang-barangnya untuk pulang.

Pada malam itu, kami tidak kemana-mana kerana mahu berehat dan hanya kami berdua sahaja yang berkhemah di situ. Suasana sepi melanda dan kami menyediakan makan malam kami. Menu kami pada malam itu hanyalah roti, biskut, sup cendawan dan kopi. Usai makan malam, kami merebahkan diri di dalam khemah dan berbual. Kemudian, kami berdua hanyut dalam kedinginan malam Tanah Rata. Pada pagi 12 Mei 2014, kami bangun agak lewat kerana di buai kesejukan semula jadi. Ketika kami keluar dari khemah, matahari sudah menyinar. Pada mulanya kami agak keberatan untuk mandi kerana air terlalu sejuk sehinggakan gusi kami terasa membeku ketika sedang memberus gigi. 

Kemudian, kami ke khemah untuk bersarapan. Menu kami pada pagi ini sama seperti semalam, cuma ada penambahan iaitu bubur segera. Menu yang ringkas tetapi mengenyangkan. Selepas itu, kami mengambil keputusan untuk mencuba kedinginan air sungai di situ. Kami tidak tergesa-gesa pada pagi itu walaupun sudah bercadang untuk mendaki Gunung Berembun yang berketinggian 1 840 meter. Ini kerana niat kami datang ke Cameron Highland adalah untuk berkhemah dan bercuti, jadi kami tidak mahu tergesa-gesa dalam membuat sesuatu perkara. Paling penting bagi kami adalah menikmati percutian kami.

Tatkala menjejakkan kaki ke dalam sungai yang agak cetek, kedinginan air terasa hingga ke ubun-ubun. Jadi, sebelum memasukkan badan ke dalam sungai, kami bercadang untuk mendalamkan sedikit sungai tersebut supaya kami dapat memasukkan badan sepenuhnya ke dalam sungai dan pada masa yang sama, kami dapat memanaskan badan. Setelah semuanya selesai, kami bersedia untuk mendaki Gunung Berembun. Lebih kurang jam 10 pagi, kami memulakan langkah. Kami menikmati permandangan flora dan fauna sepanjang perjalanan kami. 

Kami sampai di kawasan yang di panggil Hutan Lumut. Kawasan itu di gelar sebegitu mungkin kerana tumbuhnya lumut di serata kawasan termasuk pada pokok, batu, dan tanah. Kami seolah-olah berada di set penggambaran Hollywood kerana keadaan sedemikian boleh di tonton di dalam cerita-cerita seperti ‘The Lord of the Ring’, ‘Hobbit’ dan ‘Chronicle of Narnia’. 

Kemudian, kami tiba di persimpangan antara jalan untuk keluar dari kawasan kaki gunung dan jalan ke puncak gunung. Alang-alang sudah sampai ke Cameron Highland, kami membuat keputusan untuk mendaki Gunung Berembun. Walaupun langkah kami tidak pantas tetapi kami tidak kisah kerana tiada apa yang kami mahu kejarkan. Untuk ke puncak Berembun, kami terpaksa melalui denai yang curam. Ketika sedang mendaki, kami terpegun dengan kabus tebal yang menyelubungi kami. Kami bergambar seketika dan tiba-tiba kami terdengar bunyi bising. Bunyi itu semakin hampir dengan kami. Lantas, kami membuka poncho berwarna kuning kami untuk melindungi pakaian dan barang-barang kami dari kebasahan. Pendakian kami terpaksa di hentikan kerana bimbang kawasan laluan kami mungkin menjadi anak sungai kerana hujan makin lebat. 

 Sepanjang perjalanan kami ke kaki gunung, hujan tidak berhenti. Kami tiba di MARDI kira-kira jam 5 petang dan kami kecewa kerana MARDI sudah tutup. Jadi kami hanya bergambar dan berjalan pulang. Dalam perjalanan kami mencari-cari kawasan untuk kami makan kerana kami hanya bersarapan pada jam 8 pagi tadi. Tidak jauh dari MARDI, kami jumpa kedai makan dan kami bersyukur. Selesai mengisi perut, kami bergerak ke tapak perkhemahan. Kami sebenarnya tidak tahu jalan untuk ke tapak perkhemahan kami tetapi hati kami kuat untuk memasuki kawasan perkampungan berbanding melalui jalan besar. Kami amat bernasib baik kerana jalan pilihan kami sememangnya jalan yang menghala ke tapak perkhemahan kami.

Setelah sampai, kami membersihkan diri dan bersiap untuk berehat. Pada malam itu, kami hanya membancuh air untuk menghilangkan dahaga dan memanaskan badan kerana kami masih kenyang. Kira-kira jam 9 malam, hujan turun renyai-renyai. Pada 13 Mei 2014, kami bangun awal kerana mahu bersiap awal. Kami telah membeli tiket dari Tanah Rata menuju ke Stesen Bus Pudu pada jam 12.30 tengah hari. Selesai bersarapan, kami melipat khemah dan turun ke sungai untuk mandi. Sebelum pulang, kami bercadang untuk singgah di gerai cenderamata untuk membeli sedikit buah tangan untuk keluarga. Setelah membersihkan diri, kami menuju ke MARDI kerana di sana terkenal dengan jualan hasil-hasil tempatan. Lagipun, jarak antara MARDI dengan Stesen Bus Tanah Rata tidak begitu jauh jadi kami boleh berehat setelah membeli barang. Selepas membeli, kami menuju ke Marrybrown yang terletak berhampiran stesen bus. Kami makan di situ sementara menunggu jam 12.30 tengah hari. Kemudian kami bergerak pulang apabila tiba masanya.

(ditulis oleh Aqif)

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While waiting for the gate number 12 to be opened, our heart beating so fast. We already bought the ticket on 11^th May 2014 and the departure time was on 8.30 am, the earliest ticket on that day. We arrived on the Pudu Bus Station early to avoid any bad things happen. Happy, excited, clumsy feeling keep changing while waiting for the bus because our destination for this time quite far and we don’t have any experienced go there before. Our destination for this time was Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Highlands is a famous place for strawberry lovers in Malaysia because the temperature there gives the suitable conditions for strawberry plant to grow well. Besides that, the tourist can enjoy the view of tea farm while take a cup of tea. Tourist from south Peninsular Malaysia has two options to get there which travel though Perak or Pahang. Each path has its own attraction and challenges. Our bus takes path from Perak and not much that we can share about our experienced on the bus because there is only lot of trees and sometimes we fall asleep. Before get to Cameron Highland, we went through Tapah and there a famous waterfall those beings call as Lata Iskandar. The view of fresh water comes out from the rock make us felt want to jump into it but we can’t because for sure our bus will not stop and wait for us.

On 1 pm, we reached Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands. Actually, we don’t even know where to go because we never camping there before. We just follow the guide from our friend who been camping here before but we don’t know the exact location of campsite. While searching for the campsite, we found a school there and decided to ask worker there. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know the campsite location but he mentioned that there is a campsite nearby. At that moment, we decided to go to the mosque nearby to perform prayer and discuss about our future plan. While take a rest, we were asks by a man about our activity. He seems excited to meet us. He said that there is a campsite nearby and he suggests that we go to that campsite. He said that the campsite is in good condition because there is a river nearby.

Then, when we were ready, the journey goes on. We decided to go to the placed that the man talked about just now. We were not clear about the direction of the campsite but still want to carry on. Just nearby the mosque, there is a signboard that gives direction for the campsite nearby. We thought that the campsite was just around the corner but we were wrong. It took about 2 hours for us to reach Sungai Pauh Campsite. Before reached the campsite, we were guided by another signboard that showed the interest location that we can visit. We decided to hike for Berembun Mount which located nearby our campsite. On the campsite, there was a single tent and it means that lot of visitors were already gone back. We search for the suitable site to build our tent. The facilities there quite impressive because there is a toilet there, prayer room, electric sources, lamp and others.

While searching for the suitable place, we meet a guy who already been there few times before.  He was a soldier before and nature lover. We call him as Abang Aris and he suggest that we build our tent on the gazebo to avoid from rain. He told us his story while still in army and tough us how to survive in the jungle. The moment that we cannot forget was the moment when he gave us the boiled corn. Coincidently at that time, there was drizzle and the moment we ate hot boiled corn was graceful. Then, we continued to build a tent and setup our apparatus. At the same time, Abang Aris packed his stuff to gone back.

On the night, we won’t go anywhere because want to take a rest. Besides that, only both of us were on that campsite so it quite dangerous to go anywhere in the dark. We were sitting duck in the silent moment and to break the awkward situations, we make a dinner. Our menu for that night was only few slices of bread, biscuits, mushroom soup and coffee. After having a dinner, we just lie down and start to have some conversations. Then, both of us were fall asleep in the cold condition of Tanah Rata.  On 12^th May 2014 morning, we woke up late and we know about it because we can see the sunshine. Initially, we don’t want to take a bath because the water temperature was so cold and causing our gum numb while cleaning our teeth. Our menu for this morning was same like yesterday but we have additional on the list which it is an instant porridge. After taking the meals, we decided to take a bath. We were not in rushing even though we decided to climb Mount Berembun (1840 meter). For us, this camping was more on holiday mood and we don’t want to miss any great feeling there.

The cold water stops us from entering the river so we decided to do something to warm up our body first. The river was not depth so we decided to take out the sand to make the river become a little more depth than normal so we can put our body into it. Then on 10 am, we started our hiking to Mount Berembun. Our journey was companied by tons of flora and fauna view. We reached a place called Mosses Forest. Maybe that place being called that way because there are mosses everywhere including trees, stones and ground. Its felt like we were on the Hollywood set like in The Lord of the Ring, Hobbit, and Chronicle of Narnia movie. After that, we reached the junction where the option was to escape from the Mount Berembun or, climb it and we decided to climb it. We don’t care about the time taken to reach the peak because there is plenty of time and we were not rushing. To reach there, the trail was completely difficult because the slope seems no end.

While climbing, we been surrounded by the fog and we were amazed. Suddenly, we heard loud noise nearby and getting near toward us. Then we had to wear our yellow poncho to cover up our cloth and equipment. Worried about our safety, we had to turn back. The rain accompanied us along our journey. On 5 pm, we reach MARDI and sadly it already closed. So we took a few photos and went back to our campsite. On our way, we decided to find any restaurant nearby because our body need energy so badly. Our last meal was on 8 am and luckily we found restaurant nearby. After filling our stomach, we move towards our campsite. Actually, we don’t even know the way to the campsite because we took the different way from yesterday. Our instinct told us to take the village road instead of using main road. We were lucky because the road we took were the right way.

At the campsite, we clean up our body and ready to rest. On that night, we just drink a hot water to wet our throat and warm our body because we still full. About 9 pm, rain started pouring. On 13^th May 2014, we woke up early and packed our stuff. We already bought the bus ticket to Kuala Lumpur on 12.30 pm. After taking our breakfast, we rolled the tent and get to the river. While still at Cameron Highland, we decided to buy some souvenir for our family. We went to MARDI because that place is popular with the local product. Besides that, MARDI located not far from the Tanah Rata Bus Station so we can take a rest at the bus station. While waiting for the 12.30 pm, we take a lunch at Marrybrown first. Then we get back home when the time has comes.

(written by Aqif)