36-hour in Taiwan

Gavin has started to invite me for his wedding dinner on 16 Jun 2012 for quite some time. However, upon checking and considering, it's quite costly to fly to attend a wedding dinner. Then, it happened when I was in Shanghai for work and so got permission to have a stopover in Taiwan on my way home. 

I have had few transit in Taipei airports on the way to States, but, have never been into Taiwan. So, this is my very first time. Kinda excited about it.

Then, as I also have not met YaYing and Annette (my uni friends) for a long time, since I graduated, I have also decided to pay them a visit. When Gavin told me that he has arranged some friends to take care of me on Friday night and Saturday morning, I shared with him my plans. And I went with my plans, which was kinda crazy.. :D Super pengsan.. 

I arrived into Taipei on Friday 3pm. Cleared custom, checked-into hotel and catch a 5pm high speed train to Tainan. Arrived Tainan around 7pm, met Annette and family. Had dinner with them and spent the night at Annette's place. Thanks to the high speed train which travels around 290km/h, the journey really got shorten. 

On Saturday morning, I took a 10am train back to Taipei from Tainan. YaYing came to the MRT station with her son to take me for a lunch. We chatted, and I went to her house for more catch-up, met her husband and all the 3 boys. Wow!!! I left her house close to 5pm. Took a cab back to hotel, changed, and off to the wedding dinner. Dinner supposed to start at 6pm, I arrived at 6.30pm. And the dinner started at 7pm. phew.. Gavin throw-ed fairly handsome dinner at 86th floor of 101 Tower in Taipei. I make some new friends. Dinner was over by around 9.30 - 10pm. I took a cab back to hotel, showered, and off to the 24-hour bookstore, 诚信书店, at around 11pm. I was at the bookstore till around 2.30am when I kept sneezing that I think it's time to go back and have a rest. It was safe in Taipei. There were many cabs waiting outside the bookstore. And surprising so many people inside the bookstore at late nights. There is a cafe inside the bookstore as well. 

So, the next morning, I didn't go out with Gavin as he thought wanted to take me around. Instead I went to a few nearby sportswear shops to check out some climbing equipments. Rushed back to hotel at 12noon, checked-out and off to airport. 

It was a sweet and too short 36-hour in Taipei. I wish I could go back again one day. :) 
 

Weekend breakaway to Hangzhou 杭州

A few colleagues had mentioned that we would like to went out of Shanghai city on my next visit so that we can do some travel and short breakaway. Furthermore, May and June are good timing for travels and trips.

So, when I was there, I just let them handled everything and I just followed. I think it's easier rather than I have my ideas while I am not familiar at all. hahah...

A colleague (Cindy) came to fetch me and another colleague (Carmen) with her husband and son in their BMW. So, we departed from hotel at about 10.30am. And met with Bill and his friend at one of the highway rest area. We so many sports cars at the rest area.

It took us about 2.5 hours to reach Hangzhou as the traffic was heavy into Hangzhou. We went to 外婆家 for our late lunch, then, checked-in to hotel. Next, walk on the Westside Lake 西湖。 We had a short boat ride too. It's a big lake. So many people and happening there.

As Carmen needs to go back to Shanghai by high speed train, we went for early dinner at 状元馆。 I couldn't comment much on the food as I also let the locals to order. I told them, very easy, don't have to worry about me. Just order, I will eat what I can and dare to eat, some that I am not comfortable, I just pass. So, I just eat and no question asked on what is this and that. oh.. for sure, they said, once you are in Hangzhou, one must eat 东坡肉。 It's very fatty. ;P Still I tried, not the fat part. hahaha..

After dinner, we walked around further. The night market. And on the way back to hotel, Cindy and family decided to take a cab back as the son needs to rest. So, left the 3 of us continue doing our straw at 西湖。 The night scene was simply awesome with the lights. I like it. Yet, Bill got tired, and we all went back to hotel. Initially, we wanted to take a cab back. However, it's not easy to get taxi in Hangzhou, so, at the end, as we waited and walked, we ended up walking back to hotel. It's quite a distance, but, with the nice scenery, that's ok. :)

Next morning, as I woke up very early, I went to the lake again, all by myself. It's very bright by 6am as it's close to summer. There were many senior citizens having their morning exercise, writing on the ground by using the water from the lake. Saw joggers, bikers, etc. It's interesting to see the local lives.

When all have arise and shine, we proceed to another place, 九溪。 It's a reserved forest with 9 streams. It's easy walk as the paths are all done nicely for tourist. This place is simply awesome.

 

 

We headed back to Shanghai after taken our lunch at one of the local home style cooking, 农家菜。

Overall, it's just a short weekend breakaway. But, I truly enjoy every bits of it. So, where are we going next? hahaha...

Gunung Nuang via Janda Baik route

The team going to Mt. Kinabalu in Oct is having a scheduled training supposed to Gunung Datuk. Somehow a team going to Mulu, Miri in end Jun invited the team to Gunung Nuang via Janda Baik. 

Gunung Nuang is the highest mountain in Selangor and one can access it via Selangor, Pahang or Negeri Sembilan.

It was tempting to me to go, however, it was also quite crazy to climb Gunung Datuk the day before and Gunung Nuang. For Gunung Nuang has left me with memories of toughness. So, I was hesitating. And somehow I decided to go anyway being: 1. couldn't join the Gunung Nuang via Hulu Langat on 9 Jun, 2. challenge myself to summit, 3. stretch myself, 4. training

So, there were 2 groups of us. 1 from Seremban and the other from KL. For those from Seremban, we were told to meet at OK Tuck at Lobak at 5am. I picked Rachel Tan up at around 4.30am. Then, everyone car pool to KL. We use the route of Lekas highway link up to MRR (Middle Ring Road), then, to Janda Baik. 

We arrived at Genting Sempah R&R at around 7am. That's the meeting point for those from Seremban and KL. Pre-ordered nasi lemak was also being distributed out here. 

 

From here, it took about 30 minutes on a slow drive to the starting point. The entrance is not far away once you saw the ILMU building. It's quite easy, pretty much go straight all the way. It is not a big space for us to park our cars. So, some have to park quite far away. So, it is good to car pool. 

Upon counted the number of people as well as some short briefing, we started the trail at 8.30am. There were altogether 58 of us. And we also saw other groups on this route too. So, it is quite a busy trail. We were told that the climb would take about 4 hours to ascend and 3.5 hours to descend. We were told that turnaround time was at 1pm regardless.

Timeline was communicated via email earlier:

0800 Roll Call & Short Briefing.
0815 Start hike.
1200 Sweeper eta Summit
1230 Descend
1600 Sweeper eta Base
1700 Optional early dinner at the Janda Baik restaurants, opposite Selesa Homes


We have to cross the first stream. Most of us took our shoes and socks off. Some decided to just go through it. The first 20-30 minutes was slow incline with a lot of vegetation plants on both side. Some stretches are filled with tall weeds. Then, slowly it changed to muddy area with a lot of bamboo bushes. So, we have to bend, duck walk to proceed further. 

 

We came to the 2nd river crossing after walking for about 1 hour. Turning left is to summit, and detour by turning right (about 50m away) is a magnificent waterfall. Worrying that we will be slow, Rachel Tan and I agreed to continue the summit trail. 

It's not as wet once we passed the river, a little steep at certain part, some of the paths are not as clear, a lot of fallen trees, some we have to climb over, some required us to go under. 

I took the trail slowly so that I could enjoy the nature. :) 

It was not that difficult for me, but, I do having chocolates handy and keep replenishing myself with energy and drinks. 

 

After 2.5 hours, we saw a big rock. It's moss area after the rock. We met a few people on their way to descend, we were told it's 15-20 minutes away to the summit. Then, another big rock, where we have to pull ourselves up. There was a rope that we could use. 

 

And we came to a real horseback. It's a very narrow path where only 1 person can go through at a time, and it was steep drop on the left and right. Immediate after that, we need to think of way to pull ourselves up. So, ropes, roots, all sorts. 

I took 4 hours to summit (12.30pm). It was great view up there. My 3rd attempt of Gunung Nuang and 1st time summit of 1493m/ 4898ft. :) 

We started our descend after photos taking, lunch, rest at around 1.30pm. 

My boots was hurting me quite a bit, and I got tired towards the end. Also, slipped a few times as my toes were in pain. Once we were out of the bamboo area, it was scorching hot. Total exposure to the hot sun. (Got me more tanned). I took 3 hours to descend. And I did a small transaction in the bush for the 1st time. :D

This place does not really have facility to watch up, so, one has to think how to at least change and could utilise the water at the stream to clean up a bit. 

Overall, I think this is a good climb. Rachel Tan said, it's too easy climb. For me, maybe I have a climb the day before? Or, I am still weak or not as strong.. Still, I enjoyed it. :) 

Gunung Datuk, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan

Got to know that Khoo Swee Chiow (the experienced climber from Singapore) is planning to bring his children for their first climb somewhere near Seremban in June. So, I gave my traveling date to him and hopefully, he would come while I am around and I could join him for the climb. It is more of getting to know him more as I missed the first meet up with him.

It was quite last minute that we were informed that he would be climbing Gunung Datuk on 1 June. I joined him since that day was a replacement public holiday for Agung's (King) birthday which is on 2 June.

I was told to meet at the foothill at 9am. Then, delayed to 9.30am. He and the family arrived at around 10.30am. And we started the climb after registration. Registration fee has gone up from RM3 to RM5 already. I couldn't really remember when was the last time I have climbed this mountain. Perhaps 1-2 years back.

After crossing the river, the trail started with lose rocky part. Not just rocky, it was quite steep too. The rocky session lasted for about 1 hour. We went slow as it is the first time for the kids (4 and 6 years old).

It was quite an easy path after the hut session.

We reached the summit after 2.5 hours climb. I was so amazed by the attitude of kids, they were just willing to try and push on, persevere.. Of course, the parents were very encouraging too.

Gunung Datuk summit session has the new staircase. Very much like the fire engine elevated stairs. The first ladder part was literally vertical. Quite scary (for me).

It was indeed a very good weather on that day. We spent almost 45 minutes up at the summit/ peak (that's where I got so tanned).

We took 2 hours to descend, was slow especially on the rocks session.

Overall, good climb. :)

Gunung Berlumut, Kluang

Was informed about a climb to G. Berlumut about 1-2 months ago. Since then, been trying to look up from internet about this mountain. Then, I couldn't find much blog about this mountain. Thus, make me decided to try to take some picture and blog about it when I climb this mountain.

There were 19 of us on this climb. Those from Seremban were told to meet at McDonald at Tesco, S2 at 4am. And Karen from JB will meet us at Kluang. Dr. James led a team from IMU and we have another team. All 3 cars departed from Seremban shortly after 4am. It's about 2.5 hours drive from Seremban to Kluang. We arrived at Kluang Railway station kopitiam slightly earlier than the business hour (7am) for breakfast.

The Kluang Railway kopitiam operates from 7am - 2pm daily and close on Thursday.

Food for breakfast and energy to climb. Milo + 1 nasi lemak + 1 roti bakar (keping) + 2 half-boiled eggs. All were super yummy. I think I could eat more but decided not to.



Then, it's another about 30 minutes drive to the base. We need to submit our names to the police station (permit applied), and a guide needed. It's not a very cheap climb.

All were ready and excited to start the journey after some stretching and briefing by Peter.



The climb started after we crossed a hanging bridge and few cemented steps. The trail was quite flat or very minimal incline. There were many fallen trees throughout the entire climb. We have to cross or go on top of the tree trunks to get over to continue the journey. There were parts where ropes where prepared to help the climbers.



We could see signboard indicating how far have we walked/ climbed from base till KM3. Apparently, there was a trail run from base till KM3 few weeks ago.

At CP1, I was 'kissed' by vampire on my neck. Thank goodness Peter saw it and able to get rid of it, it was still small then. But, managed to leave a mark on my neck.



Another interesting thing that I found was the many roots in this mountain. Roots can be an aid as well as danger too.





At KM3, we saw rock which looks like jaws (gigi). It's only halfway. From there on, it's quite a steep climb all the way. It just get steeper and steeper. Some parts are literally 90 degree.



oh... my buddy.. We are suppose to walk with buddy system. Because my buddy is a young and energetic gentleman, I have actually told him to go ahead as I know it can be quite torturing to wait. While I like to enjoy the journey, took pictures, look up, look down, left and right. So, I ended up partnering with Edwin and Karen. We took turn to lead which was great.

As we moved higher, we crossed many hourse back. Some really narrow. If one fall to either side, will just go down to the slope. And also times where we just walked on the cliff.





As we reached CP3, there is where campers could overnight there. The guide shared his oranges with us. Wow... the sweetest thing on earth at that moment. :)

Vegetation started to change from CP3 onwards too.

More 90 degree sharp climb as we passed CP3. There are parts where we need to use our hands to help to pull ourselves up. Then, En. Roslan (our guide) told us not far.. not far.. walked further infront where we will see the Botak/ false peak. It's an open area where we can see the peak is on the other side.



Then, we have to go into the bush, to go through a moss forest. It's another another 20-30 minutes and reached the peak.



Overall, I have spent 4 hours up. It was stunning view up there. Total height of the mountain of 1010m. :) I was glad that my buddy who have a choice to descent earlier decided to spent time at the peak with me. Took some pictures and we descent together. But, he sped off with Peter halfway through. hahaha...



So, I actually did my job of being a sweeper ascending and descending. ;)

If not because of the mist, we should have even better view. Quite a lot of climbers up there, a large number of them from Singapore.

As we have to turnaround and go down by 2pm. So, we started our journey down.

My camera also ran out of battery when I arrived the top. Edwin said surely as I kept taking pictures all the way. Also partly myself didn't get the fully charged battery.

The going down was not as difficult as we thought it would be. There were parts where I just turned around and face inward to go down, it makes it easier for descent.

After CP3, a climber who is also a marathoner, Lau, fall. He was right in front of me, but, I couldn't be able to save him. He felt a few steps with his face down. If not because of a tree which stopped him, I would think he will continue to go down. Thank God, he only bitten his own lips and no major injury. I was truly shocked of that.

Overall, I used 7 hours for the 12KM climb. And my legs were very tired.

As much as we wanted to eat in restaurant, it was packed with people due to Mother's day celebration. So, we opted for street food which was alright too. :)

We reached back to Seremban at about 10.30pm. Indeed a long, tiring and rewarding day.

Asked if I will go back again? I will though the terrain is not as interesting. It's still a nice place to climb. Just that it's a bit far from Seremban.

Japanese Food

It's been a long time that John T has asked me to go dinner. Today, we have Laurence to join us as well. Japanese food was what we were thinking about. As John T has a night meeting at 9.30pm and not wanting to go so far, we have decided to go to the Kura Japanese Restaurant at One World Hotel.



The food was fabulous... I ordered the wagyu steak that costs RM150. The most expensive food. Very tasty scallop miso soup, dragol roll. Others ordered sashimi...



yummm.... the bill came out to be RM530+ for 3 of us... :p

Gunung Angsi via Bukit Putus

Another G. Angsi climb. Initially I wanted to join the Mt. K team for training by climbing. But, Fong told me that we will have separate team as we have quite a number of people too. So, same mountain, different teams. :)



We arrived at the base of Bukit Putus at about 7.30am and started the climb at 8am. Altogether of 18 of us with adults and children.



It rained the day earlier and so the route was rather muddy, still, I think it is good training. :) Regardless that I have been here recently, I still enjoyed taking time to enjoy the nature.

I saw life from the deadwood/ fallen trees. Reminds me of survival and hope in everything. If God takes care of every living thing, what more us? He will surely take care of us so long as we have hope and faith in Him.



We have different view up at the moutain. We spent 2 hours up and about 2 hours down.



Overall, a good hike. :)

Holiday in Bangkok

Mom has been telling me for quite awhile that she has not been to Bangkok. So, I have been thinking to bring her there for a short trip. Not that I am familiar with Bangkok. I have been to Thailand for 3 times, work and mission related, but, in Bangkok itself, have been there for a day or 2 each trip. Now that I have a friend who is working in BKK and has a place to stay, with Air Asia (though not the best deal), I have decided to take mom on a holiday, and also as a birthday present for her.

Well, as I was expecting my friend to be the tour guide, ended up that I have to do it as my friend as some domestic issue that needs to return to Malaysia. So, I was busy looking up at google, tripadvisor, contacting local friends to meet up, etc.

My dear friend has been very thoughtful to arrange a driver to pick us up from the airport upon our arrival. So, we checked-in to the apartment, rested and headed to Central Plaza for a simple dinner. Did our ladies shopping in Isetan too. :)



Next day, we met up with Sukree (a local Thai friend). He took us to Grand Palace. Foreginers will have to pay for the entrance while it's free for Thai. And we were not aware on the outfits restrictions. Otherwise, we could have prepared better. So, no worries. :) We still can rent a piece of cloth for BHT200 which will return to us upon returning the cloth.

It's quite challenging to walk with 'skirt' and under the hot sun. It was about 40C or higher that day. And the palace is huge. The art work itself is so amazing. All the details part are well taken care of.



Too bad that not all buildings are open for a look.

Then, we went for lunch. Khun Sukree took us to this place, Roti Mataba, located at Thanon Phrat Athit. Wow!!! I actually saw a review on this place and wanted to try out as it's quite highly rated. It's a Halal place. The restaurant itself is quite narrowed and good that they have upstairs with air-cond. :) I didn't tell him that I wanted to try this, it just happened and it was good. We ordered roti canai, it's a mini version compared to what we have at home. :) Green curry chicken, mutabak, nasi briyani chicken. All were so yummy. I would like to come back to this place, only that it's a bit far.



As we still have the time, Sukree said we should go to visit another palace (Vimanmek Mansion) which build by teak wood since the ticket we purchased have included that. Here, we couldn't rent the cloth. We were told to buy. hmm.... But, it's very strict as we enter into the wooden palace. No camera and handphone are allowed. They really check. And all bags are to store in the locker. I must admit that the building itself is so magnificent.



After a long tiring day, Sukree sent us back to the apartment. Mom took a nap. Then, we head to MBK via BTS (sky train) for dinner. As I have not been there too, and read that there is a foodcourt to get some nice food. The Fifth Avenue is located at the 5th floor of MBK. MBK quite similar to our Sungai Wang here in KL, I reckon. The food in Fifth Avenue. There are many choices, one will get the card upon entrance, present the card to the counter when you ordered the food. Then, you will pay or settle the bill before exit, like postpaid system. I called it credit card. We ordered so much food. Vienamise, tom yum soup, coconut drink, mango rice without the rice. Everything is kinda possible, you just have to ask. :)

Day 2. Since Chatucak (JJ) market is a signature visit in BKK. We went there in the morning. It's so huge that we kept walking. And the weather was so hot. A normal size of coconut drink could just finished by me within second. I reckon, it's higher than 42C that day. We didn't buy a lot of things. Went back. And I was attacked by a severe migraine that I almost throw-out, never like that before in my life.

Instead of exploring the night ourselves and tired of walking. I called Khun Amphon to fetch us to Terminal 21. This is a new shopping mall at Sukhumvit. All the floors are designed with different cities. It's really amazing. So, our aim is to look for food. Level 4 (if not mistaken) is where they sell all the local food. The price here is quite reasonable. People here cannot really speak English as those in MBK as this place is more of catering to the workers at nearby offices, so, the price is better too. Over here, the system works like debit card (prepaid) instead of credit card. One will buy the card and told them the amount. Then, the amount will be deducted. You could return the card at the end, and get the balance or you could choose to keep the card.

Most of the time, I just point at the picture or the menu to place my order. It's quite fun. And yes, I ate a lot too. hahaha.... The bread with local kaya was very nice. Very soft bread. :)

Day 3. We went to Ayutthaya to meet up with Warunee (my another local friend). It's about 1 hour drive from Bangkok as it's still school holiday. We experienced the ride on elephant. It's quite exciting sitting on top of the elephant. :) And we get to view the old mansion. It's beautiful to have different view.

Then, we went to floating market. Not the real orginal but more of for tourist. Even not the foreigner tourist, but, to local tourist. We had our local seafood lunch here at a very cheap price. And it's very nice. The fish, the tom yum soup, the mango salad. Yummmm..... And there's a show of war between Thai and Myanmar too (free).

We headed back to BKK, did a few last minute shopping before met up with Sukree for dinner. We had dinner at Deen Restaurant at Silom 15. It's another Halal place. The food, very delicious! :) There's where Sukree reminded me of our long unfulfilled trip to come back and we will travel out of BKK the next time. :)

It has been a very rewarding trip especially time spent with friends and catching up though the weather has been the hottest in the year. Not a lot of shopping done, yet fruitful in another way.

Thank you so much for hosting and the thoughtfulness that my friend has put up while staying in the apartment. Really appreciate that.