Monday, September 3, 2007

Gunung Lambak, not as easy.

The Gunung and the Trails.
Gunung Lambak at only 510 m is located in the town of Kluang, Johor. You should have no problem locating this gunung as practically everyone in Kluang knows the location. Just ask anyone and you would be directed to the right direction. Gunung Lambak actually consists of three ridges. Most trekkers would attempt the two more popular ridges. Starting at the popular Lambak base, trekkers have the choice of trekking up the two ridges through a combination of different trails between the two ridges. The most challenging trail would be the direct trail starting at the base and then proceeding along a cemented walking trail. The actual ascend start at the end of this walking trail. This trail will first lead you to what the locals called "half way hill" of "tea station". It is called the tea station because almost every morning one very nice uncle will trek up this "half way hill" and prepare Chinese and English tea together with snacks for trekkers as refreshment and yes free of charge.

From the "half way hill', you then proceed straight up for about another two third the distance to the peak. A reasonable fit trekker should be able to summit the peak within forty minutes. My record is twenty eight minutes. At only 510 m, you may think this is a considerably easy mountain to summit. But most trekkers having summit this peak would swear that they have never been more exhausted summiting this peak than summiting many others.
After having rested at the peak, you may want to try what the locals call "cross the mountain". You first descend the peak from another trail. Trekking down for about ten minutes, you divert yourself to a left trail to the next base for the second ascend to the next ridge. At the second base and at first glance up you may start to question your sanity of attempting a second ascend. But fear not for the second ascend though steep is actually easier and shorter. Once you reached this peak(hence cross the mountain) take a right trail for your final descend.

Thousand Years Old Tree.
And if you love nature, you may want to view the closely guarded "thousand years old tree or the pokok besar". That if you can get some regular local trekkers to show you this seldom trekked trail. And if you can't find any willing guide and if you are adventurous enough, at the 510 m peak after the police store turn left toward a downward trail. Roughly about 300 meters turn right toward another trail. If you proceed straight you will end up at the communication towers. Trek downward until you can hear the waterfall. Once you can hear the waterfall look out for a left trail. Going straight will bypass the pokok besar. From here you should be able to see the tree within five minutes walk. This tree is so big it would require about eleven to twelve people's hand joining hand to hug it. The descend to and ascend back from this trail would take about one and a half hours. So bring along more water ration.



Things to bring.
Actually you need not bring anything with you. Piped fresh water from the waterfall source is available at the half way hill. Alternatively help yourself to the tea and snacks kindly provided. And at the base there are stalls selling drinks, food and local fruits. And for those who wish to shower before going back, head to the resort next door. For a fee of 50 cents you can use the shower facilities there.