This is my first time to Mt. Irau (6,924 feet height), Which located at the peak of cameron highland. To get to this rank 9th highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia, we must go thru Mossy forest (where the three Singaporean kids lost in the woods years ago), that is the only gateway from Brinchang to Mt Irau.
22-9-07, this is the day.
I left home at 6.30am and meet my car pool mate in klang. Patrick the power bar, Koo and Billy the goat. We had breakfast in Klang and head off to Tapah R&R at around 7.45am.
We reached Tapah R&R at 9.30am waiting for the rest of the team member, most of the them are strangers to us.
Sadly, things were not properly organized, we were like headless fly wondering about all the time, not knowing what should we do next. The irritable power bar man has started his grumbling. At last, our team leader decide all should have lunch in Kampung Batu Gajah, however, most of the members go for their own sweet time and lunch else where. Waited till 3.30pm we finally start our journey into Mossy Forest.
"Several scenes of the Malay movie Puteri Gunung Ledang were actually taken here." Power bar man claims.
Yes, Mossy forest is fantastic. Completely covered in moss, pretty in the sense that it create a haunting atmosphere. Imagine we were like runing in the dark forest and the ringwraiths are chasing after us. Pity that Peter Jackson didn’t know about this place. However, we met Gandalf and the hyper hobbit. Who really make this hiking trip enjoyable.
Along the way, I didn’t feel thirsty because of the cooling temperature and humidity. Although it didn’t rain (we were lucky) but the trail was very slippery. Some muddy parts of the trail really will suck your shoe. The Hobbit is the first to experience it.
It was a tough journey for me and Koo, we were suffering from the mud pits and exposed roots, and the steep rock climbing sessions. Each time we headed up, we expecting for the peak, but it turn out to be a false peak. This happened so many times untill we gave up and started dead walking. We have no idea how we make it to the 2nd peak, our camp site. Power bar man is the first to reach the peak among us, follow by Billy the Goat then myself. Koo shows up before we call for the mountain rescue ranger to start a campange.
Is already total darkness when I reach the peak, surounded by short tree branches, not really a scenic peak and no water point. I was like “ what the heck we’re here for ? “ The peak, seriously has nothing to shout about.
Power bar man complain that I smell like a horse, whatever, I have no strength to fight back. Drop dead for at least 20 minutes. Everybody were amazed by Power bar man’s stamina, he actually helped a girl (face turned green on the way to 2nd peak) to carry her bagpack to the campsite, however he was heart broken as the pretty girl forgot to say thank you.
That night was windy, temperature around 12 degree celcius. Most of the team member hiding inside their tent, no interaction made during the night. Acept Billy the Goat, the hobbit and Gandalf they are still hyper and chating outside, enjoying the cold atmosphere. Power bar man has his power shut down and dozed asleep.
The next morning I woke up early wanting to see the sun rise, unfortunately, it was block by trees.
We headed down at 9am, I dunno why but it is faster then I though when I reach the 1st peak.
I have no problem when hiking out, So I start enjoying the scenery along the trail. …..the mosses, the cold winds and the misty clouds is what make this hiking trip remarkable.
Will I return for 2nd attemp? Hmmn……..
