The Freedom Climb 2012

Gunung Rajah 

Height : 5,526 feet (1685 meters)

9-10 June 2012

Distance to campsite approximately 6-7 hours and another 2 hours to the peak.


Day 1
00:00   BUS: Larkin to Bentong, Pahang
04:00   ETA Pahang / Breakfast
06:00   Taxi to Chamang Waterfalls
08:00   Start Trek / Adventure begins 
13:00   Lunch / Rest 
14:00   Continue Trek 
16:00   Reach Campsite - 7hrs
17:00   Continue Trek to summit
19:00   SUMMIT + photo session 
20:00   Descend / night trek 
22:00   Reach camp Site / Socials 
23:00   Lights Off

Day 2 

06:00   Rise and Shine
08:00   Breakfast / Break Camp 
11:00   Descend 
13:00   Lunch at the White Rock/ Swim-swim 
14:00   Continue Trek 
16:00   Reach the long and effin' logging trail   
17:00   Reach Lata Chamang Waterfalls/ Clean- up 
18:00   ETA; Taxi to Bentong - KL 
20:15   Reach TBS KL Bus Station; Off to Singapore 
02:00   HOME SWEET HOME :)

Woodlands Meet-Up

This is my first freedom climb ever. We're supposed to hike in Gunung Hantu Besar (Ghost Mountain) but unfortunately our guide there informed us last minute that the trail was closed and we're no longer allowed to camp. Our Team Leader, Ernie initiated to climb Gunung Rajah instead and thought that it would be the best way in which we don't have to waste our expensive bus tickets that was bought beforehand.

Breakfast at TBS Bus Station 

To be honest, I agreed to join this Freedom climb without a proper training and at that time I really had no idea where this mountain is nor how high it is, and from what I have learned from others who already climb Rajah - the trek is going to be TOUGH. Phew. 

Gunung Rajah is located in Pahang and most trekkers start the trek from the foot of Chamang Waterfall in Bentong, Pahang. Physical fitness and stamina was more than a pre-requisite for this trek and the total distance covered was approximately 32km and that was inclusive of the long undulating logging trail in the beginning. 

Take 5 :) 

We have successfully reached the summit of Gunung Rajah for a whole day non-stop trek. Due to time constraints, we compressed this climb to 2 days/ 1 night itinerary. It requires one to trek through the initial logging trail which feels really far and long! After which we trek along undulating terrains of the logging trail then reached the steep slopes of the gorge. The path becomes narrow after the gushing rapids along the logging trails. The trail gets steeper and muddy. Good thing is that there's no sights of leeches. It was not easy trekking up to the campsite as one would have to circumvent many fallen tree trunks, and have to navigate through muddy and steep terrains. A trek where all of us should keep a reasonable safety distance between one another.Not long after ascending to the steep and muddy slopes, we cross a few rivers before reaching the campsite. It was a sigh of relief. Thank God as well, we were blessed and fortunate for the good weather. We pitched our tents at the campsite, rested for a while and continue to climb. Each of us must have that eager "summit push."  We were all careful of our handholds and footholds while ascending. 

Adam and Eve's Tree

It's just 4pm and it was getting cold already and the air was moist. We began to gain more body heat while scrambling through the uneven mossy forest on that afternoon then VOILA! Signs of ropes were seen just after the false summit. Geez. The actual summit is a vertical rock face with ropes slinging by the side to assist the us all up to the top. 

We have reached the summit just before the sun sleeps. And it was very beautiful. The sight of Genting Highlands far right, the exquisite mountain ridges plus the enchanting sea of clouds. It was indeed breathtakingly perfect, a worth of long and tiring trek. 

Rewarding view indeed

Group Hug 

The Girls 

Summit Hug <3 span="span">

The Boys!!

At the camp site 

Photo Credits to: Tere Dilaw, Billy boy, Masayahing John and Tyrone :) 

Thanks to all the organizers of this freedom climb.. Till next climb my dear friends!!!!! 

Narrated by:

Harot :)

First Annual Freedom Climb

In commemoration of the 111th day of Philippine Independence, Filipino mountaineers from all parts of the country joined together for the first time for one common goal -to be united and raise the Philippine flag on the summit of various mountains in the Philippines. The event was called the Philippine Annual Freedom Climb.

The event's goal was to climb the mountains on June 12, our Independence Day, and simultaneously raise the Philippine Flag on The 13th of June at exactly 8:00am. A target of 40 mountain summits was climbed in the Philippines on the said occasion.

This event also served as a unifying cause for mountaineers to work together in promoting environmental awareness and also to commend our heroes for their sacrifices to gain our independence.

KALASAG as a Filipino mountaineering group joined and took part in this event. Seven members of the KALASAG from Singapore went back to the Philippines and joined with four more Philippines-based KALASAG members to team up with the TUKAD Adventures Club to climb Mt. Natib in Orani, Bataan.

Seventeen other KALASAG members did their share and climbed Gunung Belumut in Kluang, State of Johor, Malaysia with the same timing of event.

It was the combined joy, pride and happiness of being a mountaineer plus the patriotic feeling of raising our flag that made this event unforgettable.

The event is really a memorable experience for all members of KALASAG and an exciting fete for others who had heard the story.

'til the next Annual Freedom Climb!!!

KALASAG @ Mt. Natib, Philippines
Tatamakata, Popony, Aj_david, silverchair_13, Ardie, Jerson, Melki_zedic, Stabiloboss, Paulino, Leah, Ice

KALASAG @ Gunung Belumut, Malaysia
Zat, Ernie23, Pedrong Palad, Tere, Weazerboi, GorjusLori, Gits, Bheng, Sharon_Salud,
Cris, Mudvayne, Lady_Anarchy, Trishe, Jungleboy, Kapitanbasa28, Myles, Erick

GUNUNG PANTI FRIENDSHIP CLIMB FOR A CAUSE

Story by: Lady Anarchy

It was an invitation from Bundokeros Adventure Club (BAC), an organization of friends with a common love for outdoors and a passion for adventure. They are also committed to responsible mountaineering and the will to help protect and preserve nature. Our group, the PSG Mountaineers, was informed that this climb would somehow be different. As the title Friendship Climb for a Cause says, you don't have to tickle your brain cells to know what it is all about. But to give a head start, each of us paid a certain amount of money to raise a fund. The fund was then given to the Globe Adventure Club to aid them in their Medical Mission for our Aetas brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

Let me now cut off the introduction and begin the story. So a week before the climb, as expected, my mailbox was so flooded of continuous reminders, jokes, teasing, and pranks from my "kafatids", as we fondly called each other. Of course there are a few who kept silent and worked their butts off in their offices to beat deadlines or else forget about joining the climb. I can feel the excitement and anxiousness from everyone. Nov.29, Saturday, the day we were all been waiting for. Call time: 6:30 am at Kranji Station. Aside from the fact that I live one station away, I was so excited that I arrived before the clock strikes 6. I thought I was the first one to arrive. It was an sms from Roura that I realized that some of them were already at the other side of the station. As I joined them, I saw the coach waiting for us at the other side of the road. While a few made their last minute back outs, the group was completed at about 7:15 am, 45 mins. late from the estimated time of departure. We arrived at Kota Tinggi at 9:15 am, took "teksis" and reached the jump off point at about 10:15 am. The all-Filipino group from Malaysia, whom some are working in Kuala Lumpur, was already waiting for us. Our group didn't have packed lunches so we just spent the time teasing, joking, laughing, taking pictures and fooling around while the two other groups devour on their food.

It was about 12 pm when we began to trek, shortly after I recited a prayer. Walking through the woods was not that hard, it's just like "a walk in the park". But the highlight of the trail was a very huge rock that you have to climb over to be able to reach the summit. With a slope of almost 90 degrees and ropes to hold on to, it reminded me of how scared I am of heights. We arrived at the peak at about 2 pm, just as the itinerary stated that the trek would take 2 hrs. The Bundokeros lead pack was already setting their camp near the cliff, the part of the summit with the breath-taking view. We set our own camp a few meters away from the Bundokeros. While Gunung Panti’s spacious peak can accommodate large number of climbers, it is also cozy for socials because of its white sand and sturdy trees to suspend your "hammocks". As everyone settled down, we cooked rice and had late lunch, having a fair share of the all-time-favorite adobo, canned tuna and laing from Goldilocks. Some slept after eating, while I strut around the camp, talking, joking and laughing with the few others who didn't sleep as well. Some of the photography enthusiasts took pictures of the very dramatic sunset.

The dinner was ready at around 7:30 pm but the group decided to eat at 8 pm and wait for Tere, Albert85 and Painintheass, which are on their night trek with a couple of Bundokeros. The 30 mins. wait was agonizing for some of us whose stomachs were crumbling. 8 pm came and none of them showed up so the group ate the "replay" adobo, tuna and laing. After dinner the 3 different groups gathered around at the Bundokeros camp. Jai of BAC made a short speech, and then each one of us introduced ourselves. It was an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, to get phone numbers, YMs and Friendster. hehe... The group shared bottles of liquor. I just took 2 shots of tequila and crept back to the tent to sleep. It felt like eternity, I was awakened by familiar voices outside. I realized that the group who had their night trek finally arrived. It was already 11:30 pm. I went out of the tent and welcomed my other 3 kafatids.

We had our own socials, embracing the coldness, laughing our hearts out as our loud voices echoed through the mountains. Hours passed by... and there was total silence...

It was 6:45 am when my celfone alarmed, 15 mins. earlier than the wake up call. The early birds got advantage of the boiled water for their noodles. Some ate bread and biscuits. After breakfast and the break camp, we spent the rest of the time taking pictures. It was a very funny bonding moment for us. At 9:40 am, we gathered around as Dez led the prayer and began to leave the camp. This time we will be doing a traverse, descending via Lukut trail. We expected that the trek going down will take about 2 and a half hrs. but something unforeseen happened. The lead group took the wrong trail. We were all walking for hours, the lead group reached a dead end, and it was too late. We had no choice but to go back. So the adventure began... with most of us left with no trail water, the next few hours were excruciating. We made several stop over as some of the Bundokeros scouted the area, looking for possible trails. We went on and on... hungry, thirsty, and tired.

--> Call it luck or blessing in disguise, the rain began to pour. Some put towels on their heads and drank the water that was sipped into it. I for one opened my mouth to catch the raindrops. Albert opened an umbrella and placed it upside down and did manage to collect a few ounces of water. One of my kafatids even confessed that she licked the wet leaves. It was like never ending... mud, steep slopes, slippery rocks, leeches, thorns, hornet stings. Is this for real, I thought, when by this time I should be enjoying of what Kota Tinggi resort has to offer. As we reached the foot of the mountain we passed by a river. We all happily drank water from it. Ahh... it felt like I haven't drink for years. It was already 6:00 pm when we finally arrived at the last stop - Bahay ni Manang. Each one has his or her own tale of what happened in the last 8 hours. We all washed and dressed up, took "teksis" and went to the place where the coach awaits us. The driver has been waiting for us for almost 3 hours. We all met at a famous fastfood. They ran out of rice so some decided to eat at a nearby local coffee shop. As for me, I gave myself a treat - 2 pcs. chicken, baked potato, coleslaw and ice-cold soft drink.

Uhmm…Truly an unforgettable experience, this climb proved one thing. That regardless of the group we belong, of age, gender and status, Filipinos will unite as one to help the poor and the needy.

9:30 pm, as I seat comfortably in the bus, I looked around... I thought I saw smiles on everyone’s tired faces.

The 17 Adventurers - Jungleboy, Gits, Tere, Silverchair_13, Albert85, Tatamakata, Dez, Nekupenda, Roura, Ardie, Charlotte, Painintheass, Yushi, Zen, Arnold, Popony, Lady_Anarchy

Gunung Irau Climb - An Adventure in Wonderland
Tale by: Albert85

TGIF, a long wait for the PSG mountaineers, it was a work-worn-out week –climb at last. All are set, bags are packed and spirits are lifted when all participants gather in the Golden Mile Complex in Beach Rd. Smiles filled their faces as newbies and formers were introduced with one common goal –to reach the top.

The coach left the terminal around 1030PM, reached Tuas checkpoint after 45minutes travel. Everyone alighted to exit the Singapore immigration, bags carried until the entry to Malaysian border. It was surprising that not much of the climbers got a ballpen at hand. Spent more than half an hour in the MY checkpoint signing and doin pranks with each other.

Again all tucked their bags and boarded the bus. Some fell asleep, some watched the movie on board, some drinking vodka at the back.. The 10-hour ride in the Malaysian expressway seems endless for the excited sleeping group. Everyone was almost awake due to the zigzag motion of the bus. As dawn came, all were looking onto their windows and imagining the countryside and comparing the view with that from the Philippine provinces. It was then that they realized that they were almost near the town of Cameron Highlands.

The bus reached Brinchang Terminal at 800AM. The group ended eating a fair breakfast on a local Indian shop, munching prata, bread and some fresh strawberries and drinking coffee.

They were fetched by 3 4X4 jeeps, to which everyone was so thrilled to ride the almost Harabas jeep look alike. 30 minutes from the town to the jump-off point was an unforgettable experience.

A town filled with strawberry and tea plantation, the view from every angle from the mountains overlooking the town is exhilarating. Hills carved like the rice terraces, some with foggy tops -a sight some might say comparable to Baguio or Tagaytay.

When the group reached the jump-off point, some planned to go to the telecoms area for a quick sightseeing before heading to the trail. Everyone got a good vibe to what is ahead. On the telecom tower, one can almost have a 360degree view of the mountain range. Also, from the tower a mass of fog or cloud came to surround it making almost everyone wrap his or her arms due to coldness.

As everyone was ready, a prayer was said and then the climb begun. Excitement can be seen to everyone’s faces and grins. Sidewinded on the starting trail with an under construction pathway, walk over mossy mud and trees, hit own legs to a fallen trunk, do a ‘patintero’ style of walking along mud filled tracks, grabbing onto slimy tree branches to gain balance, crawled over and under a mossy fallen log. Some ended up shoes totally filled with mud, some get the major prize having mud knee high, some were lucky to see the previous soaked footprints and were able to choose a different steping point. Trial and error was observed. Good and fast decision-making was practiced. From the whole group starting the climb it then came to smaller groups. Buddies were helping each other and waiting for each other, a good bonding moment for everyone.

The first group to reach the peak setup camp and started cooking meals. They made a small canopy and cooking area. As the next group arrived they rest and setup their tents respectively. Helped on the preparation of the foods and fixture of camp. Shoes were put into one place –all filled with mud. As everyone reached the top, loud cheering and congratulations were heard.

It was a blessing rather than good timing that after the setup of camp the rain poured. Making everybody chill to the cold, everyone did whatever they can do to be warm. Some used jackets, some used their blankets, some used nothing(topless, hehe), some went in the tents and some used the best thing yet –alcohol.

They never saw the beauty of the sunset on the peak due to the cloudy weather, but were contented that everyone was all enjoying dinner and none hurt.

Hours being soaked in the rain passed, soon it stopped everyone thankful. Another unexpected and new experience indeed. Everyone helped each other to clean up the and ready for the night. Lights were lit and a small portion of the summit was brighter. The majority enjoyed shots of tequila, vodka and cognac while some enjoyed the chats. It was time for everyone to know each other. It was indeed a great introduction by everyone.

The night passed. Some slept well, some slept a bit and some didn’t sleep at all. It was a very cold night at the peak, ranging from 15degrees to below 12degrees coldest. It was 315AM that the wake up call was heard. Most should get packed and must start trekking downhill in the midst of the darkness. Tents were folded, trash were bagged, the peak must be clean before leaving. At 5AM, group-by-group they trekked the cold, foggy and mossy jungle. Headlights and flashlights can be seen through the dark –it was pitch black without. The trail was wet and the moist was really damp and cold. Each step was made with caution and precision, as a slight mistake might mean injury.

After an hour and a half of trek sunrise was along the way. Made the trek faster and safer. The first group to reach the jump-off point was driven to the town. They showered, cleaned up and waited for the following groups to reach the town. All were fine as everyone was already washed up and ready to leave around 1200noon.

Another Gunung climb, truly uncomparable. A great experience to learn from and another moment to cherish. Not a dejavu but reality. Great things happen in life that can be shared for generations.

The Magic 25:
albert85, Super_Pinay, Roura, Charlotte, Rhysthel, Fafi, Popony, Pol, Zen, Kismoder, Jai,
Tatamakata, PainintheAss, Blade, Mudvayne, Lady_Anarchy, Tere, Trishe, Sandy,
Dhes, StabiloBoss, Ardie, Silverchair, Gits, JungleBoy

Gunung Irau Itinerary

GUNUNG IRAU CLIMB

(Highest Peak in Cameron Highlands at 2110m)

Day 1

2130 Gather at Golden Mile Complex, Beach Road

2200 Departure to Cameron Highlands

Day 2 16 August 2008

0800 Arrival in Cameron Highlands (Brinchang),Breakfast, Final preparations

0930 Taxi to Gunung Brinchang Peak

1015 Arrival at Brinchang peak, Sight seeing at the peak and watch tower, telecom tower, Light lunch

1130 Start Trek

1400 Arrival Irau Kecil (Baby Irau, False peak)

1530 Gunung Irau Peak 2110m!

1600 Setup Camp

1700 Cooking of Dinner

1800 Dinner/Interaction/Free time

Day 3 17 August 2008

0600 Wake up Call, Prepare Breakfast

0645 Breakfast

0730 Break Camp, Cleanup

0815 Start Descent

1045 Arrival at Brinchang Peak

1100 Taxi to Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands

1145 Arrival at Tanah Rata

1200 Lunch

1230 Bus to Kuala Lumpur

1730 Arrival at KL Bus Terminal

1745 Dinner

1830 Departure from KL

2300 Arrival at Larkin

2359 Welcome back to Singapore

Expected Temperature: 10-15 degree celsius, bring warm clothing.

Cost:

Bus Ticket (Beach Road to Cameron Highlands): SGD 50.

Cab to Cameron Highlands to Gunung Brinchang: RM 60/taxi, 3 person per taxi RM 20.

Cab to Gunung Brinchang to Cameron Highlands: RM 60/taxi, 3 person per taxi RM 20.

Bus Ticket (Cameron Highland to KL): RM 25.

Bus Ticket (KL to Larkin): RM25

Total Transportation Cost: 100SGD estimate.