Trip started off on a pretty good note cos we entered and Malaysia in less than 2 hours! Partly cos we used the Second Link, partly cos we took the bus lane, but I would like that think mainly because we left at 6 instead of the original 630 (cos the only-can-end-work-at-630 Thursten pulled out). We even had time for KFC at Larkin Terminal before we took the big bus for the next part of the 13-hour journey. Reached Kota Bahru ahead of schedule and transfer to two smaller cars, where Gao Yun and I boarded a Proton Saya that's driven like a Ferrari, as is usually the case in Malaysia, except this one ended up with an overheated engine and we stopped over for breakfast while they fix the issue. But we 20min we drove, and then we stopped. The car was declared overworked. But fret not, the bike gang comes to rescue!!
Had lunch and headed off to our camp site from the trailhead and it took a good 2.5 hours with all our heavy packs. Gaoyun also decided to not join us for the summit so the four of us went. After a long 5 hours climb, we reached the summit just around the sunset. And all I can say is that it was really underwhelming. Tree cover obstructed most of the views and all we could see was three distinct summit over at the other side of the river. Even the clouds covered the sunset and there wasn't much of a view. Coming down was even more arduous and it took us a good 7 hours. Sun sets at 7.30 so this meant we reached back our base camp at 2:30 in the morning! It was a simple 2-hour hike down but Shiao Yi was too scared of the steep downwards decline, coupled with her night blindness, it resulted in a couple of interesting events such as the guide having to bring out his Parang and the other parties at the base camp having to walk out to find us cos the tigers begin roaming just after midnight. Also, I twisted both my ankles once each, plus some damage to the knees. But all's well and good and we eventually had our dinner at 3am.
Highlight of the trip, however, has just began. The three of us (less Lan) decided to head down to the "shower" to take a bath. It's actually just a pool of spring water from the waterfall! So at 4am in the morning on a full moon night, 3 of us went into the icy cold water for our "baths" while Gaoyun stood there and 打灯. I believe this is truly a super unique experience that I'll say is probably once-in-a-lifetime.
Also, check out our tent!
Didn't make it for the sunrise (duh!) and we also forsake our waterfall hike the next day cos everyone was just too tired. But we still manage to get a pretty nice view from the edge of the waterfall which is a 1min walk from our base camp (and thus I have no idea why there's a need for another 3 hours waterfall hike.
Breakfast was good but the Maggie we cooked after that was "luxurious" even on half-filled stomachs.
Took another short bath by the river, packed up, and off we go down the mid mountain!
Some minor drama on our way down followed by a 2 hour car transfer and we just nice reached Kota Bahru Bus Terminal with enough time to packet some (really nice) Nasi Lemak before our long distance bus ride again.
Our bus also landed up at some ulu place of Singapore (The Plaza) and we had to (hide our passport!) follow the angmohs who walked so confidently out of the area. Eventually ended up in Beach Road for some prawn mee, ah, the real comfort food from home.
