Pulau Tioman

I didn't expect to be using my passport so soon after my return from the travel. However, in just 3 weeks,I've been using my passport to enter Malaysia twice. First trip to Berlumut, second trip to Pulau Tioman.

A couple of years ago, David Teo shared with me his adventure, or misadventure as some might called, in Tioman several years ago. He and 2 other guys planned to spend 4 days exploring Tioman Island. The plan is simple-just backpack and circumnavigate the island and in the course, camped and set up tents along the way.

Sounds simple: Island, beautiful sandy beach on the coast and just keep walking.They soon found out it was not exactly as they thought.

Several stretch of the coast are line with slippery rocks or muddy area or swampy area, depending on the tide. Others are just cliffs and the only way to get around is to wade in the water or swim across in worst case.

On my journey to Mersing, I was contemplating with the idea of doing what David did. However, I only have 1 full day to explore the island.

Arriving at Mersing. Thank goodness someone has done something to make travel from Mersing to Tioman a breeze. At the reservation office, I was able to arrange everything- from purchasing 2-ways ferry to Tioman, to arrange my accommodation, to the bus ride back to Singapore. Even diving trips can be arrange and purchase here.

Thanks to Fangjing who provide me with the information on Mersing and Tioman, Otherwise I would have to spent maney on tour pakages.

So, what is my purpose here? Why the sudden interest to visit Tioman when I'm not even interested in diving and snorkeling?

Well, Joon Uk a brother from Korean wants to spend a couple of days in Malaysia and/or Indonesia diving and a little sight seeing. Many of my best friends are leisure divers and hence I have an idea on arranging diving trips.

I agree to help Joon Uk. Fang Jing helped me call several dive operator and finally found 1. The operator charges 500 sing. I called the operator at 1100hrs to confirm. Then I call at 1700hrs again, I was told that the company is unable to secure a bus ticket to Mersing.

Not wanting to disappoint and make him feel like he has wasted his time in Singapore, I decided to arrange his DIY diving trip for me. So here I am entering Malaysia again.

First day home

27th May 2007

0810hrs. The plane touch down at beautiful Changi Airport. The aircrew announced that the outside temperature records 37 DC. I went to look for Charmaine at her MAC counter. Her colleague checks the roster, her shift starts at 3pm.

Clearing the immigration was a breeze, with the fully automatic gantry, all you need is your passport and thumbprint. There was no one in the queue. It took 1min. I am back in Singapore officially.

On the other side, the Indian nationals are waiting in line patiently. Whether you like it or not, every country has to distinct between the citizen and foreigners. I recall having to wait in line at so many custom, while the locals just breeze thru. I noticed there are only a handful of Singaporeans on board the flight.

While taking the escalator, Fang spotted John waiting for us. We had no difficulties retrieving our luggage. Thank goodness, my Xiao Ming survived.

Fang was kind enough to give me a lift to church, a 10 mins detour from her place.

The familiar expressways, beautiful trees lining the road dividers. The new Ikea, Courts and Giants are open for business already.

5 mins into the taxi ride, I recognise the HDB apartment of Seng Kang and Punggol ( the much nicer estate). The Merc cab driver exit TPE at Punggol Road.

At the church building, the first couple I met was Jessica and Micheal at the lift lobby. Then Zach and Deon outside the sound room. From afar, I saw my best friend Raymond on stage practicing the songs with other singers. Stephenie and Qiuling are preparing the communion. Eventually, I met Matthew, ZQ, Joey, Siewlay, Berlin.

When the church sings, I wanted to record it on my camera. It seems new to me yet not exactly. In the Kingdom, Be Still My Soul, Be With Me Lord.

After service, I went straight to Jonathan. So good to see him. He told me he’d guessed that I’ll be back today. He knows me well.

Where is Xinglai? I asked Stephenie and was told that Xinglai is attending a funeral wake, a close friend of him. Later, I manage to grab time with him. He was visibly disturbed. I try to find words to comfort him. A few moments of silence and we moved on to talk about my return.

Humpta Pass Trek.

23 May 2007

Today, we got up early for breakfast. We are going to Humpta Pass and will return back to Camp 5. Weather doesn't look good- Cloudy and light snowing.

0630hrs-Set off for the pass despite the light snowing.

0730hrs- The snow gets heavier. Within seconds, my bright red Mammut windbreaker becomes decorated with white snow all over. Visibility also reduced to 10-15m. Now, snowflakes are all over my face and sunglasses. I have to keep my camera in my pocket. Our guide stopped to enquire if we're still keen to press on in this weather. I think that the weather is still manageable and so we pressed on.

The first hour, we’re walking on visible trail. Subsequently, it was all snow. There were no existing track, our guide made new trail on the white sheet of snow that surrounds us.

Snow
There’s so much to learn about walking on snow. First of all, there are so many type of snow.

Some are hard. When you stepped on it, it’s usually few inches or at most ankle deep.

Some are soft. Stepping on them could be as deep as hip level.

Then there’s walking on frozen snow. The accumulated snow melts and become like ice. Walking on ice presented no friction at all.

I also learned a few techniques for walking on snow.

Along the slope, perpendicular to the gradient- Dig into the snow using the outer side of your left foot and the inner side of your right foot.

Vertically up slope- Dig into the snow using the front (toe area) of your boots.

Vertically down slope- Dig in using the heel of your boots. Alternative, slide, roll, ski, do whatever it takes to get down. This is the most fun part of walking on snow.


The weather gradually clears. I turn back to look at the direction where we came from. Part of the clouds have cleared, revealing the beautiful blue sky. I think Camp 5 is now enjoying the warm morning sunshine. I can visualize Suat sitting under the sun reading the non-fiction, Left For Dead.

Also, the gathered clouds in the direction of the pass is starting to clear.

We arrived at the ridge, the next 30 mins to the pass is paved with mixed snow, mud and rock. I find this part trickiest. Every step I made, I have to test the stability before I put my whole body weight on it. I try to follow the footprint of Dhuni and Fang, even then, I have to put 100% concentration on the trail. There’s little room for error.



We were doubly blessed- first for arriving at the pass safely, second for the almost perfect weather.

We recharged our body with water, biscuits and trail food. Dhuni did not carry anything with him, not even water and food. I saw him helping himself to the snow, I offer him my water.

Going down was easy. We were skiing down the slopes. Playing with snow was fun. I try to make snowball and allow them to roll down the slopes. Strangely, it doesn’t works. How did the term snowballing come about?
Actually, throwing snowballs at Fang is more interesting. She would scream and dodge and also make attempts to throw snowballs back at me. We collaborated by pretending to throw at each other. But at the count of 1 2 3, we change our direction from each other to Dhuni. What great fun! We were in good spirit.

More walking on snow. Where is the midpoint? I am hungry again, I want to eat Maggi Mee.