Tour Du Mont Blanc (Part 4)

This posting contains following activities as per the itinerary:

Day 4 (17 July 2019): Les Mottets, France to Courmayeur, Italy (Hotel Edelweiss);

Day 5 (18 July 2019): Courmayeur to Val Ferret, Italy (Refuge Walter-Bonatti).

Do CLICK HERE to view 189 high-resolution photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.

Day 4 ... we arrived at the point for the demarcation of mountainous borders between France and Italy. We trekked from France and we were heading to Italy. At that point, we could see the few refuges at the peak of Mont Blanc (4,810m).

 The exciting journey of trekking Tour du Mont Blanc continues

 At the border ... our left is France; right is Italy

 The peak of Mont Blanc (4,810m) is clearly visible

 One for the album

 The grassland is full of yellow flowers during summer time

Day 5 ... the trails were lined with countless wild flowers during summer time; so I could not resist to capture these beautiful flowers with my camera, just as what Emily Kam always does. We arrived at Refuge Bonatti, the only refuge where vehicles were not reachable; so our duffle bags were transferred by two mules. Each duffle bag was imposed a maximum weight of 10kg by trekking agent, that was to ensure the heavy weight did not break the mule's back. Compared to the earlier refuge, this one was better: all ladies were grouped in one big room while the guys in another; all facilities were within the same building, so there was no worry of whether it rains or snows. During dinner time, the dining area was packed to the brim – every seat in the refuge was occupied.

 Spectacular ice-capped mountains

 Spectacular ice-capped mountains

 Spectacular ice-capped mountains

 Lots of beautiful wild flowers lined the trails

 Lots of beautiful wild flowers lined the trails

 Lots of beautiful wild flowers lined the trails

Arriving at Refuge Walter-Bonatti

Do Click Here to view Part 5.

Posted by KC Leong

Tour Du Mont Blanc (Part 3)

Itinerary: Day 3 (16 July 2019) St. Gervais to Bourg St Maurice, Valley of Glaciers, France (Refuge Les Mottets).

Day 3 is a long day in trekking, according to the mountain guides. When resting in Hotel Le Terminus on Day 2 evening, we have already strategized to split into Group 1 and 2 where Group 1 would take the van to the trail head and have a lead start. Group 2 consisted of faster-paced hikers who would make up the lost time while waiting for the second round of van transport.

Do CLICK HERE to view 143 high-resolution photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.

 Group 2 posing in front of a church, the trail head for Day 3 trekking  

The views in the trails were spectacular passing by many snow-covered grounds. Finally, to arrive at the refuge, we have to take a public van transport to another place, then walked for about 30 minutes.

After seeing the Refuge Les Mottets, then only we understood what it meant by "refuge" – a no frill type of accommodation where all the 24 team members were spending the night in one big room. And at night, we have the opportunity to hear a full blast orchestra in action (with all the snoring).

 Lead by mountain guide, Mr Omar, we have to chase the first group which has started 50 minutes earlier

The toilet, bathroom and the kitchen were all located in different buildings, about 30 meters away from one another. I could imagine that when it rains or snows, it would be inconvenient to move around.

Though the accommodation was basic, the dinner was superb: we all liked the nice warm, hearty and robust rustic beef stew.  

 Finally, all the 24 teams are in one group again

 Passing by the snow covered trails

 Passing by the snow covered trails

 Passing by the snow covered trails

 Spectacular view of the surrounding mountains

 The final hike before arriving at the refuge

 Arriving at Refuge Les Mottets in the Valley of Glaciers, France 

 A basic and no frill accommodation where the big room can sleep 30 people!

Ah ... The hearty and robust rustic beef stew that warm our hearts

Do Click Here to view Part 4.

Posted by KC Leong

Tour Du Mont Blanc (Part 2)

This posting contains activities for Day 1 and Day 2:

Day 1 (14 July 2019): Chamonix to Les Houches, France (overnight in Hotel Les Melezes);

Day 2 (15 July 2019): Les Houches to St. Gervais, France (overnight in Hotel Le Terminus, Le Fayet).

Do CLICK HERE to view 136 high-resolution photos courtesy of your truly, KC Leong.

 Day 1 trekking at Chamonix ... 24 team members posing for group photo before the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc trekking 

 The trekking journey begins with a downhill hike

 Paragliding activity with Mont Blanc peak in the background

 Lunch is anywhere along the trails with a shady ground

 Common food for the simple lunch packs

 Arriving at Les Houches ... end of Day 1 trekking

 Start of Day 2 trekking

 Alicia passing by herd of sheep grazing in green meadows

 This morning, the weather was gloomy but it did not rain

 Lunch time ... this time, there is no shade along the grassland

The journey continues ...

Do Click Here to view Part 3.

Posted by KC Leong

Tour du Mont Blanc (Part 1)

The Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB is one of the classic and most popular long-distance trekking trails in Europe. It circles the Mont Blanc mountains ranges, covering a distance of roughly 170 km with 10 km of ascent/descent and passes through parts of Switzerland, Italy and France. The circular route is normally walked in a counter-clockwise direction in 11 days. It is also the route of an annual mountain marathon, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), in which the winner normally covers the entire distance in less than 24 hours (source: internet).

Activities in this photos album (12-13 July 2019):

(1) Staying and walking around Chamonix, France;

(2) Briefing by the trekking agent;

(3) Visit Aiguille du Midi peak (3,842m);

(4) Visit Mer de Glace ice cave.

The actual trekking would start on 14 July 2019.

Do CLICK HERE to view 97 high-resolution photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.

 Walking around Chamonix (France) areas

 24 team members posing with trekking agent ... (front, left) Bruno, George Siew, Yoke Leng, Ginger Lee, Jack Oh, Elsie Liew, Lana, Voon Lee, ChongYF;

(back, left) Rose Cheong, Hooi Miin, Rija, Emily Kam, mountain guide, trekking agent (Pierrick), Dphany, Lawrence Tang, Kelly Hoh, Edwin Goh, Vince Khor, SC Yong, GohBK, LamSK;

(not in the photo: KC Leong, Mila and Alicia)

 Briefing by trekking agent, Mr Pierrick

 Visit Aiguille du Midi peak

 Spectacular view from the Midi peak

 Visit Mer de Glace ice cave; the entrance is marked by the blue stripe

Inside the ice cave, a stark contrast from outside

Do Click Here to view Part 2;

Do Click Here to view Part 7 (final part), and the extended holidays in Switzerland. 

Posted by KC Leong

Revisit Waterfall of Apek Hill

Hiking Apek Hill via Sansui Trail, and connected to the waterfall on Saturday, 6 July 2019 ... Since the day I was introduced to the Watergate extended trail of Apek Hill on 7 April 2018 (one year ago), I have been leading the hiker buddies to hike this trail for 12 consecutive times. 

During one of the hikes in heavy rain recently, we cut short the distance by using Sansui Trail to Station 5; I reckon that it was good for us to go back to the waterfall again. So this time, we hiked via Sansui Trail and connected to the waterfall, and emerged at Saga Hilltop station.

Estimated timing:

Watergate Extended Trail - trailhead fruit stall to Saga Hill top = 3 hours;

Waterfall Trail - 15 minutes shorter.

Do CLICK HERE to view photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.

 (left) Yee Mey, Stephanie Tham, Dr Kogulan, Tai, Adrian Foo, KC Leong, Rose Cheong, Lana

 At Sansui Station ... long time ago, there was a leading HiFi brand from Japan with the same name as Sansui

 Apek Hill watefall

 Apek Hill watefall

 A group photo at the waterfall

Waterfall photos shoot of Lana

Posted by KC Leong

Penang Durian & Gastronomic Delights

The group went to Penang for durians and savouring many of the delicious hawkers and restaurants food from 29 June to 1 July 2019 (3D2N). The durian and food in Penang are just fantastic! For those three days, we have been eating non-stop!

We managed to savour the excellent durians from the durian plantation belonging to the brother-in-law of Ms Anah. 

Special thanks to Anah and TC Chor who have been our guides, taking us around for food and sightseeing – the hospitality of Penang people is amazing and excellent!!

Do CLICK HERE to view 145 photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.

 Waking around durian orchard ... (left) Ting Mei (Anah's sister-in-law), Camelia, Brenda Lee, Polly, Ivy Wong, Celine Gan, Cindy Lim, Anah, Ronnie Wong, Annie, Gin, TC Chor (not in the photo: KC Leong)

 Posing with durian orchard owner, Mr Boon (left) who is Anah's brother-in-law. Hmmm ... durians from Penang are excellent! (Black Thorn, Musang King, Red Prawn)

Day 1 Activities (Sat 29 June 2019):

(1) Driving from Kuala Lumpur at 6:30am to Penang via the Second Bridge and arrived at Balik Pulau area at 12:30pm (have breakfast in Sungai Buloh);

(2) Taking a walk in the durian orchard;

(3) The main attraction – savouring the various type of durians;

(4) Visiting Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory;

(5) Viewing sunset at Pantai Pasir Panjang;

(6) Savouring delicious dinner at 新路头海鲜 KJB Seafood restaurant, Balik Pulau;

(7) Checking into the homestay at Arte S Condominium at Gelugor (comfortable stay; my best experience so far; recommended).

Viewing sunset at Pantai Pasir Panjang

Day 2 Activities (Sun 30 June):

(8) Breakfast at Lee Huat Cafe ... delicious curry mee, oyster porridge, roti bakar, and a lot of other nice hawkers food;

(9) Walking around Ayer Hitam dam; 

(10) Visiting Kek LoK Si Temple;

(11) Savouring ice cendol and laksa at Balik Pulau area;

(12) Visiting goat farm (enjoy feeding the goats, drinking yogurt and eating ice-cream)

(13) Visiting Botanical Garden;

(14) Visiting the swimming pool, Sky Lounge (at 41th floor) of Arte S Condominium.

 Sumptuous dinner at 新路头海鲜 KJB Seafood restaurant, Balik Pulau

Day 3 Activities (Mon 1 July):

(15) Taking tram to Penang Hill (unfortunately, the tram service was closed for 5 days for maintenance, starting that morning; so we took a walk to the Heritage Trail);

(16) Walking around Gurney Drive area; Fort Cornwallis at Padang Kota Lama, George Town;

(17) Sumptuous lunch at Tek Sen restaurant;

(18) A surprise birthday celebration for Ms Anah;

(19) Returning to Kuala Lumpur at 3:00 p.m. (arrived in KL at 7:30 p.m.).

Homestay at Arte S Condominium at Gelugor 

The swimming pool of Arte S Condominium

 Ayer Hitam dam

 Visiting goats farm

 At Botanical Garden

 Night view of Penang Bridge from the Sky Lounge (at 41th floor) of Arte S Condominium

 Starting point of Heritage Trail to Penang Hill top

 Delicious lunch at Teksen Restaurant

A surprise birthday celebration for Anah

Posted by KC Leong