Pulau Bangau in Teluk Intan, Perak – When the Storks Fly Home

 
I got you thinking huh.
Teluk Intan or Teluk Anson (once it used to be called) has an island?
The island is located on its river; the Perak River (map attach pada yang confuse).
 
I will be writing on the below 4 topics, 1 blog post each, and yah… So far I’ve completed only one ie. Bagan Datuk. So let’s get started.

Blog post on Teluk Intan Trip
1. Pulau Bangau or Stork Island (or perhaps Bangau Island) – DONE. Click HERE.
2. Bagan Datuk – Sunflower Garden, Sky Mirror, Blue Tears atPulau Sembilan, Aquarium and Bagan Datuk Waterfront – DONE. Click HERE.
3. Ladang Moccis – pronounced as Mokkis, by the way.
4. Teluk Intan Heritage Trail – Yup, TI has Heritage Trails both on land and by the river

Despite I started my blog with Bagan Datuk but Pulau Bangau experience was one in a million, for now at least. I have always been fascinated with migration bird those that fly in V-Formation especially and oh boy, the excitement when I get to see it with my own eyes over and over and over again… I was in disbelief. This is like…. Safari on AIR/SKY (with just one type of animal lah – bird, egret in particular).
 
Pulau Bangau or Bangau Island is not meant for us to visit, the highlight of Pulau Bangau is to capture the majestic egrets flying home in V-formation, some fly high and some slightly above the water. Seeing hundreds of them flying at dusk is certainly a wondrous moment. Don’t think flying a drone at this time is safe though.

One will start his/her journey via Teluk Intan River Cruise from the iconic jetty (the one with the big asam tree), and this trip is best taken either at dawn or late in the evening ie when the birds going out for food or coming home after. It is said that the island is home to more than 20,000 birds, including 10 species of herons and egrets.

 
Some of the species found here are :

• Little Cormorant
• Lesser Adjutant
• Asian Open Bill Heron
• Purple Heron
• Striated Heron
• Black Crowned Night Heron
• Grey Heron
• White-Breasted Waterhen
• Acridotheres Tristis
• Yellow Bittern
• Chinese Egret
• Little Egret
• Great Egret
• Cattle Egret

 
Truthfully the main reason for my fascination is the v-formation part. After abit of reading, these are some of the reasons.

V-formation facts (click HERE for my IG video)

• A V formation is the symmetric V-shaped flight formation of flights of geese, swans, ducks, and other migratory birds, improving their energy efficiency.
• To conserve energy by taking advantage of the upwash vortex fields created by the wings of the birds in front.
• To facilitate orientation and communication among the birds.
• No single bird lead for an extended period of time. The bird will switch position during the flight seamlessly.

 
Package A (45 mins) – River cruise
Children : RM15
Adult : RM25
Senior Citizen : RM20
 
Package B (90 mins) – River cruise

Children : RM25
Adult : RM45
Senior Citizen : RM35
 
Package C (45 mins) – Kelip-kelip (fireflies)
Children : RM15
Adult : RM25
Senior Citizen : RM20
 
Package D (Package B+C) – River cruise + Kelip-kelip (fireflies)
Children : RM40
Adult : RM70
Senior Citizen : RM55
 

Info Shahril Pekan Enterprise
HP: 012-5966375/ 013-5966301
FB: River Cruise Teluk Intan Perak

#TravelPerakLah Teluk Intan Media Fam Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

5 Things To Do In Bagan Datuk, Perak (Sunflower Garden/Sky Mirror/Aquarium/Waterfront/Blue Tears)

 
Gonna start with this entry as it has the most enquiries has I thought I should rush it. Infact I have about 5-8 blog entries to rush for Perak. If you are a fan of outdoor/adventurous/food stuff, keep a close tab on my blog post yah…. You will be loaded with #TravelPeraklah for the next one month of so. Ahaks.
 
There’s a few things that surprised me when I got the itinerary, namely :
 
1. Pulau Bangau or Stock Island (or perhaps Bangau Island) – A place I highly recommend you guys to visit. A definitely MUST hokkay
2. Bagan Datuk – Sunflower Garden, Sky Mirror (and supposedly Blue Tears at Pulau Sembilan but it has been closed indefinitely due to illegal development) Aquarium and the town itself
3. Ladang Moccis – pronounced as Mokkis (do you know this?)

 
Others that I kinda of expected but never actually covered before (on my travel nor blog) is the Heritage Trail of Teluk Intan or Teluk Anson. Will be writing about this too. So yah… expect 4 blog entries from me covering Teluk Intan/Bagan Datuk.

1. Sunflower Garden
Many has asked me over DM whether is this similar to Lopburi in Thailand, the answer is NO. Having been to both (Lopburi in 2008 and 2012, and Bagan Datuk in 2020), trust me this 2 places is a world apart. Having said that, if you wish to check out Sunflowers and do a little OOTD or even a pre-wedding shoot, this is the place to be. As I have blogged on Lopburi before, I will be sharing solely on Bagan Datuk Sunflower Garden on this post.
 
Why you should visit Sunflower Garden, Bagan Datuk
- Is nearer and easier to reach than the one in Lopburi
- It is definitely cheaper, a roadtrip with friends/family over the weekend is a great idea to ponder upon
- Learn that sunflowers are approximately 6-10feet tall, taking a picture higher than the sunflower is kinda of weird unless you are that tall lah. Hence am dwarfed by them (most Malaysians are too)
- Buy them sunflower seed. Yah… they do sell them as well
- Instgrammable spots are everywhere (the favourite for you Gen Y and after), from the Staircase to Heaven to the Rattan Swing Chair and the Transparent Swing Chair, Swing, Heart-shape frame and etc. You name it, they have it (well, most of it lah)

 
#TravelTips
- Sunblock. Sunblock. Sunblock
- Wear nice dresses (ideas : white or red ie colours that pops-up against yellow/orange)
- Bring props if need be – Hats, scarf, umbrella and etc
- Bring a large bottle of water… its hot hot hot. Do stay hydrated hokkay.

Sunflower Garden
A128, Bagan Sungai Burung
Bagan Datuk, Perak
 
Operating Hours
Daily : 9am – 7pm
 
Entrance Fee
Children : RM5
Adult : RM13

 
2. Sky Mirror
Kinda similar to the one in Selangor. The operator that we engage somehow is more fun and funny (I have to credit them for this lah… super funny). The boat ride took around 30mins or so from the jetty, before you know it, you’ll be at the Sky Mirror. According to the operator, there are a few spots that gives you this illusion and that it is highly depending on the tide. The one that we visited was closer to the beach/island, and the operator will set it up for you as most of the time, the tide is not on your favour. Takkan nak jenuh tunggu air pasang surut pulak kan kan kan.

#TravelTips
- Check on the month, tides and time. Walk-in is NOT advisable.
- Bring/wear slippers/flipflops and waterproof bag
- Sunblock. Sunblock. Sunblock (Sumpah panas)
- Wear nice dresses (ideas : white or red ie colours that pops-up against the blue sky)
- Bring props if need be – Hats, scarf, umbrella and etc (if you take their package, they will prepare this for you. So do check before committing)
- Bring a large bottle of water… its hot hot hot. Do stay hydrated hokkay.
 
Nine Island Agency Sdn Bhd
64, Kampung Sungai Burung
Bagan Datoh, Perak

3. Sungai Burung Aquarium
It’s a privately own aquarium that is located in this quaint village. I have to give them 2 thumbs up on this, the folks here strive in growing/building their village. They have huger garoupa, spotted gar, monitor lizards and etc.

Sungai Burung Aquarium
75, Bagan Sungai Burung
Bagan Datuk, Perak
 
Operating Hours
Daily : 10am – 10pm
 
Entrance Fee
Children : RM15
Adult : RM18
 

 
4. Waterfront
Bagan Datuk Waterfront is the new ‘in’ thing, coupled with the beautifully coloured town, I foresee Bagan Datuk will draw visits from locals and be the latest hot-lepak-place soon. The shophouses where built back in 1926 has now being repainted (since 2018), the birth of the Tuminah Floating Mosque at the new Bagan Datuk water front are gonna boom this place up. Check-it out yourself, need I say more.

 
I heard that have a few great kopitiam that am yet to explore, next trip perhaps.
 

Credit : Malay Mail 20 June 2019

 
5. Pulau Sembilan Blue Tears
Disclaimer – I did not visit Pulau Sembilan but I thought I should also include this as an educational info on Bagan Datuk listicle post.

I read somewhere in 2019 that the Perak government is currently looking into gazetting Pulau Sembilan and its cluster of islands made famous for its “blue tears” phenomenon, as a marine park. The islands had been closed since 2017 when authorities saw the damages caused by visitors from unregulated tourism. The blue phenomenon is caused by algae called dinoflagellates.
 
The spectacle occurs when phytoplankton (microscopic marine plants), commonly known as dinoflagellates, produce light through chemical reactions in proteins, said researchers. Waves disturb these unicellular microorganisms and make them release blue light.
Credit : Indian Express 
 
Nine Island Agency Sdn Bhd
64, Kampung Sungai Burung
Bagan Datoh, Perak
 
 
Amazing right? Previously we don’t know much about Bagan Datuk except that it is the home of Datuk M. Daud Kilau (my late dad and my grandma’s favourite artist tau), now… we have a lot more reasons to visiting Bagan Datuk.
 
I doubt a day trip will be sufficient, 2 days 1 night trip lah kot kan.

#TravelPerakLah Teluk Intan Media Fam Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Oakwood KL Staycation | Adhering to SOP during the pandemic

 
I have stayed in Kuala Lumpur city itself during the pandemic (the term staycation is becoming popular these days), I mean… you guys do agree that staying at home since the start of MCO (I believe somewhere in April 2020) till now, November 2020 has been a hair-pulling experience. Some lost their jobs, some got a pay-cut and some business just simply bungkus, and for those that still have a job and maintaining the same salary, they too try their very best to support small and medium business the best way they can. I am sure of it.

I was given a chance for a staycation in Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur and experience their SOP implementation of which is being oversaw by KKM/police very tightly. A few things that I noted and particular about was being observe by the management, kudos to them. Health and safety of not only the guests but their customers are their utmost priority. It is a comfort to know this. Alhamdulillah…

So what I am gonna do is to take you thru my journey during my SOP Staycation, having said that, if you wish to know more on my stay in Oakwood, please click HERE.

Lobby entrance
As usual, you will be greeted by the front desk requesting you to sanitize and scan the My Sejahtera apps. The management has installed a transparent visor/shield at the front desk counter to ensure the boundary between their staff and hotel guests. This is to minimize the transmission of gems/bacteria from one to the other.

Luggage area

Guests’ luggage is being sanitized and managed by hotel staff.

Registration
We were briefed that due to the pandemic, coffee house for breakfast is not open as usual hence breakfast order is being taken during registration and is served at own room. Pool is closed during this period with exception for cocktail by the pool that starts at 6pm (no pool usage, cocktail by the pool is open to hotel guests and public.

Breakfast

We were given 4 breakfast choices – Classic American Breakfast, Nasi Lemak Ayam, Chinese Style Shredded Chicken Soup and Dhall with Roti Pratha/Capati. The meal of your choice will then be sent to your room in a take-away pack, minimising human contact.

Gym
It is still open but registration is required and guest is to indicate the preferred time. Despite that gym is open, they have limit the pax usage per time. Only 4 pax per time is allowed per time (if I remember the figure correctly). The equipment is being sanitized after every usage.

Room
I also enquired on the room and how it is being handled. I learnt that upon guests check-out, they wil not enter the room immediately. Upon the stipulated time, the room service will clean and sanitize the room.

Things that fascinated me the most when staying in Oakwood were :

1. Starbucks DIY machine (located at the lobby)
- All you need is digital money 😉

2. On-the-go pastry counter
- Simple and easy

3. Kitchenette
- Their kitchenette comes with (kid you not) – all the kitchen utensil including dish washing liquid and sponge, rice cooker, microwave, kettle, mini fridge, cups/glasses and plates and toaster. Boleh berkampung here hokkay.
 

 
Where to have a quick bite and all this places are across the street.

1. Kenny Hill Bakers
- Need I say more… sedap. Period

2. Thai Village
- Obviously Thai food lah kan.

 

3. Victoria Station
- Still famos, their steak is not bad.

4. Hock Choon
- The 'atas' grocer with local name.
 
Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is located approximately 5km from KLCC and the closes embassy is the China/British/France and US embassy if I am not mistaken. Great place to stay if you just wanna lepak at KLCC, attend a wedding near this area, celebrate birthday party or perhaps… apply for visa at one of the embassy (assuming you are not based in KL/Selangor lah). Not only that, they have long term stay concept (for expat) here too. Whatever it is, do come and experience your stay here.



Fact :
Oakwood Worldwide® is the premier provider of corporate housing and serviced apartment solutions through its well-known brands, Oakwood®, ExecuStay® and Insurance Housing Solutions™. With a presence in all 50 United States and more than 85 countries, the award-winning company provides move-in-ready furnished accommodations to meet the needs of global organizations, individual business travellers, insurance clients and leisure travellers alike. Oakwood Worldwide was founded in and continues to base its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles and operates regional headquarters in London, Phoenix and Singapore.
 

Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur

222 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603.2720.3888
Website : https://www.oakwoodasia.com/kualalumpur/oakwood-kualalumpur.php

#TravelTips | Accommodation at Taman Hutan Lagenda, Gunung Ledang

 
Takde idea nak tuliiiiiiiiissss…
 
This is basically what will happen once you lose the momentum, hence I usually prefer to write everything within one week so that my mood, flow and lenggok Bahasa/jalan cerita will be more or less the same. BUT NOOOOOOOO… I took few weeks to continue with my last blog entry on my Endau-Rompin trip, see what happened?!!? Jenuh dok bertapa nak dapat balik mood lah pulak.
 
Earlier on I wrote about where to stay in Endau Rompin (Selai) National Park, you can read it HERE. I figure I should do the same for Gunung Ledang as it too has its own proper accommodation at Taman Hutan Lagenda. Jom, let’s take a look shall we.

I have to use photos from public/google reason being we arrived late at night and I was among the last few to go into the dorm (yup! We stayed in a dorm)… hence the place was pretty much a mess and most of us dah bukak tedung bagai, so sis tak ler ambek gambo.
 
Dormitory
I saw 2 dorm buildings (but when I googled, it stated 3 lah pulak, Nampak sangat I tak jalan kat belakang-belakang tuh). The 3 dorm buildings can fit 120 pax which means you can actually do a family day here. Each dorm consist of :

• Double decker beds
• Pillow and blankets provided
• Metal lockers
• Ceiling fans
• Common bath area and toilets (female bath area and toilet are different from male, fret not)
• There’s an open area beneath the dormitory can be used for activities (and its free)
• Common surau, cooking and dining area located nearby

 
Standard Chalet
As I walk around the next day, I noticed that have a few chalets near the river, not bad jugak lah. Suitable for a family of 4 (or friends) and 8 chalets in total (located next to the park office). Each chalet consist of :

• 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (2 pax per room)
• Master bedroom comes with airc-con
• 2nd room comes with fan
• Electric water heater in the bathroom
• Living room
• Kitchenette (however, no fridge and television tau. Kalau nak lebih-lebih gi JB)

 
Deluxe Chalet
They also have deluxe chalet catering for larger pax. But I did not go for a peep. Having said that, the basic amenities are the same as standard just that it is bigger in size.
 
 
 
Campsite
Total of three campsites at Taman Hutan Lagenda, namely :

• Lagenda campsite (accommodates 90 pax)
• Obstacle (OBS) campsite (accommodates 50 pax)
• Kolam Mahligai campsite (accommodates 40 pax)
• Common bathrooms and toilet
• Shared surau, cooking and dining areas (all located near each campsite)

 
Jungle Hut
I don’t even know where the jungle hut is, this place is huge obviously. Better to stay for 3d2n. Hahhaha…. This area is also pretty rugged and suitable for outdoorish folks.

• Accommodate only 3 pax
• Sleeping platform with 2 large PVC mattresses, 3 pillows and a wall fan
• As usual, common toilets, bathrooms, surau, cooking and dining area
• HOWEVER, no blankets nor towels provided

 

If you ask me, I will take the chalet but if budget is tight, dorm is good enough especially in large crowd – lagi seronok ramai-ramai satu bilik kan. Lepas MC Oni kita serang Johor JOM!!!
 
 
Gunung Ledang Johor National Park
P.O. Box 77, Batu 26, Jalan Segamat,
84020 Sagil, Ledang,
Johor Darul Ta’zim,
 
Office:     +60 6 963 1030
Mobile:   +60 19 777 2057
 
Email:      tamanhutanlagenda@yahoo.com
Facebook: Taman Negara Johor Gunung Ledang
Gunung Ledang Packages : https://www.johornationalparks.gov.my/v3/gunung-ledang-packages/

Sungai Ayer Puteh Waterfall and #TravelTips

If you are looking for an easy trail when visiting Gunung Ledang or even if you feel-feel wanna visit Gunung Ledang yet not wanting to climb us (I feel you dude), well… what you can do is just take stroll at Sungai Ayer Puteh and enjoy the waterfall. Don’t worry, it is not as tough as the want at Endau Rompin as this one is simpler and easier, most importantly this is pathed. Yup! There’s a proper path (hence I said stroll *wink*).

Am not sure whether is there any other way to get to the waterfall but I start the stroll from Taman Lagenda Gunung Ledang as I was staying here. Makes it rather easy I guess.

It is a loop trail so one can enjoy diverse riparian forest and streamscape (if there is ever such word, I can’t be calling it a riverscape as I feel it is to small kan), the of course the waterfall itself. The place is naturally taken care of, you’ll a few picnic area and gazebos along the stream suitable for family and group outings. Apparently if you are lucky enough, you might bump into black giant squirrel, dusky leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques unfortunately we aren’t lucky. We only saw the tamed porcupine, Taman Lagenda Gunung Ledang popular resident. Will share more about the accommodation, surrounding and its resident – Bujang.

#TravelTips
1. Try to avoid school holidays and public holidays as it can get really crowded here.
2. Monson/rainy season is to be avoided especially, it is from November till February. This is for the fear of ‘kepala air’ or ‘large column of water’ (that rushes from upstream to downstream),  a very situation to be in.
3. Come in early, as parking me be scarce
4. Do not litter hence, bring own litter bag and dispose at your house or at proper a prober bin
5. Do not pluck any plant, ruin our beloved rainforest.
6. Do not feed wildlife. Human food is not healthy for wild and that it creates a  dependency on humans thus weakens the animals natural and it survival abilities. They can end up starving.

I found this on Wild Life Land Trust website and I thought it is good to share.

· Rinse all recyclable glass and plastic containers to remove any food remnants and odors. Some animals, like skunks, can get their heads stuck in containers and wind up starving to death.
· Cut and/or crush plastic containers, and cut each ring of plastic six-pack carriers.
· Feed your pets inside.
· Make sure plastic food wrap is rinsed and secured in a tied bag or securely covered garbage can.
· When visiting parks and similar settings, clean up after yourself and follow the rules regarding wildlife. Encourage others to do the same.

Gunung Ledang National Park (Taman Negara Gunung Ledang)
Batu 26, Jalan Segamat

Sagil, Tangkak
Johor

Photo credit : Azwan Ali 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/azwanali/

Majestic Johor Eco Adventure Media Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Johor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Mee Siput | Johor’s Mamee (A Muar delicacy)

 
When I heard we gonna try Johor’s mee siput, I was overcome with joy. After all, I am so very hungry with the early morning activities. As the line was unstable at Taman Hutan Lagenda Gunung Ledang, I figure why should I even bother to google about mee siput kan. I should just use my creative and my smart ass brain to visualize how a mee siput would look and taste like. Rilek lah…
 
I was toying with the idea of should I blog or should I not, ‘if I were to blog, how would I angle this mee thingy?’. Should I just do a comparison with other states noodle (laksa Johor aside, cos I can do a ‘Laksa from every state’ article later-later [later-later = nanti-nanti. Camni lah I localize bahasa omputeh keh keh keh]). I was skewed to writing about mee udang, mee ketam, mee daging, mee ikan (fish noddle, popular among Chinese) AND MEE SIPUT.

Yup! This is how I gonna write it. Until lah I saw how the noddle looks like… have you guys seen/eaten mee siput before? Cos this is my first.

 
My expectation
Santan-ish soupy (with coconut milk gravy)
Siput sedut (mud creeper)
Fish cake
Spicy
Vege (namely tauge/green leafy vege)
 
In reality
Yup. Its dry like Mamee and you eat it like that jer

Kid you not. Okay okay… You don’t just eat it like that lah opkos. You put the sambal pedas manis on top and eat it like PIZZA (with hands). Some say you put both item in a plastic, crush it and then eat it. Bottom line is – NO GRAVY, NO VEGE, NO COOKING (well, the noodle is sold both raw and fried).

Imagine my shock and disappointment.
Penat jalan ikut the pakcik showing and explaining the mee siput-making process, and then I found out the noodle is served… Just. Like. That. Mau naik angin masa tuh. But you see, I am super cool lady hence I will not throw a fit just because the noddle is lacking in gravy, fish cake, slices and etc *eyes rolling*. So I did what any smart lady like me would do… and give a try. Tuh jer option pun kan.
 
Remember the song sung by arwah Sudirman?
‘To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia’.
Well, to love mee siput is to TRY mee siput.
And…. Mee Siput lah permenangnya (favourite line Khalishan).
Giler sedap hokkay. I bought 2 balang… sumpah tak tipu. You guys must must try, I think the sambal plays an important role, it is the sole contributor to the yumminess of the mee siput.
 
Here is how Johor’s famous old school snack is being made.

Mix the flour

Mee Siput is made of tepung gandum (wheat flour), tepung sagu (sago flour), air abu (sodium) and salt to taste.

Mix and knead the dough well

Flatten the dough and put it through the roller machine. Repeat the folding and rolling, dust it with flour if needed.

Cut into sections and feed the pasta sheets through the blade

Boil and later drain the water

Sun-dry it and later oven bake for packaging purpose

When searching, I found out that it is called mee siput due to the fact the noodle’s swirl resembles the snail shell. Snail in Malay is called Siput, just so you know (kot-kot lah omputeh baca, diarang bukan tau apa tuh siput kan). Aside from that, the noodle crunchy texture is similar to the shell of the snail itself (not that I have eaten a snail shell before hahhahah… kita bayangkan jer yek); ie. fragile and breakable.
 
Kak Chik Enterprise has been operating since 2012. They produced approximately 50kg a day for it to be distributed/sold all over Malaysia. Due to the high production volume, the ovens have to be custom made while other equipment is available in the market. I hope to see more of mee siput in Klang Valley, otherwise I will have to travel to Muar once a month for me to fulfill my craving.

 
Kak Chik Enterprise
KB 6 (B) Lorong 1, Kg. Sawah Ring
Grisek, Tangkak
Johor Darul Takzim
 
Mobile : +60196276578, +60196276570
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/meesiputkakchik/
 

Majestic Johor Eco Adventure Media Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Johor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

My PACAT story | Endau Rompin (Selai) Takah Tempaang Waterfall

PACAT = Leech (that blood sucking worm like animal)

Despite that I absolutely love outdoor, I am no budak gunung; scared of pacat and get tired easily (mebbe weight problem kot ni 😋, takde kena mengena ngan gunung pun kan 🙄). Being a noob that I am when it comes to trekking, hiking, climbing or anything jungle… I will trust whatever Della says, the Mountain Queen. Hail!

Few days before we begin our trip to Endau Rompin (Selai) Johor, Della whatsapped us  on the packing list as she assumes most (if not all) are city kids. Ahhhh…. She knows us so very well. I immediately open the pdf file and saw the below list, I was pretty cool when reading it as everything is general knowledge then I saw the last item – YASSIN. Gulp. First thing that came to my mind was, Quran app is on my phone, Ayat Ruqyah and Yassin is under favourite. I got it - no worries.

Then it hit me, how scary will this trip be? Akan ada penampakan ke? Who is the team yang pandai baca-baca yek? I heard people say that Ayat Ruqyah ni panas… what if something shows itself? Ya Allah… sis ni jenis overthinking, terus menerus panic. I even thought on ditching the trip. But I was the one insisted to be in this trip *afcepalm*. I summoned all my courage and pack, InshaAllah we will be ok. Aamiin.

Except for item 11 & 12, I am set to go.
 
Things to bring/pack

1. Phone & camera
2. Sport shoes, hiking shoes, selipar getah (lupa nama, tapi diarang kata itu yang paling bagus)
3. Hat or cap
4. Leggings/shorts (if takut pacat [leeches] like me, pakai lah tights yea rakan-rakan)
5. Insect repellent (I even bought an anti-leech dulu-dulu socks, it works. Very avant garde 🕺hokkay)
6. Waterproof bag
7. Light snacks
8. Water bottle
9. Plastic sampah (jangan buang sampah dalam hutan, nanti Della marah, mothernature nangis)
10. Poncho
11. Headlamps (takyah kot)
12. Torch light (ni pun tak yah unless trek tengah malam, Memang tak lerrr)
13. Yassin (When I saw Della wrote this, I terus panic 👻... dok baca ayat kursi segala bagai masa trekking tuh)
 
You guys, feel free to add lah yek.

The day we did the trekking, I was overjoyed when I saw JPAM is with us and I (as usual) insisted that one is next to me reason being I operated my ligament a couple of years back (it was 50% torn and did not do my physio as instructed). At times, especially when going downhill it’ll hurt so I figure I should prep myself well. Demanding dak!?!
 
The trek is hard as we have to walk by the river cliff (korang leh bayang dak ni?), slippery due to the rain the night before, muddy (lecak) and lotsa and lotsa of leeches (pacat). Then we have to climb boulders and cross river (habis kasut basah bagai) just to see this Takah Tempaang waterfall (it better be worthwhile we said).

Some areas we do need to climb on steep slope, and some we need to jump over. boulders Me? I will go down on my two knees or sit and slide down, either this or kaki menggeletar turun. Takpe, pakaian kotor can be washed but if I injure my leg again (here in the jungle) someone will need to carry me back to the chalet. Padan muka korang, sis tak ringan tau. MUAHAHAHHAHHAAH (<- EVIL LAUGH, balas dendam).
 
We did arrive Takah Tempaang safely, the trekking took us approximately 2 hours or so. It was worthwhile. Do take note on my anti-leech socks, very avant garde gitew. The trip back was somehow faster or perhaps because we knew the route and what to expected.

My leech panic moment
Nope, it is not over till I say it’s over.
We got back to our chalet and freshen up before we call it a day. Everything went well, no leech sighting except 1-2 on my shoes and my avant garde anti-leech socks. Just FYI, how the socks works is that the material is very air tight that the leech will not be able to wiggle itself THROUGH the cloth (tak tau kain apa diarang guna but bagus lah!). I was pretty safe the whole trip and then…

As we left Endau Rompin (Selai) Johor National Park to Gunungn Ledang National Park, we decided to stop at the Shell for petrol and junk food. And I head to the ladies (toilet), and as I was ‘undo-ing’ (betul ke perkataan ni?) my jeans, I SAW A BIG FAT (KENYANG) LEECH stuck on my undie. I wanted to scream and decide against it as I don’t want to cause a commotion, I mean… my jeans obviously already down when I saw the leech. If I were to scream, no one will be able to help me cos I’ve locked the toilet door, right! I can’t unlock/open the door as it only means I have to put back my jeans of which I DEFINITELY won’t (the LEECH on my undie remember *eyes rolling*). I was confuse, I was in dilemma even though the leech has probably died (darah I manis sangat kot). The only thing I can do is to use the hose/pipe to pick it away. Sis kena berani hokkay, takkan nak lari keluar toilet dengan seluar camtu just to suruh orang tolong?!?! Viral pulak kang. Hahahhahaha…

Once I got the stupid leech out, I ran back to the van and share the scary experience with the group, this ‘friend’ of mine said :

‘Pacat tuh mati sebab kena penyet kat perut you yek?’ jujur dia bertanya. Nak maki-maki I rasa kat mamat ni.
(‘The leech died cos it got squeezed between your tummy is it?’ my dear friend asked sincerely. I felt like cursing him.

FINE!!!! I diet lepas ni. Makan dalam ok. HAHAHHAHHAHAHAA….
(FINE!!! I shall go on diet after thing. Got the hint)
 
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Majestic Johor Eco Adventure Media Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Johor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.