Mossy Forest Boardwalk to Gunung Brinchang being repaired

Mossy Forest Boardwalk to Gunung Brinchang being repaired and should be ready in a months time. Great to give this a go for some outdoor adventure hiking. And yes, people have lost their way resulting in a search and rescue so the boardwalk serves as guide to stick to the path and avoid getting lost. Now that it is under repair they have closed the mossy forest jungle trail for now. According to news, it would be ready by end month February. So March onwards, mossy forest hiking ho!

Improved scenic boardwalk to be completed this month
By Fong Kee Soon
Friday February 17, 2012

A LOOP is being added to the Mossy Forest boardwalk at Gunung Brinchang in Cameron Highlands to prevent visitors from getting lost.

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH) president R. Ramasamy said the loop leads back to the entrance of the 200m-long boardwalk.

"In the past, some visitors lost their way because they wandered off the boardwalk amidst the misty environment.

"Missing planks and vandalised ropes along the boardwalk's wooden platforms are also being replaced," Ramasamy told The Star.

Mystical: A view of the Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands.

Renovation works, which started since October last year, should be completed by the end of the month, he added.

YTL Cameron Highlands Resort Christmas

Walk along jungle trail part of Xmas at Cameron Highlands Resort
Wednesday December 8, 2010

TRADITION plays an important role in any festive season and Christmas is no different. This year, a group of media representatives and celebrities were given the opportunity to join in the celebrations, albeit a bit early, at YTL's Cameron Highlands Resort.

On Nov 20, legendary shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo hit the switch to light up the Christmas trees at the hotel and mark the beginning of the Christmas season up in the clouds.

The resort and its surroundings have been festively decorated and, with the flick of the switch, a spectacular display of lights burst into view, creating a magical display in the foggy evening.

All lit up: Visitors to Cameron Highlands will not miss these beautifullly litted X'mas trees at the YTL Resort in conjunction with Christmas.

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YTL Hotels and Resorts executive vice-president Laurent Myter invited those present to sample some of the resort's Christmas delicacies before inviting them to join in the carolling by a crackling fireplace.

Gunung Beremban Cameron Highlands climbed by visually-impaired kids

Visually-impaired kids climb hill
28/Nov/2009

THE VISUALLY-impaired pupils and teachers celebrated with great joy when everyone in their group successfully climbed Gunung Berembun, Cameron Highlands, during their three-day camping trip.

It was one of the outdoor activities organised under Sekolah Kebang­­­saan Klang's Special Educa­tion Integration Programme for the Visually Impaired.

The school is the main school for pupils who have visual impairment to follow the complete schooling system for blind students in Selangor.

Visual impairment is categorised into two — direct blindness and limited eyesight.

The Special Education Conquering Gunung Berembun Programme offered an opportunity for the school's 18 visually-impaired pupils to gain experience and widen their knowledge through activities outside the classroom.

Determined lot: The visually-impaired pupils and their teachers who successfully climbed Gunung Berembun, Cameron Highlands.

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Shania Choo Lee Vien, 10, said the camp marked her second to Cameron Highlands.

"We went to the same place last year but only managed to go halfway up the hill," she said.

"My teachers prepared us a few months before this year's trip by getting us to do half-hour walks at the stadium or school stairs to build our strength every morning."

The Year Four pupil recalled falling many times due to the slippery ground, but her teachers helped her back on her feet.

"I enjoyed shopping and visiting the strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands," said Choo.

"I liked the beautiful flowers I saw during climb. Sleeping in the tent was fun too. Bathing was terrible though — the water was like ice!"

Choo's mother, Lee Nyok Chun, said she was initially concerned that it would be challenging for her daughter to climb and camp in such a cold place.

"But I allowed her to go because I wanted her to experience what a normal child would have experienced and to be independent," said the 47-year-old who is also a teacher.

"It is normal for parents to worry about their child's safety but I knew she would be in good hands.

"She has dedicated teachers who are willing to take the time and trouble to expose them to nature and the life that a normal child has," said Lee.

Suzana Aziz and Ahmad Fakarudin Abdul Wahab were among the teachers who went on the trip to the 1,840m-high mountain.

On the preparations they needed to make, Suzana, 33, said: "It was very important to take note of the pupils' own capability levels as well as physical and mental endurance.

"Many elements, like the pupils' physical endurance training, financial resources, work force and teachers' preparation had to be carefully planned before carrying out the programme."

Ahmad Fakarudin, 29, said they faced many difficulties in organising the trip, including getting sponsors, getting parents to trust the teachers to care for their children, building the pupils' endurance to be able face challenges during the climb and sacrificing time to train for the trip.

"The completely blind pupils were the ones who needed the most assistance during the climb," said Suzana, who teaches Science and Orientation & Mobility.

"The teachers had to help carry some pupils during the descent. But we were all committed to realising the pupils' dream of conquering the mountain."

Both teachers said the sweetest moment was when all the pupils managed to successfully reach the mountain's peak without any injury, even though at times they had to resort to crawling due to exhaustion.

"We must treat the children as human beings, and not think of them as the disabled," said Ahmad Fakarudin, a Bahasa Malaysia and Physical Education teacher. -- The Star News.

Charity sponsorship to climb Gunung Brinchang

17 organisations taking part in charity project to raise RM500,000
By Jade Chan and Keisha Tait
Friday June 19, 2009

The theme "Being Adventurous Can Help The Less Fortunate" sets the stage for "Rock the Mountain for Charity", a project that aims to raise funds while getting participants involved in a healthy activity.

The project, organised by the Nanyang Press Foundation, targets to raise at least RM500,000.

Funds will be raised via collection cards, campaigns at education institutions and sponsorships.

Seventeen organisations have confirmed their participation thus far, including Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Help University College, Life College, Tunku Abdul Rahman College, Advance Tertiary College (ATC) School of Law, Help International College of Technology, Beaconhouse Malaysia Sdn Bhd, PT Foundation and Assunta Hospital.

Fifty per cent of the funds will be distributed to the participating education institutions or organisations for their own activities, 40% to charities recommended by the organisations (subject to approval by the foundation board) and 10% to the foundation for the sponsorship to climb Bukit Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Kuala Kubu Baru Hiking

The Kutu challenge
Stories by Joleen LunJew
Saturday June 6, 2009

A day’s hike up Bukit Kutu in Kuala Kubu Baru will leave you exhausted, but happy.

A mountain a day to keep the doctor away? It’s just something I made up but having been sitting on my laurels for the past few months, I was beginning to feel a bit sluggish.

I jumped at the chance of heading to Bukit Kutu, Kuala Kubu Baru, when a friend posted the suggestion on Facebook. It’s so difficult to find like-minded people to climb with and I wasn’t too keen on joining big, organised groups.

A walk in the clouds

A walk in the clouds
By Lee Tai Wah
Wednesday April 29, 2009

THE year was 1983. I was among a group of students up in Cameron Highlands to study the habitat of the Bluebottle fly at the farming village of Kampung Raja. We stayed the night in a small town called Brinchang. It was a cold night and I woke up early the next morning to answer nature’s call. As I gazed out of the window, I saw a thick white cloud enveloping the whole valley.

I quickly put on my shoes and jacket, and stepped out. The street was deserted and all was quiet as the whole town continued to slumber. Even the cicadas and birds were quiet, as if frozen by the cold.

Taman Negara Eco-Challenge via Cameron Highlands

New route spurs sportsmen
By Nik Naizi Husin
Tuesday December 2, 2008

THE Banjaran Titiwangsa hilly crag from Cameron Highlands that narrows down to Kuala Medang was explored recently in the Taman Negara Eco-Challenge.

Spurred by the theme Trans-Titiwangsa, 56 participants from 14 teams and 20 others, including four women representing local and foreign media, found that their skills were put to the test in what was deemed the toughest race of the eco-challenge since its inception.

The event, organised by the Pahang Tourism Action Council (MTPN) and Temerloh Outdoor Sport Management and Service, was supported by Pahang Tourism Malaysia, state tourism agency Bukit Fraser Development Corpo­ration, Kuantan Municipal Council, Lipis District Council and Cameron Highlands District Council.

Uphill task: Singaporeans pariticipants running through the Boh Tea Plantation in Habu, Cameron Highlands, in the Taman Negara Eco-Challenge 2008 recently.

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The challenge, an effort to promote Taman Negara’s popular flora and fauna in Pahang’s forestry areas, was in its third year.

Genting Trailblazer: one tough adventure race

One tough adventure race
By Stuart Michael
Wednesday November 12, 2008

TRIATHLETE Eugene Chan, who made his debut in the Genting Trailblazer at Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort (AGHGCR) last weekend, felt the competition was tougher than the triathlon.

Chan, an active triathlete for the past 10 years, said the trailblazer was more of an adventure race.

“It may be tough for the triathletes but fun for those who love nature and don’t mind getting wet and dirty,” he said.

Green the earth: Struys (centre) with Sieh (left) and Mohamed Amin Osman planting a tree just before the race was flagged off at Awana Genting Highlands.

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The participants went through a series of obstacles to finish the race and in the process, they had to brave through muddy terrains and hill-climbing.

“The toughest part for me was to climb the waterfall because my shoes were filled with mud and it was slippery. Running was not a problem but the high altitude made it difficult to breathe,’’ said Chan.

Fun in the hills (for seniors)

Fun in the hills
Monday August 25, 2008
By George Lee

Life can be lived with gusto, even in one’s senior years.

WHO says seniors have to sit in one corner alone and stare at the “lost” horizon day in, day out, and miss out on all the fun? Given the opportunity, we love to get around and socialise.

I look forward to the weekly fellowship on Saturdays. Seniors with cars often bring one or two new friends along. Those without transport wait for the van – driven by volunteers – to pick them up.

The tea plantations of Cameron Highlands are a big draw for tourists.

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After a breakfast, we socialise, exercise, sing and dance or do whatever it takes to get the old self ticking again.

All too soon, it’s time for lunch, which is about 12.30pm, and then it’s “bye till we meet again next week”.

Those who are active and mobile look forward to outdoor activities and visits. Then there are much-awaited yearly trips to Cameron Highlands to savour the cool outdoors and enjoy the scrumptious seafood.

Our last trip there a few months ago was a huge success. We had fun sightseeing, playing games, shopping and feasting.

With the new highway, it was not necessary to leave Penang late in the night and spend hours travelling uphill from the Tapah exit. Now it’s an early start at 6am from Penang Island. We headed to Butterworth for breakfast, and had lunch later along the way.

Have your pick of fresh strawberries from the farm.

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Shortly after Ipoh, we took the Simpang Pulai exit and headed for the hills. From there the drive up was smooth and pleasant. The road is less winding and wider than the old route from Tapah.

The half-way stop provided the opportunity to stretch our legs and, for some, the much-needed toilet break and tea. That’s the beauty of it. Organised by seniors for seniors, all our needs were looked into.

We had a great time together. The weather was pleasantly cool. We did lots of shopping, too. Seniors may be slow in some things but when it comes to shopping and getting the best bargains, we are at our most active. During that time, nothing else matters. One nearly missed the bus home.

One is never too old to learn new things. We visited a tea plantation and saw how tea was harvested, processed and packed, and we were served tea with cakes and scones.

We sampled the honey from the bee farm, and bought freshly harvested vegetables and strawberries from the farms that we visited.

Life can be as interesting as we make of it. There’s really no time to sit and mope at home. If you’re feeling bored and lonely, you are most welcome to our weekly fellowship.

Senior is a fortnightly page dedicated to senior citizens. We welcome real-life stories happy, sad, inspiring, heartwarming from readers who are 55 and above. E-mail them to startwo@thestar.com.my. -- The Star.

BMW test drive from Kellie's Castle to Cameron Highlands

Three out of three
By Jay W.M. Wong
Sunday November 11, 2007

With the performance and handling of the BMW 3 Series pretty much a given, it’s time to find out what the real-world experience of having one is like.

SOME time back, BMW Malaysia organised a lifestyle-based drive with its 3 Series range. While the event centred on many non-motoring facets, it was also undisputedly a showcase to reaffirm the E90’s claim to be head of the class in its segment.

Three vehicles were chosen for the job, a 320i Sports Edition, 325i and the 325i Sports. The drive started early in the morning from BMW’s office in Cyberjaya, and with the 320i SE, it was off to our first destination, Kellie’s Castle in Perak.

En route, the the car soaked up undulations and corners with ease, and held its line through tight corners. The 320i, with its 200Nm of torque, hauled its 1.4tonne body around with relative grace.At Kellie’s Castle, we were greeted by exuberant foods and a string quartet playing Bach and Mozart.

We then headed at hyper-speed to Lumut’s Jetty Terminal, where a slow and relaxing boat ride to Pangkor Laut Resort followed.

Three for the road: a trio of BMW 3 Series in their element.

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There, my room was perched on a hill overlooking lazy waves and soft, sandy beaches.

After two hours of rest, Chapman’s Bar was the meeting point at Emerald Bay. An interesting selection of both land and sea delicacies made up our pre-dinner cocktails and mains. We chewed slowly whilst the setting sun slowly said goodbye to the world.

For our entertainment, 10 interesting finalists of BMW’s Shorties films were featured for our entertainment throughout dinner.

Splashing waves and the scent of sea breeze filled my senses first thing in the morning. Fisherman’s Cove was the venue for breakfast, after which we were transported by helicopter back to the peninsular, to a place called Clearwater Sanctuary.

With the mid-day sun nigh, my co-driver and I were presented with our next chariot, the 325i Sports. Though the suspension may have been tuned for a sportier drive, we calmly made our way to Indulgence’s restaurant in Ipoh, where we were served either Rainbow Trout or Wagyu beef for lunch, which was simply delectable.

With our tanks filled, it was time to crack the whip on those 215 ponies from the state of Perak into Pahang and onwards to the posh Cameron Highlands Resort.

Here, the roads are long and twisty, a veritable delight for those chasing the bends.

Three flavours: (from left) the Sports sedan, Convertible and Touring pose for a family snapshot.

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BMW has always prided itself in building excellent handling cars with great engines, but they have also been well commended for their research and development on their brakes. As I continuously braked late into the corners, hardly any brake fade was present.

Cameron Highlands Resort had a very unique interior in the old English Colonial style. This “little corner of England in Asia,” as it has been known, is certainly a romantic getaway with picturesque greenery.

Dinner at Gonbei Restaurant provided us with a Japanese bubbling pot of salmon and a selection of sushi, followed by an early night.

At 5.30am, we rallied at the lobby with cookies and precious pots of coffee at the ready before we drove towards Gua Musang.

This time, it was in the standard 325i sedan, with its suspension set on the comfort zone. The tail end felt a little bit more nervous than the Sports, but it never did present any surprises along the way.

Our destination was to be an undisclosed location that required a short trek off the road towards a large and wide landing area . Something didn’t seem right, instead of cool mountain air filling our nostrils; we sensed something more appealing in the pre-dawn darkness ? sausages.

The chefs of Cameron Highlands Resort had prepared a nice breakfast selection for us within a large white tent that also sheltered us from the cold drizzle.

Just like a play, the sun illuminated the clouds and they softly lifted like curtains to present a beautiful view of Cameron Highland’s mountains.

After this, the roads tightened and snaked a little more . Care was the operative word on this section. Though the sedan could keep up with its Sports brethren speed-wise, the suspension set-up and tyre choices meant the sedan was slightly twitchier around the bends.

Safely back at the resort, whilst we jawed about the route to Gua Musang, candid shots of us flashed on the projector screen filling the room with eruptions of laughter .

It was time for the journey home, and we had jubilant smiles. The preparation and execution of the event truly deserved a standing-ovation – the drive was magnificent, and the occasion a delight.

As for the cars themselves, they delivered every bit that was expected of them.
-- The Star Lifestyle

Hashers lose way in Brinchang

Hashers lose way, prompt rescue ops
Monday August 13, 2007

IPOH: What was supposed to be a simple daytime trek turned into a 17-hour ordeal for six Penangites when they got lost in the jungles of Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

The team, all Hash House Harriers members aged between 41 and 54, entered the jungle from Kampung Sungai Ruil at 3pm on Friday and ex-pected to leave before nightfall.

Instead, they had to be rescued by a team of nine police personnel, se-veral forest rangers, orang asli and other villagers at 8am the next day.

All were unhurt. However, two fe-male members, known only as Ah Hoon, 41, and Chan, 47, had to be air-lifted out of the jungle by the Sungai Besi police air wing unit.

Cameron Highlands OCPD Deputy Superintendent Yahaya Othman said police received a report from one of the trekkers at about 11pm on Friday.

“After searching for hours, we found them near the river about 4km from the village,” he said, adding that the group got lost after mistaking the sounds of a river for the highway.

“They should have informed us before going into the jungle. All trek-kers should, especially if they are not familiar with the route,” he said.

However, team leader Goh Jin Poey insisted that the team had not gotten lost and had only underesti-mated the difficulty of the trek.

Goh, who left the group with another friend to get help that night, said the trail was short but the steep hill made it a problematic trek.

“We just had to stop because some were too exhausted to go on,” said Goh who conquered the same trail five years ago. -- The Star.

Hitting the road

Hitting the road
By Majidah Hashim
Saturday May 5, 2007

Ever wake up on a Saturday morning feeling adventurous? Well, drag the friends out of bed and get a-rollin’.

You do the whole nine-to-five thing all week, so the least you can do for yourself during the weekend is hit the road.

Trust me, it’s the perfect way to de-stress, being out of the city, letting the miles roll by. With the right company, and soundtrack, you could be on your way to a perfect weekend.

Here are five ideas to tease the road trip junkie in you. The best part of it all is that you don’t need a passport!

Idea #1 – Putrajaya

One of the easiest road trips you can do with your family (and camera) is to Putrajaya – and for good reason.

Putrajaya is a living gallery with its abstract and modern sculptures abounding in parks and on the boulevards.

The place is designed with the future in mind. This is reflected not only in its artistic buildings, but its geography and bridges too. Despite being one of the most modern places in the country, Putrajaya has 12 parks to boast of including a botanical park and even wetlands.

Driving to and around Putrajaya is an adventure in itself.

It is located about 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and is a labyrinth of surprises. Don’t be afraid to get lost here; the worst you can do is miss an exit and end up among the golden rice fields of Banting, or on the rustic roads of Dengkil.

Either way, it is a trip of interesting panoramas and certainly something to talk about at the office come Monday.

Idea #2 – Ipoh

A couple of months ago, I found myself negotiating the small roads of southern Perak with a bad map in hand and getting lost. I was on a single lane road that ran through a rubber plantation and an oil palm estate . . .

After what felt like 10km or 20km, the trees gave way to an endless expanse of the most glorious green rice fields I have ever seen. The sun shone brightly overhead and far in the distance I could see tiny wooden village houses.

I made my way from Bidor, through Teluk Intan, and up to Pasir Salak. Along the way, I counted the different fruit orchards I passed. Durians, rambutans (and they were in season too!), bananas, mangoes, pineapple, dragonfruit and whole plantations of coconut trees.

Quite overwhelmed, I felt as if Ipoh welcomed me like an old friend when I finally got there.

Idea #3 – Penang

One weekend, I dragged a bunch of friends in my tiny Perodua Kelisa to Penang!

The festive season madness and the school holiday rampage aside, the North-South Expressway is usually a delightful drive. Stop at the Restoran Jejantas in Sungai Buloh for breakfast, then Tanjung Malim for mid-morning coffee and after that, Tapah for lunch.

As you approach Ipoh, look out for the Lata Kijang waterfalls along the highway as it glistens in the sun.

Before you know it, you’re in Butterworth and at the very edge of the iconic Penang Bridge. Driving around an island is a bit of an adventure. No matter how lost you get, you eventually get to where you want – just that you’ve taken a bit longer to reach.

When you’re about a hundred miles away from everything you are familiar with, it really does not matter where you go or how you get there.

Idea #4 – Kota Baru

Here is an idea for those who are interested in a long weekend break: drive to Simpang Pulai, and from there, take the newly built highway and head towards Cameron Highlands.

This place is always a refreshing place to be, no matter what time of year. Have a spot of tea at the extensive plantations, celebrate with a vegetable steamboat and have some strawberry ice cream for dessert.

Your adventure does not end there. Start early the next morning and wend your way to Gua Musang in Kelantan and then Kota Baru for some fresh seafood on the beach.

The third leg of this road trip is said to be among Peninsular Malaysia’s most scenic drives: a drive on the eastern coastal road.

Traversing Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, you will pass quaint fishing villages, makeshift stalls by the beach that sell kampung snacks and mile upon mile of scenic sea and sky all the way to Kuantan.

And anyone knows that when you are in Kuantan, a feast of otak-otak and ikan bakar is in order!

Complete the loop by taking the East-West Expressway from Gambang back to Kuala Lumpur – but don’t forget to stop at Temerloh for some assam tempoyak patin.

Idea #5 – Malacca

Going south for the weekend is a recipe for gridlocks. But, you know what – so what!

I suggest you take the trunk road from Bangi to Nilai (for a secret shopping getaway), and from there to Seremban. Contrary to its somewhat subdued reputation, Seremban transforms into quite the idiosyncratic town over the weekend, which makes for an interesting hunting ground for knick-knacks.

Oh, but don’t stop there. Get back on the road towards Tampin and onwards towards Malacca town.

Hidden among some of the overflowing antique shops at Jonker’s Street are some of the strangest trinkets dating back to early Malaya.

From tiny silk shoes for bound feet, to rust-covered colonial coins, to funky earrings – it’s all here. Even if you end up empty-handed, the experience will be worth remembering. -- The Star Lifestyle.

Trekkers damaging floral species on Gunung Brinchang

Trekkers damaging floral species on Gunung Brinchang
Tuesday March 27, 2007
By Nik Naizi Husin


CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Located in one of the 17 forest reserve areas in Cameron Highlands, the mossy forest in Batu Gangan on Gunung Brinchang needs to be preserved.

The forest, which is about 1,500m above sea level on the mountain, has been the water catchment area for Cameron Highlands and it lies along the boundary of Pahang-Perak.

As it is the only route for trekkers to Gunung Irau, the forest has been disturbed, causing the demise of some of the floral species in the area including forest orchid, moss, duit-duit, paku pakis, bamboos and paku gajah.

Sheen of moss: Trees covered by moss in the forest of Gunong Brinchang at Cameron Highlands.

State Arts, Culture, Tourism, Heritage, Women and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said the state government would provide a 200m long board walk as the platform for trekkers and other visitors to walk over the mossy area.

She it was to reduce the disturbances in the area as some parts were badly affected because of trekking activities.

She said the state Forestry Department had been assigned to design the project, so that the mossy areas of the forest and its surroundings of flora would be intact at all times.

“The mossy area is important to preserve the micro climate and as a water catchment area.

“It is also the place for wildlife and there is also a telecommunications satellite station there,” Maznah said.

She said the area was suitable for bird watching activities.

Treasure trove: Maznah examining one of the plant species in the forest.

“With all these activities, the mossy forest will be damaged if no efforts were taken to conserve it.

“Packages of tourists visiting here have to be controlled so that the place will not be over-populated in terms of visitors,” she said during her visit here recently.

Other basic amenities needed in the areas were waste bins, parking lots and a guard house for caretakers to control the number of vehicles entering the area and to check on any illegal activities such as the removal of species of flora from the area.

Maznah said some of the popular species in the forest included the periuk kera (pitcher plants) and orchids. -- The Star.