The Singapore Trekking Newbie

The Fun in Trekking

2007-01-11T11:48:00.000+08:00

Actually, over the past two years of occasional trekking, I've grown to realise that ultimately, the fun in trekking is not the satisfaction in conquering mountains - but that company that you go with.

Trekking and camping together really bonds friends! It is like... you are "forced" to be with this bunch of friends together for the couple of days during the trek, "forced" to stay together, "forced" to eat together! In the process, you build up more tolerance and understanding for each other, and learn more about each other.

I've got to know some very wonderful friends since I've started trekking, and we really share crazy jokes whenever we meet up - its like... so fun! So much so, that we are now so reluctant to go trekking with other people!

Do you go trekking only with the people you know? Do you have a regular clique of friends who you go trekking with?

Getting back on training

2006-12-30T20:04:00.000+08:00

Its been a couple of months since I've really trained up for any trek - and looking forward, if I want to accomplish my 2008 goal of conquering Kilimanjaro, I will probably need to spend time in 2007 to at least get past some of the tougher treks in the region like Gunung Tahan.

So, I'll be training for Gunung Tahan! Make it June/July 2007 - its still quite far away, but I think it is important to start training now (and keep training as part of my regular exercise)

Of course, the best way to train for a trek is to climb stairs. I personally live in a apartment flat, and its 12 stories high, so I have set myself to do some climbing every week! Yesterday, I started off with 3 rounds - only 36 stories, and I'm dead beat! This is no good!

Progressively, I shall work towards conquering my flat at least 10 times - 120 stories!

Where I want to go for 2007

2006-12-23T06:15:00.000+08:00

As we approach the year end for 2006, its time to plan where I want my life to take me in 2007... and I mean "take me" physically!

As of now, some places I will be going are Abu Dhabi, and maybe Japan. I've been thinking of getting to the peak of Mount Fuji. Don't know if the schedule allows it though.

Frankly, I'm quite tired of the short treks for now - those less than three day treks to Berkelah, Lumbong (which seems to be closed now), and Datuk... somehow I don't really enjoy them as much anymore, and I think my recent trip to Datuk was more because of the friends who were going with me.

Maybe its because I am out of the Rovers committee for too long, and I've lost that momentum to trek. I'm still very very interested to go for longer treks thought - somehow I now prefer longer treks with less people, like group of 4 - 6 people would be best! In fact, I miss Kinabalu - and I want to get back up there again to enjoy the peak or Borneo again!

That said, I also need to get back on track with my fitness, its been a while since I made effort to exercise daily, with all the work setting in, its tough, but I will do my best to get started again... BEFORE 2007!

Its been ten full months!

2006-11-06T01:23:00.000+08:00

Wow! Its been ten full months since I've posted up this blog. I've since migrated to my own domain at http://trekking.singaporeoutdoors.com/blog and also made a couple of treks - to Berkelah Waterfalls and Mount Kinabalu.

The point is... I'm still trekking! And I will continue to. In fact, I'm ready to set off to Gunung Datuk this coming December holidays, together with a couple of friends and the NUS Rovers gang.

Do visit me at my new (well, not new anymore) blog, and drop me a few comments!

Climbling Kilimanjaro - some initial research

2006-01-03T17:44:00.000+08:00

I did some initial research on climbing Kilimanjaro yesterday, and here's what I found.

First of all, climbing Kilimanjaro is no joking matter. It is nothing like Mount Ophir or Gunung Stong that I have trekked. Therefore, preparation is crucial - physically and mentally!

Trekking in Kilimanjaro is normally conducted by operators, there are a couple of them if you just Google "Kilimanjaro" - and each trek normally consists of anything from 1 to 100 climbers. Since these operators are the ones who will determine how your trek is going to be, I guess it would be good to hunt around for a good operator!

There are a couple of predetermined routes to take, ranging from 5 day to 8 days. Normally, people go for the longer trails so that each day will not be so streneous. However I did read a site saying that you should go for shorter days if you are not a very "trekking" person, so that you don't have to bear with so many days of walking! The operators will provide porters, guides and assisntant guides, as well as cooks.

Like mentioned earlier, it is important to be physically and mentally prepared. All arrangements should be made with the operator before leaving for Tarzania. Proper equipment must be bought, training done, and a full medical checkup will be required. It is also important to select the right time of the eyar to trek, since it reduced the risk factor by a multitude of 10 times! Make sure there is rest between the flight and the climb, so that you can get sufficient rest if necessary before embarking on the journey, and you will be more mentally prepared.

Here are some excerpts from the website Africa Travel Resource:

Having 2 nights rest between your flight and climb instead of 1 increases your chances of success by 5% estimate.
Having 3 nights rest between your flight and climb instead of 1 increases your chances of success by 8% estimate.
Being physically fit is a pre-condition of success, but does not reduce your chances of getting altitude sickness .
If you are physically fit and have previous trekking experience then you chances of success may be as high as 90%.

Northern Pakistan and the Karakorum Silk Route

2006-01-01T12:48:00.000+08:00

While I was running as an executive committee member in my adventure club (NUS Rovers), I was involved in organizing treks mainly to Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. For the further treks, we worked out an alliance with a company called Country Holidays, to organize the trek for us.

I remember there was one occasion where they were publicizing their treks, and one of the treks that they do is the 14 Day Karakorum Silk Route trek.

Actually, as listed in the itinerary, there is not much trekking – most of the days are spent driving. The time where you spend trekking is only from day 8 to day 12. here is an excerpt from the website about the trek:

From Gilgit, we drive about 4 hours to Jail, the starting point of your trek. Today is a easy trek for about 3 hours to Fairy meadow. Fairy meadow is set in alpine pastures on the northern slopes of Nanga Parbat (8125m) with breathtaking views of the snow-clad north face above. The Fairy Meadow, so named because of local legend that this beautiful alpine meadow is inhabited by fairies, is a wonderful setting from where exploration of Nanga Parbat is launched.

We spend the second day taking easy stroll through the meadows and pine forest to Beyal (about 3500m), where we base ourselves for the next 3 nights. On the third day, make a day excursion to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (3970m) for its stunning scenery. The forth day would be spent enjoying interesting walks around Fairy Meadow with commanding view. For the adventurous, you may attempt a non-technical climb to the summit of South Jalipur Peak at 5210m. On the last day, retrace your steps back to Jail where you drive to Chilas and overnight in Shangri-la Hotel or similar.

I think the really fascinating part of this trek is the scenery! From the session, I learnt that Northern Pakistan is a really mountainous - afterall, the world second tallest peak, K2 (8611 m), is located there! So, travelers get to enjoy the beautiful scenery even before they start trekking! However, the unfortunate thing for me (and people staying in Singapore or this area of the world) is the traveling cost... it's quite a bomb. The package will cost almost SDG$3000!

Gunung Rinjani, Lombok for SDG$709

2005-12-31T20:10:00.000+08:00

Yesterday evening, HQ and Ivy talked to me again regarding the trekking trips in 2006. The two of them seem so excited go to so many places.

HQ posted me a website from PacWest listing the itinerary for a 6D5N Gunung Rinjani trek! Just click on the link and look at that beautiful crater lake! Simply irresistible man!

I was talking to one of my trekking mates when I climbed Gunung Belumut with SAC a few weeks ago - and she said she just conquered Rinjani the week before (4D3N of trekking). I didn't know that the whole trip including the airfare from Singapore to Lombok would cost only over SDG$700! I thought it was going to go into the thousands!

The itinerary we had in mind for Mount Kinabalu next year will cost also about SDG$700, but it consists of other things - more like an "exploring Sabah trip", because the whole trip is 8D7N, but only 2 nights would be spend on Mount Kinabalu itself. We will be doing other things like enjoying in the Poring hot springs, and white water rafting! Looking forward to it!

Photos from my trekking expeditions

2005-12-30T13:00:00.000+08:00

I kind of realised that this blog is very plain - no photos! Actually I do have photo gallery with the nice photos I have taken (check it out here - it contains other non-trekking photos as well).

I want to spice up this blog a bit!

So for a start today, here is the photo at the Gunung Stong base camp. My all time favourite!

So now, do you need to wonder why I want to go to Gunung Ayam now? (Gunung Ayam and Gunung Stong share the same base camp)

More photos some other day! Hiak!

Gunung Tahan and Gunung Ayam together?

2005-12-29T14:01:00.000+08:00

I was talking to Ivy and HQ online yesterday and they were all excited about the treks that they are going to plan for the May holidays.

They were suggesting that we make 2 trips - once to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, and another to West Malaysia. The West Malaysia trip will cover both Gunung Tahan and Gunung Ayam! The reason being, since, we are stationed in Singapore/Johor Bahru, it would be much more cost effective to make one trip up instead of two separate trips for the two mountains!

We can save on the train tickets, and also save on the total time spent up there! From what I understand, trekking in Gunung Tahan starts from the town of Merapoh, and ends at Jerantut. Gunung Tahan is at Dabong.

Concerns? For me, I am all excited about the trip! Just that I don't know whether I can tahan the Gunung Tahan or not! It is the highest peak in Peninsula Malaysia, standing at 2187m above sea level! The trek will take at least 5 days! After that still want to climb Gunung Ayam? Legs will be groggy soft by then! hahhaa...

I'm going to Kinabalu!

2005-12-28T09:35:00.000+08:00

I was online on MSN late, in the wee hours of the morning this morning - the message came from Ivy asking me if I am still interested to go to Mount Kinabalu next year.

Of course I am! She said that she will be arranging the trip in late June! Yippie!

I think these are the few mountains I definitely want to climb - over the next few years!

Gunung Datuk (2006)
Mount Kinabalu (2006)
Gunung Panti (2006)
Gunung Ayam (2006)
Gunung Tahan (2006)
Gunung Rinjani (2007)
Mount Kilimanjaro (2008)

Must climb! I think as of my fitness now, I should be able to clear all except for Kilimanjaro, but then again there is another factor - the $$$!!! Flying over to Sabah or Lombok may not be a very cheap affair!

It is important to train up my physical fitness - if not the trek would be a torture!

Hiking Safety

2005-12-24T18:59:00.000+08:00

I was reading an online article with regard to Hiking Safety - I think for a trip to be enjoyable, it must first be safe! The author Adrian Hilton highlights a couple of points to ensure safety.

Navigation

Its best to know where you are as much of the time, so even if you get lost, its easier to get un-lost. Be sure to carry a detailed map and compass and know how to use them! Plan escape routes from the area in case the weather or the condition of the party deteriorates. GPS receivers may be useful too.

Fitness

Train yourself up properly before attempting any trek or hike. Do not hike when you are ill, and carry a load suitable for you, make sure you know you can bear with that load for the whole trek!

Equipment

Ensure that you have good equipment for all weather and terrains. Prepare especially, to be both waterproof and windproof. If you know you are going to a cold place, carry extra clothing.

Provisions

ALWAYS have too much food and water. Water is life. Plan for at least 2 litres of water a day. 1.5litres is the minimum. Have plentiful of water! Also carry enough food. Its easy to get hungry quickly as you burn up all your food with streneous exercise. Carry snacks or chocolate bars - which are easy to pack and grab for short breaks.

First Aid Kit

Carry a small but well-equipped kit in a waterproof container. It should contain equipment to treat minor injuries and illnesses such as the first aider feels comfortable to use. Remember to repack a first aid kit before every trip to ensure all essential items are there!

Company

Hike with people whom you know and trust. Know their limitations, and tell them yours. It is best not to hike alone. Have open communication within the group and share with each other your problems!

You can read the whole article here.

Kilimanjaro 2008

2005-12-24T18:58:00.000+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I have decided that I want to conquer Kilimanjaro in 2008! Standing at 5895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest standing mountain in Africa!

I was reading another website (http://www.africatravelresource.com/) on how dangerous Kilimanjaro can be. Here's the excerpt:

How dangerous is Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is probably one of the most dangerous things you will ever to. It is certainly one of the most dangerous things that you can pay to do.

We estimate that during times of bad weather, climbers with cowboy operators run a risk of death higher than 1 in 300.

During normal weather conditions, climbers with cowboy operators run a risk of death higher than 1 in 3000.

On the other hand, during normal weather conditions, climbers with reliable operators run a risk of death less than 1 in 5000.

Wow. 1 in 300. But its a MUST-GO! I've never conquered anything higher than Gunung Stong, which stands at 1433 meters. I think it is a great leap. I must conquer some other treks first!

I intend to form a party - of about 12 people, so that we can train up ourselves and do research together. There are a lot of resources online that teaches us how to get prepared for a Kilimanjaro trek. The trek up Kilimanjaro will take 5 days!

Well... will this dream come true? Its up to me, right?

Back from Lombong

2005-12-24T18:57:00.000+08:00

I'm back from Lombong again! I made two trips there this December, one with NUS Rovers and one was my personal trip.

Personally, I felt that this personal trip was less fun, more challenging for me. I'm disappointed in my facilitation skills, being unable to take care of my participants. I'm also disappointed in the number of pull-outs in the last minute.

I have originally intended for a group of 12 to go, I got 11, and I thought it was alright. On Tuesday (2 days before the trek), 1 pulled out. On Wednesday, 2 more pulled out! From there I thought the 8 left were confirmed to be going. In the end, one more called early in the morning on Thursday to say that she cannot make it for the trek. From 11 to 7 - that's a big difference. And we bought food for 11 people.

I still pressed on for the trek, since everything has already been bought and arranged. We made our way to Kota Tinggi, had our lunch, and then headed off for the trail head. There were a couple of them slipping and falling along the way - quite normal for a first timer, I too, fell like crazy when I first attempted the trek. I guess it was also a fault of mine for not framing them up how technically difficult Lombong can be.

Halfway up the trek, it started to drizzle... and the drizzle was the kind of non-stop type... that made the terrain even more slippery, even more dangerous. I was so worried for the participants! And the thing is, I originally had one more helper who knew the trek, and she could probably help me lead, but she also pulled out! Gosh. That made me the only one who recognised the trek. Lots of pressure on my part. =/

When we reached the campsite, the drizzle persisted for quite a while. We had to pitch up or tents in the rain, working as fast as we could. Also set up a shelter between the tents. Nice. Washed up, changed, cooked dinner, and enjoyed the meal. We finished less than half the food! Argh! Had the carry down the remaining half!

The whole group slept really early - we were all snoring soundly by 1am. Woke up at 7am and cooked breakfast again! There was french toast and hot chocolate! Wheew! Nice! By 10am, we were all packed and ready to make our way down.

The down trip was very slow, took 5 full hours to clear all the obstacles and get down. Fortunately, the weather was good - there was no rain and the water level was much lower. Again, there were a few falls along the way. Fortunately, no one was hurt badly.

When we arrived at the main gate, the cabs were already waiting patiently for us, and we headed back to Kota Tinggi town where we washed up again and had our very late lunch. After that, transferred to a bus back to Larkin where we said our goodbyes!

Managed only take a few photos... upload later!

Went trekking with SAC to Belumut!

2005-12-14T01:40:00.000+08:00

I went trekking with SAC a last Saturday, to Gunung Belumut, Klang, Malaysia. The trek was pretty streneous, steps almost all the way, clearing 1004m in 3 hours up, and then 2.5 hours down... but managable. I have quite some thoughts about the trek - management and facilitation wise. I was personally impressed in some areas, and yet disappointed in some other areas.

Check out the photos here.

I guess I will do a more detailed writeup on my Saturday trek, but not today. Not at this time! I'm now packing for my Lombong trip tomorrow with NUS Rovers!

Before I end - a little pointer. Remember to go through your packing list when doing the packing. Not once, but twice! You see, sometimes we go down the list and we think - "ah! this thing! Its in the kitchen, so when I drop by the kitchen later, I will grab it"... and very often, this slips your mind and you will end up not bringing the thing!

So remember! Go through your list twice - once for you to grab the stuff as you go down the list, and the second time to VERIFY that you actually have the things in your bag, before you call it a night!

The Lombong / Pelepah Waterfalls Trek

2005-12-09T10:48:00.000+08:00

I did a short writeup about Lombong /Pelepah waterfalls trek too, to give my friends a heads up on what to expect! I think such a writeup is essential - when people are mentally prepared, half the obstacles are gone. Its going to be a fun trek!

Photos later ;P

About Lombong / Pelepah Waterfalls

The Lombong / Pelepah Waterfalls, are located at the outskirts of Kota Tinggi town, just next to the Kota Tinggi Holiday Resort. Because of its close proximity to Singapore, it is an ideal weekend getaway or day trip for those looking for a short yet challenging waterfall trek, to get away from the bustle of city life and get back to nature.

Although the trek is relatively short, taking approximately four hours from the start of the trek to the campsite, it is a very interesting and challenging trek as it covers several different terrains and trail conditions. The terrains range from plantation grounds, to river side trails, river crossings, trekking in the river itself (water up to waist level), and even steep climbing sections (assisted with fixed ropes) which may require scrambling up on all fours.

The trail follows the Sungei Pelepah Kiri waterfall stream, and that makes it a wet and slippery trail. The trail will take us along a cascade of three waterfalls. At each waterfall, you can put down your bags to take a breather, soak in the waterfall’s cool water for a natural Jacuzzi experience, and snap photos.

Prior trekking experience on slippery rocks and steep trails will prepare you better for the interesting trail conditions. However, many have also conquered this trek as one of their first expeditions. All participants will also have to know and accept that because this is a very wet trek, there will be possibilities of fresh floods especially after heavy downpour. Therefore, the team may have to turn back if the trek leader accesses that the conditions are not safe for trekking.

Personal equipment for trekking

2005-12-09T10:42:00.000+08:00

To kick start my trekking adventures, I'm organising a trek to Perlepah Waterfalls this December, its a personal trip with some friends. I would be borrowing the stores from my company (as in my previous post) - but every individual has to bring some items up as well!

So what items are essential to bring along when doing an overnight trek? Here's my list to my friends! Of course, this is just a general guide - different treks will require different things, depending on the nature of the trail.

Essential Items

Passport with at least six months validity and photocopy (For guys - make sure you get an exit-permit if required, for non-Singaporean – make sure you have a valid Visa to travel to West Malaysia)
Hardy and sufficient big backpack
Wallet (Cash should be kept to a minimal – RM50 should be more then enough for your meals)
Clothing to wear during trek - t-shirt and shorts highly recommended. No jeans, unless you want to torture yourself. Loose nylon track pants are good.
Trekking shoes, or at least shoes with good grip (sandals are okay, but absolutely NO SLIPPERS during the trek)
At least one extra set of clothing to change into for the night and after the trek.
Water bottles (At least two liters) for drinking and cooking. You can refill on the way up.
Utensils
Rainwear (Poncho or raincoat)
Can opener
Insect repellent / patches
Powder (for dry bath)
Small towel and toiletries
Personal medication and first aid kit (Panadol, muscle rub, plasters)
Torchlight with batteries
Lighter
Trash / plastic Bags
Ziplock bags for waterproofing stuff

Optional Items

Other food and titbits
Sun cap / hat / shades
Camera
Sleeping bag, windbreaker and track pants (it could get cold at night)
Slippers / sandals for use when not trekking (trekking footwear will be wet)
Pocket Knife
Notebook / Pen
Playing Cards
Mosquito Coil

Basic Trekking Equipment

2005-11-30T14:42:00.000+08:00

From August 2004 - July 2005, I was involved in my university's adventure club (NUS Rovers Adventure Club) as an excutive committee member, and from there, I gathered some experience in trekking. NUS Rovers was also the club that really introduced me to adventure.

The treks I have done so far are all in Peninsular Malaysia - Lumbong, Berkelah Waterfalls, Gunung Stong, Taman Negara, and Ophir. I almost had the opportunity to go to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, but eventually didn't because the accomodation was packed on the days we were supposed to go.

I have recently taken the initiative to organise a trek to Lumbong, at Kota Tinggi for my friends, and also to kick start Cynovate's trekking expeditions. From the practises I gathered in Rovers, some equipment I need to buy to organise this trek are:

Tents
Gas lamps
Gas stoves
Mess tins
Water purification tablets
Ground sheets
Gas canisters for the lamps and stove
Light sticks
First aid kit

That is it! Of course, this does not include the personal equipment and effects that each individual has to bring, like trekking bags, cutlery etc.

For the tents, I would recommend getting smaller tents (4 men rather than 8 men) so that the load on the individual is not too heavy. I think most of the equipment can be purchased from beach road Golden Mile Complex, or "army market" as they would term it, except for first aid kit and water purification tablets, which are available at any pharmacy.

Welcome to the Singapore Trekking Newbie Blog!

2005-11-27T06:26:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the Singapore Trekking Newbie Blog!

Well, I think it is important that I introduce myself as well as the objective of this blog! I'm Kian Ann, an undergraduate in Singapore. In the past year, I was just introduced to the wonderful world of trekking and adventure... and I love it!

In fact, I loved the outdoors and adventure so much, I even set up a company dealing with adventure! Cynovate Adventure and Learning deals with adventure camps, trekking expeditions and workshops, and while its still very small, my partners and I are absolutely committed to make this work!

So anyway, back to the blog. Yes, so I'm really very new to trekking, been to a few treks, lead a few treks, that's all. And I really want to explore more! So this blog is set up to document all my fun and experiences I have along the way!

Check back this site every week yah, and wish me luck in my trips!