Bukit Kutu

On the 13th of December 2008, MNS organised a hike up Bukit Kutu, Kuala Kubu Baru. We were all to meet at MNS HQ at 7 in the morning. Since I was coming from Seremban, I told Paul and Madinah to be at my place by 5.15 am so that we can leave by 5.30am. It would take us approximately an hour to reach KL and plus minus, to find the place, we will still have ample time should we lose our way.

We reached Sungei Besi at 6.20am actually. Thanks to Paul Schumacher! Anyway, as usual, I am really bad with directions and ofcourse led Paul to the wrong turning which took us on a 20 minute joy ride out of KL. We finally got back on the highway, exited Sungei Besi again, and this time I kept my mouth shut.

We found the place quite easily. We met up with the rest of the hikers and waited for the late comers to arrive. There were 5 Japanese from the university, 2 "kwai Lohs", many Chinese and 3 Indians. All in, there were 24 of us. At 7.20am sharp we left for Kuala Kubu baru.

(John, Tush, Me n Madinah)

John, extraordinaire, our nature guide headed the convoy of 9 cars. If you are familiar with the idiom "slow n steady wins the race"-this is it. What transpired for the next 1/2 hour was a slow agonizing drive to KKB. John must have been doing a 40km per hour. Ofcourse he denied vehemently at breakfast that he was doing a 40. 60-80 instead ,he lamented. Count your lucky stars John, for he escaped my fury because of the awesome roti canai that we had. Never knew roti canai could taste so good. And the nasi lemak that we packed for lunch was to die for.

We then proceeded to Kampung Pertam. Just at the foot of Bukit Kutu (even before u begin to climb) you will see a river on your left hand side with the cool cascading waters rushing downstream. It was a sight to behold.

John gave us our first lesson on survival for the fittest in the jungle. The wild ginger was supposed to keep you hydrated. He also warned us that on his last hike up Bulit Kutu, 4 hikers lost their way and spent the night in the jungle. All of us decided to pay 100% attention during lesson No 2.

We then started our trek up. In only less then 15 minutes, we were asked to remove our shoes for we had to wade through a river. So off our shoes went. We were still asked to keep our shoes off, for we had a really, really muddy path to take which would submerge your whole feet.

I decided to put my shoes back on only to be cautioned by John that there were more rivers to come. Ofcourse Paul kept his precious "timberland" shoes off.

The next phase was really fun because we had to walk in the river. So, with pants rolled up to our knees, with leech socks on, it was high -o, high-o, its Bukit Kutu from home we go!! It was absolutely fun walking in the river, the icy cool water rushing at your feet. I didn't mind being bitten by leeches because it will be my first time ever. Just as we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, John announced that we were all indeed LOST!

For the next 1/2 an hour John rattled on how he has "tarnished his reputation"! I consoled John by saying,"it happens" but who's complaining? It was actually so much fun. We finally found the right path and proceeded to climb Bukit Kutu. It was up, up and up all the way. Some of the stretches were almost 60 degrees, I must say. The path was really narrow. Enough for only one person to walk. It was quite a challenging walk up, what with broken bamboo shoots, thorny plants and leeches, leeches, leeches everywhere!!

Tush, me n Paul

At approximately 2.30pm, we reached this huge, enormous rock (which was actually towering above our heads). It was a monstrous rock, protruding from the ground, sitting majestically among the clouds (ok, I exaggerate a little) and u are left breathless gawking at the rock. It was awesome. This was the exact place for us to devour our "to die for" nasi lemak. But it was not to be. John warned us that if we do not proceed to the summit then we will never make it back down on time.

"No time for nasi lemak now. I give u guys 2 minutes to decide. Either we continue to climb or we stop here."

"But......but.....what about the nasi lemak? The fragrance has been haunting me from the beginning of the climb! And Paul bought 2 packets!!"

One, two, zoom-continue with climb.

High-o, high-o its Bukit Kutu from home we go!

We had to climb another one and a 1/2 hours to reach the summit. My stomach was already growling. But I must reach the summit. Otherwise we cannot claim to have conquered Bukit Kutu. Half way through we saw another couple (must be same case as me and Tushaani) devouring their food. Tushaani told me she can walk no more. She needs food. So, we decided to join Soon and Anne and ate our nasi lemak. It was THE BEST nasi lemak in the world.

We gobbled our food whilst the mosquitoes tore at our skins (you dont feel them when u are moving) like savage beasts. With renewed energy, we continued with the climb. I believe we were another 30 minutes to the summit when it started to rain. The rain got heavier. Thanks to Paul who bought us good quality ponchos from Singapore. Tush and I donned them, not after we let the rain wet us a bit (supposedly to cool us down).

The rain got even heavier. I started to get worried. It's gonna be down, down, down all the way. It will definitely get very slippery. But yet, we decided -Bukit Kutu, here we come!! The rain continued to pour louder and harder. Just then, one of the hikers, Kevin came running down to tell us that he has lost the route. It was deciding time for me. I was worried about Tushaani, my 14 year old. Should we be lost in the jungle, my darling husband will never let me go on another hiking trip! So we decided to descent.

I guess the rain had mercy on us. The downpour only lasted about 45 minutes. But boy, was the ground real slippery. Of course, yours truly tumbled down like humpty dumpty much to the delight and laughter of my daughter!!

We reached the base, and with all those whom we lost contact with, it was a happy reunion at the river. Many of us decided to jump in for a swim. I didn't bring extra undergarments (big mistake) so I couldn't drown myself in the river waters. I had a long drive back to Seremban and didn't want to shiver all the way back.

Paul, Madinah, me n Tushaani

We sang songs, chatted, took photos and annoyed each other in the river. After a gruelling 7 hour climb, the river cascade was a welcoming treat, blissful. I wish I had a nice chill beer to drink!!

We said our goodbyes to each other and met some orang asli. They were really tanned and most of them reared dogs. One of the orang asli stopped to talk to Mr Soon. Later on Mr Soon told me that he was a famous blogger. Now who said that orang asli were backward???

One thing for sure, I must go back to Bukit Kutu. I didnt reach the summit, remember?

Civet Cat-Dead

This civet cat was found a couple of metres away from my house. I live in a golf resort surrounded by jungle. There are many wild animals here.My husband found it on the road, apparently a hit and run victim, fresh after the accident.

He parked his car and went to the cat. It was still breathing and warm. He held the cat in his hands (almost in tears) when seconds later it heaved its last breath. He put the cat at the side of the road and then came home to inform us.

We went to the site and it was such a sorowful sight. The civet cat was AWESOME. It was still warm when I touched it. I said a little prayer. We carried her to the river nearby and deposited her there.

Time and again I have reminded all my residents to drive slowly but some "Schumachers" are real "Scmucks!" They dont listen. I once almost knocked a squirrel and ever since then, I drive at 30-40 km each time I enter the resort.

This is the second civet cat to be knocked down this year. The first one was much bigger. There have been countless squirrels, kingfishers and mynahs who have lost their lives here. I have put up signs that read, "Drive Slowly, Wild Animals Around" but to no avail. Truth is, many of us do not appreciate animals.

RIP dear civet cat.

One Night In Yacht Club With RPK

I wasn't supposed to spend the night in PD last week. I had scheduled a 4 hour hike up Cape Rachado on Wednesday 26th of November (this will be my 3rd time) for my kids and their friends and was supposed to do a day trip.

But when my good friend Angela said that RPK is going to be at the Port Dickson Yacht Club for dinner, how can I not meet him? I had missed RPK in Dataran Seremban- the day he was released from ISA. His first venue was Seremban. And every Tom, Dick and Harry was going except yours truly. Why wasn't I going? Because my hubby wouldnt let me!! He still thinks I am 23 (that's when he married me). Incidently, I WILL BE 42 IN FEBRUARY DEAR HUBBY!!!

Anyway, as I sat and brooded at home, approximately 300 people were having 'the time of their life' in Dataran Seremban. Ah, what the heck!

Little did I know that I was going to have the opportunity to meet RPK so soon.

So when Angela told me that he was going to be at RPDYC, I knew this time nothing was going to stop me. Steve wasn't going to join me in PD for he had to meet some business associates in KL.(Praise the lord for that!!) And I can just happen to be at the club to have my dinner with the kids, right? Mere coincidence!!

Being the ever so brutally honest and dutiful wife that I have been (I need a kick in the arse) I had to tell Steve that RPK was going to be at the club. In return he said,"Have fun, girl." You see, it pays to be honest, I tell you.

The kids and I spent the afternoon cooling down in the pool after the hike and by 6.30pm, I chased everyone out of the pool. A quick shower and I wanted to be at the club by 8.00pm. I was there slightly pass 8. As I entered, I enquired if RPK was already there but no one knew. Then I had the honour of telling them that RPK is indeed in the house. Some nodded and others said,"Oh". Man, I wasn't going to let anyone burst my bubble.

I looked around the club and was convinced that he hadn't arrived. Just as I turned back to return to my table, I SPOTTED HIM. RIGHT THERE! The table next to me.

"Ah......its you!! Its you!! (RPK just smiled and everyone on his table did)

Perhaps it was my enthusiasm and plain honest school girl glee that did it. I really felt like a teenager. But who the hell cares? He is my hero and I have the right to be sooooooooooo excited to see him. He was about to finish his dinner and so I told him that I will be back to take some photographs.

Alan, who was seated next to RPK asked if Steve was around. I told him its mommy's day out.

Anyway, I returned to my table, smiling from ear to ear, still reeling from the shock that I just saw and shook hands with RPK. When I came back the second time, only then did I notice Marina and I called out her name and said, "You are here,too!!"

Marina looks so much nicer and prettier in person. She was so friendly and warm. No wonder RPK loves her to death. RPK looked very tired but he still had his million dollar smile. They were on transit to Chung Hwa School where 4 speakers were going to give a talk. I thought I saw Cikgu Bard as well.

Anyway RPK and Marina were so obliging and took around 10 shots with me and the kids.

I guess I broke the ice, because after that more people came forward to take photos with them. What's wrong with some people? Why are they so shy? If you like someone, show it. If you are honest and sincere about your feelings and have no personal motives or agenda, then why shy away. Reveal yourself. You will not make a fool of yourself because the person on the receiving end will feel your warmth and sincerity.

I wasted no time in telling them that I was Angela's friend and neighbour and that Angela keeps me posted all the time. RPK lamented that Angela has joined his camp because she was arrested. I told him Angela is so dynamite and not many would put themselves up front like that. I also told him that I am ashamed for not being able to do so. But I applaud her for her bravery and courage.

RPK nodded his head in agreement and flashed that infectious killer smile!