I was given a week off from school for the week due to CNY celebration, Since I'm not so keen on spending a few days idling at home, I decided to do my favourite activity-Trekking.
It was a little tough getting people to come. I thought most people would be on leave for the whole week but I was wrong. Some had to work, others have budget constrain. In the end it's a 3-men trip. Zach, Victor and I.
There are buses from Singapore to Kuantan. Since I stay so near to JB, I took public bus to Larkin instead. The midnight bus departs on time. En route, the bus driver make 1 stop only. It was a simple stopover unlike those you find on NS highway. I guess everyone was tired and groggy. But why is everyone glued to the TV showing black and white old movie. I don't understand.
By 0430, we arrive at Kuantan bus terminal. We headed up to the 2nd level foodcourt. Though not the best place to rest, we were able to find a place to rest. We played German bridge to pass time. By 0630hrs, we headed to the nearby hawker for breakfast.
After much fuss with the taxi drivers, they agree to take us there for 140RM (2-ways). My previous trip 2 years ago was 100RM (2-ways). We don't have any options.
At the campsite, I was delight and slightly surprise to find out that we are the only 3 fellow. It's a Friday and since part of the CNY week, I thought schools are close. We're quick to plunge into the chilling water.
The whole day was spend wandering around and interacting with nature. We swim, dive, plunge, slide, jump off from 1m into the pool. Then we scout for more spots to do our outdoor natural spa. Found a spot where we could sit right under the waterfall (a gentler one) and allow the water to massage our back.
Sunburn
Throughout the day, we were almost under the direct sun. Bringing the sunblock was not in my packing list. Needless to say, we're cooked, literally. Zach and I found a spot so perfect that we dozed off. 45 mins later, I woke up and found my chest and stomach area slight red. Luckily I had my shirt covering my face. Otherwise, my face would be gone too.
We suffer the effects of sunburnt several hours later. At night, though the temp dip to 20-25 degree C. I can feel the burning sensation on my chest, stomach and thigh area. The sensation woke me up several times at night. Though my feet are feeling cold, my chest is burning.
The following week, I was peeling like a snake changing skin. I scolded myself so many times for not taking caution to prevent this from happening. It was quite miserable. Thank God, in a week's time, my skin recovered. The burnt and dead skin peel off gradually. After this experience, I had a new found appreciation for my skin, it's so wonderful. Self repair, breathable, semi-impermeable. Way better than Gortex or any other high tech fabric. If only my skin is wind-proof too.
After dinner, we clean up and hang around the campsite. I saw cumulus clouds forming fast. I don't mind the rain after sunset.
True enough, it rain and we had to retreat into the tent. More card games. When the game ended, they chatted while I dozed off again. The rain stopped around 9pm. Time for hot beverages.
Soon after the rain stops, the sky cleared up and we're able to see the sky jam packed with stars. So many of them but I can hardly recognise any of them. I was trying to figure out where is north. I think I got it in the end.
And there were the occasional firefly. They give out amber and red glow. Most of them are very slow in flying. Except for 1, it's blue and it's fast. Could that be firefly too? Maybe firefly are not the only flying creature that give out light.
You know you are having a good time when 2 hours felt like 2 mins. Zach and I marvelled at God's creation. We were created for the outdoor because whenever I'm outside, I felt a special connection with God and his creation. Now it's time to go to bed.
0800hr. No one is up yet. I thought I should get things started for the rest. First thing first, boil water for making coffee and tea. They came out of the tent soon after me. I was right, everyone is waiting for someone to get up though everyone is already up.
We pack up and headed down. Along the way we met other group. Some were camping overnight. WE reach the park, wash up and wait for our driver. So glad that he show up on time.
Next time I come here, it'll be on a weekday so that I can have the whole campsite to myself again. I'll probably rent a car to drive up. Haggling with the taxi drivers in Kuantan is quite a pain.
Getting there
Transport:
From Larkin or Singapore
-to Kuantan by bus. 5 hours. 66RM 2-way per person
-to waterfall by taxi from taxi stand, same location as bus terminal. 1 hour. 140RM 2-way per taxi.
-Turn-in to Berkelah waterfall is 5 mins after Gambang Resort. Look out for big brown signboard.
From the base, it will take 2-3 hours of walking to get to the main waterfall where most trekkers camp overnight. It is not the highest point or the summit, most trekker chose here because the trails after the main waterfall is tough. Trails beyond the main waterfall is recommended for the experience and fit trekkers.
Difficulty level of the trail up to the main waterfall is moderate. Usually there are 2 parallel trail. Just walk along the water will get you to the main waterfall. Chances of getting lost is low. Trails can be slippery for first-timer. On my way down, I saw another group wearing Crocs. You might wanna try it out, but forget those from Pasar Malam
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