Today was pretty peaceful and it was okay.
Woke up slightly later than planned. Proceeded with everything as usual. Checked out Kangar town and realized it wasn’t as big as I thought it was when I first arrived. At least I won’t get lost within the town.
Had breakfast in the middle of ‘touring’ town and ate 3 paus. Random much. After getting all the necessary info on Perlis’s interesting places, had lunch and headed towards Gua Cenderawasih on feet.
‘Conquered’ Gua Cenderawasih:
Gua Cenderawasih – Start: 1330, Reached: 1345, End: 1400, Duration: 30 mins
It was the easiest hill I’ve climbed. Never thought that there would be a hill this easy. Just need to climb up the staircase provided. Nevertheless, it was pretty steep so care is needed.
Looked around other famous places nearby Gua Cenderawasih. Can’t remember the names of those places. Guess I’m more fond of places like jungles, hills, waterfalls, etc. Nonetheless, some of those ‘forgotten name’ places are worth checking out.
Was looking around for cave entrance at Gua Cenderawasih as cave exploring should be possible there. Reached many dead ends before finding the right one. Wouldn’t say it’s challenging… but the experience is unforgettable. To sum it up: wet, muddy, dirty, narrow, bats. This is what I really call “cave exploring” and my first time was…. no comment.
Took the jogging trail around Gua Cenderawasih to go back ‘pusat bandar’. Passed river, paddy field, animals, plants, and many more. From crocodiles to people fishing. All sort of things happened during the walk. All I did was walk and enjoy the serenity while watching nature’s ‘happenings’.
The day ended pretty much just like that. Spent a lot of time preparing something. Money is really an issue. Food everywhere seems to be cheaper with larger portion than Subang Jaya. It tastes good too. Or maybe I’m just hungry.
Showing posts with label Week 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 2. Show all posts
Day 13
Hmmm…. Can’t really describe how has today been. One thing for sure is that I will be in my comfort zone for awhile now.
Yesterday night ended up in somebody’s house to sleep. It was pretty crazy. Don’t feel like commenting about it anymore. This morning continued my journey to Changloon (Changlun) on feet. Thought that I might have reached Changlun when I’m surrounded by stores and houses. Asked around and found out that it was Nolah… Napoh… or whatever the name of the place. Didn’t give me a deep impression as it wasn’t in the map and it’s just an ordinary town. Had breakfast and continued walking. Met a motorcyclist that ‘tumpang-ed’ me to Changlun. Another crazy experience. Finally meeting weird and bad-intentioned people. Gotta be more careful.
Just like Jitra and Kepala Batas, nothing extra ordinary about Changlun. Moved towards Bukit Kayu Hitam then. Walked for long and finally reached. On the way to Bukit Kayu Hitam, stopped by a person’s house to refill water as my supply ran out. Things turned out the way I kinda imagined about old school backpacking which kinda cheered me up.
Bukit Kayu Hitam doesn’t have much either. The only special things about this place is the duty free zone and gateway between Malaysia-Thailand. Kinda got a general idea on how moving from Malaysia to Thailand and vice versa on land works. Saw some army/military stuff.
Visited duty free zone shops. The funny part is, I only bought a packet of biscuits and a can drink as that is all I can afford. Saves few cents. Had lunch and walked back to Changlun in hope of ‘tumpang-ing’ a lorry or something.
‘Lepak-ed’ at one of the petrol station with no returns. After a long time, decided to take bus instead. Bus from Changlun to Alor Star to Kangar. Called the monk I met at Gua Musang and managed to get a decent sleeping place. Perlis, here I come.
2 things that I already knew but need to keep remembering:
- 1. Stay alert at all times, - 2. Don't think too much (Mr. Interesting)
Yesterday night ended up in somebody’s house to sleep. It was pretty crazy. Don’t feel like commenting about it anymore. This morning continued my journey to Changloon (Changlun) on feet. Thought that I might have reached Changlun when I’m surrounded by stores and houses. Asked around and found out that it was Nolah… Napoh… or whatever the name of the place. Didn’t give me a deep impression as it wasn’t in the map and it’s just an ordinary town. Had breakfast and continued walking. Met a motorcyclist that ‘tumpang-ed’ me to Changlun. Another crazy experience. Finally meeting weird and bad-intentioned people. Gotta be more careful.
Just like Jitra and Kepala Batas, nothing extra ordinary about Changlun. Moved towards Bukit Kayu Hitam then. Walked for long and finally reached. On the way to Bukit Kayu Hitam, stopped by a person’s house to refill water as my supply ran out. Things turned out the way I kinda imagined about old school backpacking which kinda cheered me up.
Bukit Kayu Hitam doesn’t have much either. The only special things about this place is the duty free zone and gateway between Malaysia-Thailand. Kinda got a general idea on how moving from Malaysia to Thailand and vice versa on land works. Saw some army/military stuff.
Visited duty free zone shops. The funny part is, I only bought a packet of biscuits and a can drink as that is all I can afford. Saves few cents. Had lunch and walked back to Changlun in hope of ‘tumpang-ing’ a lorry or something.
‘Lepak-ed’ at one of the petrol station with no returns. After a long time, decided to take bus instead. Bus from Changlun to Alor Star to Kangar. Called the monk I met at Gua Musang and managed to get a decent sleeping place. Perlis, here I come.
2 things that I already knew but need to keep remembering:
- 1. Stay alert at all times, - 2. Don't think too much (Mr. Interesting)
Day 12
Could have been a decent day if it wasn’t for the end of the day. Gonna sleep outdoor soon again, and it’s the third time in a row. I stink…
Got out of Alor Star by feet and was heading towards Kepala Batas. Somehow was on the right track but a different one which brings me to pass Alor Merah and Pantai Johor. Gunung Keriang was just within reach so I thought I shall head there now instead of leaving it for after Perlis.
Reached Gunung Keriang foothill and saw a group of ‘Rakan Muda’ or some other similar group of affiliation warming up getting ready to climb Gunung Keriang. Approached one of them and asked if I can tag along as I might be able to learn more than going alone.
In the end, conquered Gunung Keriang by reaching the peak and explored some parts of the caves in the mount. These are the details:
Gunung Keriang – Start: 0900, Reached: 1040, End 1105, Duration: 2 hours +
What happened was, I followed the group of youths on the trekking trail. Used the wrong trail leading towards the cave but continued nevertheless. Explored some part of caves and return to foothill using a different route. I decided to not follow them down and try to reach the peak by myself instead since the trails are obvious and it isn’t too difficult. Reached the peak, enjoyed the scene, and returned to foothill in awhile.
The group of youths was just about to leave so I expressed my gratitude to the incharged persons for leading me up earlier. Apparently, some were Kedah Sea Scout Rovers and the main incharged person gave me some money asking me to try visiting Paddy Museum as I was giving excuses to not visit it before that cause I wasn’t interested.
Went to Paddy Museum in the end and it was worth the trip. And met a group of small kids that became my friends/fans haha. Many Malay marriage ‘kenduri’ was held today. Paddy farm view was awesome. Many motorcyclists ‘tumpang-ed’ me today all around paddy field. Travelled to Kepala Batas and Jitra; now stuck on the way to Changlun.
Got out of Alor Star by feet and was heading towards Kepala Batas. Somehow was on the right track but a different one which brings me to pass Alor Merah and Pantai Johor. Gunung Keriang was just within reach so I thought I shall head there now instead of leaving it for after Perlis.
Reached Gunung Keriang foothill and saw a group of ‘Rakan Muda’ or some other similar group of affiliation warming up getting ready to climb Gunung Keriang. Approached one of them and asked if I can tag along as I might be able to learn more than going alone.
In the end, conquered Gunung Keriang by reaching the peak and explored some parts of the caves in the mount. These are the details:
Gunung Keriang – Start: 0900, Reached: 1040, End 1105, Duration: 2 hours +
What happened was, I followed the group of youths on the trekking trail. Used the wrong trail leading towards the cave but continued nevertheless. Explored some part of caves and return to foothill using a different route. I decided to not follow them down and try to reach the peak by myself instead since the trails are obvious and it isn’t too difficult. Reached the peak, enjoyed the scene, and returned to foothill in awhile.
The group of youths was just about to leave so I expressed my gratitude to the incharged persons for leading me up earlier. Apparently, some were Kedah Sea Scout Rovers and the main incharged person gave me some money asking me to try visiting Paddy Museum as I was giving excuses to not visit it before that cause I wasn’t interested.
Went to Paddy Museum in the end and it was worth the trip. And met a group of small kids that became my friends/fans haha. Many Malay marriage ‘kenduri’ was held today. Paddy farm view was awesome. Many motorcyclists ‘tumpang-ed’ me today all around paddy field. Travelled to Kepala Batas and Jitra; now stuck on the way to Changlun.
Day 11
Two words to describe today: tiring and tedious. And the worst part is, the reward isn’t great at all for all the effort given.
Ate breakfast at Gurun before leaving to Alor Star. Once again, change of plan from KTM to bus as the train has left really early in the morning and I’d no clue about it. The bus ride was fine although I did sleep on the way. Still reached the stop I was suppose to go.
Wondered why was I all excited about coming to Alor Star when it’s such an un-fun place. To sum it up, these happened:
Nonetheless, not all are bad things. In the end, something nice did lift my spirit. Towards the evening when I gave up looking for a decent place for accommodation and planned to sleep outdoor again, saw many people and Malay couples in their traditional Malay attires taking pictures for their wedding at the main attractions spot. Stopped and watched the scene. Thought it was great. Better than watching the buildings only without anybody around the area.
Walked to the busiest street to look for a place to sleep. Met a very interesting person opening a store till 4am later. He’s indeed VERY INTERESTING. Forget bout the details.
Today has in fact, woke me up to reality. The past few days have been very lucky for me but today was different. Things might even get tougher; I better be prepared.
Met a ‘member’ of Mr. Interesting a moment ago. Gonna ‘lepak’ awhile then sleep outdoor.
Ate breakfast at Gurun before leaving to Alor Star. Once again, change of plan from KTM to bus as the train has left really early in the morning and I’d no clue about it. The bus ride was fine although I did sleep on the way. Still reached the stop I was suppose to go.
Wondered why was I all excited about coming to Alor Star when it’s such an un-fun place. To sum it up, these happened:
- Visited Pekan Rabu in hope of buying something but found nothing I wanted.
- Visited many famous places such as State Museum, Royal Museum, etc but it kinda bores me as it was mostly history and facts.
- Tried asking many places for accommodation but results in nothing as they either reject, nobody’s in, or language barrier.
- Walked for kilometres from morning till evening stopping only few times.
Nonetheless, not all are bad things. In the end, something nice did lift my spirit. Towards the evening when I gave up looking for a decent place for accommodation and planned to sleep outdoor again, saw many people and Malay couples in their traditional Malay attires taking pictures for their wedding at the main attractions spot. Stopped and watched the scene. Thought it was great. Better than watching the buildings only without anybody around the area.
Walked to the busiest street to look for a place to sleep. Met a very interesting person opening a store till 4am later. He’s indeed VERY INTERESTING. Forget bout the details.
Today has in fact, woke me up to reality. The past few days have been very lucky for me but today was different. Things might even get tougher; I better be prepared.
Met a ‘member’ of Mr. Interesting a moment ago. Gonna ‘lepak’ awhile then sleep outdoor.
Day 10
Another day has passed. Slept at an empty home offered by a pair of husband and wife and made good use of the facilities available.
Woke up and got ready to leave Sungai Petani. Was about to drop the house key that was trusted upon me on the letter box along with a thank you note but the uncle saw me outside the gate and greeted me. Then I just expressed my gratitude and passed the key back to him and leave.
On my way towards the ‘pusat bandar’, a car hon-ed me and it was the husband and wife. Picked me up for breakfast and I managed to save some money and walking effort again. Dropped me at bus station and I took the bus to Gunung Jerai to challenge myself again.
Apparently, bus is really no good for me in my sleep-deprived mode as I slept throughout the ride and missed my stop. Luckily, a ‘mak cik’ woke me up and I’m just one stop away from where I’m suppose to go. Ended up in Guar Chempedak and I walked to Gunung Jerai Recreational Centre which isn’t far at all.
Scout around the area and was about to leave to ‘conquer’ the mountain and walk to the peak. However, met a group of typical malay kampung boys who stay at the foothill and we walked together after that. In the end, I would say I only ‘visited’ and not ‘conquered’ Gunung Jerai as a van ‘tumpang-ed’ us after walking about 3km. Nevertheless, these are the details:
Gunung Jerai – Distance: 15 km total, Duration: whole day?
Although a van drove us to the camping site and museum 12km from foothill, we did walk the remaining 3km to the peak after ‘lepak-ing’ at the campsite. Worst of all, we actually walked all the way downhill and it was even raining halfway walking. Spent the whole day at Jerai.
Used an alternative route from Jerai to Gurun to catch KTM but the train stopped long ago. Wanted to cactch a bus instead but changed my mind to staying at Gurun and leaving in KTM to Alor Setar (Star) in the morning.
Woke up and got ready to leave Sungai Petani. Was about to drop the house key that was trusted upon me on the letter box along with a thank you note but the uncle saw me outside the gate and greeted me. Then I just expressed my gratitude and passed the key back to him and leave.
On my way towards the ‘pusat bandar’, a car hon-ed me and it was the husband and wife. Picked me up for breakfast and I managed to save some money and walking effort again. Dropped me at bus station and I took the bus to Gunung Jerai to challenge myself again.
Apparently, bus is really no good for me in my sleep-deprived mode as I slept throughout the ride and missed my stop. Luckily, a ‘mak cik’ woke me up and I’m just one stop away from where I’m suppose to go. Ended up in Guar Chempedak and I walked to Gunung Jerai Recreational Centre which isn’t far at all.
Scout around the area and was about to leave to ‘conquer’ the mountain and walk to the peak. However, met a group of typical malay kampung boys who stay at the foothill and we walked together after that. In the end, I would say I only ‘visited’ and not ‘conquered’ Gunung Jerai as a van ‘tumpang-ed’ us after walking about 3km. Nevertheless, these are the details:
Gunung Jerai – Distance: 15 km total, Duration: whole day?
Although a van drove us to the camping site and museum 12km from foothill, we did walk the remaining 3km to the peak after ‘lepak-ing’ at the campsite. Worst of all, we actually walked all the way downhill and it was even raining halfway walking. Spent the whole day at Jerai.
Used an alternative route from Jerai to Gurun to catch KTM but the train stopped long ago. Wanted to cactch a bus instead but changed my mind to staying at Gurun and leaving in KTM to Alor Setar (Star) in the morning.
Day 9
A rather interesting day.
Woke up and the usual morning practice. Went breakfast with one of the uncles in the Buddhist temple. Decided to take the bus to give myself some luxury as my feet have blisters and I’m getting too rich from ‘donations’. Finally left Grik.
Accidentally slept most of the time during the bus ride as I’ve been lacking sleep. Realized bus isn’t really a good method to travel for me.
Arrived at Pengkalan Huku a.k.a. Kroh and walked as usual to check the place out. The place was pretty good with the lake and all. Some army marathon event was going on near the lake when I visited. At the same time, met some Rover Scouts from Grik and chatted with them awhile.
Missed Gua Gendang as going alone can get lost easily. Looks like travelling alone will restrict my ‘conquerings’. Nevermind, I shall visit again some other time. Thailand-Perak border (Betung) and kolam air panas didn’t really interest me.
Walked to Baling as it isn’t that far. View was great. Reached R&R Gunung Inas and enjoyed the breath-taking view. Continued my walk and after some time, a car stopped and offered me a ride to Baling.
Arrived at Baling and walked around. All interesting places are too far away. Gonna miss out more in the future due to four factors: time, distance, transportation, and no. of people. Thought I could climb Gunung Baling, but, apparently, nobody can climb the mountain as of now because some maintenance work is being done according to Jabatan Pertahanan Awam people.
Travel on feet to Sungai Petani with the thought of ‘tumpang-ing’ other people’s car later. But a person claiming to have seen me at Kroh earlier offered me a ride to Sungai Petani.
Sungai Petani was scary at first but things went well in the end. Too sleepy...
Woke up and the usual morning practice. Went breakfast with one of the uncles in the Buddhist temple. Decided to take the bus to give myself some luxury as my feet have blisters and I’m getting too rich from ‘donations’. Finally left Grik.
Accidentally slept most of the time during the bus ride as I’ve been lacking sleep. Realized bus isn’t really a good method to travel for me.
Arrived at Pengkalan Huku a.k.a. Kroh and walked as usual to check the place out. The place was pretty good with the lake and all. Some army marathon event was going on near the lake when I visited. At the same time, met some Rover Scouts from Grik and chatted with them awhile.
Missed Gua Gendang as going alone can get lost easily. Looks like travelling alone will restrict my ‘conquerings’. Nevermind, I shall visit again some other time. Thailand-Perak border (Betung) and kolam air panas didn’t really interest me.
Walked to Baling as it isn’t that far. View was great. Reached R&R Gunung Inas and enjoyed the breath-taking view. Continued my walk and after some time, a car stopped and offered me a ride to Baling.
Arrived at Baling and walked around. All interesting places are too far away. Gonna miss out more in the future due to four factors: time, distance, transportation, and no. of people. Thought I could climb Gunung Baling, but, apparently, nobody can climb the mountain as of now because some maintenance work is being done according to Jabatan Pertahanan Awam people.
Travel on feet to Sungai Petani with the thought of ‘tumpang-ing’ other people’s car later. But a person claiming to have seen me at Kroh earlier offered me a ride to Sungai Petani.
Sungai Petani was scary at first but things went well in the end. Too sleepy...
Day 8
Another dull day, yet eventful. Stayed another day at the same place after being persuaded by a few uncles.
As usual, started the day waking up early. Ate breakfast with a small group of uncles. Food is really cheap compared to Subang Jaya.
Plan to follow some guy to jungle got cancelled as he’s not in town. Leads me to a boring day ahead as there isn’t anything exciting to do and interesting places are all pretty far from Grik town.
One uncle gave me a tour around town with his motorcycle. Brought me to lunch at his house after that. Managed to save money on meals. Was told that today’s quite a special day for Chinese to celebrate some family together kinda thing. Knew about the event but didn’t know it’s today.
Spent the evening boringly. Walked around town looking for something but came back with pretty much nothing.
Another uncle came and gave me a ride around town. This time, visited around the housing area. Saw two pathway to a small hill usually used by residents there for morning exercise. Would have climb it to look around if I knew bout it earlier.
Not forgetting, was introduced to two mountains located next to each other nicknamed grandfather and grandmother in Chinese.
During the boring times at the temple, I get to listen to old people’s chit chats and got the idea of how the past used to be for them compared to now for us.
Majority who listens to this backpacking plan thinks it’s hard to survive. Currently, it’s so not the case for me. Have been receiving lots of money from people who knew bout my travel plan. Got the feeling that I will go back home richer despite the fact that I’ve never beg so far. Backpacking is an income earner somehow.
As usual, started the day waking up early. Ate breakfast with a small group of uncles. Food is really cheap compared to Subang Jaya.
Plan to follow some guy to jungle got cancelled as he’s not in town. Leads me to a boring day ahead as there isn’t anything exciting to do and interesting places are all pretty far from Grik town.
One uncle gave me a tour around town with his motorcycle. Brought me to lunch at his house after that. Managed to save money on meals. Was told that today’s quite a special day for Chinese to celebrate some family together kinda thing. Knew about the event but didn’t know it’s today.
Spent the evening boringly. Walked around town looking for something but came back with pretty much nothing.
Another uncle came and gave me a ride around town. This time, visited around the housing area. Saw two pathway to a small hill usually used by residents there for morning exercise. Would have climb it to look around if I knew bout it earlier.
Not forgetting, was introduced to two mountains located next to each other nicknamed grandfather and grandmother in Chinese.
During the boring times at the temple, I get to listen to old people’s chit chats and got the idea of how the past used to be for them compared to now for us.
Majority who listens to this backpacking plan thinks it’s hard to survive. Currently, it’s so not the case for me. Have been receiving lots of money from people who knew bout my travel plan. Got the feeling that I will go back home richer despite the fact that I’ve never beg so far. Backpacking is an income earner somehow.
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