18 July 2023My cousin wanted to see wild boars at the peak, so we did not waste time, taking the most direct (and steeper) trail to the top. Midway, we allowed ourselves a brief stop when a break in the foliage revealed the city skyline. Ten minutes later, we reached the peak only to learn …
According to Worldometer - real time world statistics provider, Mongolia is the- 19th largest country in the world by area - 3rd most sparsely populated (6 people per square mile)The landscape is largely steppe, desert, and semidesert, with 75% of the land used for livestock grazing. And that is what makes the Mongolian road trip …
Our intention to conquer Ulu Sempam, Fraser’s Hill almost unravelled even before we got to the trailhead. The bigger disaster would have been missing out on the chance to touch a little bit of Spencer Chapman’s historical, mountainous traverses in the region. Sungai Sempam was one of Spencer Chapman's favourite hideout base camp, and the …
Continue reading Hulu Sempam via Jeriau Waterfall, Fraser’s Hill
I first heard about this hidden waterfall from a friend. However more information was mysteriously hard to come by, even among my regular hiking buddies. Surprisingly, our party was able to find Tanglir Falls, based on the scant directions shared - it is just up the road from an eco-resort at the foothills of Genting. …
When I announced my intention to visit Nepal that included a 10-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, I was not prepared for reactions like "You are going solo? You are NUTS, is that safe?" Despite horror tales of altitude sickness, lack of bathrooms while trekking, aneuryms and what nots, I stayed resolute, carried on with my …
Taman Tugu Forest Trails City folks can now have a delightful morning walk / hike surrounded by the green wilderness of a secondary forest, in the heart of the city. I had the privilege to join a private guided tour that was both fun and educational. Starting from the Nursery Entrance, we followed numbered Checkpoints …
With Avatar 2 slated release date still a moving target (last heard it was December 2021), now is as good a time as any to share my take on the 'Hallelujah Mountains'. Zhangjiajie became one of my holiday destinations after James Cameron's Avatar hit local theatres in 2009. With sequels planned till 2027, this will …
Located in the heart of Anhui Province, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) consists of massive granitic boulders and ancient pine trees emerging through a perpetual sea of clouds. Intrigued by the four wonders of pine trees, oddly shaped rocks, sea of clouds and hot springs, we planned a 2D/1N trip to Mt. Huangshan in 2011 to …
We decided to hike Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve via Dolomite Templer. Heading up the hillside opposite the new housing development, we entered the forest trail just beside a tokong. The trail is fairly well marked with a moderate incline. Half an hour later, we emerged into a cleared open area and more construction work ahead. …
Continue reading Bamboo Forest @ Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve
Every so often I feel and give in to the call of the wastelands. For the next 2 hours, I not only enjoy a totally good workout but also make new discoveries with each subsequent visit. The 'equipment' at the outdoor gym has been upgraded ala-Flintstones! Across the gym, the discovery of a 3-tier vertical …
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