Adventures

Showing posts with label Adventures. Show all posts

MIR Adventures: Rock Climbing at Gua Damai, Batu Caves

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Want to give rock climbing a try but have no idea where to begin? Follow this guide to find out exactly where you can learn rock climbing in Selangor, Malaysia.

MIR Adventures: Rock Climbing at Gua Damai, Batu Caves

About MIR Adventures

MIR stands for Mountain.Ice.Rock, and you know you are in for an adventure with them as your guide! The founder started offering rock climbing packages and tours in 2010 to locals and foreigners. He also provides guided tours for climbing expeditions, ice-climbing and mountaineering trekking to Batu Caves and Bukit Takun. Fueled by passions, the experienced team is always prepared to assist their guests to discover excitement and thrills. Today, MIR Adventures has extended its services to include a wide range of out-bound holiday destinations and activities, including the exploration of Mount Siguniang in China.

Gua Damai Extreme Park at Batu Caves

While there are several rock climbing destinations in Malaysia, Gua Damai is the most accessible and convenient site to get to. Located just 15 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, this destination offers 120 bolted routes catering to both beginners and advanced climbers.

Rock Climbing at Gua Damai, Batu Caves

Gua Damai Extreme Park is the most popular rock climbing destination in Malaysia

MIR Adventures Rock Climbing Package

My first guided outdoor rock climbing experience in Malaysia was made possible thanks to Eddie from MIR Adventures. Eddie is an established guide with his name plastered all over Tripadvisor. He is everything that a guide should be - patient, supportive and funny, even when dealing with despairing beginners like myself.

The course started at 8.30am and ended slightly after noon, but the duration varies depending on the pace of the climbers. We were put into a team of about 10 people, which consisted of guides, beginners and first-time climbers. When we arrived at Gua Damai Extreme Park, we spotted Eddie suspended high above the ground, fixing bolted ropes that would later be used by the climbers to ascend the rocky wall.

Each climber was provided with climbing harness, helmet and shoes

Eddie from MIR Adventures demonstrating a few basic climbing techniques before our skills were put to test

Batu Caves Climbing Guide

Every climber was supported by a trusty and experienced belayer, whose job was to ensure that the climber does not fall too far by exerting tension on the rope from the ground. The belayers from MIR Adventures also acted as cheerleaders, motivational "screamers" as well as navigators who tell you exactly which pinches to grip on or which gap to stick your foot in.

Muscular endurance and high upper-body strength is vital for climbing.

Rock climbing is great to train focus and problem solving skills.

Batu Cave Rock Climbing Price and Package

MIR Adventures is offering several packages, depending on duration and experience. Listed below are the prices for the rock-climbing packages at the Gua Damai Extreme Park:

Private group rates - 1 pax: RM250 / 2 pax: RM175 / pax
Open group rates - Malaysian: RM105 pax / Non-Malaysian: RM135 pax /Children age 6 - 12 special rate: RM88

Interested in trying out rock climbing for yourself? I highly recommend Eddie from MIR Adventures! You can learn more about the half-day beginner crash course here and here.

How to Get to Gua Damai, Batu Caves

Take a train to the Stesen Komuter Batu Caves to arrive at the Batu Caves complex located in Gombak, which is approximately 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. If you are using the LRT, first make your way to the KL Sentral station and change to the KTM Komuter Line.

I've had a fantastic experience climbing with MIR Adventures at Gua Damai. Unlike my bouldering experience in France, rock-climbing is a lot more challenging as it requires me to climb higher and stay constantly focused. By realizing that a single wrong step could potentially lead to a fall, I got to train myself both mentally and physically to be adept and competent.

Can't wait for the next adventure!

MIR Adventures

Website | Facebook

Address: Gua Damai Extreme Park, Jalan Fairuz Off Jalan Zamrut, Kampung Melayu Wira Damai, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

Contact number: +6016-3320122

Email address: miradventuresmy@gmail.com

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Hiking at Panorama Hill at Sungai Lembing, Pahang

Sunday, December 20, 2020

There is something magical about hiking up to a spot at majestic heights and looking out at the world that lies below. It is a surreal experience which brings a sense of tranquility and peace. Thankfully for Malaysians, the country is blessed with beautiful mountain trails, and Panorama Hill at Sungai Lembing, Pahang is one of them.

Read also: Exploring Gua Charas Temple Cave at Panching, Kuantan

Hiking at Panorama Hill at Sungai Lembing, Pahang

Ready to hike Panorama Hill? Use the information below to help you plan your trip and find out the best time start your hike for a memorable adventure during your visit to Sungai Lembing, Pahang!

Bukit Panorama Sungai Lembing Attraction & History

The word ‘sungai’ in the Malay language means river and the word ‘lembing’ means spear. It is said that this town, which started as a tin-mining community, received its name when a local ruler saw a vision of a spear in the river and subsequently named this place after it. In its heyday, the humble Sungai Lembing was one of the largest and deepest tin mining areas in the world. This is truly a town steeped in rich history.

Sungai Lembing, Pahang, Malaysia

Bukit Panorama Sungai Lembing Height & Distance

Panorama Hill stands at 271 metres in height and towers over the small town of Sungai Lembing in Kuantan, Pahang. The recommended hiking duration is one hour and the ascent is relatively easy - covering 1,000 cemented steps.

Bukit Panorama Sungai Lembing height is at 271 metres

It takes about one hour to hike up Bukit Panorama at Sungai Lembing

There are 1,000 cemented steps at Bukit Panorama at Sungai Lembing

Sungai Lembing Sunrise Time & Best Time to Hike

To catch the stunning sunrise, it is recommended to begin the hike at around 5am. The hike takes about an hour with rest time factored in, but this is also dependent on the pace of the hiker. Although the weather at this hour of the day is cooling, remember to bring sufficient water and snacks supplies. This is necessary if you need to boost your energy level during the hike. It is also advisable to bring a torchlight if you are starting the hike at dawn. If you are looking for solitude on your journey, plan your visit on a weekday as the crowd is larger during weekends.

Bukit Panorama Sungai Lembing Hiking Trail

During the hike up, there will be moments where you might be tempted to give up, especially if you are not used to the strenuous climb. However, perseverance has its rewards as the view from the top will take your breath away – making the challenging climb up worthwhile. City dwellers will certainly appreciate the view, cool air, and quietness at the peak, which is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. There is nothing like the settling of one’s soul to bring a fresh perspective to life.

As the sun slowly rises above the horizon, the sky appears as a masterpiece of a talented artist. The hues of orange, yellow, and blue form a breathtaking tapestry of colors. Looking out to a carpet of clouds below, you can only feel so small in the grand space of things, but it is a feeling that comes with tranquility instead of fear.

The journey down would certainly be an easier one, as compared to the ascent. As you etch the beautiful views in your mind, you would certainly feel your steps get lighter - as do your heart. That's when you know it's time to head for a good breakfast in town as the perfect end to wrap up the memorable trip.

Bukit Panorama at Sungai Lembing hiking trail is relatively easy

Sunset Hill Sungai Lembing. The peak is loved for the bed of clouds that surrounds it

Panorama view Sungai Lembing. Gua Charas can be seen from the summit

Sungai Lembing sunrise time is at 6am so be sure to start hiking at 5am

Sungai Lembing attractions include Bukit Panorama - a small hill offering breathtaking views

How to Get to Bukit Panorama, Sungai Lembing

To get to Panorama Hill, one may opt to take either a bus or a taxi to the Sungai Lembing town from the state capital of Kuantan. Upon reaching Sungai Lembing, head over to the Country View Inn. There will be a road between Country View Inn and a food court. Walk on to the end of the road and turn left at the end until you reach a flight of stairs. There are approximately 1,000 steps to climb, so for those who foresee the number of steps to be a challenge, it is advisable to get some training done before beginning the hike to build up one’s endurance. The staircases are cemented, and there is a handrail to hold onto. These would definitely ease the hiking process.

Bukit Panorama Trailhead

Address: Sungai Lembing, 26200 Pahang

GPS Coordinates: 3°55′00.9″N 103°02′05.9″E

Happy hiking!

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Adventures Malaysia

Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Enjoy hiking but do not have the time to journey out of the city? The Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve may just be your next favorite hang out spot!

Hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong
Hiking at Bukit Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail

What To Do At Bukit Gasing Forest Park In Selangor, Malaysia

Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

This local, somewhat hidden gem spans across 100 hectares, and although hedged in by development and residential neighborhoods, it is both convenient and accessible for those seeking for a breath of fresh air amid the chaotic life.

Here, you can find several trails catered for each level of fitness, and if you climb long enough, you will arrive at a vantage point that overlooks the subdued parts of Petaling Jaya, consisting of mostly houses and low-rise buildings.

Viewpoint at Bukit Gasing overlooking Petaling Jaya

Map of Bukit Gasing Trails

Despite having several trails, they are not properly pointed out but I guess that is what makes the hike interesting. Stick to the main path or take the road less traveled, turn left or right - trust your guts and just do it. Each trail ultimately brings you to the highest point at 160 meters. You will come across the Abu Baker slope towards the end of your climb, which is slightly more arduous (I call it exciting), where you’ll be required to hang out on a rope for a sharp, almost perpendicular incline.

On your ascent, you may spot one or all of the following from afar: Maha Sivan Alayam (a Hindu temple), Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz (a yellow-domed mosque), Wat Chetawan (a Thai Buddhist temple), and a tall hilltop watchtower.

A hilltop watchtower at Bukit Gasing

Bukit Gasing Hiking Tips

Keep in mind that it gets busier on weekends and in the evening. Put on a pair of good hiking shoes as certain parts could get challenging (we’re talking mud and steep, slippery slopes). There is a suspension bridge, but it has been closed for repair work. Since facilities are nonexistent here, you are advised to come with an empty bladder and a full water bottle.

Difficulty: Easy to intermediate depending on trail
Distance: 4 kilometers
Duration: 1-2 hours depending on trail
Entrance fee: Free
What you'll need: Mosquito repellent and water

How to Get to Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve

To get to the starting point of Bukit Gasing, simply search for this address on Waze or Google Maps: Jalan Tanjong 5/4, Section 5, Bkt Gasing, Petaling Jaya

Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

Bukit Gasing trails

Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

Steep climb at the middle section of the Bukit Gasing trail

Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

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Adventures Malaysia

Hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Located in Kepong, Bukit Sri Bintang is just a short drive away from Desa Park City. It makes the perfect hiking spot for those seeking for serene, quiet trails amidst a busy city.

The starting point is located on Jalan 11/36 (or Jalan Seri Bintang 8), and after a short walk, you'll soon find yourself at a fork, leading you to two main trails. Do not worry about trekking the wrong one as both connect at a higher point!

Hiking at Bukit Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

Hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

Your leisurely hike will be accompanied by squeals and gibbers of monkeys, jumping indefatigably from tree to tree in the shadow.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 3.5 kilometers
Duration: 1.5 hours
Entrance fee: Free
What you'll need: Water, and if necessary, a stick to fend off monkeys.

Hiking Tips

To get to the starting point, use Waze and set the destination as Jalan 11/36. You can park your car along the street but ensure that your vehicle is not obstructing the passage to the houses of the residents.
Bring along a camera! The view from the top can be spectacular when you get the right angle.

Hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

Summit of Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

Bukit Sri Bintang hiking trail

Easy hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

Bukit Sri Bintang hiking trail

Views from Bukit Sri Bintang summit

Bukit Sri Bintang view

Bukit Sri Bintang easy hiking trail

How to Get to Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

Use the map below to help you get to Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong.

Sri Bintang Hill Trail

Address: Jalan 11/36, Taman Sri Bintang, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.

Have fun exploring!
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Adventures Malaysia

Hiking at Bukit Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Hiking at Bukit Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail

The centrally located Bukit Kiara makes a convenient jogging, cycling and hiking spot among outdoor enthusiasts. For occasional joggers, the pavements are spacious and well-maintained. For hiking novices, the hill offers several beginner trails amidst a lush, verdant terrain.

Located next to urban sprawl of TTDI, Bukit Kiara offers several tracks catered for different level of fitness. Besides having a jogging trail encircling a lake, it also provides a slightly more challenging route for steep uphill and downhill running, as well as higher, narrow forest trails for the venturesome.

Hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong
Hiking at Bukit Gasing Forest Park, Selangor

Hiking at Bukit Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail

While the hill is abundant in wildlife, monkeys and mosquitoes are noticeably more rampant. As you ascend higher onto the hill, you will be greeted by old, unfaltering trees and well-trodden paths, as it is a popular playground among mountain bikers.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours
Entrance fee: Free
What you'll need: Plenty of mosquito repellent, water, and if necessary, a stick to fend off monkeys

Tips

It starts to get dark around 7.30pm, so be sure to plan ahead.
You might find yourself walking in circles as the trails are not well-marked and there are many forks.
There isn't any elaborate map for the trails online. Check Google Maps before hiking as the trails can lead you to Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara!

Hiking at Bukit Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail

Have fun exploring!

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Adventures How-to Travel

Female Solo Hiking Tips

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Female Solo Hiking Tips
Photo taken at Haba Snow Mountain, Yunnan

Growing up in Asia, being in a constant state of cautiousness is almost inevitable.

Family members have always cast a protective shell over me, isolating me from activities they deemed risky. Note: For Asians parents, anything could be dangerous - even if it is just crossing that damn road across the house.

Frankly, it really wasn't all that shocking that when I told my parents I'd be traveling to Indonesia for my first solo hiking adventure, it was acknowledged with two pairs of widened eyes and dropped jaws. My mother has always been overly concerned about my safety and well-being (which I appreciate wholeheartedly), and it took much persuasion to finally make it happen.

Personally, I prefer doing things on my own, and this includes hiking. There is something about being able to make the journey based entirely on my own efforts, and that when the hustle is over, I get to look back on every step I've taken from the very peak. While hiking solo is immensely rewarding, risks and dangers are at times unavoidable:

Dangers of Solo Hiking (Female or Otherwise)

Emergency - Having no one to help you when you're injured

Getting lost - Going onto the wrong trail

Lack of supplies - Water, food, maps etc

Mental state - Lack of moral support to go on/having someone to talk to

Female Solo Hiking Tips

Cast Away Negative Thoughts

Yes, you may have read countless horror stories about those who have met a tragic end while hiking. Keep in mind that unfortunate events take place around the world day-to-day - at the mountain, on a road, or even at someone's own house, and soaking yourself in such negative thoughts will not get you any further. Instead, pay attention to the beauty that surrounds you, such as immersing yourself in the blueness of the sky or by dipping your feet in the cold rattling stream at any given chance.

Prepare a First Aid Kit

If you are hiking alone, chances are that you will have to nurse yourself in the event of unforeseen injuries. Understanding how to use the items in a first-aid kit is as important as having them, so a thorough research is crucial. A few important items include bandages, tweezers (to remove splinters or debris), oral dehydration salt, hydrocortisone cream, pain relievers, etc.

Get Into Shape

It is wise to make sure that you are physically well prepared, especially if you are taking on longer trails. Dragging out your time due to exhaustion might leave you out on the trail alone when the sky gets dark.

Don't Outdo Yourself

Feeling tired? Take a break. Sprained an ankle? Get help and put your journey on hold until you fully recover. No good comes from pushing yourself too hard.

Gather Enough Experience First

Hike in a group and familiarize yourself with hiking do's and don'ts before attempting it solo will greatly reduce the risks involved.

Elevate Your Experience
If you enjoy painting, bring along a sketchbook and spend some time by the waterfall to let your creativity flow. If you have a knack for photography, bring along a camera with as much memory it could hold. It is a breeze to make your hiking experience a more memorable one!

Hiking solo is the most rewarding thing a female can do. It teaches us to have unstinting courage, independence, wisdom, unreserved perseverance and unconditional commitment. Happy hiking!

For related travel stories, click here.

A special shout-out to Mantas, who have taught me to be a little crazier and to do everything my mother has warned me against. More importantly, thanks for teaching me to never stop exploring. Be safe wherever you are!

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Adventures China Travel

Complete Guide to Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Scroll down for Complete Guide to Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Complete Guide to Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

It was 4 a.m.

With watery eyes and a long yawn, I dutifully loaded my backpack into a van that would be transferring hikers’ luggage to the end point of the trail I was embarking on. Along with the lightest knapsack I could assemble, I boarded a separate shuttle to get to a mountain located two hours away from town. I flashed a faint smile as my eyes met those of the strangers onboard – about 20 of them – who were my destined fellow hikers that very day.

The journey begun as I gradually fell into a partial sleep. My head bobbed with every bump of the rugged road, but it did not take long before I was resurrected by the sight of majestic pinnacles atop an unbroken stretch of forest. It felt just like a movie, except it was happening right before my eyes.

Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

The van stopped at the foot of the mountain as several uniformed officers entered for passport checks. Hikers were then required to pay ¥65 for an open-ended ticket to the trail (¥32.50 for hikers below the age of 25 with a student card).

Then on, it is an adventure waiting to be unfold.

Solo Hiking: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Hiking: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Located in the Yunnan province in southwest China, the trail to the Tiger Leaping Gorge starts at Qiaotou, a town at the foot of the Haba Snow Mountain. The trail takes a shortest time of 7 hours to complete. Otherwise, there are several inns along the way for those preferring to hike at a slower pace. Although considered one of the most popular hiking destination in China, the trail remains uncrowded and deserted on most days.

History

Legend has it that a tiger once leaped from Yulong Snow Mountain to Haba Snow Mountain by jumping on the huge rock in the centre of the river, among the rough rapids.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Features:

Trail distance: 30km (high path)
Duration: 7 hours to 3 days
Gorge depth: 3,790 meters (12,434 feet) from river to peak
Gorge length: 15 kilometres (9.3 mi)
Entrance fee: ¥65 (¥32.50 for students with valid IDs)
Accommodation: Halfway Guesthouse, Tea & Horse Guesthouse, Naxi Family Guesthouse, Come Inn, Five Fingers Mountain Guest House, Chateau de Woody, Tibet Guest House, Tina's Guesthouse

Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Getting In

Bus from Lijiang (¥40, 2 hours), drop off at Qiaotou (entrance to the high path).
Every 30 minutes from 7am to 12pm.

Getting Out

Bus to Shangri-la (¥55) from Tina's Guesthouse at 3.30pm.
Bus to Lijiang and Daju available.

Warnings

Do not attempt to hike the trail during winter/rainy season as rockslide is common. The best time is said to be in May, October and November.
If you are hiking solo, note that the trail is usually empty and that the next town is located very far away so it will be challenging to find help should anything unfortunate happens.
You will constantly be harassed by locals for fees, especially at areas closest to the gorge. If the amount is small, look at it as a donation to give back to the community.
The most difficult part of the trail is located close to the starting point, known as the 28 Bends. It isn't really that difficult if you take it slow, but it is here that local men will pester you to take a ride on their donkeys or horses for a fee should you show the slightest sign of fatigue.