Gunung Datuk (Y2011 Intro Trek)
BASIC INFORMATION
Trek: Y2011 Intro Trek
Date: 29 - 30 January 2011
Location: Gunung Datuk, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Elevation: 884m
Duration: 1D
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1
Transport to base of Gunung Datuk
Day 2
Day Trek up Gunung Datuk
Transport back to SG
Day 1
It was a pleasant morning with cool breeze and wind with the meeting time set at 645am. Although the time was much earlier as compared to previous years, it was worth noting that all but a few were on time, well within the 7am buffer time that we had set. By 715, after ensuring that we were al set to go, we boarded SBS bus 170 and headed towards the customs where we met up with the latecomers who managed to reach the customs in time. Getting through the customs was pretty smooth although it took a bit longer considering there were quite a number of foreign students joining us for the trek. After that, we headed to MacDonald’s to have our breakfast, as there was still sufficient time to spare before boarding the bus. After everyone had finished his or her meal, we headed to board the bus at 950am. There was more than sufficient time during the breakfast for the trekkers to buy water and exchange SGD to Ringgit, with the only delay being that many had to go to the toilet before boarding the bus. There was not any issue with the bus as the bus was rather early. Furthermore, constant communication with Mdm Tan-the bus company lady-as well as the bus driver ensured that there was no unnecessary waiting around for instructions.
The bus ride was pretty smooth with us taking a stop at yong peng, where a few of us had an early lunch. One hiccup was a traffic jam caused by a road closure due to a Langkawi open bike race. The delay took about 20 minutes before we were back on track as we neared our destination. The bus eventually stopped along the main road, which is separated from the foot of the mountain by a long stretch of narrow road. We initially requested for the bus driver to drive in, but however, there was a signboard, which was recently erected in Jun 2010, stating that no buses were allowed to drive in. Hence, we had no choice but to alight the bus and ‘trek’ our way to the foot of the mountain. The walk was relatively short, however, the road was rather steep and it took us about 20 minutes before we managed to reach the base of the mountain. Permits were settled swiftly so as to reduce any delay, but the weather-gods were unkind and started to drizzle on us. We eventually made the decision to set up camp at the base of the mountain because the rain became heavier and it was unsafe to trek to the summit in such conditions. After our early dinner, where we had a sumptuous array of delicacies, courtesy of Wei Bin, the trekkers were left to indulge in whatever activities they liked. Since the next gathering time was at 2am, many trekkers chose not to sleep while a few of us managed to catch a couple of hours rest.
Day 2
By 2am, the trekkers were punctual at gathering for warm up exercises prior to the trek up. The time was set at 2am so that we would be able to catch the sunrise just in time when we reach the summit. As this was a night trek, with our base camp set at the foot of the mountain, the only load we carried up the trek was the headlights and bottles of water. The first 45 minutes of the trek were tough on the legs, as the terrain was pretty steep, but there was not to be much delay and we were able to reach our one and only rest point quite smoothly. Considering it was a night trek, it was an accomplishment for us trekkers to be able to reach the rest point with more than enough time to spare. We took a 5 minutes break where the trekkers rehydrated themselves and taking the opportunity to rest as much as possible. Once everyone was ready, we continued with the trek towards the summit. Once more, it was a relaxing trek up to the summit, and as it was past midnight, where the breezing wind made it a comfortable trek for many. Finally, after 2 hours of trekking, we reached the summit of Gunung Datuk, not before having to navigate the tricky ladders, which does not exactly instill confidence in anyone climbing it. It is important for safety that someone is at every point assisting whoever is climbing up the ladder. At the summit, which consists of many huge boulders, we were treated to an unrestricted 360 degrees view. One point to note is that at the summit, it is very windy and it is of paramount importance that everyone has at least a windbreaker with him or her. While we were still basking in the romance of the night scenery, it began to drizzle. Thus the decision was made to descend the summit before the rain gets heavier, which could be dangerous for anyone climbing down the summit. Unfortunately, we could not get to enjoy the sunrise as the rain indeed got heavier and the weather got even colder. After seeking shelter under the boulder for approximately an hour, at about 7am, we began our descent. Our rate of descent was comparably slower than our ascent as it was raining, which made the terrain slippery and dangerous. However, with the benefit of sunlight, it made our route down much more safer. There was nothing significant on the way down other than the numerous slips that many trekkers had but none of which required any serious attention. Upon reaching the base of Datuk, the trekkers started packing up with some deciding to wash up while waiting for the arrival of the bus to bring us back to CitiSquare. The bus arrived at 11am and with everything accounted for, we made our way back to JB. Along the way, we stopped at Malacca for lunch at A&W as well as toilet break. We finally reached CitiSquare at 4pm and that was the time where the trekkers were dismissed. Most of us proceeded to Taman Sentosa to have our sumptuous seafood dinner while the remaining trekkers decided to head back to Singapore.
All in all, the expedition was a culture shock for many as this represented their first trek and to have to do it in the night and successfully complete it, proved their endurance and determination to finished what they set out to do. The rain sought to dampen the experience but we managed to overcome this adversity and grew closer as a group. Lastly, the seafood dinner represented a sweet ending to an incredible 2 days filled with ups and downs, but certainly more ups than down.
Written by: Zephan Seow, Trek IC
