点点滴滴

Bali Cycling Trip (20 - 26 Aug 2011)

2011-12-01T01:30:00.001-08:00

Ubud –Kintamani –Kedisan (20 Aug 2011) – 37km

敲门声把我从睡梦中叫醒。我身处巴厘岛艺术与文化气息浓厚的Ubud，准备展开一个星期的巴厘岛单车之旅。同行的伙伴有：Dee、国明、国贤、伟华、炳明和庭延。两天前抵达的国贤已经千辛万苦的为我们七人找到了适合长途旅行的脚车，还来回跑了几趟帮我们把脚车一辆辆从不同租借点骑回客栈。我预定的客栈MawarGuesthouse，从大路到门口必须爬上高高的梯阶，这可苦了国贤，必须把脚车从路抬到门口。我来到大厅准备吃早餐时，停在大厅旁草地的脚车已经装好了架子。脚车的后架是国明帮忙买和带来巴厘岛的，想必也是一早帮我们一一安装上的。早餐后，国明检查脚车和做调整。脚车是租来的，所以问题不少。国贤、国明和伟华骑的脚车是21段变速系统的，其他人的则是24段变速的。我们各自准备，9点半左右，我们离开MawarGuesthouse，踩上踏板，开始了我们的旅程。

才开始骑，伟华就受伤了。

这是我第二次来巴厘岛。阔别4年，Ubud多了人群，多了车子，多了许多的喧哗，那车水马龙的街道与印象里安静的Ubud有着出入。国贤先带我们到MonkeyForest Road去预订回来时的住宿。一个下坡，伟华突然翻脚车。我闪过他，看见他一脸疑惑。我们赶快去前去看他，他的膝盖磨破了。他自己也不晓得为什么会翻车，不断问我们原因。可怜了，脚踝的上的伤还未真正痊愈，现在才骑10分钟又跌伤。我们让他在路旁搽药休息，看来没大碍，于是重新出发。十时许，我们慢慢离开Ubud中心，往Kintamani方向去。今天我们必须骑37公里，而且都是上坡。骑了大约6公里，看见稻田边有个档口。我们在这里停下用餐。

才6公里上坡，伟华就累得躺在一旁。

伟华累得躺在一旁。吃饱后，我们又继续出发。大约下午一点钟，我们经过Tegalalang，以观看梯田吸引游客。我曾经到过，觉得那梯田实在不怎么样，匆匆拍了照，就离开。一个小时后，我们停在路边的店铺休息。店铺的对面有间庙。巴厘岛的庙宇很多，好像每隔一小段路就有一座。有个卖冰淇淋的小贩经过，伟华请大家吃冰淇淋，人人有份，连路边的孩子们也不例外。孩子们很高兴。我们离开时还陪伟华骑了蛮长的一段路。

那缓缓向上延伸的路，看起来好像不是很难，骑起来还是有点辛苦。庭延不太适应，说腰酸痛，所以开始推脚车。他的好兄弟-伟华还开玩笑的说，庭延这么快就推脚车，“接受唔到”（广东话）。从此，“接受唔到”就成为我们巴厘岛之行的“名句”，贯穿行程中的点点滴滴。骑骑停停，渐渐地气候转凉了，我们已经在海拔较高的地方了，停下太久就觉得冷。路边有卖水果的小贩，我们停下买了橘子(jeruk)和蛇皮果（salak）。这两样水果在巴厘岛很普遍，尤其是蛇皮果，我们在接下来的日子吃了好多，越吃越爱。

国贤，橘子很诱人吧？

不知什么时候开始，路边出现了许多橘子树。国贤说看到橘子园就表示Kintamani不远了。那些果实累累的橘子树实在诱人。我们停下拍照，国贤顺手就摘了几个。园主，不好意思了。:p 离开Kintamani还有5-6公里，有个当地人向我们推荐住宿和餐厅。他非常积极，还说可以安排车子载我们去。还有几公里而已，我们当然坚持骑到目的地。我们来到了Kintamani的路口，付了入门票，等待所以人到齐。那个当地人把我们带到他介绍的餐厅，说让我们先吃晚餐。我们不想这么快吃，于是离开，叫他带我们先去找住宿。从Kintamani，我们下坡到了Kedisan。下坡的速度很快，我一直按刹车挚。糟糕！那么陡，明天我`骑得上去吗？

下完了7公里的坡，来到一个三叉路口，转左，不久就到了介绍的住宿。那里有阵臭味，国贤说是因为附近有人养猪，是猪粪的味道。我没去看房间，因为打从心里就没打算要住，受不了那臭味。看见我们不满意，他提议我们可以到另外一间度假屋看看。国贤先过去看，回来告诉我们说还可以，那里没有臭味。一间房Rp400,000，等于RM142，包括早餐。我们租了两间房，搞定了当天的住宿。房间是一栋栋的，两个双人床，落地玻璃窗。篱笆外就是菜园，通过菜园的小闸门，可以到达Batur湖边，风景还不错。

Lake Batur

晚上还蛮冷的，毕竟处于海拔1300m。我们点了晚餐，让餐厅送到房里。吃饱后，身子开始暖和。国贤和国明到外边的亭子坐着聊天。我们随后也跟随，坐着聊聊天。晚饭后闲聊从此就成了每天必有的活动，就随便聊，有的没的。但我却很喜欢那种感觉，没有拘束，很随意，很放松，一直到想睡了，才去休息。当晚最低温度17C。

Kedisan-Kintamani-Bedugul (21 Aug 2011) – 64km

早晨，湖上升起一阵阵的雾。

6.45am,一睁开眼睛，Dee拉开窗帘，落地玻璃窗外看见湖面晨雾茫茫，好美! 我马上拿了相机，冲到湖边去拍照。通往湖边的小门上了锁，我不管，翻爬过那小门，迫不及待的快步走到湖边。刚亮起来的天空，暗蓝色。地平线上抹着淡淡的橙色。周围的景色静静地躺在宁静的湖面上。看着薄薄的雾从湖面一阵阵升起，消失空气里，好美好美。所以虽然外面很冷，我还是站在湖边，好一阵子才离开。

Batur 火山

第二天的路线是行程中上下幅度最多的一天，目的地是Bedugul 的Danau Bratan。将近九点，我们才离开Kedisan，爬3.75公里的坡到Kintamani。庭延因为昨天的状况不佳，所以他总是说要先出发，怕自己太慢。或许是因为一大早精力充沛，那7公里并没有想像的难骑，很顺利的在40分钟以内，我们都骑上去了。伟华推一段骑一段，而庭延状态很好，完全没问题。Dee的脚车在要完成7公里时链条断了，国明帮忙修理。国明的脚车前刹车器坏了，轴也很有问题。他稍做修整，怎么知道竟然连前轮的skewer也断了。我在想那轮子会不会随时脱开。他倒是一副淡定的样子，面不改色。这辆脚车还好是由他来骑，只有他有能力迁就与驾驭这匹铁马。

Kintamani以Batur火山和Batur 湖的景色而成为巴厘岛游客必到的景点之一。进入景区必须缴付入门票。这里餐厅林立，游客可以面对着湖景山色用膳。我们以炒饭价格为标准，挑了一间餐厅，坐下来用餐。但由于隔壁的餐厅较开阔，我们都走到隔壁去拍照。我们不断的的占用隔壁的餐厅楼台拍照，看风景，最后也因为不好意思而在那里点了两盘炒饭。一行七人分别在两家餐厅吃炒饭。;) 已将近中午，我们已经偷懒了很久，是时候出发了。根据高度图，我们必须上升至1700公尺才会开始下坡，所以一样是上坡路。

大路旁来过团体照

中午十二点左右，我们来到Pura Ulun Danau Batur前。刚好这里有间电单车和脚车修理店，国明把那前轮的skewer 换了。这样我比较放心。我们知道时间不足，没有到庙里参观，只在大路边拍了团体照，然后继续骑。骑没多远，看见路边好多Bakso摊子，但刚吃饱，所以没叫来吃。停了大约15分钟，继续。没多久，警察局前停下，眺望MtAgung。国明的脚车在换了Skewer以后，情况反而更不理想。于是他把DiscBrake 的metaldisc 拆了，反正也坏了。不过我倒是没问他为什么要那么做，因为听了我也不会懂。终于搞定，我们继续往Singaraja方向去。

我们渐渐离开了比较繁忙的大路，路的两旁是树林，而蜿蜒向上的道路持续在眼前摊开。上了一大段陡坡，来到一个三叉路口。看见直走的路非常陡，还好我们是要弯左，捏了一把冷汗。我们已经上坡15公里了，估算左转后再骑一小段上坡，应该就是一连串的下坡了。当时大约下午一点半，我们停下休息，吃吃Bakso，喝喝水。15分钟后，我们离开。估算没错，果然不久后就是下坡。下午两点，我们来到一个路口，有个路标，柱子上的铜像好像是战士。转右我不确定去哪里，但我们要去Bedugul，询问以后，确定是直走。这一直走，就下坡了，冲得很过瘾，风景很美也不想停下来拍照。

乡间小路，路边稻田

一路上，我们穿过果园，绕过农庄，顺着山势一环环的滑下去。这样骑了10多公里，半小时后，我们来到Catur，在警察局前停下。有路牌指转左去Denpasar和Petang。其实巴厘岛路牌不多，但在路口或重要转弯处，都有路牌指示。不清楚的时候就问路人，马来语与印尼语相似，沟通没障碍，巴厘岛人也很乐意相助，所以我们在寻找方向时并没有面对多大问题。我们左转后，继续下坡。我开始饿了，看见朋友们在一个分叉路口的小店铺停下，迫不及待的就去看看有什么能充饥的。买了两个面包，喝了椰水，休息了一会儿，又继续。我们右转，这下坡一直延续。稻田风景很不错，我停了一下拍照。我们持续下坡，然后我们骑上一小段的上坡，有个交通圈，大伙儿停在路旁，不晓得该往哪个方向。伟华开启他的GPS,说还未到转弯处，所以是直走。往前，还是下坡，毫不费力。不久，我们来到一座大桥，跨过河流连接山谷的对岸。有不少本地游客停在那里拍照，这里只有本地人，没看见其他外国游客。过桥后就是上坡。骑上了山，又开始下山,一直下到谷底，然后又上坡。才上坡没多久，看见路边有个小食档卖Bakso，我们停下吃点东西。因为预测接下来就是一连串的上坡，必须先填饱肚子才行。

看见那陡坡，累啊！

吃饱后，时间是3.50pm。我们沿着山势往上骑一段路，没多久就看见指示去Bedugul 的路牌。转右直走，然后注意着路牌，一路靠右走。这里是Sulangai，乡间小路，稻田风光。路况不好，没多少车子，除了我们，就没有其他游客。可是我们都很喜欢这段路，远离尘嚣，更接近纯朴的巴厘岛。这是一段很长的上坡路，而且路况坑坑洞洞，我觉得特别吃力。这个时候的我已经累了，骑得很慢。骑完这段上坡路，我们来到了一段较平缓的道路。当时是5pm，我们每个人的距离都没有离太远。伟华那个时候的状况还很好。休息了一会儿，我们继续，骑上一个很陡的坡以后，有个分叉路，可以看见下坡后迎接我们的是可怕的连环上坡，坡度很陡。等所以成员到齐以后，转左下坡，路真的很烂，明明骑着柏油路，却好像在骑越野路一样。一冲下坡，没多久就是个要命的上坡。我骑不上去，下车推一段。然后再尝试骑上一小段陡坡，喘得很厉害，停下休息。已接近太阳西下的时分，我们准备头灯与脚车灯，然后继续上坡。

骑不上，就得推上去

夕阳西下，经过的村子环境很不错，群山环绕，浓雾弥漫，四周都是菜园、果园和稻田。累了，很想在这里找个地方住，今天不骑了。打听下，发现这里没有旅馆，没有民宿，我们只好一路骑上去。国贤和庭延骑在前头，我好累好累，骑得很慢，Dee和国明陪着我。我不行了，停下休息，Dee和国明也一起停下。阿Dee喊饿，幸好国明有带行动粮，递给每人一小包饼干充饥。炳明不久后就到。我们休息了好一阵子，才看见伟华推着脚车上来。他说不要紧，他可以慢慢推到12点。这个时候的他看起来已经很疲惫，但心里素质还很好，没有说过沮丧的话。眼前的路况很不好，还是上坡，我没力气骑，决定用推的推上去。推过了一段烂路，才开始骑。没多久，看见国贤和庭延停在路边的一家小杂货店休息。才不过骑了一小段，我就喘得很厉害。体力真的很差。我停下买了面包和水。国贤说再过25m,我们就转入大路，车子多，而且天黑了，建议大家骑在一起。

有没有看过这样的燕屋？

时候不早，我们必须继续。伟华的情况很不好，他几乎都是用推的，所以更累。转右入大路以后，车子很多，但路却没那么陡。我体力已经耗尽，只是不断对自己说快到了，别放弃。就这么一段8-9公里路，感觉却好遥远。骑了3-4公里，我看见路边有间餐厅和，停下，问问国贤要不要住在这里。国贤不同意，说这里环境不太好，况且我们就快到了。伟华没有推，他是骑上来的，所以认为他还可以，我们继续骑。上坡后还是上坡，我感觉骑了很久（事实上并不然），突然上坡结束，跟着是下坡。国贤在前方好像在说什么，我来不及听，任由脚车顺着坡度滑下去，超越了我前面的队员们。下完坡，我们就来到Bedugul了。7.40pm,我们抵达目的地。庭延在下坡之前就停下，说等等伟华。我们抵达后，站在寒冷的夜里等着他俩，却许久不见身影。国贤打电话联络了一下，确定没有状况发生。8时许，伟华和庭延终于到了。伟华的脸色很不好，晚餐也吃不下。他在最后一个休息点后，自己骑着骑着就感觉晕眩，仿佛看见满天星斗。自己停下休息，吃国明给他的“救命橘子”。庭延回头找他，然后陪他骑上坡，虽然嘴上总是念着骂着，但这两个难兄难弟，感情好不在话下。

伟华累到不行。

我们吃了晚餐后，去找住宿。印象中第一个看见的就是Bedugul Lakeview Residence，转了进去问。负责人说一间度假屋Rp 700,000（大约RM250）。从外面看来，这个地方实在不怎么样。国贤还想往下找，我还没开口，伟华先说了。他已经不想再走了。负责人让我们先看那单位，我和国明爬上一层层的梯级，第一眼看见那度假屋，我就决定住下来。一个大厅，有两张沙发，两个房间，有个小阁楼，一个小厨房，一尘不染，设计简单大方，典雅舒适。虽没早餐供应，负责人还买了咖啡和茶袋给我们。只是水压有些问题，但负责人最后也让我们用另一单位的浴室冲凉。

就像伟华所说的那样，地狱和天堂正好形容今天的感受。地狱般的行程，天堂般的度假屋。今天上下坡不断，我给搅糊涂了，写日记的时候不断的要朋友们帮我回忆行程的片段与路程。我把那些片段化成文字，好好的记下来了，记下那些一路骑来的路程，还有辛苦，疲惫，美好与欢笑。

Bedugul –Danau Bratan-Danau Buyan-Lovina (22 Aug 2011) –41.2km

早晨起来，阳光透过落地玻璃窗洒了进来。伟华和Dee出去为大家买早餐。我拿了相机，到外边走走。我沿着梯级往上走，又往下走，发现这范围好大，后院有个篮球场和草场，后门通往民居。伟华和Dee带回了很多东西，花生、草莓、芒果、零食、快熟面、青菜、番茄和蛇皮果。Dee和国明帮大家煮快熟面。其他人则围着桌子吃着买回来的食物。吃饱了，大家又各自休息，一直10.30am，我们才愿意离开。

离开Bedugul LakeviewResidence, 是下坡，才过5分钟，我们就来到Bratan湖边。拍拍照，大约停留了15分钟，我们骑往不远处的PuraUlun Danau Bratan。除了国贤以外，我们都到庙里去参观。入门票每人Rp10,000。伟华随口向卖门票的人减价，他竟然答应，六个人Rp50,000但不给票根。进入景区，看见许多当地人做在寺庙外的草地上野餐，好像有宗教仪式寺庙内在进行着。这座寺庙建与DanauBratan 湖边，是巴厘岛其中一个著名的旅游胜地。我们各自活动，四处参观拍照，最后回到脚车停放处集合。离开PuraUlun Danau Bratan,路还是下坡。国明饿了，找了个餐厅停下吃午餐。国贤过了好一阵子才到，原来是翻脚车了，在刚离开Pura Ulun DanauBratan的时候。刚才的下坡，一路都在修路，所以一不小心就会出意外，还好国贤没有受伤。午餐，我点了AyamLalapan Set,外加一杯草莓汁。那杯草莓汁浓稠好喝，只需Rp6000（RM2.10）。原来附近有草莓园，新鲜的草莓打成的果汁果然特别好喝。伟华还连点了两杯。

Danau Bratan

午餐后，没骑多远，我们转入左边的一条小路，往Danau Buyan。Danau Buyan 比DanauBratan小，可是风景还不赖。湖边有座庙，要收入门票，所以我们没入内参观。我们坐在湖边，凉风习习，看着对岸的山城，看着我们刚骑过的路，一种说不出的轻松惬意。拍拍照后，我们离开，开始骑上山，坡度蛮陡，骑得我上气不接下气。别人是越骑越好，我却越骑越没气，有点气馁。途中有几个观景点，我们停下两三次观赏风景。这里猴子很多，像是有分群分派，各有地盘。上坡结束后，有个分叉口，左边往DanauTamblingan，我们往右边去。开始下坡，很陡很弯，半个小时就从1300公尺的高度下到了接近海岸线的地方。按照我原本的计划，我们应该是从Lovina到Bedugul的。最后计划更改，路线一样，只是倒反而行。庆幸如此，因为这段路如果是骑上去的话，我大概要骑到第二天凌晨。

Danau Buyan

下午时分，我们就来到了Lovina，找到了第二个天堂般的度假屋。入口是个小巷子，后院在装修，门面实在不怎么样。但当我们爬楼梯到4楼的套房看的时候，印象马上改观。这个套房有两间客房，每间房有冷气厕所。主卧房的浴室好大，开发式的浴室，简单豪华。楼上还有个阁楼，面向大海，右边是稻田，风景不错。而我们还成功的杀到Rp500000(RM180)一晚，加两张床和包含七个人的早餐。登记以后，我们就骑车到附近走走。才走了

Danau Buyan

不到一公里，看见有卖鱼的小贩，国贤和国明就马上停下，转入右手边的小巷里去。我们就这样意外的吃到了又便宜又新鲜的烧鱼晚餐。晚上，庭延请大家喝啤酒。我们买了几瓶Bintang啤酒回去，在阁楼上看星星，吹海风，吃花生，喝啤酒，聊聊天，再也没有比这个更写意的了。

Lovina-Pupuan-Blimbing (23 Aug 2011) – 58km

Lovina 海边吃早餐

Lovina海边的早晨，风和日丽。我们点了早餐，就到沙滩走走。沙是天然的黑色，所以靠近岸边的海水看起来不太清澈，其实水质很干净。Lovina著名的活动莫过于出海看海豚，费用是每人Rp70000(RM25)。但我们没去，只是在海边吃早餐，吹吹海风，看看海。早餐后，大约八时许，我和Dee就准备要离开。哪知道男生们还一直呆在海边，聊天。这样过了半小时，他们还不舍得走，于是只好去催促他们。我们今天的目的地是Pupuan，是上坡，所以早点离开比较有时间上的松动。收拾好以后，大约9点，我们才出发。

这样一路骑下去，路的左边都是稻田或烟草园，路的右边有一条条通往海边的巷子，原来离我们住的地方2-3公里才是Lovina的中心。我们先到一间脚车店更换伟华脚车的煞车挚。国贤带路，看他一直左右两边看，突然他停下，示意大家到右边的一间餐厅去。这是一间靠海的餐厅，一眼望去，一排的小亭子和椰树，平静的海水，一来到就不想走了。还不到早上十点，我们又开始预支午餐了。这里卖很新鲜的鱼，价格比昨天的还便宜，选了两条鱼，包括烧烤，才Rp75000（RM27）。餐厅对面有个卖西瓜的小贩，伟华和庭延请大家吃西瓜。吃饱后，每个人各自找了个亭子，躺下小睡片刻。一直到十一时左右，大家才愿意离开。我们跟着Seirit的方向前进。大约半小时后，路边有人卖榴莲。爱吃榴莲的两老（国贤和国明）马上停下，买榴莲去了。除了榴莲以外，一路上还看见有人卖葡萄。路的两旁有不少的葡萄园。

往Pupuan 途中，买榴莲吃

抵达Seirit后，我们就跟着Pupuan的路牌去。我们开始上坡，天气很热，骑了一阵子，有点受不了，于是停下休息乘凉。往远处望去，可以看见山上有两座电塔，猜想Pupuan大概就是在那里了。休息了半小时，我们又出发了。其实那上坡并不是很陡，但我却骑得很辛苦，气喘如牛。来到了一个三叉路口，我们转右。Pupuan并不是热门的旅游区，住宿的资料缺乏。国贤在路口的商店打听，店主说那里有很多住宿，于是我们放了心。万万没想到我们后来为了找地方住搞得彷徨无助，筋疲力尽。我开始饿了，停下来买榴莲充饥。根据GPS，当时我们离开Pupuan还有20公里。

Pupuan 梯田

我当初规划路线的时候，读到了关于Pupuan 梯田风光的资料，于是就把它编入行程里。果然那梯田风光没让人失望。我们来到了Pupuan大街的交通圈。路边有一排卖吃的摊子，都是一些印尼小吃，像Bakso，Satay 等。于是我们各自找东西吃，祭祭五藏府。伟华检查了一下GPS，说这里还不是最高点，于是我

Pupuan 梯田

们在吃饱后，继续往最高点前进。国贤和庭延一路上都在探听住宿点，但得到的讯息很不一致。一开始的讯息是两公里后就有住宿，但我们骑了两公里，又骑了三公里，到七公里，到了最高点，没有任何旅舍的踪影。我们开始下坡，下坡以后又上坡，每一次打听，都说前面几公里就有住宿，往前去几公里后，还是徒劳无功。终于看见有一家度假别墅，前去询问，发现价格太高，而且那里的职员也客气的告诉我们这里不适合我们，要我们往下找看看。

Pupuan 梯田

太阳西下，沿途的梯田风景越来越漂亮，我们虽然还不知道在哪儿落脚，但还是忍不住停了几次欣赏和拍照。这里的梯田并不是大规模式的，但却很有层次感，自然不做作。灌满水的田地映着太阳的余辉和椰树的倒影，天色渐暗，我们才愿意离开。我们又往下滑了几公里，来到了另一间度假别墅，只可惜价格还是太贵。天色不早，不敢怠慢，再往下骑，在夜幕低垂时，我们来到了一间很漂亮的度假村。到柜台询问，看见这里有family cottage的房间，小册子上的价格是以美金计算，超出我们预算。我不死心，继续探问，柜台职员给了一个很优惠的价格给我们，Rp700000（RM252），说可以睡四人。我，Dee和伟华先去看房间，沿着梯级往下走了一段路才走到我们要看的房间，惊觉这个度假村的范围不小。一个FamilyCottage 就是一栋屋子，架构用上了木和红砖。门外放了两张长木椅，房间很大，两个双人床，一个小厅，一个看电视的空间，还有个厕所。设计朴实典雅，却又豪华大方。职员在我们要求之下还减到了Rp600000（RM216），并且同意让我们七个人住进来。我们非常满意，决定住下。

与Kebun Villas 的老板－Deddy 合影

在登记的时候，老板（Deddy）过来跟我们说话，过后还不收费的为我们多加了两张床。我们在餐厅用餐也不收21%的税。晚餐时，他过来跟我们聊天，谈话间得知这那么大的度假村，却只有十间房，而且只有今天有空房，明天就客满了。Deddy买下这个地方的时候只是想为了个人的兴趣，想成为他私人的农业基地与度假地方，后来因为巴厘岛旅游的发达，经过很多旅行社的要求，他才开放地方给旅客。整个度假村都是他一手设计的，他花了两年时间一点一点的把地方建起来。这里用了很多的木料，他说所有的木雕与木家具都是他从Java岛带过来的。他的母亲是佛教徒，所以他在大门口放了一尊很大的佛像。而他本身其实住在Jakarta，从事木材出入口生意，两三个星期来回一次巴厘岛。他也聊起了印尼华人的遭遇，言语中透露着不满与无奈。我们可以感同身受，因为马来西亚华人一样遭受着那不公平的待遇，只是或许没有印尼华人来得严重。我们吃了自个儿点的晚餐后，他请我们吃炸香蕉和薯条，多给了几支矿泉水给我们，说骑脚车很热，吩咐我们要多喝水。我只能说谢谢，真的很感谢Deddy的热情款待。

Pupuan 梯田

这里是Blimbing，大约600公尺高，而这个度假村是KebunVillas，是我们脚车行程里住过最好的地方，是我们的首选天堂。我们何等幸运，有限的预算，却得到奢华的享受。今天真的处处是惊喜，Lovina的烧鱼，美丽的梯田和我们的天堂度假屋KebunVillas。夜里，空气凉凉的，朋友们都已睡去，我坐在门外的木椅上写日记。安静的夜里，偶尔有虫鸣声，我深呼吸，闭上眼，好宁静。脑袋还在不停回想今天的种种经历，心中喧哗着，然后有些累了，于是梳洗，沉沉睡去，在人间天堂里。

Blimbing-Tanah Lot (24 Aug 2011) – 43km

休闲的天堂

清晨起床后，我拿了相机到外边走走。这个地方是坐落在山边，四周都是绿色的草地，种着不同的花草树木。每一栋房子都相距甚远，让每个入住的旅客可以有私人的空间与庭院。这里也种了不少的果树，还依着山势，种着一排排的稻米。这里有个游泳池，泳池虽然不大，但胜在环境很好，周围都是稻田，加上椰树的点缀，风光明媚。吃过早餐后，大约九点钟，我就决定去游泳。一开始，朋友们并没有跟来。我一个人游了一阵子，趴在池边看着稻田，抬头看见蓝蓝的天，太舒服，太写意了。我真的很喜欢这里，好想多留一天。不久，看见炳明从远处楼梯下来。他先拍拍照，然后也下泳池游泳。接着，朋友们都一一到来，国贤和国明也一起来游泳。其他人则坐在泳池边的休闲椅上聊天。不知不觉一个多小时过去，已经是十时许了。我们才依依不舍的回房间收拾行李，准备离开。

我在天堂般的度假村

刚要离开时，庭延的脚车就爆胎了。我们还开玩笑的说是伟华搞的鬼。这样一拖再拖，我们中午时分才离开KebunVillas。路程还是一直下坡，下坡结束后，我们就来到了大街。这是通往Denpasar的主要公路，车子不少。国贤发现一间小食店，打的招牌是“ChineseFood”。那一阵阵飘来的食物香味让大家决定停下来在这里吃午餐。几乎每人都点了”FuYong Hay”（芙蓉蛋），又点了炒饭。食物盛上时，不得了，那超

泳池，稻田，果园－在一张照片里

大分的芙蓉蛋，加上炒饭（炒饭也有蛋），看到就饱了。结果大家都很慷慨的急着与别人分享，伟华说：“简直是被蛋淹死”。这里，我们吃了行程中最便宜的炒饭。说到炒饭，伟华就快可以成专家了。每到一个地方，他十之八九都是吃炒饭，不然必定问炒饭的价格，从而知道那里的东西卖得贵不贵。

离开Kebun Villas 前合影

将近下午一点半，我们才再次启程。今天的目的地是Tanah Lot。前方有车祸，路上很塞车，排了几公里的车龙，但我们骑车不受影响。反之，我倒觉得塞车反而对我们有利，车子不会开那么快，会注意单车骑士。庭延的脚车又爆胎，相信他换内胎已经驾轻就熟了。下午三点，我们距离TanahLot 还有15公里。天气炎热，大约骑了个半小时，我们停在路边的小档口买饮料，休息一下。小档口对面是一片绿色的稻田，不远处还看见有人放风筝，感觉上目的地已经很近。我们的感觉没错，多骑个半小时，我们就抵达TanahLot，也在附近找到了住宿。这里的住宿比较简单，没前几天那么好，不过有个庭院，环境还算不错。

Tanah Lot 日落

将近五点，我们步行到Tanah Lot，很幸运的避过了查票站，没买票就进入景区内。一进入景区，我们就各自活动。我是第二次到这个地方，不去海王庙，选择往海岸线公园去。这里有个犹如一座拱桥般的地势，很特别。各自活动的我们最后都来到了面向这地势的观景点，在这里观看日落。太阳慢慢的往下沉，渐渐的不见了身影。 Tanah Lot 著名的除了那建在岩石上的海王庙，就是这海岸独有的悬崖地势与汹涌海浪。这次还意外的看见了成群的蝙蝠出动。太阳下山后，蝙蝠群从悬崖处飞了出来。我喜欢这里，觉得那海浪与悬崖很有气势，要求朋友多呆一会儿，一直到肚子抗议了才离开。

Tanah Lot 全体照

我们就在酒店旁的一间餐厅用晚餐。吃饱后又步行到不远处的杂货铺买矿泉水，也顺便买了冰淇淋吃 J 回到住宿点，我们一如往常，梳洗后都会聚在一起聊天。我们将椅子和一个小桌子搬到院子中间，在那里吃花生，喝啤酒。庭延借来了一把吉他，随意的弹起了一些民谣和很久以前的流行歌曲。伟华灵机一动，唱起了小小羊儿要回家，说昨天我们像小小羊儿跟着国贤走，不知去向。天黑了，星星亮了，小小羊儿还找不到家。伟华的脑袋到底装了多少点子，这样也让他想到。迪、国贤和国明十点多就睡去了。我，伟华、庭延和炳明聊起了过去几天的行程，发现最难忘的是最辛苦的第二天行程和便宜又美味的烧鱼。聊着就入深夜了，于是收拾东西，各自休息去。

Tanah Lot － Kuta – Uluwatu – Jimbaran - Kuta (25Aug 2011) – 83.3km

Legian 海边

离开了Tanah Lot，往Kuta方向去。车子，摩多车越来越多，骑在那狭窄的道路上，我常常会战战兢兢。还好这里的司机还不错，会注意单车骑士，要超越我们时也不会太靠近。我们十时许就来到了Legian海边,艳阳普照，海水和天空一样蓝。伟华－道具组唯一成员又出动了。他把脚车搬到沙滩上，要求我们替他拍照，想不到的是竟然还有一位女生要求跟他的脚车拍照。大约逗留半小时，我们继续往Kuta去。

Uluwatu 悬崖

街道随着我们越靠近Kuta而变得越来越繁忙。我与车子和电单车共用窄小的街道，精神不禁紧张起来。如此繁忙的地方与我喜好清静悠闲的个性格格不入，很想逃离。我们在Kuta的PoppiesLane II 找到了被我们号称为“难民营”的房间。一条窄巷子进入，立着两层楼的建筑，都是客房。房间有一张双人床，厕所小得连转身的地方都没有。我们过去的几天住惯了环境优美的庭院度假屋，一下子从天堂掉入地狱，有点无所适从。

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

中午十二点，我们照原定计划往Uluwatu去。我的目的地是Pura Luhur Uluwatu, 差不多是在巴厘岛的最南端。烈日当空，太阳热情的拥抱让我吃不消，浑身火烫。一停下我就去买水喝，降降火。往Uluwatu路上，似乎没有多少绿意，虽不至于光秃秃，还有间大学，但那里总让人有寂寥荒漠的感觉。我想或许是炎热天气的影响吧。路程上坡下坡，我们终在下午将近三点时分来到目的地。进入PuraLuhur Uluwatu需缴付入门票，然后裤子或裙子不及膝者将给与一条sarung围着。若过膝，那么将给与一条黄色腰带系与腰间。国贤和庭延没兴趣，所以剩我们5人进入参观。从大门进入，走下个小斜坡，我们

Jimbaran 海边的日落

来到断崖边。往右边望去，远处是一座建在悬崖边的寺庙。而我们选择往左边去参观。沿着崖边走，我们来到了一处观景区。这里的风景恰恰就是名信片上的Uluwatu断崖，果然气势磅礴。站在崖边看着大浪冲打悬崖，浪涛声有点骇人，脚不禁往后退几步，但又不禁被它的魅力所吸引，久久不舍离开。我们在这儿拍了不少照片，然后才到寺庙去。在寺庙附近有很多猴子，会抢游客的东西。我拿在手上的相机和钱包若不是有绳子够在我手腕，就被抢了。这些猴子仿佛受过训练，会声东击西。有只猴子推了阿迪一下，阿迪一不留意，戴在头上的太阳眼镜就被抢了。事后有个人主动前来说可以帮忙拿回，但要酬劳。经过讨价还价后，付了Rp8000赎回眼镜。而我们离开景区后才知道在景区外也有猴子抢东西，而庭延也同样是被抢走戴着的眼镜，付了钱赎回眼镜。

迷人的日落

下午四点，国贤和庭延饿得发荒了，先离开去找吃的，留下我们等还未回到集合点的炳明。我们再次集合的时候已将近五点了，在路边的一间杂货店。早晨离开TanahLot的时候，旅店老板大力推荐Jimbaran的烧鱼，说到鱼市去买，又大又便宜，然后可以拿去餐馆叫他们做料理。国贤在回程中一路打听这鱼市，可却徒劳无功。我们最终来到游客聚集的Jimbaran海边。有个洋妞裸着上半身躺在沙滩上，让男生们眼睛大吃冰淇淋。每当说起Jimbaran，这一段香艳总让我的朋友们回味无穷。

Jimbaran 海边吃烤鱼，看日落

太阳就快下山，往不远处的海岸线望去，我们看见沙滩上摆放着许多餐桌和椅子，决定往那里去。抵达时正是夕阳西下时分，国贤吩咐我们先在原定等着，他往前骑看能不能找到鱼市。天空渐渐被染红，海面上映着太阳火红的身影，风筝随着海风扬起在天空中争艳，沙滩上的游客迫不及待的拿出相机捕捉那一刻的美丽，而我就是其中之一。而后国贤来找遗失在美景中的我们，告诉我们用餐的餐厅，要我们看够了夕阳就过去。太阳从海平线上消失了，天空犹有余晖。我走到我们用餐的地点，在餐桌上坐下，朝着海，看着夜幕低垂。食物上桌，有鱼，有螃蟹，没多久就处理得一干二净。这里气氛很好，桌子上点着蜡烛，耳边传来乐队的歌声，歌声不赖，唱着曾经的流行曲。这里离开飞机场不远，视线里，跑道好像就在海岸线的尾端。飞机起飞降落的频率足以看出巴厘岛旅游业的兴旺。我来过巴厘岛两次，这儿的确是个旅游的天堂，它独特的地理环境、人文与艺术气息、建筑风格、经济的消费，吸引着来自各地成千上万的游客。

看着夜幕渐渐低垂

晚餐已经吃完了。伟华开始搞笑，当起了小小羊儿要回家MV的导演。我是摄影师，国明和阿迪是小羊儿，而国贤是羊妈妈。Firsttake, 伟华开始唱“红红的太阳下山了”，然后小羊儿必须唱“呀嘿呀嘿”。只是小羊儿没进入状况，一直笑场，导演猛喊“cutcut cut”。私下彩排了两三次后，从新开机。Cameraon, 导演在指挥，小羊儿还是很害羞，“呀嘿呀嘿”唱得有气无力，不过最后还是以羊妈妈的“不要怕，不要怕，我把灯光点着了”，晃着手机上的灯光，草草结束拍摄。我每当看回这两个录影，都会忍不住笑了出来，当中趣味只有我们几人才能深切体会。

时间已经不早，将近九点，我们必须离开，回到Kuta。回到以后，洗了澡，我、迪、炳明、伟华和庭延又到街上走走。我在便利店买了水和冰淇淋后就回返。国贤、国明和迪是早睡一族，很快就关灯就寝。我坐在房外写日记，同时与蚊子大战。明天一早，我们将骑回Ubud,结束一个星期的脚车旅行。心中没有不舍，因为体验了和享受了旅行当中的快乐，心中只有知足与感恩。

Kuta – Sanur – Ubud (26 Aug 2011) – 55km

说好7点半出发，一反常态，大家在7点前都收拾好了。原来每个人都那么迫切的想逃离Kuta。听国明提起他与蚊子开战的经历，战绩全在血淋淋的墙壁上。然后又听炳明和庭延如何预防被伟华抢被，点点滴滴，欢笑连连。骑了大约10公里，我们停在路边的一间小店吃早餐。我没有胃口，整盘饭扒不到几口。早餐后离开，国贤在前方带路。我们经过Sanur，我也认不清方向，只是突然发现海出现在右手边。国贤停下，说应该是走错了，因为往Ubud去，不可能会跟着海岸线骑。想用伟华的GPS测试，怎知道没讯号。既来之，则安之。我们索性先到海边去走走吹吹风。

这个无人的海边，浪很大，风很大。我坐在海边，看着浪一波波地卷向岸，激起白色浪花，调出振奋人心的浪涛。我喜欢，喜欢这意外的惊喜。十时许，我们离开海边，找到了路，往Ubud 前进。一个小时后，我们来的一个市集。国贤说要去买草帽，国明说饿了去找东西吃。我停站街角等待。街角处有做礼拜的人们，看见他们拜拜以后，都会把一个用叶子编成的花状盛器放在地上，上面放着鲜花，饼干和一支香。它们整整齐齐的被摆在街角，成了五彩缤纷的点缀。国贤买了草帽后，又去买了蛇皮果，满载而归。离开Ubud越来越近，路边看见许多卖木料家俬的店。国贤和国明忍不住停下研究了一下。我们凑热闹也进去瞧瞧。许多完整的木块都被买了准备运出国去。国贤和国明东看看，西问问，满足求知欲后才愿意离开。

意外到了无人的海边

中午12点半，我们回到了Ubud的Dewi Ayu Guesthouse，总里数375.8km。我们放下行李后，就骑脚车去有名的NaughtyNuri餐厅吃烤猪排。这家店在NekaMuseum正对面。店面不大，餐桌有限，好不容易找到了位子，食物上桌时却差强人意。人太多，水准有闪失。后来，我的朋友们又再次回到这里来用餐，人不多，突然又恢复水准了，他们对食物赞不绝口。离开NaughtyNuri餐厅，我们回到MawarGuesthouse 拿我们寄放的行李。一行人骑着脚车，背着大背包，招摇过市。:D

行程结束，还脚车前合影

下午，我们各自活动与休息。晚餐的庆功宴订在Ubud的Dirty Duck 餐馆。我们早一天就打电话来预定，同时也先点了smokeduck。5点钟，我们先去还脚车，租脚车的地方各分东西，首先先还伟华的脚车，然后是庭延和炳明的，最后才是我、迪和国明的脚车。在DirtyDuck，我们被安排席地而坐。这餐馆除了鸭子料理，处在稻田的环境，加上幽静典雅的气氛才是让人一而再，

Dirty Duck餐馆的庆功宴

再而三的造访原因。除了smokeduck, 我们还点了crispyduck。两样料理我都很喜欢。Smokeduck ，应该是用许多香料腌制过，肉质柔软，味道十足。crispyduck，炸得酥脆，连骨头都能吃。吃饱后，我们赖着不走，叫了一壶茶（二人份），却要了七个杯，加了三次水，最后被服务员礼貌的拒绝再添热水给我们。我们才愿意离开。

巴厘岛脚车行程就这样圆满结束了。而随后的龙木岛爬山行(Mt Rinjani) 也十分顺利。我一直怀着感恩之心, 感谢老天爷的眷顾与朋友的相伴。写部落格的同时，脑海不知为什么一直响着这几句歌词：“好的事情虽然已经结束，感动十分，就有十分满足，谢谢你是你陪我走过那些路......."

China Trip Part 4 ( 3 Nov 2010) 永宁

2011-03-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

11月3日，星期三，早上八点半，我们告别了村长文光，离开了海拔2525m，位于四川省木理县依吉乡的机素村。我们必须要在这天抵达永宁，我们知道路途遥远，可是到底有多远，路况如何，我们心里都没底。向导在这个时候也没有什么作用，因为他也没走过这段路。我们根据村长指示的方向走去，找到了路，走入了树林。开始时路段没有太大的起伏，所以还算顺利，我们每个人的距离并不远。然后路开始有上坡，Tack走在最前面，很快就不见了身影。我尾随在后，走着就离海波和秀梅越来越远了。自己一个人走在树林里，前后都看不见人。不过路算明显，若有分叉，我就选择往上的路,但还是走得有点战战兢兢，深怕会重复5天前走错路的情况，还好是我多虑了。11点半，我来到一个辽阔的空地，看见Tack坐在一根倒树上写日记。我在这儿等了大约15分钟后，马夫才来到。我们冷得有点发抖了，所以先离开。依然是在树林里徒步，而且有些路还挺烂的，奇怪的是这些烂泥路都有很好的落脚点，像是一块块的木头埋在地下一样，距离一致，整整齐齐，犹如梯级。经过了那段烂泥路后，迎接我的是一段不断往上延伸的石头路。

时间是下午一点，停下休息吃吃行动粮，我们猜想垭口应该不远了吧。但那终究是猜想，通往垭口的路程比我们想象的长很多，我在将近3点用才抵达垭口，共用了6个半小时。垭口的雾很大，能见度低，连Tack坐在那里等我，离我只有几步之遥，我也看不见。垭口太冷，我们没等到海波和秀梅来到就先下撤了。我扭伤的右脚很疼，尤其是下坡的时候。我用手杖撑着，速度减慢。开始下撤的路段都是光秃秃的，印象中只有迷蒙的沙石路，一样是前面看不到Tack，后面看不见海波和秀梅。我又回到了树林，Tack在休息，我们在这里等待海波和秀梅。人到齐，我们又往下撤了。

4.40pm，我来到了彝族村。有个村民在和Tack说话，根据那个村民的说法，如果脚程快，两个小时就可以抵达永宁。马夫尼玛不久后也来到，当他得知我们要先启程往永宁去时，他不同意，说当天到不了，他建议我们留在彝族村。我和Tack是还有粮食，但海波和秀梅已经没有了。当时将近下午五点，我们猜想，如果我们快，7点至8点应该可以抵达永宁了。我不想休息太久，因为一休息，脚反而疼得更厉害。Tack的态度也很坚定，告诉马夫要他在彝族村等待海波和秀梅，而我们先行离开。我一心想尽快抵达目的地，甚至想在天黑以前抵达。下山的路很陡，天空下起冰雹和雨了，我脚步不停，一直往下冲，突然路被木头墙封死。Tack就在我前面，我指着旁边的一条小岔路，于是我们都往那路走去，这个决定让我和Tack有了一段不一样的经历。

我们走得很快，路虽小但却明显，而且还有马粪，我没有多怀疑。因为往永宁的路常有马帮经过，所以路上会有马粪。我们在抵达垭口前也遇上了一批马帮。来到了河边，没有桥，水流不缓，我必须涉水而过。水位及我腰，我的裤子，鞋子全湿了。过河前我犹豫了一下，心里觉得不太对劲，没理由需要过那么深的河。但四周没有别的路，于是还是过去了。我们走了相当远，过了两个草地，再过河，下坡，路一直引领我们来到一条河边，突然没了路。Tack过河去探路，没多久返回说前方没路。我的电话没电了，不能打电话。而Tack的电话又放在被马运载的背包里，没办法联络海波。我们回头走一小段，然后Tack再去找路，发现也不可行。我们又沿着来时路走回去，Tack脚步很快，我没两下就跟不上了。我走着走着没见Tack，而来时我也不注意路向，现在走回去时才发现原来是有些小岔路的，我开始不确定我是否走对，喊着Tack却没回音，很累很累，但也只好慢慢继续走，还好一个上坡后看见Tack在那儿等我，松了口气。Tack三番两次探路都无功而返，确定我们在木头封死的路时已经走错。于是从原路返回，当我们回到原点时已经是傍晚6点半了。果然在那木头封死的路的左边有一条非常明显的路,我们不知道为什么会错过。我们怕海波和秀梅真的会呆在彝族村，于是Tack又往上走，在一处可以看见彝族村的地方大声喊，如果他们真的留在那里，就会听见然后回答。没有回音，所以他们应该已经往永宁去了。Tack回到我等待的地方，休息一下，我们就出发，当时已经将近7点了。

太阳已经下山，天空只剩下余晖，我们不敢怠慢，我靠着手杖，忍着右脚的疼痛，几乎是连跑带跳的下山，想趁着天还有微光前走快一些。下山的路变平缓了，也似乎走出了树林，我以为会一直平缓的走到永宁，但这想法明显是错的，平缓的路才走了一段，就开始上坡。我们又回到了树林里，上坡持续，我怀疑我们是否走对了路，怎么会一直上坡。这次我们不敢大意，Tack不断的确定我们是往南的方向走。我的头灯在身上，而Tack的头灯在被马运载的背包里。夜幕已低垂，我们共用一个头灯，行动受到约束。Tack在前面走，我紧跟着，但有时候我落后了，看不见前方，会叫Tack 等等回头照一照。这样一来，我们的速度就慢下来了。这样上下坡，不知过了多久，我们似乎来到了一个山头，可以看清山谷，山谷后面是有很亮的光，那一定是永宁。而且我们还看见远处有移动的一点点灯光，不知是什么，猜想会不会是海波等人呢？然后开始下坡，往向天空，我觉得我们就是在山谷间移动。路越来越不好走，满满的烂泥。一踩下去，鞋子就粘了整寸厚的泥。我那双穿了将近5年的登山鞋经过河水浸泡和烂泥的压迫，右脚的鞋子开始承受不住了，渐渐地裂开。下坡中，突然整个鞋底和鞋身分开。用“破屋更遭连夜雨，漏船又遇打头风”这句话来形容当时的情况最贴切不过了。我用鞋带勉强将鞋底和鞋身绑起来，继续走，只是走得更慢了。有一次，有个岔路，我们看见路边好像有路碑，但方向不是往南，Tack叫我先在原地等着，自己走前去看，然后回头告诉我说“那是坟墓”。我说：“有坟墓，那表示村庄不远了。”。后来我和旧同事说起这事时,他们都说很恐怖。回想起来也的确有点怕人，在黑暗的森林里找路，以为是指示牌，走近用头灯一照，才发现是坟墓，有点像惊悚片的情节。可是那个时候并没有想太多，没有丝毫害怕的感觉，可能是我对Tack是绝对的信任，我相信他对方向的判断，而他也没显出一丝的慌张，一直都很坚定的在前方带路。

勉强绑在一起的鞋底和鞋身没撑多久又闹分手。我想换拖鞋但Tack不同意，因为路太烂，穿拖鞋更加难走。于是我把那厚的一层鞋底丢了，用鞋带将一层薄的鞋底和鞋身再绑起来。雨下了又停，停了又下，反反复复，很冷。我我心想无论如何都要走出去，不管要走到多晚，只要可以走出去就好。我没有抱怨，不说累，因为负面情绪不会对情况有任何帮助，我唯一害怕的是我走得慢了会造成Tack的负担。不知走了多久，也忘了走过了怎样的路段，突然我们看见路上有明显的轮胎印，跟着轮胎印走了一段路，我们可以看见明显的大路，远处灯火通明。这个时候，Tack和我才松了口气，放下了心，因为我们很肯定灯火通明处一定是我们目的地-永宁。我右脚的鞋子烂得没办法再穿了，换上拖鞋，把破鞋留在路边了。我左脚登山鞋，右脚拖鞋，缓缓地朝远处灯火去。我们走错路时，身上就没剩多少水，也没有行动粮，我大概也饿过度了，或注意力太专注了，所以也不觉得饿。我把身上剩下的一点葡萄干给了Tack，他说饿了。我们脱离了困境，唱起了歌，一首接一首。唱着聊着走着，黄泥路没了，取而代之的是整齐的石砖路，然后可以看见古老的房子。感觉很像武侠小说里的人物在夜里赶路，穿过丛丛森林，翻山越岭，来到一座古镇。永宁到了，我看了看手表，晚上9点45分。

每户人家都关上了门，很安静。我们沿着石砖路前进，走了好长的路（或许并不是很长，但当时累了，所以觉得远）。我们朝最亮的地方走去，看见第一间客栈就前去住宿，可是没空房。于是我们又走前了一些，住进了古道宾馆。一住进房间，Tack就叫我快些将手机充电以便联络海波。我的左脚的登山鞋也在抵达古道宾馆时坏了，它已经撑到了最后一分钟。我的一双鞋子就这样报销了。海波发了短信来，我们联络上了他，他和秀梅在9点就抵达了永宁，住在街尾的永宁电力酒店。我们全身脏兮兮的，裤子、脚、鞋子都是泥，稍微清洗后就去找海波。走在街上，很冷。那一条街好像很长，走了很远，都没看见永宁电力酒店，又打了一次电话给海波确认。找到了永宁电力酒店，找到了海波和秀梅。他们吃饱了，我们不多说，先吃了饭再说。我们吃饱了饭后已经很晚了，应该是11时许左右，海波要我们到他房间去讨论事情。原来我们聘请的马夫兼向导要求我们多付两天的钱，理由是那是他回程的费用。我们在聘请时已经协议了费用将依照徒步的天数而给，回程费用并没有在协议中。我和Tack坚决反对，秀梅也觉得不合理但尊重大多数的意见，海波对他的服务满意，所以觉得若要多付也可以接受。我对向导有意见，觉得他顶多是一天的向导而已，后半段的行程都是我们自己在找路的，若说他是马夫，我也没看见他好好照顾他的马，而我们除了向导费与马匹费之外，也另外算了马粮了和三餐住宿费给他，所以我觉得我们已经给多了。意见的不同总会造成摩擦，最终以多付100元作为妥协，派秀梅去跟向导说，他最后也接受了。

我和Tack离开永宁电力酒店回到古道宾馆时已经超过12点半了。我梳洗完毕后已经凌晨1时许了。明明就累坏了，但反而睡不着，我们的亚丁-泸沽湖穿越终于完成了。这是一段不同于以往的徒步，路途长远，却很安静，没有平日的喧哗嬉闹。我们四人的相处更加真实，就像是后半段路程中看见的事与物，没有太多的修饰，看见的就是原来的样子。

费用马与向导（4天）- RMB 920 / 4 = RMB 230 向导永宁住宿 – RMB 120 / 4 = RMB 30 永宁住宿-古道宾馆 – RMB 40 / 2 = RMB 20 食物与气罐 – 大约 RMB 160 / 2 = RMB 80

China Trip Part 3 (31 Oct - 2 Nov 2010) 东义区-俄牙同乡-色苦村-卡瓦村-哈迪村-机素村

2011-02-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

10月31日9点半，我们租了面包车，沿着东义河，大约一个小时半就从卡斯村来到了东义区。东义区给我的印象就是一条街排着几间新与旧的房子。面包车司机只肯载我们到东义区。我们只好在抵达东义区后找了辆小罗里载我们到俄牙同乡。有个司机知道我们是要徒步到泸沽湖去，开了个价钱，说可以载我们到河口，然后我们再徒步或坐车去泸沽湖。至今我都没弄懂他所说的河口是指什么地方。不管我们有没有坐他的车，他都是要到河口去的，所以他只是想趁机赚钱，而且并不便宜。我们四人又陷入讨论之中。若我们坐车，那我们将提早到泸沽湖，省略的时间可以到美里雪山去，但那会是一笔多出来的开销。而听说接下来徒步路线的景色也一般，都是沿着公路走。我非常不喜欢走公路，所以也不禁动摇。我们四人没办法达成协议，所以仍旧依照原定计划，往俄牙同去。

小罗里在那黄泥路上驶着，慢慢地沿着那弯弯曲曲的路翻上山坡。半路，有一对夫妇搭了顺风车。那个丈夫会说一点汉语，告诉我他们是从中甸回来的。中甸，即是香格里拉，原来公路已经可以从东义区通至中甸了。1.30pm，我们抵达俄牙同乡。俄牙同乡位于稻城县南端，资料说海拔是2515米。一下车，海波就向路人询问聘请马匹的事，可是他们不会说汉语。最后有个年轻人来与我们交涉，他说得一口流利的汉语，原来是当地的医生。我负责看管背包，没有加入谈论中。价钱条件谈妥以后，那半路搭顺风车的路人成了我们的马夫兼向导。他叫尼玛，住在俄眉村，他说会让他家人把马从俄眉村牵过来，所以我们在俄牙同等待。我们就在一间杂货店前休息。朋友们在杂货店里买了泡面，让老板帮忙煮一煮作午餐。我不想吃泡面，只吃行动粮。老板是水里人，我们在店里和老板闲聊起来。

下午三时许,我们出发了。走了大约50分钟，来到一个分叉路口，接到尼玛打来的电话，叫我们等一下。等了一会儿，尼玛和她女儿牵着一匹骡马来到。尼玛把海波和Tack的背包绑上马背上，就继续沿着公路走去。徒步公路让我觉得意兴阑珊，以为就这样一直走到色苦村，还好在一个拐弯后，尼玛叫我们转入树林里的小路，我突然精神一振，原来我们可以不用走那沙尘滚滚的公路，太好了。那是一片针叶松树林，先是下坡，然后翻上一座山丘，在高处望向河谷，清楚地看见东义河上方的公路。接下来我们又上下几个山头，然后就是一路下坡。我和Tack在路上闲聊着，讨论着金庸的武侠小说，聊着聊着，来到了一段很斜的下坡路，应该有45-60度倾斜。我们在山丘上，可以看见草地上有如黑点和白点的羊群。海波已来到，Tack和海波下得很快，我还在半山时就看见他们已下到草地上了。这天秀梅没有太慢，我们抵达后不久就看见她的身影了。当时已是傍晚六时许了，我们在那里休息吃些行动粮。从那片空旷的草地，我们突然转入沿山壁而下的斜坡。路很多石子，很滑，我走得战战兢兢，却也摔了一跤，好不容易终下到河边了。从河边，有一条小路往上，似乎又得上山坡，马夫说色苦村快到了。我于是加快脚步，上完几个坡后，终看见村口。太阳已西下，天色渐渐的暗了。我们在马夫朋友的家门前扎营。那房子和一路上看见的藏民房子一样，共三层。底层养牲口，中间住人，楼上晒玉米。房子前有个水喉管，取水很方便。晚餐吃得很好，又喝了Milo和凉茶。主人给我们每人送了两粒柑。色苦村海拔2100m，温度10度左右。那一晚是我过去几天来睡得最好的一天。

11月1日9是许，我们出发往卡瓦村。这一天要走很远的路。从色苦村，我们下坡，来到了沿河而修的公路。整个上午，我们就是徒步在这公路上。峡谷风景还不赖，滔滔河水声一路伴着我们前进。徒步了大约3个半小时，我们停下休息用午餐。休息的地方是两河交汇的地方，对面山坡上都种满了玉米，看见有两三户人家，不远处有座桥梁把两岸连接。这里有个小卖部，海波和秀梅在那儿买了泡面吃。休息了半个小时，大约下午一点钟，我们继续行程。先是过桥，然后就是爬坡。我走得有气无力的，走没多久就停下喘气。天气热得像夏天，周围景色没有一点秋意。有句话说：“云南四季如夏”，虽然我们还没有踏入云南，但已经真实的感受着这句话的意境了。翻上山坡后，我们又开始下坡。河道来了个打转弯，转弯处不远有个很抢眼的景观，河边有个突起的的岩石峭壁，顶端竟然盖了间房子。我们来到了岩石的下方，有条弯曲的路通往岩石顶，房子不仅有人居住，还养了猪和羊。

下午2点钟，我们又下到了河边。没多久又开始爬坡，我已经记不清楚我们到底翻过了多少个山坡，路一直在面前延伸，像没有尽头似的。烈日当空，而我的水就快喝完了，得省着喝。4pm,我抵达卡瓦村的村口，我已经累了。根据攻略，卡瓦村恶名昭彰，偷窃事件层出不穷，我们原先就不打算住在卡瓦村，所以只是稍作休息。卡瓦村给我的感觉很像山寨，房子不多但很密集，牲口的粪便满地，让人不想停留。离开卡瓦村，我们继续往前，而向导尼玛在过了卡瓦村后已经不熟悉路况了，他没办法回答我们下一个村庄到底有多远。这个时候的我已经筋疲力尽了，水也没了，没气没力的拖着脚步前进。路段有坍塌，山脊上的小路有很多沙石，若一失足，后果不堪设想。
6pm, 我们看见了一个村庄，决定在这个村庄扎营过夜。尼玛向村民询问有水源的地方，水源坐落在村子上方。我们来到了一个干涸的水塘边，往上走就可以那水。但那里四处都是玻璃碎，不适合扎营。我们别无选择，只好在水塘边的一棵大树下清理出个地方，仔细的把地上的啤酒玻璃瓶碎拾干净，铺上干草，然后才放上营帐。不知什么时候，村里的小孩子都围过来看我们。有个孩子的汉语说的特别好，他告诉我们那村子是哈迪村。村里有间小学，会说汉语的孩子都是有上学的。不是每个小孩都能上学，昂贵的学费对家庭是个沉重的负担。海波的空罐头成了小孩们争夺的物品。小孩说可以用来装盐巴。盐巴是只有节庆的时候才会买的食才。孩子纯真的笑脸，好奇的眼光，简短的交谈给旅程带来了意外的惊喜，像炎热的午后突然下了一场雨，带来了一阵清新与凉意。哈迪村虽然海拔2200m,但不会冷，晚上15度，很暖和。

11月2日，原先的计划的目的地是依吉村，路途遥远而且必须翻山越岭，其中包括海拔4000多公尺的攀依山。我们穿越的终点是永宁，所以尼玛问我们是否非到依吉村不可，他说有另一条路线可以不必到依吉村，直接翻越桠口。海波决定接受尼玛的建议，不到依吉村，走另一路线。离开哈迪村后，我们先是走一小段上坡，然后就下坡，下到通天河边，然后就沿着公路走一段路。过桥到对岸后，往右边的公路走，没多久就转入上山的小径。那里正进行着水坝工程，或许水坝建好以后，附近的村庄都会被搬迁吧！骡马也累了，走几步就停一下，尼玛似乎也没怎么照顾好他的马。这样持续上坡着，停下休息时已是中午12点了。我们只是爬了一半的坡而已，吃了行动粮后又继续往上。天空开始飘起雨，我们在雨中徒步。翻上山后，路就较平缓了，于是我加快了脚步。我与Tack走在前头，路开始不明显了，我们停下等人。尼玛来到后，叫我们等等，他去找路。他一副不识路的样子，我心里很是奇怪。雨一直下，我们按照尼玛说的往回头路走去，然后再转入另一条往上的路。但是走着走着，尼玛又叫我们停下，说路好像不太对，于是我们回头走。我开始不耐烦，质疑他到底懂不懂路。但既然他是向导，我应该相信他，于是跟着他由另一条路越过河，但走不到半小时，又停住了。尼玛说路很小，不像马走的路，所以可能错了。原来他一直靠认马走的路而决定方向，我顿时有点气，就问：“你到底有没有走过？”他竟然说：“没有，我也没走过。”我的天啊！

当时已经是下午4点多了，而我们还在找路，还不知道可以在哪儿住宿。我心里对尼玛有些不高兴，他不识路，还敢带我们走，事前也没告诉我们他不会路，花费不少时间。若是按照往依吉村的路线，或许不会那么毫无头绪，时间和扎营的地点都可以预测。虽然说我们省略了4000公尺的攀依山，可路线还是一样辛苦，加上探路等待，时间上并没有占便宜。
我们在山坡上可以望见河，可以看见有放牧人家。Tack 不等尼玛，而自行往下走，他向当地人询问去永宁的路后就大声叫我们，示意我们往下走。而这时尼玛也探路回来了，他说山坡上有条路，要我们往上走。Tack 没有走上来，尼玛其实也不确定那就是正确的路，所以最后还是往下走越过河。时间已不早，还好附近有个村庄-机素村，于是我们又再次翻上山坡，沿着上山的路走，大约5时许，我们看见了间房子，停下休息，路过的村民说机素村就快到了。我们又往上走，抵达村庄，可是却一直找不到适合的地方扎营，没一处平地。Tack脚步很快，不见了身影。我和海波走累了，停在一个村民的家旁边休息。村民送了几粒他们种的梨子给我们，很好吃。有个会说汉语的年轻人过来跟我们说话，海波向他询问是否有村民可以提供住宿，但答案是否定的，皆因村子条件不好, 并没有外人到来。交谈中，他告诉我们只要翻上桠口，就可以有车通往永宁，而且每人只需50元，但必须事先安排。他说他家很小，不方便收留我们，要我们到村长家去问问。我们终来到一处玛尼堆前的平地，从这里再沿着一条小路往下走就抵达村长家了。我们就在村长家晒玉米棚旁的空地扎营。通过村长，我们联络了往永宁的车子，但他们说下雨路不好走，所以要我们给多一倍的价钱，我不同意，穿越就剩最后一天，就徒步完成吧！晚上还是在下雨，挺冷的。折腾了一天，我累得很，一吃饱没多久就睡了,完全没料到今天的折腾仅仅是明天的前菜而已。

China Trip Part 2 (28-30 Oct) 日瓦乡-亚丁村-龙同坝-扎灌崩-冲古寺-洛绒牛场-牛奶海-椏口-卡斯牛棚-卡斯村

2011-02-15T17:47:00.000-08:00

8日早晨9点，吃完早餐回到客栈时，司机曲米已经在等候了。稻城往日瓦的道路虽然弯曲，路况却很好。沿途风景非常漂亮，满山都是黄了叶子的树，仿佛游走在秋天的童话中。我们经过香格里拉乡（日瓦乡），大约11.20am抵达亚丁游客中心。进入亚丁需付门票150与游览车票120。游览车一路把我们载到亚丁村，中途经过多个观景台，风景很美，可是司机都不停车，我们也无可奈何。当天我们住在亚当村的蜗牛背包客栈。老板娘是湖北人，请了几个藏族姑娘工作。我们应该是他们在入冬前的最后第二批客人，因为老板娘说过两天她就要回湖北，客栈将暂时关闭。除了我们以外，客栈里还有几个广西来的登山客。他们刚完成贡嘎山的穿越，来到亚丁游玩。
安顿好后，我们从亚丁村往下走到龙同坝去走走。天空飘着薄薄的雪，我以散步似的脚步前进，甚至倒退着走，以不同的角度欣赏周围的美景。从龙同坝，我沿着往冲古寺的路走去，Tack已不见人影，海波和秀梅没有跟上来，他们因约了向导先行回客栈去了。我来到一个分叉路口，看见Tack和两个当地人在谈天，原来那两人是管理员，其中一人能说流利的汉语。当他知道我们打算租马从龙同坝到卡斯村时，他告诉我们亚丁的马匹和向导是不允许到卡斯的。他建议我们步行或租马到扎灌崩，然后步行到冲古草坪，再坐电瓶车到洛绒牛场，到洛绒牛场才租马到椏口。至于马能不能到卡斯村，他不清楚。Tack也向他打听了椏口到卡斯村的路线与方向。告别了管理员后，我们继续徒步到冲古寺，大约5pm我们抵达这座位于仙乃日雪峰脚下的寺庙。相机咔嚓的响着，半个小时就过去了。时候不早了，我们离开回到龙同坝，乘坐游览车回到亚丁村。我们四人讨论着聘请向导与马匹到卡斯村的问题，意见分歧，我与Tack觉得没必要请向导，而海波与秀梅觉得请向导较保险。最后还是不请，因为若向导费用由二人分摊，不划算。
29日早晨，我们吃过早餐，就乘坐第一班的游览车到龙同坝。8am,我们来到龙同坝，租了一匹马，把海波与Tack的背包放到马背上，然后徒步到扎灌崩。我的背包就交给Tack帮我背，而海波则背秀梅的背包。抵达扎灌崩后，行李就从马背上卸下，我们各自背上自己的背包，走一段1.5公里的路到冲古草坪。在扎灌崩有不少背夫，不断问我需不需要帮我背行李，我摇头拒绝了。冲古草坪有两排厕所，但是每一间都脏得超出可以忍受的范围，宁愿忍着，不上。买了单程的电瓶车票，等待着往洛绒牛场。电瓶车并没有规定的出发时间，人满了才开动。等了大约20分钟，电瓶车终于出发。若不坐电瓶车，游客也可以选择走18公里的栈道到洛绒牛场。
洛绒牛场是个风景很漂亮的地方，央迈勇圣山威武的傲视着这片土地。介绍告示牌上说洛绒牛场海拔4180米，以前为附近村民放牧的高山牧场，现已禁止放牧。这里也是观看亚丁景区著名的三座圣山：仙乃日、央迈勇和夏诺多吉的最佳地点。从下车的地方，我们沿着栈道往山边的木屋走去。那里是特种旅游骡马服务站。从洛绒牛场到牛奶海，往返收费300元。查询后，我们得知马匹服务也只能到椏口，不会随我们到卡斯村。我们又再次讨论到卡斯村的向导与骡马聘请问题，每个人的立场依然没变。海波决定自行请向导，但最后还是打退堂鼓，原因还是收费。于是，一切回到原点，请一匹骡马把两个背包载到椏口，海波和Tack背秀梅和我的背包，徒步到椏口后，各自背各自的背包，徒步到卡斯牛棚，明日再到卡斯村。海波说服秀梅骑马到椏口，所以四个人，两匹马，11am出发，亚丁-泸沽湖穿越正式开始。
马夫与马走得很快，海波紧随在后。我自然成为走得最慢的一个。风景壮观秀丽，我走着，拍照着，没多久，已经看不见海波和马夫的身影了。Tack没丢下我，总是在隔了一段距离后，就停下来等我。走着走着，发现没了路，但我们很快的又看见骑马的游客，走回了正确的路。Tack开始提醒我必须加快脚步，因为怕骑马的秀梅会在椏口等太久。好可惜，有很多地方我都想多停一下拍照，但考虑到秀梅在寒冷的椏口等待，看着Tack 在远处越变越小的身影，只好不停下，一直走。可是我的体力在高山上也不好，想快也快不了，所以我用了2个小时半，1.30pm才抵达牛奶海。抵达后，喘了一口气，休息了10分钟，就离开美丽的牛奶海，往松多椏口去。大约走了半小时，地面开始被白雪覆盖。Tack在等我，随口问我之前去尼泊尔徒步时是不是也走那么慢。我有点压力，虽然我知道他是担心海波和秀梅等太久，毕竟在又高又冷的椏口等待可不是件好受的事。Tack 帮我穿好雪套后，我们就继续行程。我不敢叫Tack帮我拍照，也不太敢拿相机出来拍照，怕耽误时间。可是雪景实在太美，往回头看那碧蓝的牛奶海，有几次还是忍不住拿出傻瓜机迅速地按了几下。2.55pm,我抵达椏口。海波和秀梅把他们的背包重新整理了一下，我听见海波在念秀梅，我来得及喘气，来不及了解发生什么事。一喘过气来，又要出发了。唉，好赶时间啊！接下来，我们往卡斯牛棚方向下撤，看见有个比牛奶海小的湖在我们下撤的方向，至今我都不知道那是什么海子。亚丁景区有名的珍珠海和五色海，我不知道在什么地方，徒步路线没经过。
4.30pm, 我抵达第一个牛棚（4245m)，只看见Tack的背包，没看见Tack，猜想他大概往前方去拍照或探路了。我看了看牛棚，里头很脏，没办法扎营。太阳西下，阳光被高山遮挡了，晒不到牛棚，所以我放下背包，往不远处挂满经幡的石堆走去。那里仍然被阳光温暖着，可是这情况并没有维持多久，很快地，太阳就下班了，离开了这卡斯牛棚营地。海波来到了，他又回头找秀梅。人到齐了，开始扎营。温度那么低，晚餐越简单越好，所以我与Tack那天的晚餐是Milo和粽子。粽子是在成都的超市买的，只需放在热水里煮热就行了。晚餐好了，我还没吃多少，就凉了。我站在营帐外，一口一口吃着粽子，温度渐渐往下掉，手脚冻得渐渐没了感觉。其实我饿了，只是没胃口，所以吃得很慢，好不容易吃完了，就马上躲进营帐，躲进睡袋里。当时营帐里是零下4度，我只是裹着睡袋，呆呆的坐着，连动也不敢多动一下。日记写得很辛苦，写了两行后，就把手伸入睡袋暖和，然后再写。第一次在那么高那么冷的野外扎营，是个全新的经历。一整晚，我都没睡多少，即使在睡袋里，脚还是很冷，身体却很热，翻来覆去，直到天亮。
30日早晨，营帐结了霜，昨晚浸泡的香菇也变成了香菇冰。Tack虽然很怕冷，可是他还是忍着寒冷，在营帐外煮面条。我一直呆在营帐里，面条煮好了，就在营帐里吃。海波老早就拆了营帐。我很感谢Tack，庆幸是与他同组，所以不必像秀梅那样，老早就被海波催促离开营帐，忍受寒冷。早上八时许，温度还是零度以下，没记错的话，好像是零下六度，四周一片白茫茫。一直到9点半，阳光才照到牛棚，顿时感到一阵暖意，裹着营地的云雾很快地就烟消云散，周围的雪山又露脸了。Tack还在收拾东西，海波和秀梅就先行出发。我没什么帮得上Tack的忙，所以也先走一步。一翻上离开营地不远的小山坡，海波就喊着：“佛光，快来！”。我加快了脚步，往海波的方向走去。就在山坡上往迷蒙的悬崖望去，我看见了我的影子围绕着彩色光环，我移动，那光环如影随形。我只看见自己的身影和光环，看不见海波和秀梅的身影，即使他们就站在我身边，。我直呼好神奇，海波说只要有阳光和雾够浓，就会有这种自然现象。行程结束后，我找了一下资料，才知道佛光是光的自然现象，是阳光照在云雾表面所起的衍射和漫反射作用形成的。佛光是一种非常特殊的自然物理现象，其本质是太阳自观赏者的身后，将人影投射到观赏者面前的云彩之上，云彩中的细小冰晶与水滴形成独特的圆圈形彩虹，人影正在其中。佛光发生在白天，产生的条件是阳光、云雾和特殊的地形。只有当太阳、人体与云雾处在一条倾斜的直线上时，才能产生佛光。佛光出现时间的长短，取决于阳光是否被云雾遮盖和云雾是否稳定，如果出现浮云蔽日或云雾流走，佛光即会消失。果然太阳渐渐升起，云雾开始在小山坡上散去，佛光就消失了。而这时候，Tack也来到了。
我们四人往下山的路走去。山坡上的植物还披着霜，雾很浓，有时候可见度只是几步之遥。一个小时之内，我望见了几个牛棚，然后不久就看见Tack在一个分叉路口停下。Tack去探路，我在原地等待。后来，Tack对海波说是往左边的路去。我方向感很差，平时大多数的时候都没把方向放心上。每次登山或骑脚车的时候，我不走第一个，也尽量不是最后一个，前后都有同伴可以查询方向，那就不会走错路。而这样的态度终于在这次穿越中碰了钉子。
这次行程只有四个人，而我们每个人的体力也有差距，所以免不了在徒步时，每个人都相差一段距离。分叉路口转左后，我们很快的就步入树林。我越过了秀梅，海波则跟在秀梅后面，Tack还在后面拍照。树林的路很好走，一路往下，我走了一段路，觉得好像距离海波和秀梅很远了，所以停下。我休息了片刻，拍了拍照，可是还没有同伴们的身影。于是我拿出行动粮来吃，继续等待，心里隐约觉得不对劲，可是我是一直往下走的，也没察觉有叉路，应该没走错。时间又过了10分钟，还是没看见朋友们。喊了海波和Tack的名字，没回音。看看手表，我应该等了快20分钟了。我不可能超越他们那么远，所以知道自己走错路了。于是我往原路走回去，脑袋里不知怎的，一直浮现的就是Tack在分叉口前说的那句话 “若有分叉就往左”。我回头仔细的寻找，终在峭壁处发现了一个往左的分叉路。那也是一条往下的路，一直下到河谷。我看见路上有鞋印，猜想应该是朋友们的。看见了河，可是没看见朋友们。继续走，看见了一个荒废的牛棚，有个身影站在那里，是阿Tack！我顿时松了口气。Tack 说在那里等了我40分钟，心都凉了，因为Irene在四姑娘山穿越的时候已上演了一次失踪记，若我又将此剧重演，他就必须回头找人，很累。我庆幸自己最后走对了路，没给同伴们造成太多困扰。我和Tack往下走，看见海波回头找我们，然后来到卡斯地狱谷，秀梅已在那里休息。我们在这里休息吃午餐。
卡斯地狱谷风光明媚，不明白为何名为地狱谷。后来在卡斯村村长家看到了这样的一段介绍：卡斯地狱谷，属高山峡谷地带，位于仙乃日神峰的西侧，谷沟长约18公里，海拔从4950米降至2850米，落差达2100米。沟谷极其狭窄，谷内壁立千仞，原始森林苍郁茂盛，地貌造型十分奇特，谷内自然景观与佛教书籍中提到的地狱谷雷同。有雪山颂词记载：“神山下的地狱谷，是人类肉身由凡界进入天堂的必经之路，神山在望，穿越十八层地狱，你便到达了天界：念青贡嘎日贡布。”
午餐后，我们走了大约20分钟，看见深山里有一户人家。有个老伯伯过来打招呼。我们向他确定了往卡斯村的路。当时是12.50pm, 老伯伯告诉我们4个小时内可抵达卡斯村。秀梅把一件寒衣送给了老伯伯。海波也告诉他说秀梅在卡斯牛棚留下了一些衣物，他可以前去拿。我才知道原来为了减轻背包负担，海波劝秀梅把一些衣服和食物留在卡斯牛棚。而今早Tack离开牛棚时，把食物带走了，我和Tack因此而多了一些食物。告别老伯伯后，我们走了一小段上坡，又遇到了分叉口。Tack放下背包去探路，结果还是一样往左走。1.35pm，秀梅来到分叉口，喘着气。可是她没有休息很久，没一会儿就说先走。她对长途徒步没有经验，所以多带了东西，增加了负担。因为训练不足，所以一路上落后。海波有不满，自然没有好脸色，我想她心里一定不好受。但她却没有放弃，也没有多埋怨，一直很努力。这一点我是赞赏的。
我和Tack又走了大约半小时，在一个有很大棵倒树的地方停下等人。差不多等了15-20分钟，人齐了。接下来我和Tack就没有多休息了。我们在树林里穿梭，而需要过河的地方都搭起了桥，山路并不会很陡斜，跨一步走两步，渐渐的我走得快了。一不小心，右脚扭了一下。我停了一下，发现没有大碍，于是又继续以同样速度前进。才走没多久，右脚又在同样的部位扭了一下。这下可不好了，感觉一阵疼痛，暗忖不妙。我没有吭声，只是放慢了速度。我知道脚疼的程度会随着时间的拉长而愈严重，但穿越行程未完成，心里希望那只是轻微扭伤，一会儿就没事。后来发现是我低估了那轻轻的二扭（扭了两次），右脚的疼痛一直跟着我至中国四川行结束。3.30pm,我和Tack停下休息。他开始写日记。我等了一会儿，觉得冷，就先行离开。才走了五分钟，一片空旷之地出现在眼前。抬头望见蓝蓝的天，树稀疏的长在山壁上，风吹动着黄绿色的树叶,地上绿草如茵，有点像童话里的情景，只差了七个小矮人的屋子。我站在那里，安静的欣赏了五分钟。
4pm,我和Tack抵达卡斯村。我几天没洗头了，头皮发痒。看见淙淙流水，一放下背包，就马上洗头去了。45分钟后，秀梅和海波也抵达了。按照海波的攻略，过往登山客在村长家留宿，受到了热情的招待，而且吃与住只用了25元。我们找到了村长家。村长的家大概是典型的藏民房子，共有三层。底层养猪和鸡，第二层住人，顶楼晒玉米。房子里晾着风干肉。村子的电流供应是从晚上6点到10点半。房子里的厕所没水，只能用外面的厕所。而外面的厕所用木板围起了三面，却没门。我等天色黑了，才去上厕所。卡斯村依山傍水，东义河流过村口。我们到河边的温泉洗脚。说是温泉，那其实是河边的某一处涌出的热泉水，小小的一个圈，可以洗头，洗脚，洗衣物。卡斯村的妇女很强壮。我们刚到村子的时候就看见一位妇女背动一个比她身高高一倍的木门。村长的确亲切地招呼我们，只是当我们三番两次的询问住宿一晚多少钱时，他不断地对我们说：“不是钱的问题………”，没有正面回答我们。我们大概也太相信攻略，以至没有坚持要他回答。结果第二天离开时发现那晚的住宿是我们的行程中（成都除外）最贵的一次，而村长所安排到东义区的面包车价钱也贵了。我认为收费是应该的，前提是必须公道合理。虽然那些费用换算成马币还是便宜，可是因为不合理，所以我有被敲诈的感觉。那些亲切突然变得很虚伪。
费用
面包车从稻城到亚丁- 200 /4人= RMB 50
亚丁旅客中心入门票 - RMB 150
亚丁景区游览车- RMB 120
亚丁村住宿(蜗牛背包客栈)- 80元/2人= RMB 40
马（龙同坝-扎灌崩）- RMB 40
冲古寺电瓶车单程-RMB 50
卡斯村住宿-RMB 45
马（洛绒牛场-椏口）- RMB 300 / 4人 = RMB 75

China Trip - Part 1 (23 – 27 OCT 2010）成都-->康定-->稻城

2011-02-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

2010年10月25日早上十时许，巴士缓缓驶出新南门客运站，然后驶入成雅高速公路，我望向车窗外，看着渐渐远离的成都市，思绪空空的，对即将前往的地方没有太多的感觉。天空还是灰灰的，跟我三个月前初次因工作而造访成都时的天空一样。不同的是当时我心里满满的都是工作的压力，而这一次我暂时卸下了工作，换了背包客的身份在两天前抵达成都。朋友们已完成了四姑娘山穿越，有些即将回国，有些往九寨沟去了，只有海波与Tack接着亚丁-泸沽湖穿越行。另外还有昨天刚到的秀梅，刚好就凑成了两男两女的团队。车上的乘客在吸烟，烟味难闻极了。我把窗口打开，没一会儿就受不了那冷空气，只好把窗口关上。这个动作在两天的巴士行程中重复了无数次。中国人的公民意识还有很大的进步空间。

要到亚丁，须先到稻城，所以我们搭上了这趟巴士。行驶大约2个小时，我们抵达雅安。高速公路已经结束，接下来就是行驶在省道上了。从成都到稻城，需要乘坐两天的巴士。第一天抵达康定，自行住宿。第二天早晨再搭同一辆巴士到稻城。适逢甘孜自治州成立60周年，康定解放60周年，保安措施似乎加强了。经过泸定后，我们就碰上了两道检查站，所有乘客必须下车记录身份。中国人只要提供身份证，经扫描器，电脑就会从数据库提出个人资料供记录。我们则须另外填写护照与个人资料。我们在成都买的气罐也在康定客运站被没收了，任凭我们怎么解释那是为了徒步穿越准备的，还是不得要领，客运站的警察就是不让我们带上车。奇怪了，我们从成都来的时候不也是带上车吗？偏偏在康定再次上车往稻城时就不允许。

我们抵达康定时大约是下午5点15分，坐了七个小时的车。在客运站附近找到了住宿，就随处逛逛拍照。海拔2600m的康定城，折多河穿城而过，跑马山因康定情歌而闻名。吃晚餐时听餐厅老板娘说跑马广场每晚都有歌舞表演，但我们回客栈的时候却没看见。客栈的对面是类似歌厅的场所，音乐吵得我睡不好。睡着醒着，闹钟就响了。

26日早上6点，我们再次坐上同一辆巴士，走在川藏公路上。天空微亮，远处是云海，然后清楚的看见跑马山上写着“康定情歌”四个字，总觉得那刻意制造的四个字跟周遭环境格格不入。路不太平坦，一路颠簸。虽然如此，我心里很是佩服这段公路的开发。那高海拔的地理环境，崎岖艰辛，是多少人的劳力，心血和性命换来的建设。虽然舟车劳顿，我觉得这段路是值得一走的。沿途风景给我的感觉就好像Annapurna Circuit的后半段路。沿着河，巴士驶在山谷间，翻山，翻上4000公尺以上，平均都在3000多公尺以上弯弯曲曲地行驶着。我的头隐隐作痛，大概是高山反应，所以一直闭上眼睛休息着，昏昏沉沉的。下午时分，朦胧中睁开眼睛，看见窗外一片黄色土地，远处有座城，密密麻麻的房子在荒漠中，这就是我对中国最高县城-理塘的第一印象。那里不是沙漠，只是当时适逢秋季，草原都干枯了，所以当时的我才会错以为理塘是荒漠中的市镇。巴士在理塘停下作维修，我也正好可以下车松一松那差点被震散的筋骨。理塘往稻城的公路显然好走许多，但脑袋胀胀的，心里一直希望稻城在下一秒就抵达。抵达桑堆时，我们又下了一次车登记身份。夜幕低垂，我们终于抵达稻城。

27日，我们留在稻城作高海拔适应。下榻的多吉客栈就在客运站的对面大约500公尺的距离。稻城海拔3700m, 阳光虽强却温度很低。早餐后，我们在城里闲逛。当时正处淡季，游客很少。路旁的杨树黄了叶子，枯叶掉了满地，风吹起落叶，我慵懒地走着，沐浴在那份秋意中。逛过小巷、大街、市场、新区，然后又绕回客栈。藏族占稻城人口的大多数，所以城里的建筑都是西藏风格的，这包括了售卖中国名牌的商店。所以我看见了朴实的藏式商店外表，却挂了抢眼的现代化招牌，新与旧的正面冲击。我们租了脚车，骑到色拉乡。色拉乡位于县城外8公里，沿途风景很漂亮。山坡上树木的颜色正好显现出那更迭的季节，绿色与黄色各占一方，公路两旁的杨林换上了金色的衣裳随风摇曳，老人家在满是落叶的杨林园里散步，牛羊低头吃着枯黄的草，农村人家在劳作，和谐得像一幅画。途经青杨林观景台，停下拍照。一路上，我总是骑着又停下，想把景色摄入相机里。转入色拉乡路口，草原是一片黄色，远山戴着白色的雪帽，这样的景色寂寞却迷人，适合安静的欣赏。我自顾自地骑着车，哼着歌，吹着风，很愉快。我们来到一座小庙前，有两个老人绕着庙走了一圈，然后坐在庙前念着佛珠。他们鼓励我们同样的也绕庙走一圈，我们照做，然后坐在庙前休息。老人会一点汉语，与我们聊着天。休息片刻，已将近下午2.30pm, 肚子也开始饿了，于是离开色拉乡，会返县城。

午餐后，我们骑自行车往红草地去。红草地离开稻城县城大约12-15公里。路程偶有上下坡，抵达红草地时已将近5.00pm。入门票十元，红草地并不红，景色没能追上它的名声。所谓的红草地其实是长在水塘里的红草，稀稀疏疏的，所幸照片效果不错。遇上讨钱的小孩，我没给钱`，这是旅游开发给当地村民带来的负面影响。回程时，太阳已渐渐西下，感觉冷了，所以不拍照，加快脚步骑回稻城。晚上，我们去吃火锅。那火锅与马来西亚的不一样，汤里头已有菌类、鸡肉等，基本上我们已经不需要加配料，直接喝汤配饭吃就行了。吃得肚子暖暖的，很满足。回到客栈，联络了明天去亚丁的车子，收拾行李，写写日记，睡了。没有做梦，也没有想到即将开始的穿越会是一段过山车式的行程。

费用
成都机场巴士-RMB 10
成都住宿-RMB 38
成都-稻城车票-RMB 237
康定住宿1晚-60元/2人= RMB 30
稻城住宿2晚-100元/2人=RMB 50
稻城租脚车1天-RMB 15
红草地入门票-RMB 10
3个早餐，4个午餐，5个晚餐- RMB 175

210km Kluang (15 May 2010)

2010-06-16T08:09:00.001-07:00

这次200公里之行是为了月底的关丹骑作训练。目标是要在一天里骑上200公里。这次共有八个人参与- 国明，阿Dee，小弟，明华，万德，凤娇，伟光老师，还有我。天微亮，我们就出发了。到了古来会合伟光老师，然后到“古文茶”吃早餐。早餐后，我们就开始一路骑往居銮，在即将抵达居銮的时候，万德的脚车爆胎了。换过内胎后，没骑多久，又再次爆胎。还好我们已经抵达居銮街上，找了个地方吃午餐，然后好好的检测轮胎。
当天的天气不错，多数时候太阳都躲在云层里。可是我却越骑越慢，落后很多。明华压后，他有点纳闷，骑到我身边问我：“你是怎么了？”我告诉他脚两侧不知怎的觉得酸痛。他就看我骑了一会儿，问我是不是车座太低。我也不晓得是不是车座问题，但还是听取意见，把坐垫稍微提高。然后他在前面带着，慢慢的，我的速度有加快了。骑了一段路后，我看见万德和凤娇了。跟上万德和凤娇后没多久，我们就抵达一个三叉路口，大伙儿在路口的马来档休息，当时大约是下午三点半。喝完了Teh O Ais Limau后，我们又出发了，还有60几公里的路程呢！大约一小时后，我们在另一个路口休息（我不晓得那是什么地方）。万德的脚抽筋得厉害，他坐在路旁，休息着。小休后，他似乎好点了。行程继续，再次休息时已是傍晚六点多了。
国明即兴的提议我们到Ayer Baloi的黄梨园看日落。我想都没想，马上大声附议，看见其他人也不反对，于是就成行。伟光老师没有参与我们，先行告别。可我们没料到黄梨园的日落竟是这趟行程的神来之笔，把我们的情绪掀上了高潮。路的两边都是黄梨园，阳光把大地染成了金色，圆圆的红太阳慢慢地消失在地平线，而另一边又出现了彩虹，彩云，晚霞，美得非笔墨能形容。相机可就忙了，咔嚓咔嚓的不停地捕捉画面。时候不早，太阳一落下，我们就离开，骑往Parit Sikom，然后在那里用晚餐。晚餐后，我们一口气把剩下的18公里骑完，9点半回到国明家。这一天，我们总共骑了210公里。
虽然骑了一整天，但心情却意外的轻松与兴奋。冲了凉后，有人提议去唱卡拉OK，结果没人反对，连本来已回家准备睡觉的明华都被挖出来。我们先去吃夜宵，然后到“大嘴叭”唱K。明华是来陪睡的，从开始到散场都躺在沙发上睡觉。我第一次听国明唱歌，没想到他原来很会唱，深藏不露哦！万德平时最爱唱歌了，但那天他累了，所以只是唱了几首歌就加入明华的行列。我们一直唱到凌晨三点钟才离去。

曾经从电台里听过这样的台词：前往计划好的目的地，却意外地在中途下了车，然后经历了一段不一样的旅程。这次的200公里训练行正是如此。稍稍的偏离规划好的路程，却意外的珍藏了一幅风景。我放在记忆口袋里的除了那一抹夕阳与云彩，还有当时朋友们扬起嘴角的笑脸。

Sungai Lembing Cycling Trip (1-2 May 2010)

2010-05-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

翻开旧照片，发现我上次造访林明已是2006年的事了。不同于上两次，这次到访并不是为了爬山，而是一次的脚车活动。5月1日，大地还未苏醒，我与朋友们抵达这座小镇。因为是劳动节假期，镇上的街道早已停满了旅行巴士和车子。林明山的山径都是提着手电筒上山的旅客，我没带头灯，借着别人的手电筒灯光一路上山。这几年来，林明的自然风景逐渐被众人所知，所以游客多了不少。当我站在林明山顶，看见满满的人潮，名副其实的“人山人海”。林明的云海依然美丽如往昔。但我们没有在山顶久待，天一亮，我们就下山了。尽管如此，我还是被堵在人龙里，感觉下山比上山的时间还长。
客属会馆对面的小贩中心热闹非常。卖林明山水酿豆腐的小贩忙得不可开交。顾客们大排长龙，我就是其中之一。吃过早餐，我们开始组装脚车。今天的目的地是彩虹瀑布的营地。由于不赶时间，我们先骑车四处逛逛。从前林明是著名的锡矿出产地，城里还留着采矿时的地道。我们来到处在山坡上的一个地道入口。我其实还蛮想走入地道，看看到底出口在哪儿，但没有那么做。地道错综复杂，也不晓得安全性如何，若真要进入，我想还是必须有人带领才行。这座山城建于河的两岸，由桥梁衔接。城里的吊桥成了旅游景点，我们当然也骑着或推着脚车走过吊桥到对岸看看。其实这里的街道与房子与典型的新村相似，仍然散发着纯朴的气息。骑至华人义山，我们当中几人又回到大街上买些行动粮，然后再跟其他人会合，正式开始当天的行程。阿恩-我们这次的大厨则驾着他的吉普车充当我们的支援。
这是一个炎热的五月天。早上十点，烈日当空。我前两次都是坐罗厘到Mt. Tapis的起点，爬山下来后才走到彩虹瀑布营地的，所以我对骑脚车到底需要多少的时间才可以抵达没有概念。我以为路程有30多公里，抵达时才发现原来单程是18公里。虽然如此，却并不代表那路程是简单的。刚开始时就是一段上坡的柏油路，没多久柏油路结束，往前延伸的是颠簸不平的石头路。由于都是上坡，我们骑了差不多一小时，才大约骑了两公里。这次，我们有一位新朋友加入 - 阿珊。她给了这次行程3个第一次。第一次爬山（林明山），第一次骑脚车（我是指骑长途与非公路），第一次露营。一开始上坡她就开始推脚车了，路比较平坦的时候她就骑，万德当护花使者，尾随在后。终于在大约骑了5公里后，她的脚车就被绑到了吉普车的车顶，然后阿恩多了一位说话的同伴。
中午十二点，烈日当空。我们来到了河边。我看见国贤骑着脚车涉水而过，于是尝试跟随，但还是在即将到对岸的时候给石头卡着了，只好下来推脚车。虽然鞋子湿了，但却带来了阵阵凉意。我们过河的同时，又有吉普车来到要过河，于是我们让路给车子先过。这一路骑进来，遇上了很多的吉普车。我们是后来才知道里头有吉普车越野比赛，怪不得那么多车子。过河后没多久，我们开始下坡，然后我们来到Tapis山的起点。我们停下休息吃午餐。其实当时我并不晓得那就是Tapis 山的起点，因为那里和4年前不太一样了。河边有一些荒废的度假木屋，还建了小亭子。休息了一阵子，我们又得顶着大太阳出发了。路越来越不好骑，颠簸的程度加倍。我发现我骑这种石头上坡路，只能一鼓作气，若途中停了下来，就只好推脚车上去了。有一次，我在上坡的时候刚好骑到了爱燕旁边，失了平衡，连人带车压倒爱燕，在此向她说声：不好意思。
两点半，出乎意料，我们抵达目的地了。但是看见四处扎满了营帐，停满了四轮驱动，情况不妙。果然，所以营地都被占据。原来那里正举行3天的四轮驱动比赛，所以才那么热闹。我们终在离开河边稍远的地方找到了适合扎营的地方。我们这次的伙食好得没话说。先来碗ABC汤，再来一盘炒面，还有两种口味可选，水果则有珍蜜粒（cempedak）。而这只是下午茶而已。晚餐有鸡，有鱼，有虾，有蔬菜，还有番薯糖水。从下午一直吃到天黑，每个人都饱得走不动了。
夜晚的空气还是非常闷热，我一直流汗。国贤和国明说要到一个秘密基地乘凉。我听见了，跟了过去。来到了河边的一颗树下，沿着梯子爬上去，树上有个小平台，可容纳3-4人。树上果然比较凉快，我们就坐在那里聊天。国贤说起他的台湾脚车行，说着说着，突然“砰”的一声，烟花在我们头上爆开，烟火至少延续了5分钟。我第一次在树上这么近距离的看烟火，看着火花排出各式图案，很是漂亮。这真是一次难得的经历。
第二天一大早，我们徒步到彩虹瀑布去，大约八点半就抵达。水帘很大，但没有彩虹。我们忙着拍照。半个小时后，人群渐渐多了起来。彩虹后来还是有出来与我们见面。看着处处都是人群的彩虹瀑布，我很不习惯。我不禁想念当初与她邂逅时的那份清幽。不想久留，还好大伙儿也决定要离开。渐渐的，我远离了那道彩虹。我还是希望可以再来的，在没有喧闹的时候。
阳光依然猛烈，回程时我们依然被晒得叫苦连天。那些载着游客的吉普车驶过身旁，我每次都战战兢兢，因为路不宽又不平，我的平衡感不好，在闪躲的同时很容易失中心，还好总算有惊无险的回到林明大街上。我们在大街上招摇过市，朋友抵达时就大声欢呼。阿琦抵达后突然唱起孙燕姿的歌：“我不要………，不要再骑脚车了”惹得哄堂大笑。在一阵欢笑声中，我们的林明单车行就来到尾声了。而国明和伟光老师却要继续另一段行程，骑单车从林明回到柔佛州的北干那那。下午三时许，我们互相道别，离开了这座山城，带着满满的欢乐。

Cameron Highland Cycling Trip (1 Jan 2010)

2010-01-15T01:09:00.000-08:00

2010年的第一天，我就给自己下了战书，骑脚车从Simpang Pulai往Brinchang去。这对许多脚踏车爱好者来说，只属小事一桩，但对我而言，却是一件非常困难的事。话说回头，2009年12初，有次阿Dee在msn 说她与丽槟正计划骑单车上金马仑，问我有没有兴趣参与这项新年骑单车活动。我问：“如果骑不上去，怎么办？” 阿Dee很笃定的说：“没问题的啦，骑不上去的话，可以打电话叫救兵。”我没有多考虑，就答应下来。从原来的三人行到最后的十三人行，这个新年真的很热闹，很不一样。

31日晚，三辆车从黄梨小镇出发，一路北上到阿Dee的家乡Lahat ，抵达时已是凌晨一点。从吉隆坡出发的万德和爱燕已在几个小时前就来到了。我稍微收拾了一下东西，就睡了。我大约5.45am起身，发现大伙儿好像都已准备好，随时可以出发了。我不敢怠慢，匆匆梳洗、收拾。我们大约6.35am 离开阿Dee家。在Simpang Pulai 往金马仑的路口处有一排店屋，我们就在这里的一间茶餐室用早餐。因为地点适中，这间万发茶餐室常常成为脚踏车爱好者的聚集点。国明与老师也来到这里会合大家。他俩可是从柔佛州的北干那那，一路骑脚踏车到Simpang Pulai 的，一共用了四天的时间。吃完早餐后，大家就开始组装脚踏车，为出发做准备。这次行程有我和爱燕这两只菜鸟，总得有支援。所以国明驾着诗民的四轮驱动，载着诗民的女友一路尾随我们上山。丽槟事先已联络了金马仑的朋友-阿德，告诉他关于我们这次的行程。所以除了我们以外，还有一些其他的脚踏车爱好者伴随我们上山。我们可真是够面子。:p

8.15am,我们浩浩荡荡的出发。一开始的路是平坦的，途经马来村庄，偶有上坡与下坡，还不难骑。一位叫Raymond 的新朋友和我聊天，告诉我说他与朋友几乎每个星期都会骑上金马仑，当作是训练。通常他只需要两个半小时就可以抵达。途中遇见一位骑脚踏车上山的老伯伯，听说这位伯伯每天都会骑车到山上去取山水，然后载回家，非常厉害。前半个小时只是热身，当村庄远离，公路都被山壁包围着，宽阔的马路徐徐往上延伸的时候，真正行程现在才开始。那段公路，远望过去，似乎也没怎么斜，可是当把脚车往上骑的时候，却感觉很吃力。我以时速7-8公里的速度前进，远远的被抛在后头。一小时后，我们停下休息。大约10.00am,我来到可以装山泉水的地方。山壁结了石灰墙，水是从墙上的排水管中流出的。有很多人特地来到此地装水。我的水瓶盛满清凉的泉水后，又再继续行程。有一位我忘了他名字的朋友提议我把座位调高，他说我的座位太低，脚没能伸直，这样踏起来很吃力。于是我停下，按照他的建议调高座位一寸。他说还是太低，不过建议我先骑着适应，然后再调整。果然，我觉得脚没那么酸。后来路上还有另外一些朋友都告诉我说骑座应该再高一点，于是我又将座位往上调高一寸。骑起来是比较省力，但是下脚车时却得小心了，有点踩不到地。

早上天气很好，没有下雨，也没有太猛烈的阳光。骑着骑着，竟然看见早上一起上山的新朋友在对面公路上向我挥手说拜拜。原来他们早已抵达终点，要回家了。而我，还不到行程的三分之一。然后我又看见另外几个阿德的朋友，早上从金马仑骑下来，抵达终点后，又再下来陪我们骑一次。哇噻，高手果然不一样，体力和速度都是惊人的。我距离队伍很远，阿飞在后面跟着我，不时告诉我该在什么时候换牙，该换几号牙，解释为什么要那么做。这些窍门我以为我懂，却原来只知皮毛，一经提点，顿时茅舍顿开。途中，有那么一段路是我自个儿骑的，前后都看不见人。屁股很痛，脚很累，于是在一段上坡处停下。一停下，右脚就突然抽筋，然后突然冒冷汗，有点晕眩。我不能坐下，因为脚抽筋得厉害。扶着脚车休息，情况没有好转。那一霎那间，我有过放弃的念头。就这样等了一会儿，我看见爱燕，阿德和老师的身影出现。爱燕一看见我，就说我的脸色发白，问我有什么事。当他们知道我的状况后，老师打电话通知国明，而阿德则拿出药让我搽。情况渐渐好转，我不想半途而废，所以当国明把车子开来时，我告诉他们我想骑上去。于是阿德在我后面跟随着，让我慢慢骑。我知道大家都已抵达半山的马来档等候了，我很想快一点，却力不从心。不久，脚又开始抽筋。于是我又停下，阿德建议我多休息一下，或推脚车走一小段路。我听取劝告，推车走了一小段路。脚没事了，我又开始骑。经过一处，很多车子在路边停下。原来是这里有一座印度庙，似乎有庆典，还有免费食物吃，怪不得那么多车子了。阿德鼓励我说休息点快到了，果然过了一个转弯，我就望见路旁的小档子了。我完成了当天行程的一半。

一抵达小档子，不管是同行的队友们，还是陪我们一起骑脚车的金马仑朋友，大家都对我说了许多鼓励的话。我心里头很感激。我也忘了到底休息了多久，但再次启程时，天空开始飘起细雨。我们在彭亨州与霹雳州的交界处停下拍照。之后，大家就说好到Kampung Raja 见了。阿飞跟在我后面，他问我要不要走小路，我就说好。这不是马后炮，我当时真的没想过走小路可以节省时间，我答应完全是因为阿飞说小路会经过菜园，可以看看不一样的风景。于是骑了好长的一段上坡后，开始是下坡了。阿飞叫我跟着他，说下完坡后，就会转入右边的小路。说是小路，其实路可不小，多数是供四轮驱动来往菜园使用。路的状况也蛮好的，多数是下坡。我一边骑，一边听阿飞像导游似的给我介绍路过的地方 – “这菜园是刚才骑脚车那两父子的。。。这里是种菊花的。。。。你看，有没有看见那马路，那就是大路了。。这里可以看见Kampung Raja村镇的景色，大路就比较单调了。。。。”我的心情轻松得不得了，沿途欣赏风景，不知不觉就抵达Kampung Raja了。当时大约是4点。我还真的没想到这么快，禁不住叫到：“Yeah! 我到了！”阿Dee、小弟、明华看见我，一脸的惊讶，带着疑问地说：“你好快，怎么这么快？”。朋友们两下子就猜到我是抄捷径过来的。也不难猜啦，凭我那速度，怎么可能超越其他人嘛！

朋友们陆陆续续在4点半前抵达。我们当天的目的地是Brinchang，所以我们休息后，又从新出发。往Brinchang的路，有很长一段的上坡。我越骑越慢。我，爱燕和老师在最后。然后爱燕超越我。老师则压后，跟着我一起骑。我的屁股好痛，总是没多久就得停下休息。脚还抽筋了一两次。快六点了，老师问我爬山时有没有走过夜路，我说有。他开玩笑的说他骑脚车可不想骑夜路啊。我望见Brinchang 了，明明就很靠近，却骑了很久，还是不到。终于开始下坡，我松了口气。6点半，我来到Brinchang，还好终赶在天黑前抵达。自从爱燕超越我以后，一路上，我们就没看见她了。可是朋友们说她还没到，电话也联络不上她。原来她已到了Brinchang，却懵然不知，竟又往下骑了2-3公里。无论如何，大家总算安全抵达。晚餐，当然是“打边炉”- 吃火锅呗！在天气`凉爽的金马仑吃火锅真是一大享受。水还没真正烧开，大家就迫不及待把火锅料理丢进汤里，开动了。不知道是谁说的，我们好像刚被放出来（监狱）一样。阿德，阿飞，子奇也到了和我们一起吃火锅。吃饱后，我们就逛夜市。阿德买了一些金马仑的蔬菜给我们当手信。

隔天（1月2日），我们吃过早餐后，就沿着原路骑下山。早晨的天空下着不大不小的雨，我们却没有耽搁，依旧照着原定计划下山。刚开始是上坡路。然后就是相当斜的下坡路了。脚车飞快地往下滑，我偶尔会拉一拉刹车挚，尤其是在转弯处。雨点轻轻打在脸上，同时打在脸上的还有地上溅起的水花。我哼着歌，感受着速度带来的快感。早上10点40分，我们又来到了Kampung Raja。我一抵达，小弟就拿着相机拍我，原来我的脸早被地上的水花溅得变成了花脸猫。我赶紧把毛巾拿出来搽脸。老师说我那怕肮脏的个性和从事的活动很不搭，这是一种人格分裂。哈哈！在Kampung Raja的牛记餐厅，我们逗留了大约半个小时。阿Dee请大家吃水果盘。离开时，大家决定走捷径，于是要我带路。我一向来没什么方向感，更是个路痴。昨天刚走的路我实在不太记得，于是一路上我们还得问人，最后总算顺利来到大路。

我们的第二个休息点是半山的马来档。离开马来档后，再次停下就是为了吃榴莲了。原住民在路边卖着榴莲。我们几乎将档口的榴莲全买了，然后当场开来吃。当然不是所有人都吃榴莲的，好像万德就不吃了。吃饱后，我们就一口气骑回Simpang Pulai 的万发茶餐室。我刚才也没吃榴莲，早已饥肠辘辘，于是马上叫了一碟炒饭。虽然那炒饭实在不怎么样，还有一些焦味，不过饿了，所以吃得一干二净。大伙儿吃饱后，决定从Simpang Pulai 骑回Lahat。路况多为平坦，所以不到一小时，我们就回到阿Dee的家了。阿Dee 意犹未尽，首先是邀大家到离她家只有咫尺距离的矿湖去看看，然后建议骑脚车到万里望山的山脚去，再走上万里望山。大多数队员都应邀，包括我。当时的我有些犹豫不决，身体确实累了，但心却像放上天空的风筝，还不想停下，所以还是去了。阿杰驾车载着小弟，而阿Dee、阿强、国明、明华、爱燕、万德和我则骑着铁马，大家一起到山脚会合。

万里望山有马路到山顶，是许多附近居民晨运及舒展筋骨的地方。国明和明华骑脚车上山，骑车经验丰富的他们，这只不过是小小的训练。其他人则把脚车停在阿Dee的亲戚家，然后徒步上山。当时是傍晚时分，老老少少都到这里来运动，沿着梯级走上山去。山上风景不赖，阿Dee 说早晨还可以看见云海。山顶有个电讯塔，可我们并没有走到那里就打道回府了。我们下山，回到山脚，在路边摊喝饮料及休息。上山是一路往上的阶梯，于是下山就是一路倾斜的阶梯了。所以下山对膝盖会造成一定的压力。小弟上山的时候一马当先，下山的时候却直说：“我刚才有走那么远吗？”在山脚休息时，他的脚还不自觉的在颤抖。国明和明华也回到山脚会合我们。时候不早，我们赶紧启程回航。天色转暗，我尽我所能不离队友们太远，只是在上坡的时候还是渐渐落后，不过总算在夜幕低垂前回到阿Dee 家。而阿Dee 的家人早已为我们准备了一顿丰富的晚餐了。

明阁的点心是我们这次愉快脚踏车行程的休止符。之所以是休止符，因为我知道不管我有没有参与，更多的脚踏车行程将于未来展开并延续着那快乐。。。与痛苦（屁股很痛）。哈哈哈！

p/s: 爱燕，我把你拍的一些照片转贴在我的部落格上，希望你别介意。:)

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009 (22 Nov 09)

2009-12-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

有好一阵子没有更新我的部落格了。三月和十月的台湾行，以及在香港的一些游记都想好好的记录下来。不过，那将花费不少时间，唯有暂时搁下，先写写刚参加过的槟威大桥马拉松吧。

还记得两年前，我贪新鲜，想也不多想就应朋友的约报名参加槟威大桥马拉松的Fun Run 组，因此而开始接触跑步。2007 那年，我又陆续参加了Adidas King Of The Road (10km) 及Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon (10km)。2008年，我只参加了Ambank KL Marathon (10km). 2009年，槟威大桥马拉松赛前，我参加了Standard Chartered KL Marathon (10km), Putrajaya Night Run (10km) 和 Mizuno Run (10km)。我并没有很频密的跑步，所以一直以来，我只敢报名10公里项目。可是这一次的Penang Bridge International Marathon(PBIM),我竟然去报名 21km half marathon，原因是10公里Fun Run没有纪念奖牌。报了名后，才觉得自己有点冲动，21公里啊，我疯了吗？算了，我就跑个11公里，再走10公里吧！预设好了后，心里就踏实许多了。工作忙碌，日子一晃，11月22日就近在眼睫了。而我的训练大概就只有Mizuno Run 的那10 公里。心里有点怕，于是临时抱佛脚，在周六与周日跑跑步，却也只是训练大约4公里而已。这一次一起北上槟城的朋友有Lai, Chak, Keen Yee, Huay Meia 和 Sew Yong。除了Sew Yong，我们都是参加半马拉松的。而这是我，KeeYee， HuayMeia 和 Chak 的第一个半马拉松。

11月21日清晨6点30分，我们在Lai 家里集合，6人一车开往怡保吃早餐。靠着GPS，我们找到了明阁茶楼。富山茶楼就在明阁茶楼对面，两层楼，装修得很得体。明阁茶楼和富山茶楼的点心是很有名的。我没吃过富山的点心，提议大家到富山。朋友们答应了，在楼上找了位子坐下。楼上是自助式的，就是说顾客必须自己到柜台点餐与领取点心。这个重任当然留给两位男士-Chak 和 Keen Yee 了。点了一桌子的点心，把肚子撑饱后，我们离开富山，喝咖啡去。当肚子的所有空位都装满怡保的美食后，我们才愿意离开，往槟城去。大约两点钟，我们check in krystal suite。然后到Queensbay Mall去领取我们的 goodies bag, 再到Jusco去买明天的早餐。过后就回到公寓里休息。晚餐呢，我们经过一番折腾，终于来到美丽华饮食中心（SuperTanker Food Court)。我点了叉烧与烧肉饭，很好吃，尤其是那烧肉，赞！

11月22日，凌晨1点半，感觉才刚睡着，又要起床了。我们每一个人都没有睡好，可是我相信心情却是紧张与兴奋的。从公寓的窗口往外看，已经有人往Queensbay Mall走去了。全马拉松在两点半就开跑。半马拉松则在三点半才开跑。大约两点半，我们出发往Queensbay Mall走去。Queensbay Mall前的户外停车场早已热闹非常。好多人来赴这一场马拉松盛会，其中不乏来自外国的朋友，听说这次有50多个国家参赛。3点30分，男子组半马拉松先开跑。15分钟后，女子组跟着开跑了。Lai 连续上了好几次厕所，不过还好在开跑前赶回来了。我们已事先将大会给的晶片绑在鞋子上，一经过起跑点，时间自动被记录。我迈开脚，用自己的速度跑了起来。虽然不快，我知道只要我持续的跑，应该可以在限定的3个小时半跑完。

凌晨的空气很清新，让人精神爽朗。我跑了没多久，Lai就在我旁边出现，叫了我一声，然后超越我。我们从Queensbay Mall 出发，往槟威大桥的方向去。跑步的时候，我会习惯性的以前方某个点作为目标。如我会告诉自己，先跑到桥再说。到了桥以后，我又会说先跑了前方告示牌的地方再说。抵达后，感觉可以的话，我就不停下来，一次一次的以前方的目标前进。天气还不错，没有下雨，凉风习习。能一边吹吹风，欣赏夜景，一边跑步，感觉很棒。这次的赛事，水站很充足，一支支的矿泉水分发到参赛者手中。只是我觉得分发一支矿泉水真的很浪费，因为很多人都喝不完一整支水，又不愿带着一支水跑步，喝了一半都把它丢到地上。我觉得若可以倒入纸杯里，就不会浪费那么多支水了。我一直跑到大桥的中央才停下喝水。半马拉松的第一个转弯处是在桥的2.8处。喝了水后，2.8就成了我的下个目标了。经过4.4，4.3，4.2，4.1。。。。。终于到了转弯处，看看手表，大约4.45am。脚有点累，速度明显放慢，但还是坚持不停下。往桥中央的路是上斜的，有点吃力，回到桥中央时，我在水站停下喝了两杯冰凉的100Plus。除了水站外，大会也在路上提供湿海绵。我没拿，因为不知道那湿海绵的真正用处是什么。我看见许多人把海绵往头顶上放，然后挤出水，把头弄湿。是为了降温吗？不晓得。

第三次停下喝水的时候，我已经离开大桥，抵达第二个转弯处了。身上的背心早已被汗水湿透，脚也开始觉得痛了。有一个男生刚超越我不久，突然就抱着一只脚倒在地上痛苦的叫着：“抽筋！脚抽筋！”。周围的人都帮忙大喊救护人员及救护车。我稍稍休息了一会，继续跑下去，然后在下一个水站停下，喝杯100Plus。有水站的地方，纸杯总是满地，这已经是马拉松赛必有的景观。我知道终点大约只有不到5公里的距离，深呼吸了一下，决定将它跑完。终于，我看见Queensbay Mall 了。经过一个小交通圈，我的心情开始兴奋，我知道我即将完成我的第一次半马拉松，对我来说，那是一件不可思议的事。我到了，到了终点。看看时间，大约用了2个半小时完成，虽然这时间不算好，我却已经很开心了。我拿了寄放的背包，看见了Lai 和 Keen Yee. 他们俩的状态是对比的。Lai 有如生龙活虎，Keen Yee 却力尽筋疲。听说是因为Lai 在后方追着Keen Yee 跑导致的，哈哈！Chak 和 Huay Meia在随后的半小时内一一抵达终点。真好，我们全都完成目标了。Sew Yong 在我们返回公寓前就抵达起点，因为Fun Run也将于不久后开跑。

回返公寓途中，Chak, Keen Yee, Huay Meia　纷纷述说那段辛苦的跑步路程。他们虽直嚷着脚痛，累死了，可是语气却是开心愉快的。大家的模样都是疲惫的，可是眼神却是神采飞扬的。所以当Huay Mei说这是最后一次，Keen Yee说再也不上当时，我会心一笑，不认为那会是真的。我相信待些日子，只要再找个吃喝玩乐的理由，大家的身影又不知会出现在哪一个跑步的盛会上了。

Taiwan Part 2 - 合欢山，太鲁阁 Mt Hehuan & Taruko National Park (19 - 21 March 09)

2009-05-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

19 March 09. 离开南湖大山后，我们乘搭公车从思源垭口往梨山。途中经过武陵农场及奇莱山登山口。南湖的向导-文逸曾经说过，奇莱山是台湾百岳中最险峻和难爬的一座山。那里曾经发生几次山难，因而流传不少灵异故事。我在巴士上睡着了，睁开眼睛时已抵达梨山。梨山种满了梨树。三月正是开花的季节，光秃秃的梨树开满了白色及粉红色的花，很漂亮。路边的小贩卖的梨子很大一粒，我与Irene买了一粒40元的梨子，要求老板娘去皮切好。梨子一咬在口里，清甜的果汁充满整个口腔，多汁又爽口，好好吃哦！我们在梨山包租了一辆车子到合欢山。司机名叫雷洛，我想我应该可以用面恶心善来形容他吧。他的样子看起来像流氓，但脸上却总是挂着亲切的笑容，一路上还热心地给了我们中肯的旅游建议。当天，我们下榻于合欢山庄。合欢山庄有提供通铺，每人580元，包括一个早餐和晚餐。浴室是公用的，有热水供应。我冲了个热水澡，小休了片刻。大约下午4点，又是时候往合欢东峰出发了。从合欢山庄步行至东峰起点只需10分钟。起点旁的松雪楼正在装修。合欢东峰长满了箭竹，从远处望来，犹如一片辽阔的草原。登山步道虽然有点陡，却不难走。合欢东峰可以清楚的看见奇莱山，风景实在不赖。只是我早上刚从南湖大山下来，有些疲惫，又不太舒服，没有太多心思慢慢欣赏。山顶风很大很冷，我拍了照，待了一会儿，就开始下撤。其他队友也陆续下山。只有精力充沛的赖家三姐妹和海波留在山顶等待日落。回到合欢山庄，差不多是晚餐时间了。六点半，一桌子的菜肴已经准备好。对于吃了四天五谷米的我们，那晚餐简直可以用丰盛来形容了。我们不等海波和赖家姐妹，迫不及待开动了。天色已暗，我们那四位看日落的队友终回到山庄。晚上，温度应该介于8-10度吧。一整个星期都活在寒冷中，有点想念暖和的天气了。

20 March 09
清晨五点，雷洛就来到合欢山庄接我们了。往合欢主峰路上某处，雷洛告诉我们那是台湾公路最高点。当时天色还暗，我只是“哦”了一声，没有太留意。回程时停下拍照才知道他所说的就是武岭，标高3275公尺。我曾在旅游书籍里看过一些照片，没想到会造访这个地方，真是意外的惊喜。抵达合欢主峰山脚后，我才晓得原来车子并不能载我们到山顶。我的第一反应是：唉，又要爬山啊！或许是我的状态不好，当初我以为南湖之行结束后，我可以好好休息，恢复体力，因为我还有玉山之行呢。怎知道南湖大山后，就紧接合欢东峰，然后又是合欢主峰，还真的有点累。尽管如此，我还是跟随队友们的脚步，缓延而上。天色微亮，大约6时，我们抵达山顶。按照我们在马来西亚看日出的惯例，日出应该是天空会开始出现一片橙色，渐渐的橙红色的太阳会慢慢升起，然后才天亮。可是台湾不太一样，天空亮了，还不见太阳升起。我们都以为没日出可看了。突然，大伙儿喊了起来。犹如红鸡蛋的太阳出现了，徐徐升高，直至绽放耀眼光芒。在阳光的照耀下，合欢主峰披上了一件金色的外衣，山峦起伏，景色很是迷人。

离开合欢主峰，我们回到合欢山庄收拾行李，往下一站目的地-天祥，出发。一个星期以来，我们平均都在2000-3000公尺的地方活动，这天终于来到位于太鲁阁国家公园内，海拔450公尺的天祥，顿时觉得好暖和。我们入住天祥救国团青年活动中心。这里消费不便宜，五人房，每人收费700元,包括一个晚餐及早餐。不过这里有投币洗衣机和烘干机，正好让我们把几天来的脏衣物通通洗净烘干。抵达天祥救国团青年活动中心时不过是上午时分，我们还不能登记入住。于是到附近闲逛。我们在天祥的邮局里买纪念邮册，寄明信片，消磨了不少时间。然后到附近的祥德寺参观。下午，我们依着旅游手册到白杨步道去。由天祥往台中方向走约900公尺，过了明隧道，就看见公路左边有一隧道，这就是白杨步道入口处了。白杨步道是一段长达3.3公里的行人步道，可以抵达白杨瀑布，而步道的尽头就是水濂洞。途中经过好几段隧道，必须自备手电筒照明。一路上都设有告示牌 “注意落石” ，却被我们开玩笑成 “注意落后”。水帘洞还蛮好玩的。我把鞋脱了，穿了雨衣，沿着水道走入洞里。洞里很凉快，水从洞的上方流下，形成水濂。游客可以选择走在水道旁的小道，避免成为落汤鸡。我们起了童心，偏选择走水道，在水濂与水濂之间的缝隙穿梭，当然，我们被淋湿了，却玩得很开心。

晚餐后，我就躲在房间里看台湾的电视节目- 超级星光大道，至深夜才入眠。

21 March 09
早餐后，我们把行李寄放，然后搭巴士到锤麓断崖。由于巴士班次不频密（若没记错，一天只有4趟班车），所以从一个景点至另一个景点，我们惟有委屈双脚了。太鲁阁的峡谷风光明媚，游人可以悠闲的沿着步道一路慢慢欣赏大自然的鬼斧神工。游客被落石击中受伤的意外的确在这儿发生过。我们从锤麓断崖步行至靳珩公园，然后再到燕子口。接着又沿着原路回到锤麓断崖，往九曲洞去。峡谷、溪流、隧道、大理石、断层，这些大概就是一路上所见的内容了。从九曲洞，我们继续步行至慈母桥，再到绿水，然后回到天祥，大约走了9公里。其实到达绿水后，我是可以搭顺风车的，但突然觉得既然已走了8公里，剩下的1.3公里还是走完它吧。午餐后，我们把寄放的行李拿回，乘搭两点半的巴士往花莲。凤仪联络了在南湖之行认识的警察，询问往嘉义的交通资讯。没想到的是这位在几天前认识的警察山友在花莲的火车站等我们，还送了我们几盒麻薯，台湾人的热情真的让我们好感动。队友们打算前往阿里山，而我因为要在台北等待后天抵达的妹妹，所以不跟随。我们在夜晚8时许抵达台北车站后，队友们接着就往嘉义，我与万民则留在台北。万民比我们早到台湾，先爬了玉山，才随我们到南湖大山，所以阿里山他已到过。他原名苏万民，却被海波改名换姓成“车晚鸣”。我是通过海波认识万民的，所以跟着海波叫他车兄。庆幸有车兄在，我才免了在夜里找地方住的彷徨。

当晚，我们住在Happy Family Hostel，一个床位300台币，房间干净，距离台北车站只有几步之遥，地点好得没话说。从台北车站北门出口，往Hitachi告示牌的方向走，Happy Family Hostel就在OK Mart的后面。不过这地方若不是车兄带我去，我想我还真的找不到，因为它并没有明显的招牌。我感冒了，到药局去买了药，然后和车兄随便找了间店解决晚餐，再到台北之家拿回车兄寄放的行李，就这样结束充实的一天。

Taiwan Part 1 - 南湖大山登山行 Mt Nanhu (14 - 19 March 2009)

2009-05-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

14 March 09, I arrived at Taoyuan International Airport at 2.20pm. My hiking friends were in Taipei a day earlier than me. I was told to meet them up at Taipei train station. So, I took the GuoKuang bus (国光客运) to Taipei Train Station (台北车站). Bus fare from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Train Station is NTB 125. The bus is operated at 15-20 min frequency. The bus journey took about 50 minutes. After I met up with Hai Poh, Man Tack, Ai Yen and Wan Ming at Taipei train station, we took the train(自强号) to YiLan(宜兰). At there, I met up with the rest of the friends which arrived earlier at YiLan. There were 11 of us that would be joining Mt Nanhu hiking trip. We stayed at Yilan Youth Hostel (宜兰救国团学苑).

15 March 09, we met up with our trekking guide - Lim Wen Yi. He is already 50 years old, but looks younger than his age. He told us that we can call his nickname "YaZi"(鸭子) . Trekking permit of Mt Nanhu had been applied couple of months before with the help of a Taiwan friend - ChunChun (纯纯). 7.00am, we took bus from YiLan to SiYuanYaKou(思源埡口), the entrance of Mt Nanhu trekking trail. The bus journey was about 2 hours.

A week ago, it was snowing in the mountain. We waited at the entrance for other trekkers to come out to find out the snow situation in the mountain. Around 9.30am, we met some trekkers that came out from mountain. They told us there was still some snow left in the mountain but equipment like ice axe and crampons are not required. We were so glad to hear that as we could offload some weights. We started on the trek around 10.30am. It was 6.7km trek to reach the real starting point of Mt Nanhu trek. It took me 2.5 hours to reach this real starting point. To reach our destination of the day - YunLing Cabin (云稜山庄) at 2580m, it's another 5km trek. You may think that the total 11.7km is short, but when carrying the heavy backpack and trek on the trail that consists of ascents and descents, the journey became very long (at least for me). For guys, their backpack were even heavier as they have to carry the all the foods. When we reached YunLing Cabin, it's already 5.15pm.

This mountain hut is new and nicely built. I heard there is an old mountain hut that located not far away. There is a water tank that filled with rain water. Trekkers will use the water from the tank for cooking and drinking. To keep the hut clean, trekkers are prohibited from leaving the garbage including the leftover food at the hut. There are 2 toilets not far away from the hut. One is built nicely with the door, but it's very smelly. Another one is open toilet which there is no door/wall, but it's less smelly.

16 March 09, Wan Ming falls sick yesterday. He rest at YunLing Cabin whereas 10 of us continue our journey to Nanhu Cabin at 8am. After 2.5 hours trekking, we had slowly left the forest behind and ShenMaZhen grassland (审马阵草原) came into sight. The weather was good. Clear blue sky and beautiful mountains scenery. About 11.30am, we had made it to summit of Mt ShenMaZhen (审马阵山) at 3141m. We spent about half an hour resting and taking photographs before continue our journey under the hot sun. We passed by ShenMaZhen mountain hut(审马阵山屋) and moving uphill. There is a pond beside the ShenMaZhen mountain hut. I went down to the pond and tried to shoot some pictures of Mt Nanhu reflection but I was not successful. We reached at a junction, took the left trail and lead up to the north peak of Mt Nanhu. Mt Nanhu North Peak or NanhuBeiShan(南湖北山) at 3535m is one of the hundreds highest mountains in Taiwan (台湾百岳) . It offered 360-degree paranoma view, Mt Snow(雪山) ，Mt DaBaJian(大坝尖山) , Mt ZhongYangJian (中央尖山), ShengLinXian (圣陵线) or Holy Ridge can be clearly seen. It's windy at north peak. I felt very cold after awhile, quickly descended after took some pictures.

It was about 2.30pm when we left Mt Nanhu North Peak and moving towards WuYanFeng (五岩峰) or Five Rocky Peaks. As it named, there are 5 hills that we need to climb over. Both side of the path are the steep valley. I think WuYanFeng trail should be the most dangerous part of Mt Nanhu trekking, especially if there is snow or strong wind. The ascents and descents seem like never ending. I was very tired. 3.45pm, I had climbed up the 5th hills, saw a signboard indicate that Nanhu Cabin(南湖山庄) is 1km away. I can see the mountain hut down the deep slope. I thought I should be able to reach there very soon but I was wrong. The path down is more difficult than I thought. Slowly and carefully, I descended on the steep loose rocky slope. The cold wind blow strongly. Stress had been put on my knees and I started to felt pain. I was very cold and tiring, wondering why the 1km route was so far away. Finally, at 5.15pm, I checked in Nanhu Cabin.

Nanhu Cabin was located at the lower cirque glacier of Mt Nanhu (南湖下圈谷). At that day, it was fully occupied by 3 hiking teams including us. One of the team was the HuaLian(花莲) police team. The policeman is a nice guy. He gave us advice on our tour itinerary and offered his help if we plan to be in HuaLian. When we were at HuaLian 5 days later to take the train back to Taipei, he met us at the train station and bought us some local foods. All we can do is only say "thanks".

17 March 09, we started our trekking to Mt Nanhu main peak (南湖主峰) around 6.30am. Our guide purposely brought us to the trail that still has snow. Step by step, we were approaching Mt Nanhu main peak. 9.00am, I had reached the summit of Mt Nanhu main peak. There is a marker of 22.9km at the summit, indicate that we had trekked 22.9km to reach the peak at 3742m above sea level. We are busy photographing with different jumping pose. Mt Nanhu East Peak can be seen here. That's our next destination.

40 minutes later, we left Mt Nanhu main peak, heading towards the East Peak. Just before we reached the mountain foot of East Peak, Peng Meng found that he lost his camera. He suspect that he must be left it at the first resting point after we went down from the main peak. So, he went back to search for his camera while the rest of us wait for him there. Under the hot sun, we had waited for almost 1.5 hours. This place is shadeless. We felt the strong UV, at the same time, felt the cold air. That's why I had to wear the jacket, at the same time kept on apply the sun block. Peng Meng came back around 12.oopm, without his camera. He told us that he couldn't find it. He will follow us to hike up the East Peak, then go back once again to search the camera.

The summit of Mt Nanhu East Peak(南湖东峰) is different from the main peak. The summit of east peak is at the slope. The highest point of the slope stands a monument denotes an elevation of 3632m above sea level. Unlike at the main peak, we couldn't took the photos with the jumping pose. It will be too dangerous to do that. However, the rock formation at the east peak is very unique and pretty. After we descended from the summit, Peng Meng and our guide went to search for the camera while the rest of us follow the trail from the upper circque glacier back to the Nanhu Cabin at lower circque glacier. I back to Nanhu Cabin around 2.15pm. Surprisingly, we saw Wan Ming's belongings at the Nanhu Cabin. So we knew that he had recovered and probably on his way up to the main peak. Not bad, he recovered in 1 day and then able to cope with the journey. No wonder Hai Poh will say "he is as strong as an eagle". hehehe....:p

Finally, Peng Meng came back, with his camera on his hand. We were teasing him that he's the one that gain most from this trip - paid guide fee for 1 time, but went up to summit for 3 times, really worth for value. ;)

18 March 09, we were leaving Nanhu Cabin at 8.00am. Once again, we were on the steep rocky slope that rises up to the WuYanFeng(五岩峰). Bit by bit, step by step, we climbed up the slope. Suprisingly, all of us had climbed up the slope within 35 minutes. On this particular trail, ascent is actually easier than descent. We followed the same route, climbed up the five rocky peaks of WuYangFeng, reached the junction to Mt Nanhu North Peak. Our trekking pace became faster, we reached YunLing Cabin at 1.30pm. We rest and refill the water at YunLing Cabin before continue our journey to DuoJiaTun (多加屯) . Around 5pm, we reached DuoJiaTun.

The mountain hut of DuoJiaTun is very small, can only fit in 6 persons. Man Tack and Wan Ying helped to clean the dirty floor. DuoJiaTun is at 2795m. It's still very cold at night. 11 of us need to fit ourselves inside this mountain hut to spend the night. Each of us can only lie down in 1 pose and not able to move. I only slept for 2 hours and couldn't sleep again after that. I kept on watching my watch, counting down the time for the sunrise. At that time, I felt that the time was crawling like snails. I was so glad that finally it's 5am, time to wake up.

19 March 09, we packed our things and left DuoJiaTun around 6.30am. We had to rush for the bus at 9.30am, thus there was no time for us to take the leisure walk. By 9am, we had reached SiYuanYaKou, marked the completion of the Mt Nanhu hiking trip.

Below is our hiking route:

SiYuanYaKou,1930m (思源埡口) -> Main Entrance, 2300m(登山口) -> YunLing Cabin, 2580m(云稜山庄) -> Mt ShenMaZhen, 3141m(审马阵山) -> Mt Nanhu North Peak,3535m (南湖北山) -> Nanhu Cabin, 3592m (南湖山庄) -> Mt Nanhu Main Peak, 3742m(南湖主峰)-> Mt Nanhu East Peak, 3632m(南湖东峰)-> TuoJiaTun,2795m (多加屯) -> SiYuanYaKou(思源埡口).

Other Info:
1) In taiwan, trekking permit has to be applied at least 3 weeks in advance. With the trekking permit that obtained from national park, go to the police station to apply for the mountain entrance permit. For Mt Nanhu trekking permit application, refer to the website http://permits2.taroko.gov.tw/welcome/index.aspx.

2) For train info, refer http://www.railway.gov.tw/index/index.aspx

3) Yilan Youth Hostel (宜兰救国团学苑), refer http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/yilanstudenthostel

4) To reach SiYuanYaKou (思源埡口), take the GuoGuang bus (国光客运) of route Yilan(宜兰)-LiShan(梨山), take off from Yilan at 7am and 12.40pm daily.
For bus info, refer to http://www.kingbus.com.tw/time&price.php

环绕安那普那(Annapurna Circuit)徒步行(11-31 Oct 2008) - Part 3

2009-01-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

23 Oct 2008 (Thursday) - Muktinah (3800m) -> Marpha (2598m)

离开Muktinah之前，我们到旅舍对面的喇嘛庙参观。秋意正浓， Muktinah及附近的村镇在杨胡树的衬托下显得格外动人。我们犹如置身秋天的童话，不自觉地把脚步放慢，舍不得离开。从Muktinah到Jharkot再到Khinga，顶多一小时许的路程，我们竟然消磨了3个小时。离开Khinga时已是10点30分，开始起风了。景色渐渐变化，越来越荒凉。又平又长的道路在眼前摊开，我回头望，仍然可以看见耀眼的雪山。我觉得那景色好有电影画面的感觉。风声在耳边呼呼的响着，我戴上MP3机的听筒，让流行乐取代风声。感受着风，感受着音乐，感受着旅行，那一刻，我很快乐。

但是，快乐和痛苦是并存的。午后那将近2个半小时的河床风沙路就让我苦不堪言。我的双脚在几天前就起了水泡，河床的碎石让痛楚加剧。大风刮起沙石，为前进添加不少阻力。好不容易终于在大约2点45分到达Jomson。肚子早就饿坏了，迫不及待地到向导指定的餐厅吃午餐。Teck Long 突然说不想走了，要乘坐电单车到Marpha。我们面面相觑，假装若无其事。其实吉普车与电单车的服务从Muktinah开始就有了。可最后因为价钱的问题，Teck Long还是没有乘电单车，继续与我们同行。Jomson到Marpha大约还要1个半小时的时间。时候不早了，午餐后，我们不敢多作耽搁，马上起程往Marpha。

山友炳明曾大力推荐Marpha，说那是一个非常值得停驻的地方。而我对Marpha的认知只限于：那里有很好吃的苹果。所以当路旁开始出现苹果园时，我知道我到了Marpha。而我们已风尘仆仆的走了共7个小时的路。我们住的旅舍隔壁就有长满果子的苹果树。海波翻上墙，企图偷采苹果。怎么知道被主人发现，虽然没有被骂，却让别人给笑话了。其实也不用偷，晚餐时，向导就拿了苹果给我们吃。我们直说这苹果真好吃，结果向导和背夫Gobin就不断地拿苹果来，我们可是吃苹果吃到饱。

当晚，雪琴没有用晚餐。德龙则是很迟才出来用餐。这一对一路恩爱的未婚夫妇不知怎的竟冷战起来。我们不知道各中原由，唯有静观其变。

24 Oct 2008 (Friday) - Marpha (2598m) -> Kalopani (2530m)

昨天到Marpha村镇时天色已晚，没有到外头走走。所以我们在未起程往Kalopani前到村子里随处逛逛。我参观了村子里头的一间庙宇。这里确实和之前所到过的村子不同。说是村子，其实这里更像一座古色古香的小城。房子的屋顶是木材堆砌而成。房子的墙壁则是由石块筑成，再漆上白色，配上巧克力色的窗户，非常有特色。这个村子的道路都是由整齐平坦的石块铺成，还有完善的排水系统。

Marpha到处都是苹果园，没采到苹果我们是不甘心离开的。我们经过一个很大的苹果园，都是果实累累的果树，我们忍不住就走进去了。有工人正在采苹果，送了几粒青苹果给我们，好吃得不得了。但是这里还是不允许我们采苹果，即使我们愿意付钱买。终于有一家人肯让我们买自己摘下来的果子，太好了！于是我们兴高采烈的采苹果去。Teck Long和雪琴也似乎因为采苹果而合好了，还真是意外的收获。我想爱情路上总免不了争执，都是因为在乎对方吧。误会化开，感情会因更了解对方而升温。我衷心的祝福我这两位山友白头谐老，永结同心

苹果采了，我们满足了。接下来又是风尘仆仆的赶7个小时的路。双脚都起了水泡，走每一步都疼，尽量迁就，不往脚尖使力，却也越走越慢。途中的景色都是河床与河谷。大约下午4点，我们抵达Kalopani。患上高山症的永刚也搭吉普车从Muktinah赶到了这里，从新归队。可是当我见到他时，他的脸色还是很不好，状态并没有恢复。我在晚餐时听他说了些他到遭遇。原来他的高山反应症状一直没有好转。在再一次尝试过Thorong La Pass时，头痛又犯了，没办法继续走。后来有人牵着马问他要不要骑马上去，在背夫Nima的怂恿下，他答应了。其实这举动是很危险的，还好他最后挺过去了。5416公尺的海拔是抵达了，代价是200元美金，我们确定他被趁火打劫。无论如何，他算是达到了Annapurna Circuit行程中最重要的目标。

明天将是9个小时的行程，天啊！

25 Oct 2008 (Friday) - Kalopani (2530m) -> Tatopani (1200m)
刚出发的时候，我们经过一所学校，看见人潮不断涌进去。我们也跟着进去看看。原来是即将举行一场排球赛。当球队拍团体照时，我们也凑热闹的走前去一起上镜。球员们非但没有叫我们走开，反而很合作地顺从我们多次的拍照请求。今天的行程很长，我们不能久留，所以球赛开始没多久，我们就离开了。永刚的状况还是挺糟糕。他气色很不好，说肚子不舒服，走不了多远就必须停下休息。一路停停走走，海波甚至还尝试背他走一小段路，终于还是拦截一辆吉普车载他到下一个可以搭车的地方。他与背夫Nima搭吉普车到Tatopani，而我们则继续以双脚代替轮子，一步步地走下去。一路上往Tatopani，我们都没有见到其他登山队伍。我想他们大概都选择搭吉普车吧。老实说，当一辆辆的车子驶过时，我觉得自己像个傻子。在已通车的这一段路 (Kalopani 到Tatopani)，徒步其实可以省却。更何况沿途风景也没有漂亮得必须慢慢徒步欣赏。不过，这纯属个人意见，不代表我的朋友们的想法。像海波就觉得必须要徒步走完它，才算圆满。下午5时许，我们终于到达。

Tatopani在尼泊尔文的意思是热水。顾名思义，Tatopani有温泉。我们还蛮期待可以泡泡温泉的。但是当我们看到所谓的温泉时，马上打消了泡热汤的念头。那两个挤满了人的温泉池，看来实在很不卫生。我连脚都不想放进池里，可想而知那不卫生的程度了。而糟糕的是我们所住的旅舍非常非常简陋，不能冲凉。我那天的心情不多不少都被影响了。我脚底的水泡又严重了，上下楼梯必须扶着扶手，一拐一拐的撑着。这两天所走的路已让我失去徒步的乐趣了。我只觉得风景普普通通，路又长又远，吉普车经过时的烟味让我很不舒服，很累，心里很不想走，却又不得不走下去。

26 Oct 2008 (Saturday) - Tatopani (1200m) -> Ghorapani (2855m)

这一天我们又从新走在没有车子的道路上。这才像徒步嘛，车子来来往往的，走路就显得多余了。一出发没多久，我们就开始上坡，踩着石级一步步往上爬。我的状态很差，上气不接下气地走在最后面。这上坡的路像是无止尽的天梯，很多时候以为结束了，另一段的陡坡又出现。这八个小时的行程，99%都是在上坡。有一次在途中休息的时候，与从巴塞罗那来的登山客谈了几句。他们很友善，也完成了Thorong La Pass，我想他们的年龄应该至少比我大十岁，但体力却比我强十倍。刚开始时我还可以在途中见到他们，渐渐的我就再也看不见他们的身影了。我用尽了所有的力气，忍着脚疼，很累的时候就告诉自己多走一步，多走一步就靠近目的地多一点，好不容易在4.15pm到达Ghorapani。抵达后，我在房间里一动也不动的坐了15分钟，我真的已经筋疲力尽了。凤凤稍后也到了，她和我一样，坐在床上休息喘气。我们这两个木头人就这样坐了将近半个小时。我把鞋袜脱了，发现脚底的水泡变成了紫色，里头都是血水。

入住的旅舍有一队新加坡人。这是我们在行程中第一次遇见华人队伍。虽然如此，我并没有与他们交谈。性格使然，我习惯性的冷漠。倒是海波有和他们寒喧几句。我们的行程已接近尾声了，还有两天，我们将离开Annapurna山区。不管怎样，心里还是会有些舍不得，痛苦的，美好的，都即将成为记忆，成为我们生活的养份。心情突然在这个时候变得有点复杂起来了。

27 Oct 2008 (Monday) - Ghorapani (2855m) -> Poon Hill (3200m) -> Hille (1520m)
我们清晨3点半起床，4点半出发往Poon Hill山顶。大约爬了一个小时的石阶，5五点半到达山顶。山顶很冷，海波的温度计显示是摄氏零度，我们在寒风中等待日出。我们已经冷得直哆嗦，海波还是不理我们的抗议，唱起年代久远的歌来，寒上加寒。人群渐渐多了，天色也渐渐亮了。老实说，那日出实在不怎么样，看不见红色的太阳从地平线升起，还好有多座雪山映着那金色的光辉，才让Poon Hill的日出显得有看头。

我们忍着寒冷不断拍照，在人群将散去时才下山。回到旅舍收拾背包，用早餐，然后徒步下至Uleri。原计划在Uleri住宿，但到达Uleri时才下午1时。时间还早，部份队员包括我都觉得可以继续往下走。可是比我们早到的背夫们已把我们的背包放进房间，冲好凉，晾了衣服，不想走下去了。为了走不走这问题，我们僵持了好一阵子。因为我们没有住宿，而背夫们却在那冲凉，旅舍要我们付钱。讨论协议了好久，终于还是付了钱，继续再往下走。我在下午两点半抵达Hille，行程暂时画上逗号。Hille的景色比Uleri漂亮。我觉得我们继续往下走的决定是正确的。我们住在稻田边的旅舍。这个时候正是稻子成熟季节，所以可看见农民们收割金黄色的稻米。

这是我们在安那普那山区的最后一个晚上，我心情很平静，没有太多的情绪，就觉得是时候要画上句点了。问自己还会再来吗？或许不会再来了。但世事难料，未来的事让时间决定吧。

28 Oct 2008 (Tuesday) - Hille (1520m) -> Nayapul -> Pokhara

早晨八点从Hille出发，我们10点半就到达Nayapul了。Nayapul是Annapurna Base Camp trek的起点，所以特别多旅客。我们即将离开，但有很多旅客却刚抵达，正要展开他们的行程。人来人往，安那普那山区应接着一批又一批的旅客，似乎不曾间断。也许是因为太多旅客吧，总觉得安那普那已有点太商业化了，所以我还是比较喜欢完全没有车子的EBC路线。我们乘搭公共巴士来到Pokhara，见到了永刚。他精神奕奕，告诉我们说他已康复。我们将在Pokhara停留两天才回到Kathmandu. 虽然三天后才会飞回吉隆坡，但Annapurna Circuit 徒步行就在这里结束了。唯一遗憾的是没有遇上下雪，不然那漂亮的雪景一定会让我们留连忘返。接下来的时间，当然就是逛街购物了。Pokhara的旅客区就在一个大湖边，有很多商店，有卖登山用品的，手工艺品的，让我们逛得不亦乐乎。晚上，我们到当地的一间中餐厅用晚餐。我觉得那菜色实在不怎么样，但队友却赞不绝口，吃得很开心。我想应该是我太挑剔吧。

尼泊尔有很多兴都教徒。有别于马来西亚，尼泊尔人庆祝一个星期的屠妖节。每一天都有不同的主题，这天正好是水牛日，所以可以看见水牛在街上招摇过市。在这个节庆间，有很多小孩逐家逐户地去讨赏。他们在门口喊着一些祝贺语，一直喊到主人给一些小钱打发为止。有一些小孩甚至试着在马路拦阻车子，当车子停下，他们就向司机讨钱。这样的举动看在眼里实在觉得无可奈何，这么危险，他们的父母为什么会放着不管，难到是父母不知情，还是我们多虑了？

29 Oct 2008 (Wednesday) - Pokhara

我们有一整天的时间在Pokhara。我是第一次来这尼泊尔第二大城市，想到附近的景点走走。我，永刚，Teck Long和雪琴租了两辆电单车想到山上的一座庙宇参观。我们在城市里遥遥地就看见了那座庙宇。我与永刚租的电单车在上山坡的时候忽然停下不动了。打开油箱看，发现没有油了，但油针明明显示有油，唉，原来是坏了。Teck Long和雪琴于是下山去买汽油回来。好不容易终于可以再次上路，我们继续往山坡上骑。那庙宇开始离开我们的视线，于是我们停下向一个年轻人问路。他不太懂我们说什么，我们把地图拿给他，指着我们要去的地方。他告诉我们可以把电单车停在路边，然后走路上去。有个十来岁的孩子跑来说我们可以把车子停在他家，给他一些小费，他会帮我们看管。我们向他询问有没有路直接上到庙宇去，那小孩很肯定的再三告诉我们电单车不能上去，必须把车停在那儿，走路上去。没法子，只好委屈双脚了，以为可以轻松的驾着电单车去游玩，结果还是得爬山，宿命啊！

太阳挂高空，热死了。四周光秃秃的，在这个时候爬山是很难受的。当我们终于到达时，发现有石子路可以直接到达庙宇。我们知道被那小孩耍了。这一次来到尼泊尔，对尼泊尔人的印象大打折扣。他们已不再如我印象中的纯朴，有好些人都是一直想办法在游客身上敲诈。是不是因为Annapurna已太商业化，那么我两年前到过的EBC是不是也变了样？

这是一座佛寺, 名为日本山妙法寺。山上有座佛塔，塔上有佛主的金身。我们在那里遇见了同样来自马来西亚的一位尼僧。她是从西藏过来的，将一路追随着佛陀的脚步到印度去朝圣。除了参观寺庙以外，这里还可以眺望整个Pokhara的市景，绝对是个值得一游的景点。

时间不知不觉的溜走，午餐后，我们下山去取电单车。但刚驶了10 分钟，永刚与我共乘的电单车又故障了。我们打开油箱，发现油箱是空的。Teck Long打开另一辆电单车的油箱，也接近空了。我们很肯定油被偷走了，因为上山前刚加了油，无论如何电单车也不可能耗油到这种程度。电单车只停在那小孩的家，油被谁偷走，不用多说也知道。还好油站就在不远处，我们添了油，想到地图上的古城走走。我与永刚乘的电单车在下岗的时候就会故障，开不动。这连串的故障让我们没什么心情继续了。我们找到了所谓的古城，只不过是一俩栋类似Durbar Square里的建筑物而已，实在令人失望。天色已暗，我们拍了张照片后就赶快回到游客区去，回旅店找其他队友吃晚餐。

屠妖节的庆典依旧持续着。这个晚上，路边突然多了许多“舞台” 。那都是一些年轻人各自拿了收音机，开了强劲的音乐，在跳舞。那欢乐的节庆气氛一直洋溢至深夜。

30 Oct 2008 (Thursday) - Pokhara -> Kathmandu

一大清早，我们就乘搭出租车往Kathmandu出发。出租车是旅店安排的，我们已经预先订了在Thamel的旅店，负责人答应我们说车子会送我们到旅店去。万万没想到临时又被司机敲诈。车子已经到了Kathmandu，可是离开Thamel还有很远的一段距离。司机竟然把车子停下，说必须再付一笔钱，否则就必须下车。我们压根儿不知道自己身处何方，当然不愿意就此下车，也不愿被敲诈。车上除了我们八个人以外，还有另外两名游客。最后我们打电话到Pokhara，让旅店的老板跟司机洽谈。司机挂了电话后，突然答应载我们到Thamel去。我们到达旅店后，看见旅店的负责人有付钱给司机，猜想先前的风波应该是由旅店付费解决的。

再一次回到Thamel，除了逛街，还是逛街。首都附近的景点我已到过，所以没有兴趣再参观。逛逛，买买纪念品，手信等，就这样消磨掉剩下的两天。

隔天晚上，我们就搭飞机回到了马来西亚。我的第二次尼泊尔之旅随着飞机的起飞而正式谢幕了。

环绕安那普那(Annapurna Circuit)徒步行 (11-31 Oct 2008) - Part 2

2008-12-30T08:34:00.001-08:00

18 Oct 2008 (Saturday) - Pisang (3200m) -> Manang (3540m)
向导告诉我们共有两条不同的路通往Manang，一段较长，需时7-8小时，另一段则较短，需时5-6个小时，风景各异。我其实还蛮想走那一段较长的路，只是队友们不太感兴趣。投票结果，我们选了较短的路徒步至Manang 。离开Manang，步行大约一小时，我们来到了一个观景点，可远眺Humde村镇景色。Humde有个小型飞机场，有来回Pokhara的班机。

这天，我们悠闲得很。除了早上的一段斜坡路外，大部份时间我们都是走在宽阔平缓的道路上。开始闻到秋天的味道了。松叶转黄，红色不知名的植物点缀着大地，Pisang雪峰展现着它那漂亮的容颜，我放慢脚步，轻松惬意地欣赏美不胜收的景色。走着走着，路延伸到了河边，沿着河岸走，就到了Braga村镇。眼前突然一亮，多年前在山友炳明放的幻灯片里看见的“龙门客栈” 现在就在眼前。它处在山坡上，依山而建，我匆匆地在山坡下扑捉它的身影。我吃完午餐后，趁着队友们还在用餐，独自一个人走到山坡上去拍照。风挺大的，可我好想近距离的看看那独特的民宅，所以快步向它走去。我站在山坡上，凝视着那一层层依着山壁而建的石板屋，往山坡下望，青黄色的草地，金色的黄土坡，远处的雪山，拼凑出让人心醉的美丽。在最高处有一间庙，我本想走上去看看，但又怕朋友们在等我，所以拍了一些照片后，就不舍的回到餐厅去。

从Braga 到Manang，只需30分钟的行程。我们在下午3点就到达Manang了。我把一些衣物给洗了。洗衣服可真是一件折磨的事。冷水在10秒内就把我的手冻得发麻。我一边喊着“好冷，好冷” ，一边快手快脚的把衣物随便洗洗，拿去晾干。我们住的旅舍叫Hotel Mountain Lake。据说，这家旅舍的老板是个日本人，爱好摄影。墙壁上挂了不少他的作品，其中有一张雪豹的照片还曾经获奖。旅舍的餐厅分为两个区，一边有暖炉，另一边没有。暖炉区虽暖和，但却因为燃烧而使氧气缺少，长时间吸入一氧化炭也会使身体不舒服，进而演变成高山症。所以即使寒冷，海波坚持要大家坐在非暖炉区，避免缺氧。这天剩下的时间都是在这餐厅里度过。

19 Oct 2008 (Sunday) - Acclimatization Day at Manang (3540m)
这天，我们依然逗留在Manang作海拔适应。早上9点，我们到附近的小山走走。Irene有些不舒服，Dee陪着她，她俩没有随行。虽说是小山，但路线非常陡斜，上升400m，不是散散步就可以轻松到达的。半山腰，可以看见Gangapurna湖。山顶上，几乎每人都要拍一张以Gangapurna雪山为背景的照片。Manang全景一览无遗，整个村镇都是土色系的，与大地容为一体。这段行程耗时3个小时，回到旅舍时已是12时许了。下午3点，我们去听一个免费讲座。那是一个由自愿医生组成的团体所给的讲座，讲解高山反应症状，如何避免及应对措施。听完讲座后，我们也顺便测试血液中的含氧量，指数不错，含氧量充足。到目前为止，我们每一个人都可以适应高山海拔。明天，我们将出发到4000公尺的Yak Kharka，离Thorong La Pass又靠近了一步。

20 Oct 2008 (Monday) - Manang (3540m) -> Yak Kharka (4050m)
从Manang到Yak Kharka，只需5个小时。因为途中没有适合的午餐地点，我们是到了Yak Kharka才吃午餐的。在旅舍的餐厅里，我们点了午餐，正等着食物上桌。即使是在室内，即使外头阳光耀眼，我们还是觉得很冷。而与我们同桌的一个俄罗斯人竟然只穿短袖T-shirt和短裤。我们好奇的问他：“不冷吗？” 。他不会说英语，但态度很友善，一直用俄罗斯语回答。我们比手划脚地与他沟通起来。他告诉我们他一点都不冷，他还曾经试过冬泳，了不起。

午餐后，有些登山客会到旅舍不远的山坡上作海拔适应。适应高海拔的黄金定律是“爬得高，睡得底” 。登山客都会徒步至较高的地方，然后再回到低一点的地方住宿。与其到山坡上去，海波，Dee，永刚和我到了Churi Ledar买净水，其他队友留在餐厅休息。原以为Churi Ledar离Yak Kharka很近，怎知估计错误，来回用了一个多小时，再次回到住宿点时已是3.45pm了。回程中，风吹得我头好痛。过去的四天，每到中午必起风，在这样的海拔被风吹可不是好玩的。

晚上，我在餐厅写日记。同时，我也一直喝水，然后上厕所。这是让身体适应海拔的措施之一。明天将上升至4800公尺，是我们行程中最高的住宿点，是决定能不能过ThorongLa Pass关键性的一天。

21 Oct 2008 (Tuesday) - Yak Kharka (4050m) -> High Camp (4800m)
每天出发前，我们都会拍一张团体照。在Yak Kharka的团体照里，我们每一个人都变成了“蒙面忍者” ，全身包得只露出眼睛。即使这样，我的牙齿还是一直在打架。叶子结了霜，昨天还流动的小溪或水道也结冰了。我们得小心翼翼地垮过，一不小心就会滑倒。到High Camp前，我们先到达Phedi (4200m) 。其实有很多登山客选择在Phedi住宿，减低高山症的风险。在Phedi，我们又遇到了Morgan，一位来自Slovenia的登山客。打从Syange开始，我们不时会在徒步行程中碰见他，所以认识。Morgan非常友善与健谈。他独自一个人旅行，在途中不断结识朋友，自由也不寂寞。

我们在Phedi用完午餐后，就开始出发往High Camp了。望着那急剧升高的斜坡，我告诉自己“别想太多，慢慢走，一步一步走，要不停的走”。陡坡路一直延伸，不知何时才会到目的地。走了好长的陡坡路，我看见海波，永刚和凤凤在一块大石头前停下。那里有一小段的梯级，正好可以坐下休息。我也停下来小休片刻。High Camp已近在咫尺了。风让我冷得有点受不了，所以没停留多久，脚步又开始慢慢往上移。海波也跟上来。永刚和凤凤则多继续停留。明明是短短的一段路却好像特别远，我像乌龟一样慢慢的爬上去，终于在大约下午2点到达High Camp了。

我们的房间面向来时路，可以清楚地看见登山客一步步往斜坡上爬。几个熟悉的身影开始显现，只是情况有点不对劲。永刚被几个队友扶着，走三步停两步，很吃力的爬上来。我心想“：不妙，是高山症！” 。永刚一路上来的状态不错，万万没想到竟然是他被袭倒。好不容易，他终于到达了。他面呈紫色，嘴唇发白，脚步飘浮不稳。他说他的头痛得很，没胃口，给他的蒜头汤只喝了一点。他休息了好一会儿却丝毫不见好转，于是当机立断下撤至Phedi。我们目送永刚被背夫Nima扶着离开High Camp。我们都希望他休息一晚后可以好起来，明天从新归队。

在4800公尺的海拔，大家的胃口都不好。热腾腾的食物刚端上桌，没多久就冷得像隔了夜的饭菜一样。餐厅里没有暖气，我们紧靠着彼此坐在一起来抵御寒冷。厕所在外头，上厕所是痛苦的，连厕所里盛水桶里的水都结了冰。鼻子不断流鼻水，喉咙也因为寒冷和干燥而不停咳嗽。这些状况已是预料之中，所以不担心。关于Thorong La Pass，我没有想太多，但我已准备好。

22 Oct 2008 (Wednesday) - High Camp (4800m) -> Thorong La Pass (5416m) -> Muktinah (3800m)

凌晨3点30分，我们就起床了。收拾好行囊后，我们就到餐厅吃昨天就预先点好的早餐。踏出房门时，我呆住了。三面的雪山在夜里白得发亮，闪烁的星星布满整片天空，月亮露出半边脸静静地看着大地。突然，一颗流星划过天际。我匆忙的许下愿望，希望我们的旅程能顺顺利利。我真的很想站久一些，看这梦幻美景多一眼，可我却冷得直发抖，于是快步地往餐厅走去。那天的早餐非常难吃。三文治面包又冷又硬。我逼自己无论如何一定要吃下去，因为我需要能量。当我们还在用早餐时，前两天遇见的六个年龄将近半百的丹麦人已从Phedi到了High Camp。他们精神抖擞的跟我们打招呼：“Good Morning Malaysians"，回想起昨天我到High Camp时的累模样，自叹不如。

我们大约在5点30分往Thorong La Pass出发。海波的温度计显示当时是零下7度。天还未亮，我们靠着头灯一步步往陡坡上走。山坡上都是积雪，唯独徒步的小道一点雪也没有。我好奇地用脚踢了踢那些积雪，是硬的。虽然冷得要命，可心里却有种莫名的兴奋。走了差不多一小时，我们到了一个休息站。这里有间小木屋。我并没有停留超过5分钟，因为太冷了，必须走动才可以让身体有热能。我后来一直跟Dee一起走。我们都因为那美丽的雪景而兴奋不已，虽然很冷，我还是不断地停下，用我那冻僵的手指颤抖地按下快门，将那一刻的美丽收藏起来。我和Dee在8时许到达Thorong La Pass最高点(5416m) 。海波递了两杯热茶给我们。热茶从哪儿来？原来这里还是有一间小木屋，有人售卖热茶，生意好得不得了。海波说温度是零下10度。瓶子里的饮水都结冰了。可是寒冷完全没有影响我的心情，我还觉得有点遗憾，雪如果再多一点，一定会更漂亮。队友们在过了一阵子后陆续到达。海波有轻微的高山反应，所有他不断催促我们拍团体照，然后就逃亡似的下撤。Dee在后跟随着海波，我舍不得这么快走，多留了一会儿。

我们将下撤1600公尺，山路之斜可想而知。一路往下，我还可以看见棉花形状般的白雪。路就这样一直倾斜至Muktinah。下午1时许，我们就到达Muktinah了。Muktinah处于3800公尺的高度，在山区里应该可以称为市镇了。这里有一所规模不小的寺庙，有很多当地的信徒特地来朝拜。但是我们并没有去参观，大概是我们都累了吧，只想快点到旅舍休息。

关于永刚，有登山客带来了他的消息。永刚的状况没有好转，所以他将在Phedi多休息一天。明天他会过Pass，后天将乘坐吉普车来追上我们。而我们则照着原订的行程一站一站地走下去。

环绕安那普那(Annapurna Circuit)徒步行 (11-31 Oct 2008) - Part 1

2008-12-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

11 Oct 2008 (Saturday) - KLIA -> Kathmandu
当地时间10am, 我再一次踏进了加德满都的红砖墙机场。第二次造访，我少了两年前的兴奋，取而代之的是一种熟悉又陌生的微妙感觉。往Thamel途中，我温习着记忆中的片段，那红砖建筑物，有点混乱的交通状况，载着一篮子苹果的脚车水果贩等景象一一映入眼帘，原来两年光阴并没有为这尼泊尔的首都带来什么具体的变化。

这一次同行的山友有秀娟(小名：Dee) ，海波，德龙，雪琴(德龙的未婚妻) ，凤凤，永刚和 Irene。当天，我们下榻于Khangsar Hotel。红宝石旅行社的老板-李建替我们安排前往Dumre的巴士车票及在Dumre接恰我们的登山向导与背夫。李建是个说得一口流利华语的尼泊尔人。德龙说当初联络李建时，他答应作我们的登山向导，不知怎么的，碰面时却成了为我们安排其他向导的中间人。

Expenses
Visa for 30 days - USD 40
Khangsar Hotel - USD 5 per person
Lunch at Momotarou Restaurant (桃太郎) - Rp 180 (RM 7.50)

12 Oct 2008 (Sunday) - Kathmandu (1300m) -> Dumre (420m) -> Besisahar (793m) -> Bhulbhule (840m)
早晨，我们背着行囊随着旅行社接洽人穿越Thamel的小巷来到了巴士站，搭上了7.00am前往Dumre的巴士。巴士的座位很窄，行李全被绑在车顶上，车上坐满了前往Pokhara 和Dumre的外国旅客。5个小时后，我们到了Dumre，见到了我们的登山向导- Miran和背夫们。然后，我们就一直被向导催促以包车的方式前往Besisahar，路程是一个小时半。在匆促决定下，我们付了Rp 3500 (RM 175)，包了一辆吉普车到Besisahar，足足多付了一倍的车资。这件事让我们对这初次见面的登山向导印象大打折扣。

由于昨天是尼泊尔的公共假期，我们来不及在加德满都办登山证。经过一番讨论，虽然费用是在Pokhara 或Kathmandu办的双倍，大家还是决定直接在Bhulbhule办登山证以节省时间与不必要的麻烦。我们花了Rp1500 (RM75) 包了吉普车从Besisahar 到Bhulbhule，赶在天黑前办好入山证。

当晚，我们就在Bhulbhule住宿。为期17天的环绕安那普那徒步行正式掀开序幕。

Expenses
Bus from Kathmandu to Dumre - Rp 450 (RM22.50) per person
Jeep from Dumre to Besisahar - Rp 3500 for 13 persons (8 of us + porters & guide)
Jeep from Besisahar to Bhulbhune - Rp 1500 for 13 persons
Trekking permit - Rp 4000 (RM 200) per person

13 Oct 2008 (Monday) - Bhulbhule (840m) -> Syange (1130m)
Bhulbhule处于海拔840m，比加德满都还低，温度就如云顶高原般凉快。早晨8时，我们离开Bhulbhule往Bahundanda(1310m)。一路上伴随我们的是那青黄色的稻田风光。Bahundanda原本是我们行程中住宿的地点，但到达时是中午，所以在午餐后，我们继续往下个地点-Syange(1130m)出发。下午三点半，我们在一所建在Marsyandi河边的茶屋(Tea-house) 停下脚步，结束这一天的行程。

茶屋不远处有壮观的瀑布，河的对岸也有其他的旅舍。两岸由一座吊桥衔接着。这所茶屋是由一对夫妻经营的，只有几个房间，虽然简陋，但老板非常亲切。这位年轻的老板学过马来语，所以我们除了英语外，还可以用马来语跟他沟通。这天，我们是他的唯一客户，所以招待周到。夜晚，海波开始发表他的经济学理论。渐渐的，大家悃了。就这样地，我们在隆隆流水声的陪伴下进入梦乡。

14 Oct 2008 (Tuesday) - Syange(1130m) -> Tal (1700m)
早晨8点离开Syange，沿着河缓缓向上，一个小时半后我们到达Jagat。这儿有一所很小的学校，有几位学生非常合作的排好让我们拍照。午餐地点定在Chamje，所以我们继续往上走。在Annapurna地区，人们让马或驴子运送货物。我们徒步时常得让路给驴群，同时也要小心闪躲路上的驴粪。和昨天一样，天气晴朗，艳阳高挂，我热得汗流浃背，真的有点受不了。我除了猛擦防晒油之外，还用小毛巾盖着头，遮着脸。这里跟两年前的寒冷EBC(Everest Base Camp)徒步很不一样。大约11.15am，我们停在Chamje，坐在一间餐厅二楼的走廊用午餐。祭了五脏庙后，我们又开始徒步在不间断的上坡路上。河谷风光非常秀丽，就这样地，我们来到了Tal ，一个坐落在河边的美丽村子。在Tal，河神显得特别安祥，浅青带蓝白的河水静静躺着，与来到Tal前的汹涌有天渊之别。

茶屋的名字叫 Hotel Dragon，两层楼，房间还不赖，比昨天的好多了。Tal有个净水供应站，每公升净水售价Rp35 (RM1.75) 。而旅舍的一壶热水 (3公升)是Rp200 (RM10) 。矿泉水一瓶则是Rp80 (RM4) 。净水供应站为我们省下了不少买饮水的钱。德龙在地图上圈起了有净水供应站的村庄，作为补充饮水及住宿的地点参考。

当天晚上，我的喉咙开始痛，觉得头微微发热，心里暗忖：糟了，要生病了。我还有15天的徒步行程啊，怎么办？

15 Oct 2008 (Wednesday) - Tal (1700m) -> Danaque (2200m)
早上天晴，下午下了一阵小雨。我们在大约8时离开了美丽的Tal，前往下一个目的地 - Danaque。瀑布在Annapurna Circuit是处处可见的。我数不清一路上到底看见了多少瀑布。9.30am, 我们到达Korto，10.20am，我们到达Karte。40分钟后，我们就来到了Dharapani。Dharapani有个通行检查站，必须出示登山证方可通行。向导在我们到达前已办好检查手续，所以我们没有停下，继续往前走。从Dharapani往Bagarchap的路，我开始觉得吃力了。可能身体不舒服的关系吧，我没有心情拍照，只想快点到达目的地。大约中午12点，我们到达Bagarchap，停下吃午餐。用餐后，我觉得昏昏欲睡。海波继续发表他的资本论，只是不晓得有谁在用心听。

1.30pm, 我们又开始徒步，半小时后就到达Danaque了，下榻于Himalayan Guesthouse。我的室友是Irene。我们的房间在楼上右边走廊的最尾端，三面都是玻璃窗，虽可看风景，但却比其他房间寒冷。没多久，天空飘起雨。我赶紧冲个凉，一头钻进睡袋里休息。头感觉热热的，喉咙很痛。我一直喝水，只希望不要真的病倒。睡睡醒醒，一直到晚餐时间，才到楼下的餐厅用餐。

16 Oct 2008 (Thursday) - Danaque (2200m) - Chame (2713m)

早上起床，我的喉咙痛没有好，但也没有变严重，谢天谢地。
一离开Danaque，我们就翻上了一座小山，上升550m。路一直都是斜斜向上的。我们经过松树林，来到了Temang。然后，路开始往下，经过了一个农村，过了一座吊桥，又开始往上爬了。斜坡上突然尘土飞扬，原来是有一大群山羊被赶下坡。我们只得让路，靠边站，让山羊群先过。大约11点，我们到达Thanchok 。小休片刻后，我们原打算再走45分钟到Koto用餐，却被路旁的苹果园吸引而停驻。走进了苹果园，买了苹果当开胃菜，索性就在苹果园主人的餐厅吃午餐。

我们在大约2.15pm到达Koto。这里的房子很古色古香。通行检查的手续办妥后，我们再步行30分钟就到达Chame，住进了Sunrise Hotel。Chame是个不小的村庄。我们到处逛逛。有个指示牌上写着 "Hot Springs"，我们随着它到温泉看一看，结果让人大失所望。那所谓的温泉只是在河边的一小滩水，顶多能洗洗手。6点，我们回到旅舍准备用晚餐。晚餐后，我一如前几天一样，看看书，写写日记，直到悃了才休息去。

17 Oct 2008 (Friday) - Chame (2713m) -> Pisang (3200m)

一如既往，我们在8点钟起程。空气转凉，毕竟已接近3000m的海拔了。斜坡缓缓向上，经过荞麦田，然后是一连串的上坡与下坡，这就是离开Chame后的路况。Lamjung Himal 和Annapurna II雪山逐渐清晰。来到Bhratang，路旁有苹果园和荒废了的石屋。大家休息了一会儿又继续前进。我走进了松林，有点累，好不容易走到了Dhukur ，停下吃午餐。我点了Dal-Bhat ，那是道地的尼泊尔食物。Dal-Bhat其实是Dal豆汁捞白饭配炒菜，腌菜与马铃薯，非常有利于补充能量。更妙的是若吃完了还可以要求补上，所以绝对吃到饱。填饱了肚子以后，我感觉好多了。午餐后，再走个40分钟，我们就看见Pisang村庄了。Pisang分为Upper Pisang 和Lower Pisang。我们住在Lower Pisang里位置最高的旅舍, 远远可看见建在山坡上Upper Pisang的房子，风景很漂亮。Pisang Peak清晰可见，非常抢眼。这里风很大，冷得我们不想到外边走动。夜晚，温度降到了摄氏1度。从这里，我才开始投入这次的徒步行，仿佛找回了EBC徒步行时的兴奋。

Mt Batu Putih (30 Aug - 1 Sep 08)

2008-09-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

I spent my National day holidays at Mt. Batu Putih (白岩峰), the 8th highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, with another 14 friends. We sang the national song, shouted excitedly when we saw the rainbow clouds at the summit. It was the stary night. I saw a meteor but not able to make the wish in time. :p That's the rewards for spending the 2 days time to hike up 2131m above sea level.

29 Aug after work, we drove to Tapah and spent overnight there. 30 Aug early morning, we proceed to Kuala Woh. After passed through the Kuala Woh dam, we reached the aboriginal village. That's the starting point of our trek. We were on the trail along the riverbank for about 45 minutes, then it led to a bamboo bridge that helped us for the river crossing.

The trail was getting steep after that. Hai Poh chose to camp at The Cave because there is water stream nearby. The Cave is not the real cave. It is the campsite that shaded by a big rock. I reached The Cave at 5.30pm, after 7.5 hours hike. Actually, Lai, Hai Poh, Liow, Tack and I should be able to reach earlier. But we had missed the junction that lead to The Cave, almost reached the botak hill campsite. I had spent 1.5 hours to make this U-turn.

31 Aug around 10.20am, we continue our hike to the summit. About 1.5 hours later, we reached the botak hill campsite where a white vertical rock face came into sight. Out of my expectation, I reached the summit around 3.15pm. Besides us, there were another 2 groups of hikers there. The peak of Mt Batu Putih was bustling with noise and excitement at national day 2008.

Mt Semeru - Mt Bromo - Kawah Ijen( 2-7 July 08)

2008-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

The triggering point of this trip is the photos that we saw at Kok Yuen's house when we visited him during Chinese New Year early of this year. Kok Yuen showed us the photos that taken by one of his friend and suggested about the trip. After the Chinese New Year, Airasia was having promotion. So, we took the opportunity to book the flight to Surabaya.

2 July 2008 LCCT - Surabaya - Tumpang
9 of us took the 10.15am flight and reached Surabaya by 11.55am (local time). Local time is one hour earlier than Malaysia. The agent picked us up from Juanda airport. We had lunch at one of the restaurant while settled the payment with the agent. Surabaya is the 2nd largest city in Indonesia with over 3 million of people. For us, it's just the gateway for Mt Semeru and Mt Bromo. After lunch, we started our journey to Tumpang and stayed overnight there. Although Tumpang is only 600m above sea level, it reached 18 degree Celsius at night.

3 July 2008 - Tumpang - Ranupani Village - Ranukumbolo - Kalimati
We woke up at 5am (local time). After breakfast, we were transferred by 2 cars to Ranupani. It should take 1.5 hours to reach Ranupani village. However, one of the car broke down when started to drive on uphill road. So, all of us have to squeeze into 1 car for the rest of the journey. The scenery along the journey is beautiful. In average 15 minutes, we stopped the car to take the picture. Ranupani is the starting point of the trek. Vegetables farm are along the road. We were trekking uphill on the nicely built path on the 1st hour. Then, we moved into jungle trek and 1 hour later, the beautiful lake of Ranukumbolo came into sight. Another half an hour trek, we reached the campsite of Ranukumbolo. It's 1.30pm but the temperate was about 14 degree Celsius. The lunch that prepared for us are instant noodles, biscuits, tea, coffee and apples. We had the lunch beside the lake, like picnic. :D

There was another 2 hours walking from Ranukumbolo to Kalimati campsite where we stayed overnight. Mt Semeru is active volcano, stay 3676m above sea level. Small eruptions happen every 20-30 minutes. We will trek up Mt Semeru from North. We saw 2 mini eruptions on the way to Kalimati. Of course we wouldn't miss this opportunity to take some pictures. Seeing the smoky clouds spew out from the mountain, it's really a new experience for us. The wind at Kalimati campsite was very strong. It was 8 degree Celcius at night. 9 of us squeeze into a tent, playing cards while waiting the porters to prepare the dinner for us. Luckily our dinner is fried rice. If it's instant noodle again, I don't think we have energy to climb the mountain the next day. The sky was very clear that night. We went out from the tent after dinner to see the stars. After a short while, we were not able to stand the cold. So, everybody went back to tent and slept.

4 July 2008 - Kalimati - Mt Semeru Summit - Lava View Lodge
The day started with the trek to summit at 1.30am (local time). At first, we still trekked on the jungle trek. After Arcopodo campsite, soon we were stepping on the sandy ground. The most difficult and challenging part of the trek had begun. The route is very steep all the way to summit. As it's active volcano, most of time, there is no hand hold or foot hold that can help us to move up. With every step, I slid backwards in the sand. I stopped quite often to catch up my breath. But the rest time is short because the temperature is low, I have to keep on walking to stay warm.

The sky streaked with red and yellow, a sign the sun was about to rise. Although tired, I pushed hard to beat the sun to the summit. I am crawling up the volcano instead of trekking up. When I stepped onto the summit, I realized that it's a large flat ground. Wind is extremely strong. The strong wind moves the sand high into the air. I can hardly open my eyes. I saw our porters lay down and prayed. After the pray, the guide and porters came to shake hands with us and congrats each of us to have reach summit. The entire climb took us 4 hours. It was very cold at summit. The temperature is 3 degree Celsius with strong wind. We descended once the sun started to fill up the sky. I think we stayed less than half an hour at summit. We didn't really admire the scenery and enjoy the sunrise because the chill at summit is unbearable. The way down is easier, sliding down like skiing. While easier, a great deal of stress is put on the knees.

We back to Kalimati campsite around 8am-8.30am. After breakfast, we packed our things and leaving to Ranupani village.

5 July 2008 - Lava View Lodge - Mt Pananjakan - Mt Bromo
We arrived late at Lava View Lodge yesterday. Early morning before sunrise, we were on the 4 wheel drive again to Mt Pananjakan. Although it's a mountain, no trekking is required as the view point is only 10 minutes walk from the place that 4WD dropped us. Once went down from the car, we were surrounded by the people that trying to sell the warm hat, scarf or renting the jacket. The temperature is about 11 degree Celsius. This place is crowded with tourist because of its easy accessibility. Besides, the scenery it offered also made this place a famous view point. Just look at the photo above, don't you feel that it's as beautiful as drawings?

After Mt. Pananjakan, we went to Mt. Bromo to see the crater. There is a short distance from the dropping place of 4WD to the mountain foot of Bromo. Tourist can choose to ride on the horse to the mountain foot instead of walking. I don't know how much it cost because we choose to walk rather than ride on the horse. I never been to desert before but I had a feeling that I was in the desert. I covered my face with cloth, but still cannot prevent the dust and the sand went into my eyes. We climbed up the staircase to visit the crater of Mt. Bromo. The smell of the sulphur is very strong. After took some pictures, I quickly went down from Mt Bromo to run away from the smell.

We were then back to Lava View Lodge. After breakfast, we packed our things and proceed to our next destination - Ijen, which is 6 hours away from Mt Bromo. We spent the night at Catimor Homestay - a lodge that located far inside the coffee plantation.

6 July 2008 - Kawah Ijen
Early morning 6am, we checked out the lodge and heading to Mt Ijen. Around 7am, we were trekking on the trail to the crater. There is a lake at the crater. The sulfur is mined at the lake's edge, which had made the lake become the acid lake. The porters carrying the sulphur (in the form of yellow colored rock) to the top of the crater and then down the mountain. They were paid by weight. According to our guide, the porter can carry up to 100kg for each trip. Unfortunately the weather is not so good, very cloudy. We were not able to see the clear view of the lake and the crater.

7 July 2008 - Surabaya - KL

We spent one night at Surabaya before back to Malaysia.

Trip Expenses:

Flight by Airasia = MYR 282

5D4N package with Global Adventure Indonesia = USD 225 ( MYR 738)

Airport Tax = IDR 150000 (MYR 54)

1 night accomodation at Surabaya = IDR 87000 (MYR 32)

Taxi from Surabaya to airport = IDR 150000 / 9 => MYR 6

Miscellaneous = IDR 181000 (MYR 60)

Total = MYR 1171

Macau (5-8 April 08)

2008-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Flight: By Airasia, RM367 per person. Arrive Macau at 7.20pm.

Accomodation: Macau Masters Hotel.

My mother, my sister and I stayed in a standard twin room (without breakfast), cost us HKD 1680 for 3 nights.

Rate for Saturday = HKD 680

Rate for Sunday-Monday = HKD 500 per night

The room is attached with bathroom, small and clean. But there is some smell inside the room, maybe is the smell of the old carpet.

The location of the hotel is quite strategic. Within walking distance to Senate Square. There is a bus stop just in front of the hotel.

Food: We had tried 黄枝记粥面 , 义顺炖奶, 三元粥 and the egg tart. The egg tart is very good. Other food, somehow I didn't felt it's nice.

Transportation: Our legs :p In fact, we really walked a lot. From hotel to Senate Square, Monte Fort, Casino Lisbon and Macau Towers. Bus services are convenient. The bus no and the route is clearly stated at each bus stop. The bus fare is fix - MOP 2.50 per trip.

Visited Places: San Ma Lo,手信街 , Largo do Senado, Monte Fort, Casa Garden, Casino Lisbon, Macau Towers, A-Ma temple, Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum, the statue of Guan Yin at 新口岸 and The Venetian.

The Venetian is a resort with casino, hotel and also shopping complex. We took the complimentary shutter bus from Sands Macau to The Venetian. The canal, the gondola with the singing gondolier, the European style building and the ceiling that looks like the real sky had made it one of place that you can't miss when you visit Macau.

KL International Marathon (30 March 08)

2008-05-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

I think about 12 of us (10km and 21km running kaki) were registered for the KLIM this year. But on the event day, only 6 persons are shown up. Most of them absent because of the QingMing festival where their family had chosen that Sunday to clean the grave sites of the ancestors. As usual, I took part in the 1okm fun run. I took about 72 minutes to complete the run, 131th in the 10km women category. Well, my result is not good but women category is less competitive. So, I still able to get the finisher medal although I reached after Ah Chak(right most guy). Ah Chak said he's the 508th finisher in the men category. Too bad, organizer only offered 500 medal for each category. If I am not mistaken, Foong Kiew(the girl that wear blue singlet) is the 62th. Lai(the short hair girl) is the only 21km runner in our group. She completed the run in 2 hours 20 minutes.

Gunung Ledang (22-23 March 08)

2008-05-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

Nearly 30 persons turn up to the Gunung Ledang day trip. This is my first time to Gunung Ledang. From north-south highway, we exit at Tangkak toll, moving towards Sagil and finally turned into the oil palm plantation from Pintu B. Gunung Ledang resort is about 6km inside the oil palm plantation. We stayed one night at the jungle hut and started the hike the next morning. The weather was good in the morning. However, heavy rain started to pour after 3 hours hike. Our guide doesn't allow us to continue the hike in rain. We had no choice but to descend. I didn't make it to summit this time. Nevermind, I will go again next time. :)

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

2008-03-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Mt Yellow (23-24th Dec 2007)

2008-02-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows about the Mt. Yellow in China, but do you know that there is also an Mt Yellow in Malaysia? It's a mountain that crosses the border of Perak and Pahang. There are two routes to Mt Yellow summit. First is via the Mt Irau and then cross to Mt Yellow, second is start from the Perak-Pahang border at Cameron Highland - Gua Musang highway. 2 years ago, we attempted to trek via first route but we encountered the bad weather which turned out to Mt Brinchang - Mt Irau day trip. We learned the lesson and decided to trek via 2nd route this time. In fact, it's also the raining season but the weather is extremely good throughout our 2 days 1 night trip at Mt. Yellow. On the afternoon after we came down from mountain, heavy rain started. I guess everyone is having the same thought "we were very lucky this time".

The itinerary was not much different from our previous trip. We drove to Cameron Highlands (2 cars from JB and 1 car from KL) , stayed one night at Tanah Rata. The next morning, we met the 4 wheel driver and fetched us to the starting point of the trek by 9.30am. The marker of the state border (left photo) is our "signboard". There is a number on every marker. No. 341 marker is at the summit. I can't remember which number we started, maybe it's No. 562 (friends, correct me if I am wrong), slowly trek up and reached the peak at 2.20pm. We arrived 2 hours earlier than as expected. The weather is hot. We hide under the shade and waiting for the sunset. It's quite boring. That's the problem of arriving too early. :p

As usual, we started to prepare the dinner around 5.00pm. After dinner, we played cards, chit chat and went to bed around 10pm. The next morning, Hai Poh was the first to wake up (well, he's always the earliest, nobody will or want to beat his record). The photo on right shown the morning scene. After breakfast, we packed our thing and left the summit by 10am.

Our 4 wheel driver (sorry, I can't remember the name of that uncle) was already there when we came out from mountain. He invited us to visit his tomato farm. Well, why not? So, we ended up eating fresh tomato in his farm. :D We spent another night at Brinchang, celebrating the cold Christmas eve (not white Christmas :p) in Cameron Highland.

Mt. Kutu (15-16th Dec 07)

2007-12-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gunung Kutu is located at Kuala Kubu Bahru. After passing the dam, following the signboard of Kg. Pertak, turn right after crossing the bridge, we reached the modern aboriginal settlement at 3.30pm. This is the starting point of the trekking. The first 1/2 hours was walking on the wide jungle path which can be easily accessible by the 4 wheel drive. After crossing the bridge for 2 times, I remembered we still have to cross river (which doesn't have bridge) for 2 times. Then, the real journey began. We met one large group of high school students after an hour. They told us that the fallen bamboo blocked the way and they couldn't proceed. So, they decided to descend. Man Tack and Kok Yuen are experience hiker. So, they proceed and found out we can still proceed by taking the small path beside the blocked way.
The fallen bamboo kept on blocking the way. We lower down the body or sometimes have to remove the bagpack and crawl like the snake in order to pass through. By 5pm, we came to a rest point. It's a place which sheltered by the large piece of rock. We rested there for almost half and hour.

The longer we rest, the more lazy we are. So, we have to move on in order to reach summit before night fall. I remembered I kept on asking Ah Tack " how far we are from summit" ? Then, he will answer "Very near". Finally, we reached there an hour later. It took us 3.5 hours trekking from the mountain foot until the peak. I was fascinated by the unique of Mt. Kutu summit. There is a chimney, ruined staircase and base pillars there. It seems like there was a castle or bungalow there long long time ago. The most incredible is there are two wells at the peak - one is dry and one is with water. It's a nicely built well. I do not know any history of this mountain, so not able to tell why there is a water well and ruined bungalow structure up there.

Sunday morning, while waiting for Kok Yuen to cook the porridge, Ah Tack brought us to the highest point of Mt. Kutu - a big rock that stands at the summit. It's just 3 minutes walk from the campsite. With the help of Ah Tack, I managed to climb up to that big rock. The 360 degree view from the top is very beautiful. Actually, it's quite dangerous to stand up at the big rock, especially when the wind is strong. The scenery at the top of Gunung Kutu is definitely worth the hike. It's the raining season. But we were lucky as the weather is quite good throughout our trip.

Kok Yuen can't wait to join us at the top of the mountain. So, he left the porridge that still being cooked and climbed up to find us. We enjoyed the scene, the air, the view and the moment until we forgot about the porridge. As a result, we have to eat the burnt porridge as the breakfast. :p

Northern Vietnam (5th Sep-18th Sep 07) Part 3

2007-11-13T02:54:00.000-08:00

13th Sep 07 – Lao Chai and Ta Van Village
A visit to the Hmong village in Lao Chai and Ta Van was our last itinerary in Sapa. We transferred by minibus to from Sapa town to Lao Chai. Once we got down from the minibus, the Hmong women and children approached us to sell the walking sticks, handmade bag etc. We ignored them and trekked down to the valley. But they were not easily gave up, followed us for quite a long journey and bug us with the phrase “You buy from me?” .

We trekked through the rice terraces. The landscape is quite impressive. We visited the primary school and having lunch at one of the Homestay in Ta Van. Besides Hmong, we also met other hill tribe in Ta Van, eg: Red Dzao. I will recommend those that interested to visit Sapa to trek at Lao Chai and Ta Van village. The trekking took us about 4 hours including the lunch time. But the scenery it offered is definitely worth the visit. The trip ended around 3pm. We took the train from Lao Cai back to Hanoi at night.

14th-16th Sep 07 – Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island – Hanoi
The train reached Hanoi at 5am. We took the taxi from train station to the agent office. The office is not yet opened. We took our breakfast at the stall beside the road, and then sat beside the road from 6am – 9am, watching streets from quiet become very busy. 套用海波的一句话- 我们看着河内渐渐苏醒.

We board the minibus to Halong bay at 9am. Halong bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site which consists of around 2000 islands. Halong bay has become a “must go” destination for tourist that visited Hanoi. We get on the boat and enjoyed the cruise. In the afternoon, we visited the Sung Sot Cave – the largest cave in Halong bay. Then, we stopped at one of the island for swimming. I did not swim but trekked up to the island to get the view from the top. We stayed overnight at the boat.

The next day, we pack our things and move to a smaller boat that will take us to Cat Ba Island. On the way to Cat Ba island, we stopped for kayaking. Halong bay is very suitable for kayaking. We didn’t feel it’s in the ocean because the water is very calm. I didn’t know how to kayak but luckily I have Lai as my partner. She loves kayaking. So, due to my laziness, she did the kayaking most of the time. I am just resting and enjoying the scenery. :p

We reached Cat Ba island at noon. After lunch, we went for a short, relaxing hiking trip and visited a cave in the island. After the trip ended, we rented the bicycle to explore the island. We went to the beach, the pier and red light district of the island. I enjoyed the day very much.

We left Cat Ba and Halong bay the next day. Accommodation is the first thing that we need to settle once we back to Hanoi. A young man approached us, gave us a hotel brochure and offered the room at his hotel for USD 5 per person. So, Tack, Liow, Karen, Lai and I followed that young man to check out his hotel. The hotel is located inside the small street, different from the brochure stated. Then we found out what he offered is different from our expectation. He only gave us 2 double rooms and 1 triple room for 10 persons. We spent a lot of time to bargain with him. Just before we would like to give up and find other hotel, he agreed to give us 5 double rooms includes breakfast with USD 5 per person.

At night, we went to watch the water puppet show. I think all of us doze off during the show. Well…..what I can remember about the show is some puppets moving in the water, with the Vietnamese traditional music as background. I don’t know what the story is behind and slept most of the time. For anyone of you that would like to visit Hanoi, I will advise don’t waste the money to watch the water puppet show unless you really know how to appreciate the art.

17th Sep 07 – Perfume Pagoda
Perfume pagoda is located 70km from Hanoi. We walked in a tour agency and booked a private tour for perfume pagoda day trip. The package costs USD 11 per person which include the transport, guide, entrance fee and lunch. Perfume pagoda is not only one temple but a cluster of temples located on the limestone rock of Huong Son Mountain. We were surprised by the golden-yellow paddy fields along the way. It’s the harvest season. The villagers stacked the harvested paddy beside the road. They still use the traditional way to harvest the paddy.

About 11.30am, we reached a small village where we have to sit into a boat and row by the locals to the perfume pagoda. The weather is not too hot, which made the boat journey very nice. After about 1 hour and 15 minutes boat ride, we were told to get down from the boat. There is cable car service to take the tourist to visit the pagodas uphill. But we decided to trek up instead of sitting in the cable car. We visited few pagodas on our way up. It took us about 1 hour to reach the highest pagoda. To our surprise, we met Yeap – one of our hiking friends at the highest pagoda. He was traveled with his family. I knew that he is traveling to Vietnam but it’s such a co-incidence to see him there.

We didn’t spend much time there and decided to trek down to have our lunch. After lunch, we visited the Thien Chu pagoda before took the boat back to the village. The perfume pagoda is not special but the journey is remarkable. The boat ride and the golden paddy fields had made the trip memorable.

September is the raining season but I never expect to experience the flood at Hanoi at the last night of my trip. Rains started to pour when we walked back to hotel after dinner. The rain was getting heavy. Ah Ming, Tuck Seng, Liow and I were having bia-hoi at the street, seeing the water rise up to the knee level within an hour time. We wait until the rain was getting smaller, then wade through the water along the flooded street to go back to our hotel.

18th Sep 07 – Back to Malaysia
Tuck Seng and Foong Kiew took the morning flight back to Malaysia. The rest of us took the night flight. So, we have more than half a day to go for shopping. We went to Dong Xuan market. Dong Xuan market is mainly for the wholesalers to get their supply. So, not all of the shops will entertain us as they only sell to wholesalers. We had quite a bad experience of shopping in Hanoi. The sellers are not friendly and scold us when we did not buy from them after take a look. Actually I had a bad impression of the Vietnamese attitude. From the 2nd day until the last day of the trip, we had encountered quite a number of rude treatments from the hotel staff, tour guide, post office staff and the sellers. I don’t like Hanoi and also don’t have the intention to visit it again.

However, the trip is still full of laughter, especially the drama between Hai Poh and Karen which had given us lots of fun. I appreciate the travel moments with you all. Hope all of you enjoyed it as well. ;)

Northern Vietnam (5th Sep - 18th Sep 07) Part 2

2007-11-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

10th-12th Sep 07 – Mt. Fansipan

Mt. Fansipan is the highest mountain in Indochina, at 3143m. It’s the main focus of our trip. The minibus brought us from Sapa towards Silver waterfall and stopped at the starting point of the climb. Just before we started the climb, it rains. It was very misty, visibility was low. We were not able to see the beautiful view of forest. We felt disappointed and prayed that the weather will be good for the next day.

Our package includes porter service. But the porters only carried our food, not our backpack. We had trekked for 6 hours before reached the campsite. A simple bamboo hut was built at the campsite for hikers. As we were the only group there, we occupied the whole bamboo hut. It’s still raining out there. But surprisingly it wasn’t very cold. The dinner was prepared by porters. After dinner, we played cards until the guide urging us to bed.

11th Sep 5.30am, we took our breakfast, carried the light backpack, put on our headlight and started to hike up to summit. The weather was bad, still raining and misty. The trek was muddy. After 4.5 hours trekking, we climbed up a vertical wall (straight up at an almost 90-degree angle) using rope. All of us were excited because we thought summit should be within 5-10 minutes journey after climbed up the wall. But apparently we were wrong. After half an hour hiking, summit is still not in sight. The trail seems like endless. Initially, Lai, Ming, Tack, Karen and I were together. But after a while, Lai, Ming and Tack were disappeared. They were too fast, I couldn’t cope with their pace. Karen and I were exhausted but kept on pushing ourselves to move forward. Finally, I had reached the summit at about 10.50am, took me 5.5 hours from the campsite. 9 of us had arrived at the top. The weather was not good, very cloudy. We really regret to have not seen the spectacular view across the peak of Mt. Fansipan. While waiting for Tuck Seng and Liow to arrive, I recorded a video at the summit. My friends, still remember what did you say?

Tack : 这么容易的山，下次不要叫我来爬。没有比我想象的冷。
Lai : 我觉得不容易 lor, 看我的脚。(point at her muddy leg)
Hai Poh: 我们蠢事做尽，终于上来了。因为我们有罪。
Karen: 终于给我过关了。
Ming: 很高兴，可以和他们一起来爬山。
Soo Ching: 来，我拿国旗。越南国旗， Mt. Fansipan, yeah!
Joshua: 我要感谢国家，感谢上帝。
Ah Kiew: 我希望快点吹走那些云，爬得那么辛苦，坐飞机来到这里。
Jing Yee: 好辛苦啊。刚才爬的时候一直不到顶的，终于到了。

At last, Liow and Tuck Seng had arrived. We welcome them by singing the songs. http://travel.webshots.com/video/3099187230066465503bHhjXZ

The journey wasn’t ended as we still have to trek back to the campsite. We started to descent at 12.30pm and back to campsite at 5pm.
12th Sep 9am, we descended after having breakfast. We chose to descend to Sin Chai village instead of following the original route. Although the Sin Chai village route is longer, I think we had made the right choice because the scenery there was very beautiful. Sin Chai village is isolated and seldom visited by tourist compare to the commercialized Cat Cat village. Our Mt. Fansipan hiking trip was ended at Sin Chai village.

Northern Vietnam (5th Sep - 18 Sep 2007) Part 1

2007-11-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

5th Sep 07 – Fly to Hanoi by Airasia
I went to northern vietnam at September with my friends and spent 14 days there. We were altogether 10 persons, fly to Hanoi in 2 groups. 6 of us (Lai, sook ching, liow, tuck seng, karen and I) reached Hanoi on 5th Sep 8 something at night. The remaining group members (Hai Poh, Tack, Kok Ming, Foong Kiew) will arrive at Hanoi on 6th Sep. The agent had arranged a driver to pick us up at airport. We changed the vietnam dong in airport with the rate 1USD = 16200 Dong. We stayed at Camellia 2 Hotel for the 1st 2 days in Hanoi.

6th Sep 07 – Old Quarter
On 6th Sep, 6 of us explore around old quarter area. Started from our hotel, we walked towards Hoem Kien Lake which located at the center of old quarter. The traffic at Hanoi is very messy. There are a lot of motorcycles. You can never find a time that is suitable for road crossing. So, to cross the road, just walk across with consistent speed. The interesting part is the motorcyclist will automatically adjust their speed and avoid us. We went in post office to send the postcard. There are a lot of small streets in old quarter area. These streets are named as “36 Pho Phuong” (36 streets). Each street sells different category of goods, which mean there is a street that every shop is selling shoes; another street every shops is selling glasses, clothes, toys, Chinese medicine, junk food, rope, steel etc. We visited museum of revolution and cathedral church. Both places are free entry. We discovered a place that sells pure fruit juice with only 5000 Dong (about RM1) just beside the cathedral church. We walked from day till night, almost walked through every part of old quarters.

7th Sep 07 – Hanoi City Tour
All group members had arrived in Hanoi. We bought the Hanoi city tour package with USD10 per person. There are a lot of travel agents in old quarter area. I can’t remember I had seen how many travel agents with the name “Sinh Cafe”. Since Sinh Cafe travel agent is quite famous among the travelers, so there are a lot of travel agents use this name to do the business. Who is original and who is pirated? We really cannot differentiate. In fact, what we do is just compare the prices, services and itinerary of the package of every agent and opt for the cheapest. Hahaha…..It’s the private tour for our group. The services include a tour guide, transport, lunch and entrance fees. We visited Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and Van Mieu (Literature Temple). Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Friday. So, we just took the pictures in front of it. At night, we took the train to Lao Cai.

8th Sep 07 – Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat Village
We reached Lao Cai train station around 6am. From Lao Cai, it took us about 1.5 hours to reach Sapa – a hill town, very similar to Cameron Highlands. Then, we met up with our mandarin speaking tour guide – Xiao Chen. We thought the weather at Sapa will be very cold. But it turned out to be quite warm. Xiao Chen brought us to visit the Sapa market and walk around Sapa town. In the afternoon, we visited Cat Cat village which is about 2-3km away from hotel. It’s a very relaxing and leisure walk within the village. We climbed up a small hill that doesn’t have obvious path. Tour guide didn’t follow but wait for us down the hill. We assume that is the highest point in Cat Cat Village. The scenery is beautiful up there. Shouts and laughter fill the air. After we came back from Cat Cat village, 7 of us rent the motorcycles to explore the other part of Sapa. We had steamboat as our dinner.

9th Sep 07 – Bac Ha Market
We went to Bac Ha, which is 80km away from Sapa to visit its Sunday market. The road condition to Bac Ha is not so good, which made the 3 hours journey quite painful. Once we arrived at the market, the ethnic minorities in colorful costume catch our eyes. In this market, not only the clothes, handmade craft, vegetables and food are sold, but also horses, buffalos and pigs. The visit to Bac Ha market gave us the chance to see part of the lifestyle of the mountains community.

We went back to Sapa after having lunch and reached in the evening. Then, we met up with Joshua and Vince in our hotel. Joshua is one of our hiking friends. He was in Vietnam because of the company trip. One day before we departed to Vietnam, he found out that we will go for the Mt. Fansipan climbing. So, he decided to meet us at Vietnam and join us for the hiking after his company trip. At night, we met up with our hiking guide – a 22 years old guy that speaks good English for briefing of tomorrow itinerary.

Putrajaya Treasure Hunt (29 July 07)

2007-08-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

The group of friends that I knew during Penang Bridge Run was looking for people to participate in the Putrajaya treasure hunt. I decided to join them since I never participate in the treasure hunt event before. Eventually, 2 teams are signed up. Each team consists of 4 persons. Ding, Yan Nee, Wei Chun and I are in the same team. Ding is the driver, Wei Chun is map reader and navigator, Yan Nee and I are communicator. Hui Meia, Chak, Keen Yee and Sew Yong are another team. Hui Meia is the driver, Chak is the navigator, Keen Yee and Sew Yong are communicator. Each of us plays an important role in the hunt. Team work is always very important. :D

A day before the actual event, we went to Putrajaya to collect the goodies bag and attend the briefing. Each participant is given a goodies bag with a t-shirt, participant tag, cap, a pen and tourism Malaysia booklet. Each team is given RM20 petrol voucher and required to buy a Putrajaya map with RM5. In open category, there are 100 cars participated. For closed category, there are more than 100 cars. In the briefing, we had been informed that the treasure hunt consists of 2 parts. First part, we have to drive to the location given according to co-ordinate and perform the task. 2nd part, we have to answer the treasure hunt questions and buy the treasures. We had been warned that handphone, camera, PDA, dictionary are all not allowed in part 1. The team will be disqualified if caught by marshals. After briefing, we drove around to get familiar with the places in Putrajaya.

Sunday 5.45am, Ding, Chak, Yan Nee, Keen Yee and I are in front of Keen Yee’s house, tried to put the stickers of sponsors on Ding’s car. The car needs to be ready with the stickers before queuing up for the flag off. Suddenly, rain started to pour. We quickly put all the stickers on and proceed our way to Putrajaya. One of the sticker flew away on the way. The car emergency break, then Chak went down to collect back the sticker. Luckily it’s very early in the morning, there is no car there except us. We arrived about 6.20am, lined up at the end of first row. There are about 20 cars in each row. Free breakfast (coffee and cereal with milk) is served. As rain was still pouring, we stayed under the tents while waiting for the event to start. Hui Meia and others came afterwards and line up almost at the end of second row.

7.30am, we had another short briefing. Then 8am, the organizer started to flag off the cars. All of us are very excited. In the first part of treasure hunt, we will need to go to 5 locations (A-E) and perform the task. Location A-C are opened at the same time. So, hunters can choose to go to which location first. We find out the location according to co-ordinate given, and then choose to go location A first which is Equestrian Park. At Equestrian park, 10 pictures of the interesting places in Malaysia are displayed. We are required to write down the state it located.

After complete the task, we get the chop from the organizer and proceed to location C – Taman Wawasan. At here, pictures of Malaysia’s Prime Ministers are shown. The task is to write down from which year to which year they become the Prime Minister of Malaysia. We are all not good in history, even cannot recognize correctly which person is Tunku Abdul Razak and Tun Hussein Onn. :p

After that, we went to location B (Laman Duta) and the task is to match the National day logo from 1998 – 2007 with it’s theme. After we got the chop from location A-C, we need to go location D – Yayasan Kepimpinan Perdana. This place cannot be found in the map. So, we spent quite sometime to drive around, checked the signboard and finally found the place. At here, we are given a set of questions about our country history. Luckily all answers can be found in this place. At last, we checked in at location E - Taman Pancarona. The final task of part 1 is to re-arrange the characters given and list down the name of the ministers. 10 groups of characters are given. We spent around 1 hour there. Wei Chun is very good at this task. The most incredible thing is we simply put a name for a question that we are not able to get answer and we got it right!! I guess I will not forget who our tourism minister is now. Hahaha…. Generally, I think we did quite well in this part 1. Strategy and teamwork is very important in this part 1. Ehem……friends, you knew what I mean. ;)

The part 2 of the treasure hunt started at 1pm at Alamanda, Putrajaya. We are required to answer the questions, buy the treasures according to the clue. Teams have to submit their answer sheets and hand in the treasures they bought by 2.30pm. 15 minutes penalty time will be given. 1 point will be minus for every 5 minutes after 2.30pm. We have no problem to identify the treasures but those treasure hunt questions really give us the difficult time. For regular hunters, they know the technique to interpret and answer these questions. They also know how to find the answers from the clue given. We tried our best to answer all questions. It’s almost like the examination, if really clueless, just simply put in one of the shop name as answer. Other participants will also cover their answer sheets, wouldn’t share any of the information or probably give wrong information to other teams. It’s almost 2.30pm, we all quickly filled in all the answers and rushed to submit the answer sheets and handed over the treasures. No penalty for us. The treasure hunt was ended. We all went back for rest and came back at night for the dinner and prize giving ceremony.

The dinner started at 8.30pm. I believe the top 20 teams that won the cash prizes are all regular hunters. The organizer then gave us the answers of all the treasure hunt questions. Eg:
1. Question : Jails.
Answer: NewsNow.
Explanation: Jails can be re-arranged become “Salji”. In Malay, “Salji” means Snow. There is word snow inside “NewsNow”.
2. Question : Dalam gazebo ni ada apa yang dicari.
Answer : Bonia.
Explanation : « gazebo ni ada »
3. Question : Gambar kemerdekaan sebahagian sahaja kelihatan.
Answer : Fotokem
Explanation : Gambar => Foto , take part of the « kemerdekaan » => kem , so become FOTOKEM
4. Question: Small testimony regarding money?
Answer: mini statement @ CIMB bank ATM
Explanation: Small can be interpreted to mini; testimony can be interpreted to statement. ATM machine is something about money. At the screen of CIMB ATM machine, there is an option call mini statement. So, combine all the clues, answer is mini statement @ CIMB ATM

We really couldn’t figure out those tricky questions. Anyway, we still can answer some of the questions correctly. Eg:

a) Question: Kacukan durian Perak
Answer: Guardian
Explanation: We tried to find the word “durian” in any of the shop name. So, we found durian in "Guardian" .
b) Question: Jalan untuk menjadi jutawan?
Answer: First Millionaire Avenue Money Changer
Explanation: Jutawan => Millionaire, Jalan => Avenue
c) Question: 1st head master transformed
Answer: Hamster London
Explanation: 1st head => H , combine with the re-arrangement of the word “master” becomes “Hamster”. There is a shop call Hamster London.
d) Question: Old speed indicator related to the boycott of Harry Porter
Answer: MPH Bookstores
Explanation: Old speed indicator => MPH. There are Harry Porter books at the display window of MPH Bookstores.

The dinner and ceremony ended around 10.30pm. Although we didn’t win any prizes, we did enjoy this event very much. We had a lot of fun and it’s definitely a wonderful experience for us.

Bali (7 July - 10 July 2007)

2007-08-03T03:51:00.000-07:00

Day 1 (Kuta)
I took 4.40pm AirAsia flight together with Huay Mein, YCK, YCK’s sister (Karen) and Kok Yuen to Bali. We arrived at Bali 7.40pm as scheduled. We walked out from the airport and there was a taxi driver approached us. He offered Rp 200,000 to take us to Kuta. The price sounds ridiculous for us. Then, another taxi driver came by and finally we agreed to take his taxi with Rp 80,000. We knew that it’s still very expensive but to save the hassle of finding another taxi driver, we just took his offer.
At Kuta, the taxi driver refused to go into Poppies II Road with the excuse of traffic jam. He dropped us at one of the main road and told us to walk into Poppies II road. At first, we had problem to locate the road. We walked into a small dark street where a lot of dogs barked at us. But luckily after asking around, we had finally reached the guesthouse – AP Inn and checked in. At night, we met up with Ying and Jane who took the morning flight to Bali.

Expenses for the day:
KLIA Transit (Putrajaya – KLIA) : RM 6.20
Bus (KLIA – LCCT) : RM 1.50
Taxi from airport to Kuta : Rp 80000 / 5 persons = Rp 16000
Dinner : Rp 20,000
Room (with breakfast) at AP Inn : Rp 175,000 / 3 persons = Rp 58,333

Day 2 (Kintamani - Ubud)
We chartered a van to take us for Ubud and Kintamani tour. We paid Rp 400,000 for 8 hours service which includes van, driver, guide, petrol and soft drink provided during the trip. Batubulan is our first destination. This place is known for Barong dance. The dance is 2 hours and cost Rp 50,000 per person. There is a group of musicians play the traditional instruments for the dance. The storyline of the dance is about the battle of the good and evil force where Barong (sacred lion) represents good force. I am not the artistic person. So my personal opinion for the dance is boring, boring and boring.

On our way to Kintamani, we stopped by Tegalalang to see the rice terrace. Then, we proceed our way to Kintamani – a place that offers nice view of Gunung Batur and Lake Batur. We were having our buffet lunch at one of the restaurant that overlooking Gunung Batur. The food is not nice and expensive. Basically we paid for the scenery rather than the food. After lunch, the guide brought us to a place for free coffee. It’s in an orchard and there is a shop there to sell coffee, lemon tea, aroma therapy set etc. We stayed there for about an hour before we moved to the next destination. We didn’t visit the temple at TampakSiring because it was closed for ceremony. The last attraction that we went was Pura Goa Gajah. We need to wear the sarung to enter the temple. No additional charges for the sarung as it’s included in the entrance fee.

It about 6pm after visited Pura Goa Gajah. We went to Ubud to look for the hotel. A guy that was playing badminton beside the road beckons us. We followed him into a small garden to check out the rooms. We like the rooms and it’s definitely value for money. Fan room with attached bathroom, triple sharing and breakfast included only cost Rp 90,000. The room is very clean and the environment is nice. So, we finally settled at Merthayasa Bungalows at Monkey Forest Road for the night.

Expenses for the day:
Transport (van) : Rp 400,000 / 7 = Rp 57,142
Lunch (Kintamani) : Rp 72,600
Entrance Fee of Kintamani : Rp 2,000
Entrance Fee of Pura Goa Gajah : Rp 6,000
Room (with breakfast) : Rp 90,000 / 3 = Rp 30,000
Dinner : Rp 26,400

Day 3 (Ubud - Tanah Lot – Mt Agung)
Huay Mein, Karen and I woke up very early in the morning and walked to the Ubud market. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the market. A lot of things can be found in Ubud market, eg: wood craft, souvenirs, clothing, handbags etc. We didn’t have much time to shop as the van that will pick up Huay Mein and others for day tour will arrive at hotel by 10.30am. We shop until 10.20am and ran back to the hotel. Then, Huay Mein, Karen, YCK, Ying and Jane checked out the hotel at Ubud and went for Bedugul, Taman Ayun Mengwi and Tanah Lot day tour . They will overnight at Kuta afterwards. Kok Yuen and I stayed at Ubud until the night because of Mt. Agung climbing. We arranged the climbing with the agent in Ubud.

Ubud is a nice place. It is quiet and relaxing. Kok Yuen and I went to the Dirty Duck Restaurant to have our lunch. This restaurant is recommended by my colleague - Shiao Peng. We walked into the restaurant and immediately impressed with it. Paddy fields are behind of the restaurant, or shall I say the restaurant is actually built at the paddy fields. It’s really nice to have lunch beside the paddy fields. Besides, the food there is good and the price is reasonable for the portion of food that they served.

After lunch, we hired a car to Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot is the main tourist attraction of Bali. I was fascinated with the coast, the rock formation and the temple that built on the rock. Tanah Lot is the famous spot for sunset. I visited Tanah Lot in the afternoon around 3.30pm. So, the tourists are lesser. We went back to Ubud after an hour and arrived at 6pm. Then, I went for the spa. Almost all the shops at Ubud were closed when I came out from spa. Kok Yuen and I just picked one of the restaurants that not far away from hotel to have our dinner. Then back to hotel to pack our things. At 10.00pm, we took off to Besakih.

It took us about 1 hour to reach Besakih. Besakih is about 1000m above the sea level. I felt cold once I got down from the car. So, I immediately put on my jacket. We met our guide – Getir, which I guess is about 21-25 years old. He checked and made sure that we brought sufficient water and food. We started the journey around 11.30pm.

Expenses for the day:
Transport to Tanah Lot from Ubud: Rp 200,000
Lunch : Rp 101,000
Dinner: Rp 51,750
Room: Rp 35,000
Entrance Fee of Tanah Lot: Rp 125,000
Spa : Rp 125,000
Miscellaneous: Rp112,000
Mt. Agung hiking package : Rp 450,000

Day 4 (Mt Agung - Kuta)
There are 2 starting points for Mt. Agung hiking, from Pura Pasar Agung or from Besakih. The route from Pura Pasar Agung is shorter but doesn’t go to the actual peak and only offers 180 degree view from the top. We chose the longer trail from Besakih which will go up to the summit that offers 360 degree view.

We climbed the stairs, towards Besakih temple and then slowly by passed Besakih temple. Soon, we saw two guys together with their guide climbed up the stairs. The guys are from UK, one of them speak very good Indonesian language. We were the only 2 groups that climbed Mt Agung from Besakih that day. We reached Pura Pengubengan about 35 minutes later. Our guide did his prayer at this Pura before continue to hike up. He told us that every guide that climbs Mt Agung will pray here for the safety and smoothness of the trip.

The night was cold. The dark sky was full of stars. The night scene of Bali was beautiful and quiet. On the way up, we stopped quite often for 2-5 minutes to rest and enjoyed the night scene. We switched off the light from our headlamp. The darkness had made the stars brighter and lights at far clearer. Our guide pointed to us which pool of lights is Besakih and where Kintamani is located. The trail was steep all the way up. The temperature was getting lower when we went higher. It was about 10 degree Celsius when we left the forest trail and started to hike on the rock. I couldn’t stop for more than 5 minutes, had to walk continuously to keep my body warm.

Mt. Agung is a volcano. I heard that the last eruption was at year 1963. This was my first time trekking up a volcano. It’s very different from the mountains that I trekked before. I need to be very careful when trekked on the terrain with steep passage on loose and rocky ground.

It’s 4.30pm. We had trekked for 5 hours. The guide told us that we were 1 hour away from the summit. He asked us to stop for half an hour. The reason is sunrise will be at 6am, we can’t stand the wind and the cold at the summit if we arrive too early. Our guide made the fire for us. 6 of us – Kok Yuen, 2 UK guys, 2 guides and I stayed close to the fire. I felt very sleepy and nearly fall asleep. I don’t know is it because of trekking through the night or the thin air. It’s 5.00 am. We continue our journey to the Mt Agung peak.

20 minutes to 6am, the sky on east had started to change color. We seem so close to the peak. I was excited and had moved faster. But when I climbed up the top that seem like peak, I found out that there is still another slope in front. So, I continue the climb. After I climbed up that slope, there is still another slope in front. I was tired and slow down. The two UK guys bypassed me. Finally, I reached summit. We started at 1000m and the summit stands 3143m from sea level, which mean we had climbed up 2100m in 6 hours time. But the magnificent view that offered by Mt Agung is definitely worth for the hike.

I was standing at the highest point of Bali island. The temperature was low (5 degree Celsius). Looking east, the sun was slowly rising. Mt. Rinjani at Lombok Island looks mysteriously from far. On the east-north part, it’s the splendid sea of clouds. Looking south, it’s the spectacular view of Mt Abang, crater of Mt. Batur and the Lake Batur which lies within the crater. As the sun went higher, it threw the shadow of the Mt Agung to the west. I was very happy and felt lucky that we were able to see this beautiful scenery.

7.30am, we started to descend. It’s a long and dangerous journey. We only stopped for one time for breakfast, and then descended towards Besakih without resting. We took 4 hours to reach Besakih. My knee was extremely painful after the long hours descending. Mt. Agung climbing is only recommended for those with hiking experience as it’s really strenuous to hike at high elevation over the rocky terrain and descend in the same day. I visited Besakih temple before transferred back to Kuta.

I reached Kuta at 3pm, took the late lunch and walked to Kuta Beach. I met Huay Mein, Karen and YCK at Kuta Beach. We went for the final round shopping. Then we went to the airport and took 8.10pm flight back to KL.

Expenses for the day:
Lunch: Rp 50,000
Transport to Airport: Rp 50,000 / 6 = approximately Rp 9,000
Dinner: Rp 23,600
Airport Tax: Rp 100,000
Bus from LCCT to KLIA : RM 1.50
KLIA transit (KLIA - Putrajaya) : RM 6.20
Miscellaneous: Rp 41,000

Total Expenses for the trip: RM 944
Flight : RM 253

Meal: Rp 345,350 /2550 => RM 135.40

Transport: Rp 282,142 /2550 + RM 15.40 => RM 126

Accomodation: Rp 123,333 /2550 => RM48.40

Entrance Fees: Rp 133,000 /2550 => RM 52.20

Mt. Agung hiking: Rp 450,000 /2550 => RM 176.50

Miscellaneous: Rp 164,000/2550 => RM 64.30

Spa: Rp 125,000/2550 => RM 49

Airport Tax: Rp 100,000/2550 => RM 39.20

Penang Bridge Fun Run (24 June 07)

2007-07-30T02:22:00.000-07:00

Penang Bridge International Marathon is one of the biggest annual events of Malaysia. This is the only time that the bridge that connects Penang Island and mainland of Peninsular Malaysia will be closed. Imagine that running or even walking on the Penang Bridge that is no car and specifically closed for runners.... it should be fun. So, I decided to participate in the Fun Run category this year. The fun run category is opened for participants of 13 years and above. The distance is 10km and participation cert will be given to runners that finish the distance within 2 hours. This was my first time participated in the run.

I joined Lai and her friends for the trip to Penang on 23rd June. I met some of them before, like Hui Meia, Cheng Mei, Sew Yong and Keen Yee. The world is small. Hui Meia, Keen Yee and I were actually university course mate. Hui Meia was our senior and Keen Yee was from different major. Besides the run, this was also a “makan-makan” trip. 9 of us traveled from KL in 2 cars and reached Ipoh by 9 something in the morning. We went to restaurant Ming Court to have dim sum. After the heavy breakfast, we proceed our way to Penang Island and checked in Anggerik Lodging around 12.45pm. There were a lot of participants stayed there because it’s near to the starting/ending point of the run. We then went to Queensbay mall to collect our t-shirt. In the evening, we walked around the check out the exact place for the registration the next morning.

24 June 07, we woke up at 3.30am and had some light breakfast. All of us walked to RECSAM to register ourselves. RECSAM was crowded with people that we could hardly walk. This place was the registration place for quarter run and fun run. Fun run started at 5.30am. About 8000 persons participated in the fun run. Started from RECSAM, all of us ran towards Penang Bridge. I felt very tired after running slowly for half an hour, so from running, it’s turning to fast walk. After making the u-turn at the mid of Penang Bridge, I stopped for a while and walked slowly. The sky became brighter and brighter. Overlooking Penang Island from the bridge, I slowly run towards the finishing line. It’s tiring but somehow it’s fun. By 6.55am, I had finished the run, feeling excited and exhausted. Sew Yong saw me, took a picture for me and told me to look for others at the Milo booth. Ding, Chak and Keen Yee had finished earlier. Soon, Hui Meia arrived. Lai had also joined in the run even though she hurt his leg during training. All of us managed to finish the 10km distance.

The run was completed. So, we went to “makan-makan” again. We had our lunch at Lorong Selamat which near Komtar. Before we went back to KL, we stopped by Ipoh for the white coffee. The last stop was at Bidor for its famous duck noodle.

Dark Cave Adventure Tour (17 June 07)

2007-06-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Batu Caves is one of the tourist attractions which located not far away from KL city centre. But most of us only visit the temple cave and didn’t notice the Dark Cave, which the entrance is located at step number 204 of the 272 steps leading to the temple cave. I decided to organize a trip to the dark cave after hearing Lai’s interesting experience. I browsed through some websites and sent the enquiry email. Eventually, I got the reply from Patricia, the marketing manager of Speleotrend Enterprise. They organized the dark tour together with MNS ( Malaysia Nature Society ). 2 types of tours are offered: educational trip and adventure trip. I would like to go for the adventure trip that sounds more exciting.

Next, I will have to get enough persons to join the trip together. The cost of the tour is RM50 per pax with minimum 8 persons. After broadcasting the idea via email, I had finally got 15 persons that signed up for the trip. 3 persons joined at the last minutes, so altogether there are 18 persons in our group. Although I didn’t know all of the participants, it’s always nice to meet new friends. :)

17th June 07, all of us gathered at Batu Cave by 10.30am. Helmet, headlamp and Wellington boots were provided. Jaya was our cave warden. The tour began at 11.30am. We walked at the passageway that leads into the dark cave. I felt clumsy to walk with the boots and could hardly see the way as the light was very dim. Jaya brief us on the history of the dark cave and a little bit knowledge of the formation inside the cave. He warned us not to touch the formation in the cave. This is because the stalactite and stalagmite in the cave took thousands or even million years to form. We have to learn to appreciate and preserve it. Besides, he also demonstrated how we should crawl inside the tiny adventure path later.

We saw a white snake while we were on the way to the adventure tunnel. It lie there didn’t seem want to move. So, we bypassed it quickly. When we reached at an open space, Jaya asked all of us to switch off our headlamp and then closed the eyes. Then, he switched off his light and asked all of us to open the eyes. It’s totally dark!! We couldn’t even see our fingers. The cave warden, Jaya told us that this was the real dark cave environment. All of the creatures inside the cave live in the dark. If we encounter any creature, try not to disturb them as we are only the visitor to the cave.

I couldn’t wait to check out the adventure path that Jaya mentioned earlier. But just before we want to enter into that 1 feet high tunnel, a guy was crawling out from the tunnel. This is another group that also went for the adventure tour, but followed the path in opposite direction. When all of the members of the other group finally out from the tunnel, it’s our turn to get wet and dirty. The floor was wet and muddy. But we had to do the army crawl to get through the tunnel. At some point, the hole is very small. So, we had to turn the head on one side in order to get through. Foong Kiew took the pictures for when we were in the cave. She was the only person that brought camera in because her camera has the underwater casing.

After crawling for a short distance, I reached the part where ceiling is a big high up. We rested there for a while before proceed for the 2nd part crawling. Once we went out from the tunnel, it’s turn for us to climb up the wall and slide down to a pool. Jaya went down first to the pool and helped us when we were sliding down one by one. The water level is above my waist. We waded through the water and climbed up the wall again. Then, we came to an open space – a place where the light came in from the top of the cave. The exit was not far away from this open space. Our adventure tour ended at 2.15pm.

Our clothes were dirty, wet and smelly. So, we paid RM1 to took shower at the bathroom which provided by temple. Then, we took our late lunch at Air Panas, Setapak. The food there is delicious. It’s a nice weekend with exciting trip and nice food.

p/s: I am receiving the feedback from some of the members after the trip. I am really glad that everyone did enjoy themselves. :)

Mt Benom

2007-06-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

2 years ago, when I was resting at the beautiful valley of Mt. Rajah, Hai Poh told me that there is another mountain which located not far away from Bentong. That was the first time I heard about Mt. Benom – a mountain that very difficult to hike, no view, no scenery and the only thing worth to see is giant nepenthes. Hai Poh even use the word “ugly” to describe it. I never want to hike Mt Benom. However, I still turned up for the trip this time with the mindset of “training for Fansipan”. To my surprise, Mt. Benom is not as bad as I thought. Well, at least it’s better than Mt. Inas.
Two 4WD brought us to the starting point of the trek. Berembun Waterfall is located not far away from the starting point. I had been to the waterfall twice but this time will just focus at Mt. Benom. There are two routes, one is from the waterfall which is longer and we took the other route which bypass the waterfall and directly led us to jungle. The red ginger flowers catch our eyes. This was the 1st surprise that Mt Benom gave me. We took quite sometime to photograph these beautiful flowers before proceed our journey. It’s almost 10.30am when we finally set off for the hike.
15 minutes later, we came to a riverside. After crossing the river, we start to climb up the steep trail. The trek was as difficult as expected but not as wild as I thought. This was the 2nd surprise. The trek is obvious and not much fern blocking the way. Only after 1 hour trekking, Hai Poh stung by bee at his nose. He was allergy to bee sting and his face and legs were swollen immediately. He trekked slowly, took break when he felt dizzy. After a while, his legs started to cramp. Evie, Tack and Peng Meng helped to carry some of his belongings to reduce the load of his backpack. I kept on hearing he mumbled to himself “ 争气一点 ”. Although not feeling well, he still able to proceed the journey.

Lai, Tack, Foong Kiew and I reached the campsite (1761m) at 4.30pm. We were busy posing and taking photos without realize that the weather was changed. Rain started to pour and getting heavily. We quickly set up the tents and stayed inside until the rain stopped. After the rain stopped, Evie and Ren prepared for our dinner. The rest of us are either helped them or just sat and wait for the dinner to get ready.

The next day morning (9.40am), all of us carried the light backpack which loaded with food and water, then set off for the ascent to summit. We have to traverse 32 peaks and valleys before we reach summit and retrace the route back to this campsite on the same day. It’s 64 times ascending and descending altogether!!! It’s tough and challenging for me. We reached the 2nd peak after 1 hour trekking. The view here is nice and the giant pitches can be seen everywhere. We stopped for more than half and hour to take pictures and rest. Ren decided not to continue the ascent. So, he separated from the group and went back to campsite. The rest of us continue the journey in rain. After went through a subtle of ascent and descent, we finally arrived at Mt. Benom peak at 3.30pm.

There is a flat ground at the peak where we can admire the scenery. This is the 3rd surprise. Kok Ming and Hai Poh told us that this flat campsite wasn’t exist 3 years ago. It’s almost an hour later when we started to retrace the route to the campsite. This time, we seldom stop for rest and hoping that we will able to reach before sunset. However, I really very tired and can only trek slowly. By 7.30pm, I had to put on my headlamp and trek in the dark. I walked together with Kok Ming and Evie. At last, we back to the campsite around 8.15pm, feeling exhausted.

The 3rd day, the descent began around 10am. On the steep trail, I slide down instead of trek down. :p The 4WD picked us up at the foot of mountain and drove us back to Sg. Klau. The trip ended with the late lunch at Bentong. Mt. Benom, the 10th highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia is not the peak that thrills hikers, but somehow she still has special charm and it’s a really good place for training.

p/s: Evie said Mt. Benom is difficult than Mt Fansipan. Hmm….how true is it? I will be able to tell after September. ;)

Mt. Inas (30th April - 1st May 07)

2007-05-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

Hai Poh went to Gunung Inas 5 years ago and had described Gunung Inas as the 2nd beauty of Banjaran Bintang. So, 14 of us signed up for the Gunung Inas hiking trip during the Labour day. I went to Gunung Bintang at June 2005 which also located in Banjaran Bintang and I had seen the most beautiful sunrise at Gunung Bintang. So, I had put the high expectation on Gunung Inas. Higher expectation leads to greater disappointment. Gunung Inas – “too beautiful” which made me never ever think of want to visit her again.

We separated into 3 cars and headed to Ipoh at 29th April. We spent the night at Dee’s house. The next day, we started our journey to Lawin at 6 o’clock early in the morning. I slept in the car all the way and when I opened my eyes, the signboard of “Selamat Datang Ke Lawin, Perak” came into sight. We passed by a secondary school and a police station, stopped at the Malay stall beside the road to have our breakfast. Hai Poh went into a shop to buy something. A Malay told Hai Poh that he recognized him and asked whether he came here to climb Gunung Inas. We felt a bit unbelievable but later we found out that he’s a friend of the tour guide that Hai Poh hired at his previous climb. He saw the photos of Hai Poh before. His name is Salim and turned out to be our guide this time.

After breakfast, we parked the cars at Salim’s house and started our journey. We bypassed the rubber estate and walked into the palm oil plantation. After an hour walking, we reached the starting point of the trek. Gunung Inas is about 1800m and half of the trek is the logging trail. Fern grow wildly along the trail. Our guide was in front to make the way for us by removing the fern. Hai Poh, Tack, Kok Yuen and Ming also took turn to chop down those fern. Guide hiring is the spontaneous decision and we are glad that we have a guide with us. Without Salim, most probably we will get lost in this forest.

Rain started to pour around 12pm.Leeches had become extremely active in the rainy day. They attacked us aggressively and wouldn’t lose any opportunity to suck out our blood. We stopped to check and remove the leeches. This activity had become more frequent from time to time. Imagine that you will find leeches on you every 5 minutes walk, then you will able to understand why leeches is our nightmare at Gunung Inas. Salim kept on telling us that campsite is not far away, only about 2 hours journey. “Dekat saja, 2 jam” and the problem was he had been telling us this since 2 hours ago. We only reached the campsite at 5.30pm. It’s 8 hours journey.

The campsite is located beside the river but it’s not the nice campsite, a lot of sand fly. The river at this campsite is the last water point. If we would like to camp at the summit, we need to carry the water from here and all the way up to summit. We are afraid that we might be able to descend and go out the forest before night fall if we camp at the summit. So, we decided to hike up to summit the next day and come back to this campsite for overnight. The next day at 9.30am, we slowly trekked towards summit and reached the top 4 hours later. The surrounding was covered by clouds, couldn’t see any scenery. There was nothing at the top except the pine trees. We teased among ourselves again for spending the holiday in this terrible place. We descended back to the campsite around 2pm and reached campsite at 6pm.

1st May – Labour day, we packed all our things and desperate to go out from this mountain. We were ready to battle with the leeches again. Maybe because of not raining, the leeches are not as much as 2 days ago. But still consider a lot comparing to other mountains.

At last, we had left Gunung Inas at 4pm. The only thing that I remember of Inas is leeches. I can still clearly remember the scene that everybody busy to remove the leeches and kill them with yokoyoko and “minyak angin”. Chee Yong had prepared a small bottle of salt water and put the leeches inside. He said this was the spa that he prepared for the leeches. Phew! I am so glad that this nightmare had finally ended.

Bukit Takun (25th March 07)

2007-03-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

7 o’clock in the morning, I reached Foung Yee’s house at Pinggiran Batu Caves. Hai Poh, Kok Ming, Foong Kiew and Man Tack had arrived earlier. Today, we are going to climb Bukit Takun. Peng Meng and Joshua were late. By the time all of us met, had the breakfast and tried to lodge a report at Selayang police station, it’s already 9am. As Bukit Takun is located in the private area, Foung Yee told us that police report is needed to enter the place. Due to some issues, we are not able to get the police report. But we still proceed our way to Bukit Takun which is near Templer Park Golf Course to try our luck. Fortunately, the security guard at the entrance let us entered the area. So, we left our IC there and moved towards Bukit Takun.

We walked uphill, bypassed the luxurious bungalows and came to the end of the road. The journey started with 20 minutes steep jungle hike until we reached a wall. We moved towards the right side of the wall. After 10 minutes, we came to an open area and another wall which is at least 30m high. This is our starting point – climbing up this 30m high wall. Foong Kiew seems very worry when she saw the wall. This is her 1st time for rock climbing. But she was doing quite well. Hai Poh led and set up the safety precaution half way up (at the place where he can stand properly). Peng Meng was the 2nd person that climbed up. Then both of them belayed us from the top. I felt scared and clumsy when moving up. Even need Joshua and Man Tack help to push me up on the first attempt. Anyway, one by one, all of us had successfully climbed up. But we still have half way to go. So, the process repeated. Hai Poh led and made the necessary safety precaution. Finally, at around 12.50pm, all of us had reached the top of the wall.

We continue scramble over a rocky hill. All of us were amazed by the limestone pinnacles up there. The rock formation is unique and beautiful. After hiking for half an hour, we couldn’t find obvious sign of the trek. So, we stopped for snack and admired the stunning view of pinnacles. After some rest, Kok Ming wanted to continue the trek. So, all of us followed. Hai Poh, Kok Ming and Man Tack were in front searching for correct direction. The route was challenging and sometimes scary especially when scramble up the side of a cliff. But the view was getting nicer. The entire Templer Park Golf Course, Anak Takun that located in the golf course and all the luxurious bungalows can be clearly seen.

It’s already 3pm when we started to retrace our way back. Descending is not easy and we have to be very careful. It took us some time to recognize the way down through the massive limestone column. The journey ended with the exciting 30m abseiling. Around 6pm, we left Bukit Takun. We went to Kepong for dinner. It’s Joshua birthday. He treats us for the dinner. We had also bought a cake to celebrate birthday for him.

The trip to Bukit Takun is indeed challenging. If you ask me to describe my feeling, I will say scared but excited, tired but contented. :)

Pulau Ketam (10-11th March 07)

2007-03-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

I had been working in KL for several years but I haven’t been to Pulau Ketam which only need 30-40 minutes ferry ride from Port Klang. So, when I knew Huay Mein was organizing the Pulau Ketam trip, I signed up immediately without any hesitation.

The jetty to Pulau Ketam is located opposite Port Klang KTM station. So, some of us took kommuter and some of us drove and parked the car in front of KTM station. We would like to take 2.00pm ferry. However, the ferry only arrived the jetty at 2.20pm. After 35 minutes, we reached Pulau Ketam and checked in Sea Lion Hotel which is just a stone throw away from jetty. The rooms are quite cozy but with no bathroom attached.

The weather was hot. But we did not want to waste the time at hotel. So, we decided to go for a walk and exploring Pulau Ketam village. This is a mangrove island. The houses are built on stilt. Motorcycles are prohibited in this island. Bicycle and boat are the main transportation in this island. Majority population is Chinese and they are mostly fisherman. There are schools in this island. I noticed that there are a lot of temples here. We found out that one of the temple will having some celebration at night. That will be one of our programs at night.

I went back to hotel around 5.30pm. There were a few groups of people checked in the hotel and made the hotel nearly full. Teck Long came back to hotel and told us that a tour guide was offering us a package which includes Pulau Ketam sight-seeing, crab catching and also aborigine’s village visit. Each person cost RM15. All of us agreed to take up that package. A boat took us to one of the end of the island where a fishing chalet is located. From here, we slowly walked back to our hotel (central part of the island) while listening to the tour guide brief us on the attractions, culture and history of the island. This part of the island is very quiet, seldom visit by tourist. We took our time to admire the scenery, taking photos, listening story from the guide. It’s a very relaxing walk.

I think it took us more than 1 hour to reach the central part of the island. Wilson said he had been to Pulau Ketam twice and only now he realized that the island is so big. It’s dinner time. We stopped at one of the restaurant for dinner. We ordered crab, fish, prawn, fishball and squid. We waited for very long and when the dishes served, we felt disappointed. The portion was small and it’s not nice. Only the fried squid was good. The dinner was very expensive mainly due to we are tourist.

We proceed to Nan Tien Temple after dinner to check out their celebration. The place was very crowded. Initially we thought there will be Chinese opera but there were only dancing and singing performance at stage. Huay Mein, Lo, Ah Loo and Ah Son went back to hotel after a while where the rest of us stayed until 10.30pm. We played cards and mahjong until 2am.

The next morning, Kok Yuen woke everybody up at 7.30am. We washed up and went for the breakfast. Tour guide met us at 9.30am and brought us to visit the volunteer fire station, Chia association office, couple bridge and Koperasi Herr Ming Pulau Ketam. After that, we took the boat to go out to the mangrove swamp to set up two crab traps. Then, we visited the aborigine village nearby. Tour guide told us that government had gave this village a boat to fetch the aborigine children to go to school few years ago. But most of them had dropped from school after couple of years. We gave some candy and snacks to the children. We were at the village for half an hour before go to collect the crab trap that we set. Will we able to catch the crab back? Of course……..not, anyway it’s expected. Well, at least we knew the way to set and collect the crab trap now.

We back to Pulau Ketam around 11am. There is a thing that we have planned but haven’t done at this moment – cycling. So, we rented the bicycles from the hotel and cycled to the part of the island that we haven’t explored. 12 persons with 12 bicycles cycled around the island, such a nice experience. I am very cautious when cycling, especially when there are people or other bicycle coming from the other direction. I do not want to fall off from the road which is 5m higher than the ground. The weather is very hot. After cycling, we went for the cold ABC and cendol.

We left Pulau Ketam with 2pm ferry and back to Port Klang. Before going home, we had the Bak Kut Teh at Klang as our late lunch. Yum…Yum…it’s so delicious :D

Trans Titiwangsa Trek 西北北路线 (20th – 24th Feb 2007)

2007-03-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Trans Titiwangsa Trek is known as the tough trek in Malaysia. It crossed 3 of the highest mountains in Peninsular Malaysia – Mt. Yong Belar, Mt Gayong and Mt Korbu. It takes 5 days to complete the trek. There are altogether 12 persons signed up for this trip.

On the 2nd day of the Chinese New Year (19th Feb 07), we drove to Ipoh and took bus to Cameron Highland. It was almost 9pm when we reached Kampung Raja and checked in Lok’s apartment.

20th Feb early in the morning, we packed our things and checked out. We took our breakfast at 牛记 restaurant while waiting for the 4 wheel to pick us up. Picture above is the 4 wheel that took us to the starting point of the trek. It was 9.40pm when we began our trek, climbing up hundreds of steep steps. We crossed the dam and slowly trek into the tropical rainforest. The trail was muddy. The muds stick at my shoes. It made me felt harder to move as my shoes were getting heavier. It’s already 5.15pm when we reached the last water point. There is no water source at Yang Belar summit, thus we have to carry the water from this last water point to summit. It was 7pm when we finally reached Mt. Yang Belar peak. Bad news, the campsite was fully occupied with other groups. All of us had trekked for 10 hours. Nobody wanted to move further to the campsite that is another hour away. Moreover, it was getting dark and cold. So, we set up the tents along the trail, took dinner and slept.

21st Feb, we left campsite about 10.30am and proceed to descend to the valley. Descending to valley doesn’t mean that go down all the way, it still include subtle of ascent and descent. So, it’s still very tiring especially my legs felt pain after long hours descending. At last, we reached our campsite near a stream at 4.30pm. I couldn’t wait to wash up the muddy shoes, socks, clothes and myself. I had Dal-Bhat as my dinner. It’s mixed potatoes, corn and green bean. Hai Poh got the idea from the Nepali food. It’s actually quite good.

22nd Feb, our destination today is summit of Mt Gayong. It’s definitely not an easy trek. The trail is muddy as usual. We left campsite at 10 something and reached junction peak after 3.5 hours. Mt. Gayong still seems far away. We have to cross Mt. 6850 and other peaks before step into Mt. Gayong. However, we felt motivated when the beautiful landscape of Titiwangsa came into sight. You can easily identify all the peaks: Mt Yong Yap, Mt Korbu, Mt Table & chair etc. Slowly, we made our way towards Gayong and reached the waterpoint at 4.30pm. Nobody will miss it as it is marked with a kettle with its spout point to the trail leads to the water. Hai Poh told us summit was only half an hour away. But I took nearly an hour to reach, really exhausted as it’s ascending all the way. As dusk falls, team mates were busy setting up the tents, preparing for dinner and taking pictures. For me, I am sitting inside the tent busy massaging my painful legs. :p

23rd Feb, I woke up at 7am to get the pictures of sunrise. Weather was not bad in the morning as Titiwangsa mountain range can be clearly seen. Mt. Korbu – the 2nd highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia was surrounded by clouds. It’s our target for the next few hours. We set off to Mt. Korbu peak around 10am. My stamina was getting bad as I really felt exhausted when going up the hill. But the scenery along the way was fascinating. Step by step, I was moving towards Korbu.

Finally, I landed on the Korbu peak, tired and speechless. There are a few campsites at Mt. Korbu peak. It can easily accommodate up to 50 persons. But its popularity has also spoilt its cleanliness. There are trekkers that didn’t bring the garbage down and left it over at campsite. This is really a very bad attitude and should never been practiced. Our journey doesn’t end at Mt. Korbu. After short rest, we continue our trek to descend, from 2183m to 900m. Suddenly, rains started to pour from sky. I put on my raincoat, then proceed the journey. I enjoyed walking in the rain because it was not very cold but refreshed. Before 6pm, we reached the campsite. Ipoh city could be seen from here. Hai Poh called this campsite as “bus stop” which previously had a shelter like bus stop. I went to the water source about 15 minutes away to wash up. Unfortunately it was raining when I reached the water source. So, I ran back to the campsite to take shelter. At night, it was raining again……I couldn’t sleep well as I kept on bitten by the sand flies.

24th Feb, Hai Poh told us that once we go down the mountain, we still have 16km to walk in order to reach the main road. So, we weren’t daring to stop for rest until we came to a big river. The descending trails were infested by leeches. Once we arrived at the river, everyone was busy checking and removing the leeches on our legs and in our shoes. We stopped for half an hour for lunch before proceed the journey. The weather was so hot. I couldn’t stand the heat, decided to walk faster. One hour later, we reached the metal bridge and trekked into the palm oil plantation.
By 4.00pm, I saw the aborigine’s settlement. Kok Yuen successfully contacted Song Ching and he agreed to fetch us at this aborigine settlement. I felt lucky that I can relax at this village instead of trekking on the 16km logging trail. By 5.30pm, Song Ching, Khong Lee and Wei Zhen arrived. To surprise us, they brought us cold drinks – soft drinks and barley. Ohh……..they are so nice. :D With Song Ching’s 4WD and Kok Ming’s van, we all back to Ipoh Khong Lee’s house for shower and dinner.

My Trans Titiwangsa trek had completed at the 7th day of piggy Chinese New Year. The journey ended. The wonderful memories will continually remain….

Chiling Waterfall (1 Feb 2007)

2007-02-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

1st Feb is Thaipusam and Federal Territory day. So, those of us that worked at KL and Selangor got a day holiday. I did not apply leave on Friday as I am running out of leave after Nepal trip. Thanks to Huay Mein and Ying that organized the Chiling Waterfall trip that fill up the time for the day. Our group consists of 11 persons and we went by 3 cars. Kok Yuen is our guide as he is the only person that been to this waterfall before.

All of us met at Rawang toll at 9.30am and headed to Kuala Kubu Bahru. After Kuala Kubu Bahru, we followed the road sign of Fraser Hill and by passed a beautiful dam. We stopped for a while at the dam for photos. About half an hour drive after the dam, we crossed a bridge and reached the starting of Chiling Waterfall trek. There is no signboard, but could see many cars parking beside the roads. The parking place is just right after the bridge.

From the parking place, we crossed the road and started to trek to our destination. There are some construction work going on to build a bridge and toilets. We trekked along the river. The trek is easy except need to cross the river for several times. Huay Mein is a good swimmer but she has problem balance herself when crossing the river. Ying need to beware of her slipper as it will easily float away. After almost an hour trekking, we reached the waterfalls. There are altogether 3 falls. We stopped at the 3rd waterfall for swimming. The waterfall is nice. It’s such as good place for relaxing. Surprisingly, there are a lot of fish there. Just throw the bread into the water, all the fish will come over. Fishing is prohibited in this area.

We were there for about 3 hours before retrace our way back. We reached PJ around 7pm and had dinner together at Seapark. Chiling Waterfall is the recommended place to spend for a day or even camp overnight. 3 things that I remembered for this day trip: laughter, shouts and chill ;)

Kuala Rompin (30th Dec 06 - 1st Jan 07)

2007-01-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

There are a few day of holidays in conjunction of Hari Raya Haji and New Year. I went to Kuala Rompin with Karen, Liow and some new friends – Ying, Son, Loo, Joshua and Wan Tin. We took off on 30th Dec and reached Sommerset Colonial resort about 1.45pm. The resort is very quiet, most rooms are unoccupied. Because of the flood that just happened 2 weeks ago, the swimming pool was closed for cleaning. The beach and the sea are dirty and not suitable for swimming. The place seems like not very well maintained. Karen describes it as “old folks home” and I think I agree with her. Although there are tennis court, badminton court, ping pong table in the resort, we need to pay if we would like to use it. We went out to Kuala Rompin town to have lunch. But the town is quiet as well, not able to find a good place for lunch. We had lunch at the Malay stalls and went back to the resort. Luckily Karen, Ying and Liow had bought foods for BBQ. At night, we had our BBQ dinner beside the swimming pool. There are a lot of foods – chicken wings, drumsticks, sausages, potatoes, fish, prawn etc. We nearly finished all the foods, only left some drumsticks and chicken wings.

The next day, we went to Endau Rompin. It was about 1 hour journey from Kuala Rompin. We found out that the park was closed. However, we still drove the car into the park. Joshua and Liow claimed that they saw tiger. Actually they only saw the tail of the tiger and it was disappeared into the jungle very soon. We swim at Seri Mahkota Waterfall. As the park was closed, we were the only group at the waterfall. The waterfall is nice and beautiful.

We played cards at night, countdown and then played cards again until 3.30am. Hehe….played cards from 2006 until 2007. We checked out the room at 1st Jan 1pm and back to KL.

Maybe because of the devastating flood, the place seems abandoned. The place is boring and I don’t think I will recommend friends to go there.

Back to Malaysia......(26th Oct 2006)

2006-12-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

This is the day that we fly back to Malaysia. After settled the bill with hotel, everyone get refund of 726 Rupees from our common fund. We have 2 hours for shopping before proceed to airport. So, we separated into few groups and do our shopping for the last time. I bought a backpack and used up all the rupees that I left. Hari meet us at hotel at 10.30pm and fetch us to airport.

At the airport, I found out that I lost my spectacles. I called back to Hotel Blue Diamond and asked them to check whether I left it in the room. They found it. So, Kok Yuen, Kok Ming and I decided to take taxi back to hotel to get it. However, the officer doesn’t allow us to go out from the airport as we had checked in. As we called the taxi from the airport counter, the person helped us to negotiate with the office. Finally, we are able to go out and came back on time. Taxi costs 500 Rupees. I had used up all my Rupees. Luckily teammates still have some and I really have to thank all of them for helping me in this matter.

Our journey ended. We had back to reality. I had spent about RM 4300 for the whole trip. It was within the budget. We reached KLIA at 10.30pm. At KLIA, Teck Long lost his bag. Foung Yee’s backpack was opened up and lost several things like handphone, card reader etc. They went for reporting. I met my parents and went home by 11.30pm. It was about 1am when I reached home.

p/s: Teck Long’s bag was found and returned to him after a few days. For Lai, I hope she will be able to claim back her lost by insurance.