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.

Gunung Datuk Climb
Night Trek Edition
by Albert85

For the reason that job comes first before pleasure, Albert85 and Tere planned to climb the Gunung Datuk on the night of June28, 2008 after their work duties. There were lots of negating factors involved before successfully climbing the Gunung. Albert85’s monitored servers at work showing some problems before departure, Tere having queued on a very very slow Singapore immigration officer which took her 30minutes in the queue, to Tere being injured as she stepped on a soft part of the wooden steps, and to a wrong path taken from the jump off point in the foot of Gunung Datuk that led them face to face 2meters away with a live 8feet Mangrove Cat Snake.

Though like the trip was jinxed, both climbers pushed on with their adventure. These factors were experienced first time by the two, making them lessons to learn from. From the long bus ride from Larkin to Seremban and cab ride from Seremban to Datuk, it was already 3:00AM when the two reached the jump off point. Unpacked their stuff and got ready for the climb. Unpacked, geared up and ready to go, the two turn on their headlamps and started trekking. The path was so dark, the only light upon was their headlamp. The moon sometimes comes into view occasionally though deeply covered by the trees. The distinctive sounds from the cicadas, the croaks of the frogs and the chirps and buzzes from unknown insects combined were like mozart's art.

About 10minutes of climbing the steep trail from of roots, rocks, mud and fallen trees, their body were sweaty and tired –asking for rest. 2minutes rest Tere suggested. It was a good break for a sip of water, the night was neither cold nor warm but surely the trail was draining them. There were ropes and vines on some parts to help on the climb. Follow the plastic markers and keep on going, is what were on their minds. With patience and fighting spirit to reach the top, they soon came halfway where three members of the morning trek came down for assistance -JungleBoy, Silverchair and Ardie. The three even played a prank to surprise the two new comers. The two were very thankful. Albert85 went with Silverchair and Tere went with JungleBoy and Ardie.

As Silverchair and Albert85 reached the campsite a huge toad was sitting on the topmost step, the toad was there since the first group came. The camp was already setup, the others were sleeping (Trish and Gits), someone was snoring, and the others greet the newly comers welcome. Lady_Anarchy was one of the greeters, then StabiloBoss whom who just popped out his head on the tent and made his surprise move, Sandy also woke and greeted welcome. A couple of minutes, a tiny scream was heard. It was Tere, surprised by the large toad still on the same position. The group was finally completed at around 0530 July29,2008. After couple of minutes of rest, Albert85 and Tere share three shots of Vodka before going to sleep.

It was truly a climb with a lot of ‘first-times’ and first-timers –a climb so memorable.

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Story by: Lady Anarchy

June 28, 2008 Saturday - It was the most awaited day for all of us. Call time: 0800 at Kranji station. I was the first one to arrive. No, I'm not excited. And I didn't get enough sleep the night before. No, I’m not excited. I'm super excited. Haha…. So after a few minutes Jungleboy arrived, followed by Trishe... and for the rest who came late, blame it on the drinking session on the night of Friday. Hehe... And so we all travelled... from bus to another bus to cab which totaled about 4 hrs. Some slept during the journey. As for me, well... I can't sleep so I just listened to my mp3. Again, I'm not excited. Hehe... Fast forward... so finally we arrived at the foot of Gunung Datuk at about 1700. We prepared ourselves, some did stretching, while others fixed their things. Before we started the trek, the group asked for the Lord's guidance led by StabiloBoss. The first few minutes of the trek was very challenging. With a slope ranging from 60 to 70 degrees... woah... this one's surely draining first timers like me. Not to mention the heavy bags we carry on our backs. As the group stopped for a much needed rest, it began to rain. Thank God! We laughed at each other as smoke emitted from our mouths and wet bodies. After a few drinks of water, the group went on. Surprisingly, it seemed that everybody was refreshed. I even joked that I was regenerated by the rain, making me "isandaang porsyento". I was talkative then, asking Gits for tips and advices on how to breathe properly while climbing to what type of clothes to wear. Yeah right, I was wearing this hang ten cotton shirt and jogging pants that became heavier as it absorbs the rain water. So up we go... with Silverchair on the lead as always followed by Superwoman Trishe. I was third in line. Then suddenly a sound was heard. I was shocked when a tree fell on the path, seeing Silverchair few steps away from it. Thank God no one was hurt. The team went on... with Trishe occasionally shouting, "we're here!" so as just to give high hopes to everyone as well as boost our morale. As Gits and I passed by some very huge rocks, we stopped for a while to appreciate its beauty.

Finally, we reached the base camp at around 1930. Some were bleeding, including me. Thanks to the friendly lematiks. Stabilo even took a picture of my bleeding right leg. The group then decided to go the summit. At first I was hesitant. But Stabilo, Jungleboy and Trishe persuaded me. It was really terrifying. You just have to trust the ladders and ropes for you to be able to climb to the summit. I kept on shouting, "This is madness!" We enjoyed its coolness for a while, though we cannot see its total beauty for it was already dark. The group decided to return to the camp, going down with only flash lights and head lamps to light the way. After dinner (prepared by Trishe and Sandy), the group shared a bottle of tequila and whisky. Some even sang and dance with the fresh and lively music coming from Jungleboy's handphone. Gosh! Even Ardie danced... blame it on... hehe... Tired as I was, I wondered why Ardie, Jungleboy and Silverchair decided to go down to wait for Albert85 and Tere who, during that time, were on their night trek. It was about 0530 when Albert85 and Silverchair arrived. Albert85 even tried to surprise me by hiding behind Stabilo's tent. Ironically, he was the one surprised as Stabilo popped his head out from the tent. After a few minutes, a shriek was heard when Tere saw the large stationary toad on the last step before the camp. While others slept, I listened to Albert's story, from taking the wrong path, to seeing a snake he described as black with golden yellow stripes, to Tere falling hard on an aged wooden step. Tere and Albert shared 3 shots of vodka each before going to sleep.

I woke up at about 0700, cooked noodles and prepared hot water for our coffee. Uhmmm... it's so good to sip coffee when you're on top of the mountain. The group again decided to go back to the summit, took some pictures and enjoyed its beauty for the last time. Before we went back to the camp, I looked around and promised myself that I will do this again. We packed our things, making sure that we leave no trash. We prayed, led by Albert85, thanking Him for the wonderful experience we shared. We all went down, down, down. Even the trail going down is equally, if not harder. I even fell as I slipped while crossing over a log. Thanks to Trishe for her band-aid. We then reached the jump-off point, the same spot where we started, stopped and took our first picture. There was a stream nearby and some, including me, took a dip. The group prepared to leave as 3 cabs awaits us. Fast forward... we are then on our way to Melacca to see some historical places and devour on some sumptuous food.

But well... that's another story.

Gunung Datuk Itinerary

GUNUNG DATUK CLIMB

(Located in Negri Sembilan, West Malaysia)

Day 1 Activity

0800 Gather at Kranji MRT Station, Proceed to Larkin Terminal

0930 Arrival at Larkin Terminal

1015 Bus to Tampin

1400 Arrival in Tampin/Lunch

1445 Cab to foot of Gunung Datuk

1530 Start of trek

1800 Arrive at Summit of Datuk

1830 Setup Camp

1900 Cooking of Dinner

2000 Dinner/Interaction/Free time

Day 2 Activity

0515 Rise and shine(Optional)

0530 Proceed to summit again

0700 Rise and shine(for the rest that don't want to go to summit again)

0730 Breakfast

0830 Pack up

0915 Start of Descent

1130 Arrival at foot of Gunung Datuk

1145 Cab to Tampin

1200 Lunch/Wash up

FREE TO ROAM MALACCA (4 hours or more)

1600 Bus Terminal at Tampin

1615 Bus to Larkin Terminal

2000 Arrival at Larkin Terminal

2100 Arrival in Singapore

Cost:

Bus Ticket (JB to Tampin): RM 25.

Cab to foot of Datuk and back: RM 60/taxi, 3 person per taxi RM 20.

Bus Ticket (Tampin to JB): RM 25.

all cost are estimates.