Monday, November 02, 2026

ABC & MHBC Twin Base Camp Trek

ABC + MHBC Twin Base Camp Trek

17 - 28 Oct 2026

(Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp)

Team members:

Amy T, Jess Woo, Josephine Lee, Sabrina Lim;

KC Leong, Ang Cheng Lai, Daniel Woon, Felix Ng, Kevin Lee, Lawrence Leong, Tong San Hee, Tan Han Cie.

If you are motivated, just contact Mr Cheban, the Nepal trekking agent, via Whatsapp at:

+977 985-1055876

Do CLICK HERE to view photos taken by yours truly, KC Leong.

A warm welcome offered by Mr Cheban (2nd from right, back row), the Nepal trekking agent.

Overnight Accommodations & Elevation Breakdown:

This twin-base camp itinerary is highly achievable.

- ABC: 5D4N;

- MHBC: 4D3N;

- Total Trekking: 9 Days.

ABC Ascent:

Trailhead Suspension Bridge = 1,530m;

Sinuwa = 2,360m (overnight #1);

Deurali = 3,230m (overnight #2);

ABC = 4,130m (overnight #3) night temperature -4°C (minus 4).

ABC Descent:

Dovan = 2,500m (overnight #4);

Jhinu Danda = 1,760m (overnight #5).

A group photo before the great start of journey with Cheban, Suresh and the hotel managers

MHBC Ascent:

Forest Camp = 2,550m (overnight #6);

High Camp = 3,585m (overnight #7);

At 4am, start hike to View Point (4,200m) and Base Camp (4,500m). COLD & WINDY.

MHBC Descent:

Middle Camp = 3,210m (overnight #8).

At Siding trailhead (1,700m; end of trek), take 4WD back to hotel in Pokhara. 

When I checked with Mr Cheban, Nepal trekking agent, about reversing the route to do MHBC first, he advised sticking to ABC as our first base camp. He mentioned that because MHBC is higher, doing it first puts hikers at a greater risk of mountain sickness.

Start of trekking at Jhinu Danda, where 4WD journey end here; crossing the suspension bridge

The Food

The food at the teahouses and lodges of Nepal has really improved lately, thanks to standardization introduced by Western tourists. You can take a menu from Lodge A and use it to pre-order your meals at Lodge B; the only thing that changes is the pricing, which gets higher as you go up in elevation.

We appointed Tong San Hee (previously RHB Bank IT colleague) as our CFO: not Chief Financial Officer, but Chief Food Officer, to handle all the ordering. The daily three meals are included in the package: we just place the order; chief guide will determine if the price exceeds the budget. 

This is where the trails converge. In the background (the high mountains) lies the route toward Poon Hill and Nayapul (ABC trailhead), and to the left is the direction for the Jhinu Danda shortcut.

Our meals generally consisted of fried rice, fried noodles, the famous dal bhat, and surprisingly delicious tuna pizza, macaroni, momo, vegetable spring-roll, and chicken curry. The Korean Shin Ramyun noodle soup is way too spicy. We always shared our food, which have a huge advantage: if you order and eat privately, you risk going hungry if you don't like your meal. By sharing, everyone gets a taste of everything. 

Hot drinks before meals are included in our package. We have the option of ordering coffee, tea, ginger lemon tea, or hot lemon water. It was wonderful to relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee before enjoying our meals. We were also informed that because dal bhat is the national dish of Nepal, ordering two or more portions entitles the group to unlimited refills of rice and dal bhat.


Enjoying the Nepalese food ... Some fried noodles include canned tuna or chicken. However, the famous dal bhat is a vegetarian rice dish made with lentils, which can cause a lot of stomach gas. The kitchen can also make delicious pizza with canned tuna.

Annapurna Base Camp

It was an incredible feat: with 4WD reaches Jhinu Danda area, first overnight at Sinuwa; second night at Deurali; third night is already at Annapurna base camp. If any team member has any high mountainous discomfort, forth day morning, the team is going downhill already (problem would solve by itself).

Then subsequently, when trekking MHBC, though higher elevation, all were fine with the elevation.

The Baraha Temple - characterized by the towering cascading waterfalls and steep rocky cliffs that rise directly behind it.

Mardi Himal Base Camp

The journey to MHBC is spectacular; the iconic Fishtail Mountain serves as the dominant figure in the background. The trail winds past Forest Camp, offering plenty of shade and a lush, mossy forest atmosphere. The teahouses along this trek are surprisingly comfortable, providing thick mattresses and warm blankets that live up to hotel standards. The trip wraps up beautifully with a final outdoor breakfast, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Fishtail Mountain.

Overnight at Deurali - This is an important stop as the timing next day will give trekkers sufficient time to arrive at ABC

Shower & Charing Services

Hot showers and phone charging are available at RM8 per service, per person. Do not take hot showers above 3,000 meters in elevation, as doing so can trigger mountain sickness.

At Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). There is a lot of helicopter traffic around both the ABC and MBC areas.

Toilet conditions

Most lodges in ABC and MHBC feature both modern seated toilets and traditional squat toilets.

Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp

Fitness Requirements:

1. Endurance Training: You must be capable of hiking continuously for 5 to 8 hours per hike;

2. Stair Training: Because about 80% of the terrain consists of stone steps, specific stair training is essential in addition to regular trail hikes. It is highly recommended to practise walking up and down the stairwells of your office or apartment building daily for several weeks leading up to the trip.

4th day morning at ABC for viewing of sunrise

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, the following transportation logistics are required and provided by Cheban:

1. Arrival: van transport from Kathmandu international airport to domestic airport;

2. Pokhara: van transport from Pokhara airport to hotel;

3. 4WD transport to ABC trailhead;

4. (9 days later) 4WD transport from MHBC end point to Pokhara hotel;

5. Excursion: half-day van transport sightseeing tour in Pokhara;

6. Van transport from hotel to Pokhara airport;

7. Van transport from Kathmandu airport to hotel;

8. Departure: van transport from hotel to Kathmandu international airport.

Descending the mountains
Overnight at Jhinu Danda ... the guys perform the Bollywood pose, while Sabrina is comfortably resting her leg on the friendly dog.
MHBC Forest Camp
Continue the journey to MHBC
The trail winds past Forest Camp, offering plenty of shade and a lush, mossy forest atmosphere.
Teahouse at High Camp with the thick mattress
At 4am, start hike to View Point (4,200m) and Base Camp (4,500m). COLD & WINDY
At 4am, start hike to View Point (4,200m) and Base Camp (4,500m). COLD & WINDY. Time now is about 6:15am
Yeah, we made it !
Posing with Cheban's company banner
MHBC View point area
Final overnight at Middle Camp or Badal Danda (3,250m). The bright white circle on the right side of the frame is actually the full moon.
The trip wraps up beautifully with a final outdoor breakfast, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Fishtail Mountain.
Appreciation presentation by Josephine Lee, flanked by Sabrina.
Appreciation presentation by KC to Senior Guide, Mr Suresh
Comfortable beds of Mt. Kailash Resort: a 4-star hotel listed in Google Maps
Visiting World Peace Pagoda
The presentation includes plaque certificates, traditional Nepali Topi for gentlemen, and shawl for ladies.
Presentation of certificate of accomplishment by Mr Cheban, flanked by Sabrina
The glare from the silky smooth white T-shirt presented by Mr Cheban.
Farewell dinner hosted by Mr Cheban at a leading Western cuisine restaurant in Pokhara.
One final view of the Fishtail Mountain from the Mt. Kailash Resort room
 
Posted by KC Leong



Tuesday, September 08, 2026

FRIM Crown Shyness Nature Hike

We have an amazing time on the FRIM (Kepong) Crown Shyness nature hike today, Sat 5 Sep 2026. This is nature’s unique creation in the sky where the topmost branches of the Kapur Trees grow close but don't touch the other trees. 

Do CLICK HERE to view photos taken by yours truly, KC Leong.

Our nature guide was our fellow hiker friend, Aivee Chong. It is great to see more visitors, including international tourists, exploring the FRIM Forest Park Selangor now that it has achieved UNESCO status. 
To capture the jigsaw puzzle pattern in the sky created by the Crown Shyness trees, along with the people below, I used a 24mm lens; however, it wasn't wide enough. It would be better to use a 15mm (or wider) lens instead.
If you want to visit, make sure to reserve your spot by emailing: frim_enquiry@frim.gov.my
RM150 per team for a maximum of 10 participants. 
(left) HowSL, Ang Cheng Lai, Josephine Lee, Cheryl Chai, Lina Loh, Mei Chew, Aivee Chong, Iris Lee, Yeevonne Ewe, Tong San Hee, KC Leong.
The main administration building of FRIM was established in 1929 under the direction of Dr F.W. Foxworthy (hence, one of the roads in FRIM is named after him). In another 3 years' time, that would be 100 years old.

Posted by KC Leong

Sunday, September 06, 2026

Jeram Perlus Waterfall Hike

The hike to Jeram Perlus Waterfall features a gradual ascent along well-defined trails. After passing the orchard, a single, clear path leads straight to the destination. Best of all, you can reach the waterfall without getting your shoes wet. This is my maiden hike to this waterfall.

Do CLICK HERE to view photos taken by yours truly, KC Leong.

Elvi posing for the camera! Even though it is the dry season, there is still quite a lot of water at the waterfall

Timing:
Ascent: 2 hr 30 min;
Descent: 2 hr;
Distance: 15km;
Elevation gain: 655m;
Trail type: Out and back;
Relaxing at waterfall for 1hr 30 min;
Team Lead: Stanley Lim. 

Jeram Perlus Waterfall with the lower cascade

Kampung Orang Asli Sg Gabai
Trailhead drop pin ... click here
Trailhead parking (RM10 per car)
A lower cascade about 50 meters away

Other hikers have reported that this trail is usually full of leeches. Fortunately, it was the dry season when we went, so the trail was dry and there were only a few around. Still, if you plan to hike this trail, you should definitely be prepared for leeches. 
A lower cascade about 50 meters away
Group is having fun at the Jeram Perlus Waterfall
(click/tap at picture for original bigger display)
 

Late lunch at the following restaurant at 3pm:

Leong Zai Fried Seafood

Jalan Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat

Drop pin ... click here

Food is delicious; reasonable price.

Tel: 018-299 8086

Booking in advance is highly recommended. The owner serves as the head chef, managing the kitchen with just two helpers. Reservations are required to space out arrival times so the small kitchen team can properly manage the flow of diners.

Posted by KC Leong

Friday, July 03, 2026

Baha Ayam Stong Hiking and Camping

Baha Ayam Stong (B.A.S.) Hiking and Camping trip at Gunung Stong State Forest Park of Kelantan from 27-29 June 2026 (Sat-Mon).

Seven (7) delicious meals in the mountains are cooked by Ms Tan JK of CBL_CiliPadi. Organizer: Jimmy Teh.

We have Raja Kunyit durians (The Father of Musang King) for lunch (at Gua Musang town) before returning to Kuala Lumpur. 1kg = RM17 for Grade B fruits.

Do CLICK HERE to view 96 photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.

Gunung Stong trailhead 

Main Plan:
Day 1 (27 June 2026, Saturday)
Start hiking to Baha Campsite; 
Pit stop at Jelawang Waterfall.

Day 2 (28 June, Sunday)
Viewing sunrise and sea of clouds;
Breakfast and pack lunch;
Hiking waterfalls trail;
Free and easy.

Day 3 (29 June, Monday)
Viewing sunrise and sea of clouds;
Breakfast; break camp; 
Descend to trailhead. 
Passing by Jelawang Waterfall

Timing:
Ascent -- 2 hours from the carpark to Kem Baha, including a rest stop at Jelawang waterfall.
Descent -- 1 hour from Kem Baha back to the carpark via an alternative route that bypasses the waterfall.

Campground Layout:
1. viewpoint campsite (front);
2. forest campsite (mid-section);
3. waterfall campsite (back).

We occupied the viewpoint campsite. I felt that it was not cold at night. I was told that the campsite near to waterfall can be cold at night.

The nearby stream flows loudly at night. I could hear it the entire night, but it fortunately drowned out the sound of neighboring campers snoring or tossing and turning in their tents.
Our campsite at Baha campground; this campsite is at the front, next to Viewpoint

Cheers in the Dark:
The Baha-Ayam-Stong 3 Peaks hike is incredible. Hikers returned to the campsite at different times throughout the night. Starting the hike at 8am, the fast hikers made it back by 5:40pm, while the slower ones returned closer to midnight. 

Every now and then, we could hear groups of friends clapping and cheering as their teammates finally walked into the campsite. As for our team, only 5 took on the 3-peak challenge. They started at 8am and returned by 5:30pm, just in time to take a bath and for the dinner. The other 25 opted for a relaxing santai hike to the waterfalls. We have delicious Nasi Kerabu for our dinner at 6pm, prepared by Ms Tan JK of CBL_CiliPadi. 
The viewpoint area of Kem Baha is a dramatic cliffside overlook situated 450 metres above sea level 

The Return of BAS 2.0:
We need to go back to hike BAS again -- unfinished business. 😀

If we visit again, we plan to split into two groups: a fast-paced group and a slow-paced group. The fast group will attempt to complete all three peaks in a loop. 
The slow group will aim for 1.5 peaks, hiking a short distance past Baha Peak before backtracking to Kem Baha.

At this moment, I am monitoring the weather and the availability of durians. I aim to choose a date in early July 2027 (next year) where durians are still in season, but not too long into the dry weather that reduces the waterfall's flow for dramatic photos. 
Sunrise on Day 1

The Toilet Plot Twist:
On the first night, disaster struck: I came down with diarrhea. There is truly nothing more dreadful than having stomach trouble while camping. I have to keep making the 50-meter trek to the restroom. In pitch darkness, guided only by my headlamp, I walked there at 9pm+, 10pm+, 11pm+ ... and finally at 12:30am, in the dead of night, guess what I saw there?

Then one of the hiker friends replied .... ghost? 😨

I saw two hikers just returned from the BAS hikes at 12:30am! There were a man and a woman, both slightly oversized and seemingly not so pro in hiking.

Then on Day 2 night around 8pm, I saw a young couple after returning from their hike, were washing rice using Indian pots at a tap in front of the toilet, about 20 feet away. 
Sunrise on Day 1
Misty morning of Day 2
Misty morning of Day 2
Waterfall at the end of Kem Baha area
Day 2 waterfalls hike
Day 2 waterfalls hike
Day 2 waterfalls hike
A group photo at Baha Campsite before returning to trailhead carpark
Entrance of Kem Baha
Enjoying some delicious Raja Kunyit durians at a stall right in front of Bank Islam in Gua Musang
Raja Kunyit durian taste is superb and the texture is incredibly creamy. I think it is even better than Musang King 


Posted by KC Leong