Mt Ulu Sepat (9th - 12th Feb 2008)

Mt. Ulu Sepat is a familiar name among the hikers because it falls into the G7 category. G7 is the seven highest mountains in Peninsular Malaysia. Here's are the list of G7 mountain:

1. Gunung Tahan (2187m)

2. Gunung Korbu (2183m)

3. Gunung Yong Belar (2181m)

4. Gunung Gayong (2173m)

5. Gunung Chamah(2171m)

6. Gunung Yong Yap(2169m)

7. Gunung Ulu Sepat (2161m)

Mt. Ulu Sepat is in the remote area of Gerik, Perak. To get there, we have to take the boat from Temenggor Lake. The boat service from Temenggor Lake is not operated in frequent intervals. Although Hai Poh had contacted the boat man before we came, we still have to wait for 1 hour at the jetty. The boat ride took about 1 hour 20 minutes. The boat fare was very expensive. We hired 2 boats, cost us RM500 for one way.

That day, Temenggor Lake was very calm. But exposing under the hot sun at 12 o'clock in the afternoon wasn't a pleasant experience. I applied sun block, wear long sleeves and cap to protect myself from sun burnt. Well, if you think I am too much, then look at the guys of the photo on left. ;)

We reached the dropped off point about 1.30pm. Kampung Lela is the furthest aboriginal settlement from where we got down from the boat . It was another half an hour journey on 4-wheel ride to Kampung Lela. We hired 2 guides for our trip, the guide fee is RM100 per person each day. So, the 3 days 2 night trip cost us RM600. It was already 3pm when we finally started our trek to Mt. Ulu Sepat. By 5pm, we reached the campsite for overnight. The campsite is just beside the river, spacious and convenient. Ah Meng is our cook this time. Guess what? We had "擂茶" as our dinner. Then, the next morning, salad was our breakfast. Very healthy meal :)

Next morning, we reached an open area after 2 hours hike from the base camp. There are a few "houses" which built by the Orang Asli. "Houses" that I mentioned is only the simple shelter that built from atap leaves. On our way up to summit, we met two malays group that went down from the peak. They crossed to Mt. Ulu Sepat from Mt. Chamah. Once of the lady was asking us : "It's Chinese New Year, why are u guys here?". We just smile, didn't answer. Probably all of us didn't really have a good answer. This was my 3rd time hiking during Chinese New Year. I think it's also not the 1st time for other members. Well, I think if you like an activity, you will go for it naturally without any reason. By 5.20pm, we reached the summit.

The temperature at summit is dropped dramatically. While we were still preparing the dinner, the temperature was already dropped till 12 degree celcius. Most of us didn't bring sufficient warm clothing. I couldn't stand the coldness, so I just stayed inside the tent before dinner. The temperature then dropped to 8 degree celcius. After dinner, we opened up a wain and a sparkling juice for celebration, stayed outside until 10pm to watch the stars. That night, I couldn't sleep well because of coldness. I kept on rolling left, then right and waiting for sun to rise.

11th of Feb, we descended from the summit and stayed overnight at the aboriginal settlement. That night, I saw a meteor. This was my 1st time seeing the meteor. :D

The next day, we packed our things and wait for the 4-wheel to pick us up. We wait there for an hour, then our guide came to us and told us that the 4-wheel driver said we are paying him too little. He asked for the higher paid. We were angry that he didn't mention it earlier and let us wait there for 1 hour. We refuse to pay and decided to walk to the jetty instead of riding the 4-wheel. I couldn't remember how long we walk, but in less than 2 hours time, we reached jetty. Once again, we took the boat, crossed Temenggor Lake and back to Gerik. That's the end of our 2008 Chinese New Year hiking trip.