Sunday, September 27, 2009

Apek Hill and Saga Hill

Countdown to EBC Trekking = 7 DAYS.

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly, KC.

“If we take the long way, by 6:00 p.m., we could still be trekking around within Bukit Saga and Bukit Apek,” I was conversing with Shirley who seems amused with my remarks. We started the trekking at 7:45 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m., after almost seven hours, the team of 12 trekkers are still trekking around.

This is the second time that I engaged Derrick, my badminton friend, as Saga/Apek Team Lead. We start from Apek Hill in Cheras and reverse the order of trekking as compared to the previous trip – trek in heavy rain – three weeks ago. Click here

At the lower waterfall. Before we could arrive here, we went up and down the hill for some warm-up trips. Derrick, Saga Team Lead, is in green T-shirt.
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The four heavenly beauties from this team ... Carol, Shirley, Alexis, Su.

When we finally emerged from the jungle, we all enjoyed ourselves with fresh fruits and tong sui bought from the make-shift stall (at the edge of the jungle). Never mind the condition of the stall but the stall keeper, who was assisted by his daughter, sell sweet juicy fruits and icy cold drinks.

Last time, we never like to trek at Bukit Saga and Bukit Apek as it was not too challenging. Besides, round trip takes about 1.5 hours. But with a wider coverage, we could trek the whole day. The best thing is that with the abundance of trees, the trails are well shaded.
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We meet ChongYF, Lai Khuan, Carina group of trekkers

L-R: KC, Derrick, Henry, SC Yong, Mak, Carol, Bernard, Sie ... Front: Shirley, Su, Eric, Alexis

Connecting the hilltop of Bukit Apek to Bukit Saga, the terrain is flat which is very good for trail running. The best thing about trekking here is that the trails are well-labeled with direction. Besides, with many people walking around, the trails are clearly visible and wide – much like a superhighway.

The fun things about trekking here is that there are a few waterfalls where one can relax and dip into the cold water. Further into the jungle, there are a few shelters complete with cooking utensils that look like a sanctuary located next to a pond that rear talapia fish.
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How to cross the stream? Our Saga Team Lead, Derrick, is busy looking for some rocks.

The only way out is to walk on top of the fallen log. Two weeks ago, when it was raining cat and dog, the whole area was filled with water. Walking on the log was then slippery.


After trekking around so many hills/mountains, my choice venue for training has to be Bukit Apek/Bukit Saga. The reasons are: (a) located in Cheras which require shorter traveling time, (b) not too tough condition with up and down terrain, (c) very shady; one can trek any time of the day, (d) waterfalls and sanctuary area enhance trip and make the trip more enjoyable, (e) fruit and tong sui stalls nearby; one would just detour to enjoy the refreshing drinks.

After having completed almost six months of training, this would be the final local trekking trip before the EBC team departs for a challenging trip to the Base Camp of Mount Everest on 4 October 2009.

Alexis relaxing in a sanctuary located deep in the jungle

Boiling water and making tea

CHEERS !!!

Derrick and Su enjoying the swing ... just like when we were young

Mak... watch up for Alexis's muddy shoes

The happy and satisfied trekkers roaming around Bukit Apek/Bukit Saga/Waterfalls ... goodbye.


Written by KC
EBC (4 October 2009) Team Lead
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