Bukit Tabur

Browsing through my blogsite for trekking at Bukit Tabur, time passes really fast that the last time I set foot at Bukit Tabur was 4 years ago. Since I took up trail running, I have been busy running around in other earth-based hills – but not this rock-based hill.

Another name for Bukit Tabur is Klang Gate Ridge which is a quartz ridge. Luckily, there is no gold in the quartz; otherwise, this hill would be flatten long time ago.

The idea of trekking at Bukit Tabur was mooted by SuWF when she is supposed to join her group of friends to trek Bukit Tabur. With a turn of event, her group was not going and I decided to come with a few other trekker friends on 6 July 2013, Saturday.

Do click here to view photos courtesy of your truly (KC Leong).

 Patrick Yee using his Samsung Note II to capture some of the scenes

After 4 years, the trails are now much wider and prominent. At certain areas, they even have parallel trails to cater for the big number of trekkers. 

I see that there are some arrow signs painted on the rock. That is good. However, I also see gratify at many rock surfaces.

Taking photos at the most strategic point offering a good panoramic view of the surrounding is not easy as everyone wants to be there standing among the rocks.

 The city view with houses and condo nestle among hills

Last time, we used to stop at certain far end and we returned the same way repeating the precarious rock climbing tasks again. This time, led by SuWF, we returned via the orchard way. So a few of the team members who were first time trekking this hill were relief after hearing the decision. Round trip is about 3.5 hours.

 The most scenic spot for taking photos

One interesting observation: I never see those trekkers ahead of me to return the same way competing for the narrow strip of space thus causing congestion. Just like what we were doing, I presume they all go down the hill via the orchard way which is a good idea. You can imagine that going up the ridge is like a one way flow of human traffic.

 SuWF, Sachi and Japanese friend, KC Leong

While going via the orchard way, the trail would lead one passing by a worker’s quarter. I met a worker wearing a reading glass reading a Malay dairy in the quiet plantation. According to him, with the clearing of other nearby forest for housing and development, many of the monkeys come to this orchard and they eat all fruits – whether ripe or otherwise. Which means all the durian, even before they are formed, have been eaten.

 The other team members happily posing for photos

 Notice the other trekker in red who is climbing up the rock surface ... a trekker must have strong arms and not fearful of height 

Another tricky situation trying to cross this peak

Do click here for all postings on Bukit Tabur; scroll down the pages.

Do click here for humorous situation application of Bukit Tabur.

Posted by KC Leong

Bukit Tabur

It was a free and easy filler trek -- 11 trekkers and a mountain dog went for this trekking trip at Bukit Tabur (or Klang Gate Ridge). Lead by Rocky Dan, and at times, the mountain dog, we went by the orchard way that was planted with many fruit trees such as durian, champedak, mangostin, petai, etc. The chempedak and petai radiated their unique fragrance; we could tell which territory we were at without even looking around.
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Started at 7:45 a.m., the trip took about 1 hr 10 minutes to arrive at the 'peak'. We rested at the 'carpet' area; round trip took about 3 hours. The group then adjourned to a makmak coffee shop for drinks and chat and have good laugh. Thanks to PK Chan who paid the bill for all. We left at 11:30 a.m.

We went by the orchard way with many durian, chempedak, petai, mangostin trees, etc ... Siti, Alexis, Yoke Ching.

Tough uphill climb

This female dog is unique: it follows the pack (at times, lead the pack) to the peak. Alexis and Siti are giving drinking water to the dog. They tried giving it 100 Plus and it does did not like sweet drinks -- must be a purist.
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PK Chan's trekking pants (Brooks brand) attracted many weeds. One trekker said it is the testimony that he went trekking and not elsewhere... :-) Another trekker quipped (stretching the imagination) that it is also a good idea to wear pants that can auto attract rubbish (for ease in auto retrieval) -- The Magnetic auto-rubbish trekking pants
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It is a small group today. Photo taken by Siti. Notice the bird flying above.
L-R (back): WongFK, Yoke Ching, Simon Tan and son, yours truly KC
(front): Rocky Dan, PK Chan, Bernard Lee, Shirley, Alexis.
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Taking a breather -- Wong, Alexis, PK Chan, Yoke Ching

Bernard Lee is offering the chempedak (drop on the ground when we passed by the orchard).
L-R: Siti, Shirley, Rocky Dan, Bernard Lee

This is where we rest... Simon Tan (in yellow) and son.

A grass carpet

On the way down... Siti in foreground. She is one of the EBC team members.
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Close up of the seeds of grass for pollination via PK Chan's pants.
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KL Executive Rat Race -- stay tuned... work in progress to process photos from Jason Lee.

Written and posted by KC

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Team EBC Photo-shoot - Part 3

Here are a few interesting or amusing shots captured during the photo-shoot for The Star newspaper at Bukit Tabur on 25 April 2009. Quite a number of my friends are excited waiting to see the photos and read the stories in the newspaper.
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Interested to join the EBC Team in October 2009? I am still looking for trekkers. please click here.
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click here for all posting on EBC.
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This dog (we call it MJ for the black and white) responding to Lai Kuan's instruction

Listen attentively - AB Tan, Jayne Aw and an avid trekker dog (who lives nearby). These two dogs develop the passion for trekking and follow the trekkers go up the hill. Interestingly, while we drink lots of water when trekking up the hill, these two dogs have nothing to drink. May I suggest the next time you see these two dogs up the hill, share some food and drinks with them, will ya?

Aerobic exercise - Spotted by Amelia

In unison - same direction, same mission

Wei Loon (the reporter in white T-shirt), Raymond (photographer, in red) and yours truly (KC, in yellow; carrying Raymond's photographic equipment) discussing the next location shoot.


How many cameras are there clicking simultaneously? Three? No... Four !!

Amelia with the Nikon dSLR

Posted by KC

Team EBC Photo-shoot - Part 2

Please click here to view photos by courtesy of Amelia taken on Saturday 25 April at Bukit Tabur (or Klang Gate Ridge)... click Slideshow, click F11.

The group photo: Team EBC and Agnes Tan's group (and the two trekking dogs)

Team EBC - full of enthusiasm

L-R: Amelia, Alex Lee, Derrick Wong and Agnes Tan with message on the T-shirt - Trek Safely

A challenging but dangerous cliff

Going up again

Posted by KC

Team EBC Photo-shoot - Part 1

When the date, time and venue were confirmed with The Star newspaper reporter, Wei Loon, the EBC (Everest Base Camp October 2009) team members were excited. In the exchange of emails with the team, among other things, I wrote: "Okay, for the girls, you may dress to the occasion and put on make-up for the photo-shoot."

Well, the replied from Jayne Aw made me laugh. She jokingly said, "Okay, I shall set my hair also."

Going up the Bukit Tabur (Klang Gate Ridge). In red is the photographer; Number 11 is the reporter.

It was a fun-filled morning at Bukit Tabur (or Klang Gate Ridge) on Saturday 25 April 2009. By 7:45 a.m., at the BTB (Bukit Tabur Base), the EBC team members were there, so is the reporter and the photographer, Raymond.

Other than Team EBC, we have Agnes Tan's group who were also there going up Bukit Tabur to tie new ropes (at the dangerous points) and put up more notices for safe climbing - all are voluntary effort. Even the two dogs which live nearby were also there excitedly wanting to accompany us to go up the ridge.

Out of the 14 team members, only Dr. Sharahwanaun, Yee Choi and Lok Chan Chuen were not able to come.

Scene 1 Take 1 - some casual moment

The photo-shoot is quite a tedious process. First the photographer conveyed the requirement to the reporter and yours truly who then directed the team of the shooting requirement. With the limited space up at the ridge, moving around has to be extra careful for not falling down the cliff. The four scenes took almost one hour.

When the task was completed, the rest of the team members continued trekking at Bukit Tabur, while Dr. Hamdan, Weng and I accompanied Wei Loon and Raymond down the ridge.

Please click here to read Agnes Tan’s story on improving the safety of climbing Bukit Tabur.

Weng - staying focus in taking the photos

Yours truly (KC) with The Star reporter, Wei Loon

Wei Loon observing and directing the photo-shoot from higher ground

A chat with The Star photographer, Raymond. (L-R): Agnes Tan, PK Chan, Weng and yours truly (KC)

Scene 3 Take 2 - Another location shoot





The team lead for EBC (i.e. yours truly, KC) for the individual photo

The cheerful Star newspaper photographer - Raymond. The Star is the leading newspaper in Malaysia.

The vibrant Team EBC... Back (L-R): AB Tan, KC, Siti, Dr. Hamdan, PK Chan, Ikhwan, Rani
Front(L-R): Weng, Alexis, Jayne Aw, Rose Ng.
Guys = 9, Gals = 5. Total = 14
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Stay tuned for more photos... Photos courtesy of Amelia.
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I just went to Bidor to run in the Bidor Half marathon this morning (Sunday 26 April). Stay tuned for photos from Jason Lee.

Posted by KC

EBC – Photo-shoot

Being the team leader of the Everest Base Camp (EBC, 5500m) trekking in October 2009, I am pleased to inform that there will be a photo-shoot and interview session by The Star newspaper reporter this weekend.

Since there are so many Bukit and Gunung (mountains) near to Kuala Lumpur, it takes a bit of consideration to decide which mountain is ideal to do a location photo-shoot. It would take too much effort to travel a few hours to the popular Gunung just to take the group photos.

At higher plain of Bukit Tabur (filepix)

One of the team members asked me what the trekking attire would be like. This is a good question as we are not able to put on fleece jacket and down jackets here, we would just wear the normal T-shirts in local trekking gears. Otherwise, it would be fuming hot inside our bodies in this tropical land with clothing meant for cold weather.

Most likely, the venue for the photo-shoot session would be Bukit Tabur. It is within Kuala Lumpur and the scenery at higher plain is splendid with the panorama view of Klang Reservoir and Klang Valley in the distance.

Bukit Tabur or Klang Gate Ridge for the reservoir

EBC Team Size – The original response was just fantastic. With 29 trekkers showing interest to trek to Everest Base Camp, I was liaising with the trekking agent in Nepal as to how to manage such big number. Later, the number dropped to 20 and the trekking agent said no problem with it. When it was time for serious commitment, finally, the EBC team consists of 12 courageous trekkers. If you are interested to join us (in October 2009), please click here for more details.

Written by KC
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Bukit Tabur and Agnes Tan

Agnes Tan is a passionate trekker who demonstrated special affection towards trekking at Bukit Tabur (Klang Gate Ridge) at Melawati, Kuala Lumpur. With the news of two specialist doctors found death in a ravine of Bukit Tabur on 29 March 2009, that prompt Agnes Tan to publish more information on the safety of climbing up the challenging quartz-filled ridge.

Click here to view her blogsite dedicated to happenings in Bukit Tabur.

Click here to read her main blogsite on outdoor activities.
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click here to read previous postings on Klang Gate Ridge (scroll down the pages).
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Posted by KC

The Perils of Trekking

This must be the fourth accidents that I come to know in less than a year – all happen at Bukit Tabur (or Klang Gate Ridge) in Melawati. While the other three were nasty falls, the latest accident is the most tragic one as it involves death of two doctors.

In one of the previous falls, a lady trekker fell more than 50 m high and suffered multiple fractures in bones. The good news was that, I was told by another trekker that all the victims have recovered from the fall.

Climbing Klang Gate Ridge requires a lot of concentration plus good fitness level. Both the left and right ridges have dangerous cliffs and a fall could result in fatal accident. A rock-based hill (as in Bukit Tabur) is steep and the ravine is deep compared to earth-based hill (eg. Gunung Nuang, Gunung Apek, Pine Tree Trail, etc) which rises gradually with wider trail. When I first climbed Klang Gate Ridge, I was worried too manoeuvring around rocks just next to the cliff... click here to read.

On a different note: Six weeks ago, one of a Malay office colleagues was missing when trekking in Yong Yap jungle (Pahang). He is about 30 years old working in HR department. Until todate, there is still no news of him.

Uncertainty and danger are inherent parts of all outdoor sports. We should not stop because of the risk. With proper knowledge, precaution and fitness level, we can mitigate and avoid all these negative elements and continue to enjoy in these great outdoor activities.

click here to read more reports from Agnes Tan's blogsite. She has been very active in trekking.
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A trekker is manoeuvring a tricky cliff (left side of Klang Gate Ridge)

Extracted below are Star and NST Online dated Sunday 29 March 2009.

Star Newspaper
Sunday 29 March 2009

Missing Doctors Found Dead

KUALA LUMPUR: Two specialist doctors, missing since Wednesday, were found dead in a ravine near the Klang Gates in Ulu Ampang yesterday.

A search-and-rescue team took over an hour to airlift the bodies from the thickly forested terrain.

Police believe the two – paediatrician Dr Haliza Mohd Shafie, 53, and paediatric surgeon Dr Amin Tai Abdullah @ Tai Yen Ming, 57 – slipped and fell about 200m after they had gone hiking.

Their car was found at the popular hikers’ spot in Bukit Melawati at 7am. Jungle trekking gear and the duo’s cellular phones were found in the car.

A full-scale search-and-rescue operation was launched by the police, Fire and Rescue, and Public Works Departments, after Dr Haliza’s husband confirmed the car belonged to her.

Tracker dogs and a helicopter search spotted the two at around 2.15pm, said Ampang Deputy OCPD Supt Amiruddin Jamaluddin.

“The injuries on the bodies were consistent with a fall,” he said.

The decomposing bodies were sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a post-mortem.

Both specialists were attached with a medical centre in Ampang.

Their families made a police report when they did not return home on Wednesday night, State Chief Police Officer Deputy Commissioner Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said on Friday.

It was earlier reported that a security guard at the nearby dam saw two people heading into the jungle on Wednesday but did not see them return.

click here for article in Star newspaper.

This is another dangerous part just before reaching the peak of of Bukit Tabur (right ridge). Notice a trekker in yellow up there.
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NST

Dated: 2009/03/29

Two Missing Doctors Found Dead in Ravine

By : By Lee Shi-Ian and Mazlinda Mahmood

KUALA LUMPUR: The bodies of two doctors missing since Wednesday were found yesterday in a ravine near the Klang Gates in Ulu Ampang.

Dr Haliza Mohd Shafiee, 53, and Dr Amin Tai Abdullah @ Tai Yen Ming, 57, were believed to have slipped and fallen into the ravine while jungle trekking at a popular spot in Bukit Tabur near Taman Melawati, Ampang.... (partial texts only). click here for article published in NST.
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Posted by KC

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Dashing on the Ridge

Please click here to view 41 photos taken by yours truly.
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Work is in progress to process 1,500 photos taken by Jason Lee and Hon You at the GE30k Run (Great Eastern - Pacesetter 30km Run) on Sunday 20 January. Stay tune...

(L-R) Front: PK Chan, Kathy, Ann Lam, Tee, Chiew Hong. Back: Jenny, Lai Khuan, ..., Kelly

When I looked up, I was genuinely surprised to see one middle-aged man in short pants walking swiftly and effortless on the rocks high above. At that moment, it gave me the impression that he was walking on the ridge of a roof and I was struggling at the ground level edging my ways between rocks. Within seconds, he was out of sight.

After watching many Hong Kong sword-fighting movies, I was amazed by his master skill in maintaining balance, and the courage to do it. Later, when I took a look, there were three rocks located quite wide apart with 2-foot wide flat platform and cliff at both sides. Losing balance means plunging down the cliff of Klang Gate Ridge (or Bukit Tabur).
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On Saturday 19 January morning, it was a fine weather for trekking. It was slightly cloudy in the morning that provided much of the shade. Besides, it was quite cooling with constant breeze caressing our face and body. Sweating profusely with the wet T-shirts, we felt cold at times. With three weeks to Chinese New Year, the cool breeze reminds me that the festive season is drawing near.

We started the journey at 7:45 a.m., 15 minutes behind schedule. Ann Lam and Miss Tee were waiting at the opposite side of the stream and they have to cross the stream to come to a different starting area. Tee was having slight difficulty with her water-bag as air was trapped in the rubber hose that prevent smooth outflow of water.
. Lily - Yes, good to overcome this treacherous stretch!

After a brief group photo session, I led the team for the great journey. After the strenuous badminton game the night before, my body seemed warm up instantly and I was walking uphill with fairly fast pace without me knowing. When I turned around to gauge how the team was doing, I saw Ann and Kathy were following closely while the rest was walking in a single file behind.
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Ann is manoeuvring a tricky and difficult cliff

At the first rest area, I was told by PK Chan that one of the team members could not follow the pace due to too fast in too short ascent. Immediately, it reminded me of running the Subang Jaya 10km race a few years ago where I followed the pace of elite runners and I pumped out after 10 minutes.

There were many trekkers in this trail. It was nice meeting them and we exchanged pleasantries.

Jenny and Lai Khuan - what you don't see is the cliff below

At certain point, we could see the ridge opposite which we climbed in the previous trip. From a distance, it was amazing that we could climb the vertical cliff to reach the peak. Trekking is just like a journey in life: take one step at a time; make sure it is a secure step and we will arrive at the peak – slowly but surely.
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Ann - Don't ever let go!

Lover’s Rock
Someone gave it a most appropriate and sentimental name. This rock actually comes in the way of the trail. Slanting slightly to the cliff, one has no choice but to hug the rock firmly to manoeuvre oneself to proceed with the journey. The experience of hugging it was exciting yet scary. As a loose grip would mean falling down the cliff. I am sure when one thinks of it as ones lover; one surely would not want to let it go.

PK Chan is distributing CNY cookies

At the Peak
We finally stopped at one of the peaks where there was a flat area comfortably for light refreshment. PK Chan brought a container of Chinese New Year cookies and Chiew Hong brought a few mandarin oranges – Yeah! Another sign of the festive season is just around the corner.

The Swift Moving Guy in Short Pants
After much walking (on the way down), we were surprised to meet him. He was sitting there alone enjoying the fresh air and admiring the scenic view of the surrounding areas. What a good way to live life! He was wearing the “kampong Adidas” shoes costing RM 7-00 bought from a shoe shop in Melawati. He told me that the shop is located at the same row as the old Giant hypermarket. Kampong Adidas is a one-piece rubber shoes for trekking use. It is for all terrain, all weather condition trekking and climbing.

Yours truly is showing the brand new, high-ankle trekking shoes for Annarpurna Base Camp, Nepal trekking.

Next Trekking Trip: Pine Tree Trail of Fraser’s Hill on Saturday 26 January 2008. These are a series of trekking trips preparing the team members going for the Annapurna Base Camp Nepal (lead by yours truly) and Mount Kinabalu or Mulu Trip (lead by Tony Q).

Written by KC

Procedure to View Photos

When you are in the photo album:
a. click Slideshow
b. press F11 key to expand photos; to return to normal view, press F11 key again
c. to exit, press the "X" sign (at the bottom right), then press "back arrow" (at top left).