Alhamdulillah...
usaha yang digerakkan kira-kira 7 bulan lalu untuk merealisasikan program ini akhirnya berjaya dilaksanakan. aku berkejar kesana kemari, cuba mendapatkan itu dan ini. akhirnya selesai kini. terima kasih yang tidak terhingga kepada semua rakan-rakan yang sama-sama menjayakan xpdc menawan kinabalu ( Disember 10 ). biarpun penat, tapi aku sangat-sangat gembira kerana pengalaman kali ini amat berbeza. perjalanan program didalam benakku tidak seindah yang kami semua alami. duka pasti ada, tapi aku pasti suka itu mengatasi semuanya.
untuk tatapan rakan-rakan, sila ke page MENAWAN PUNCAK KINABALU DEC 10
coretan serta INFORMASI BERGUNA ada disertakan. mungkin membantu rakan-rakan yang bakal membuat kunjungan pada masa-masa akan datang.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
bercuti di MORIB
cerita bercuti kat MORIB ni sebenanya buat celebrate birthday wife aku. tarikh aku n family pegi sana sama dgn tarikh Family Day ofis aku. tapi aku tak pilih untuk join rakan ofis sebab aku rasa kalau pegi sana reramai pun nanti tak feel celebration birthday wife aku. aku nak bagi wife aku relax n happy dsamping aku n anak2.
Rumah Peranginan Persekutuan Morib. destinasi kali ni. aku book lbh kurang 2 minggu sebelum aku check in. biasanya susah nak book rumah peranginan persekutuan, tapi mungkin sebab di morib kurang tarikan pelancongan, so tak ramai yang kesana. ada tempat kosong
aku terus book. Alhamdulillah ada..
hari nak kesana, wife aku keja. so kena tunggu setengah hari. mak aku menunggu d rumah kakak aku d putrajaya. sampai di rumah kakak aku, lunch kat sana. pastu kami bertolak ke morib. sampai dalam jam 4 lbh skit. check in, aku terima remote astro. dapat la tgk world cup.
Alhamdulillah, tempat mnarik. dengan bayaran RM 50 semalam, ade dua bilik ( katil 4) ruang tamu, dua bathroom, sofa, meja makan, TV with ASTRO, fully furnished kitchen, (kalau nak masak, bawak bahan mentah ja, periuk belanga dah siap) dan ada fridge. ( peti ais ) so aku amat berpuas hati. kalau ada yang masih pertikai nilai duit dia tak berbaloi dgn apa yang dia bayar compare to facillities kat sini, mmg dia tu ada sakit otak.
di depan rumah penginapan persekutuan ( tioman 1 )
rumah penginapan aku dan family di morib. siap dgn beranda, aku rasa satu unit rumah ni boleh didiami the whole family. berbaloi sgt, aku bawak mak aku, wife and anak2 pun aku rasa macam kosong lagi. rasa kalau ramai-ramai lagi meriah. rumah peranginan ni untuk kakitangan kerajaan ja. HARAP MAKLUM...
Rumah Peranginan Persekutuan Morib. destinasi kali ni. aku book lbh kurang 2 minggu sebelum aku check in. biasanya susah nak book rumah peranginan persekutuan, tapi mungkin sebab di morib kurang tarikan pelancongan, so tak ramai yang kesana. ada tempat kosong
aku terus book. Alhamdulillah ada..
hari nak kesana, wife aku keja. so kena tunggu setengah hari. mak aku menunggu d rumah kakak aku d putrajaya. sampai di rumah kakak aku, lunch kat sana. pastu kami bertolak ke morib. sampai dalam jam 4 lbh skit. check in, aku terima remote astro. dapat la tgk world cup.
Alhamdulillah, tempat mnarik. dengan bayaran RM 50 semalam, ade dua bilik ( katil 4) ruang tamu, dua bathroom, sofa, meja makan, TV with ASTRO, fully furnished kitchen, (kalau nak masak, bawak bahan mentah ja, periuk belanga dah siap) dan ada fridge. ( peti ais ) so aku amat berpuas hati. kalau ada yang masih pertikai nilai duit dia tak berbaloi dgn apa yang dia bayar compare to facillities kat sini, mmg dia tu ada sakit otak.
di depan rumah penginapan persekutuan ( tioman 1 )
rumah penginapan aku dan family di morib. siap dgn beranda, aku rasa satu unit rumah ni boleh didiami the whole family. berbaloi sgt, aku bawak mak aku, wife and anak2 pun aku rasa macam kosong lagi. rasa kalau ramai-ramai lagi meriah. rumah peranginan ni untuk kakitangan kerajaan ja. HARAP MAKLUM...
bonda tercinta bersama cucu sulungnya, aiffa
aku rasa happy dapat bawak family ke sini. kat atas tu pic mak aku dgn anak sulung aku aiffa. anak aku yang kecik dah balik ke RPP sebab mngantuk. so wife aku bawak balik tido. RPP ni sebelah dgn pantai. so rasa macam bercuti kat tempat yang jauh, padehal dekat ja ngan puchong. mak aku berkejar-kejar ngan aiffa kat pantai, anak sulung aku ni aktif sangat. seronok dia dapat main air laut. main-main pasir. aku seronok tgk anak2 happy, walaupun sebenarnya badan ni penat sgt. demi family.
banyak lagi pic morib yang aku upload tapi failed. aku akan upload lagi, untuk tatapan rakan2.
Friday, June 25, 2010
HABA SNOW MOUNTAIN
Climbing HaBa Snow Mountain, YunNan
SHANGRILA ADVENTURE Copyright ©2009 SHANGRILA ADVENTURE. All rights reserved
SiChuan HengXin International Travel Agency Pte Ltd
9 GaoShengQiao Road, WuHou District, ChengDu 610045, SiChuan
T/F. 028-85082770 (China)
M. +65-96705274 (Singapore) +86-15828029486 (China)
E. ask@shangrila-adventure.com
Physical Grading: 4/5 (strenuous)
Synopsis
This key highlight of this itinerary is to experience climbing a snow mountain. HaBa Snow Mountain is located
about 2hr from LiJiang, YunNan China. Standing at 5396m, HaBa is just above the snow-line and is covered
with snow all year round. Due to the forgiving slopes & well-established climbing routes, it is an ideal climb
for beginners who wish to experience climbing a 5000+m snow mountain.
After the climb, you can relax and immerse in the hustle bustle of the ancient town of LiJiang or opt for more
trekking. Other highlights include: the ancient town of LiJiang & trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge along the
JinSha (Upper Yangtze) river.
Itinerary (EX-KunMing):
Day 01 Arrive KunMing / LiJiang
• Arrival to KunMing with connecting flight to LiJiang
• Overnight in LiJiang Old Town (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
02 LiJiang / Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Drive 3hr to Tiger Leaping Gorge
• After lunch, short trek and sight-seeing at the middle leaping gorge
• Overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
03 Tiger Leaping Gorge / HaBa village / Yak Shed (L, D)
• Drive 1hr to HaBa village
• Start your trek to yak shed (est. 3hr trek)
• Overnight at yak shed (tents)
04 Yak Shed / Base Camp (B, L, D)
• Trek along the trail through woods & forests to base camp (est. 3-4hr trek).
• Rest and acclimatize
• Overnight in base camp (tents)
05 Base camp (additional acclimatization) (B, L, D)
• Continue your acclimatization at base camp. Go for acclimatization climb up to 4500m.
• Sit back, relax and enjoy the cool air and the pristine surroundings.
• Overnight in base camp (tents)
06 Summit attempt / Base Camp (B, D)
• Summit push today! Move out from base camp at 3.30am (est. 6-7hr to summit)
• Overnight in base camp (tents)
07 Spare day for 2nd summit attempt (B, D)
08 Base Camp / LiJiang (B, L)
• Trek down all the way back to HaBa village; After lunch, drive back to LiJiang
• Overnight in LiJiang (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
09 LiJiang
• Relax, free and easy to explore this UNESCO heritage site
• Overnight in LiJiang Old Town (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
10 LiJiang / KunMing / Depart KunMing
• Fly back to KunMing in the morning; Depending on schedule, depart KunMing
Trip Cost (2010):
SGD1870/pax (2-4pax)
SGD1770/pax (4-10pax)
SGD1730/pax (>10pax)
Group size: min 2pax, max 12pax
* cost is subjected to final changes without prior notice
SHANGRILA ADVENTURE Copyright ©2009 SHANGRILA ADVENTURE. All rights reserved
SiChuan HengXin International Travel Agency Pte Ltd
9 GaoShengQiao Road, WuHou District, ChengDu 610045, SiChuan
T/F. 028-85082770 (China)
M. +65-96705274 (Singapore) +86-15828029486 (China)
E. ask@shangrila-adventure.com
Physical Grading: 4/5 (strenuous)
Synopsis
This key highlight of this itinerary is to experience climbing a snow mountain. HaBa Snow Mountain is located
about 2hr from LiJiang, YunNan China. Standing at 5396m, HaBa is just above the snow-line and is covered
with snow all year round. Due to the forgiving slopes & well-established climbing routes, it is an ideal climb
for beginners who wish to experience climbing a 5000+m snow mountain.
After the climb, you can relax and immerse in the hustle bustle of the ancient town of LiJiang or opt for more
trekking. Other highlights include: the ancient town of LiJiang & trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge along the
JinSha (Upper Yangtze) river.
Itinerary (EX-KunMing):
Day 01 Arrive KunMing / LiJiang
• Arrival to KunMing with connecting flight to LiJiang
• Overnight in LiJiang Old Town (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
02 LiJiang / Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Drive 3hr to Tiger Leaping Gorge
• After lunch, short trek and sight-seeing at the middle leaping gorge
• Overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
03 Tiger Leaping Gorge / HaBa village / Yak Shed (L, D)
• Drive 1hr to HaBa village
• Start your trek to yak shed (est. 3hr trek)
• Overnight at yak shed (tents)
04 Yak Shed / Base Camp (B, L, D)
• Trek along the trail through woods & forests to base camp (est. 3-4hr trek).
• Rest and acclimatize
• Overnight in base camp (tents)
05 Base camp (additional acclimatization) (B, L, D)
• Continue your acclimatization at base camp. Go for acclimatization climb up to 4500m.
• Sit back, relax and enjoy the cool air and the pristine surroundings.
• Overnight in base camp (tents)
06 Summit attempt / Base Camp (B, D)
• Summit push today! Move out from base camp at 3.30am (est. 6-7hr to summit)
• Overnight in base camp (tents)
07 Spare day for 2nd summit attempt (B, D)
08 Base Camp / LiJiang (B, L)
• Trek down all the way back to HaBa village; After lunch, drive back to LiJiang
• Overnight in LiJiang (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
09 LiJiang
• Relax, free and easy to explore this UNESCO heritage site
• Overnight in LiJiang Old Town (twin-sharing, with attached shower)
10 LiJiang / KunMing / Depart KunMing
• Fly back to KunMing in the morning; Depending on schedule, depart KunMing
Trip Cost (2010):
SGD1870/pax (2-4pax)
SGD1770/pax (4-10pax)
SGD1730/pax (>10pax)
Group size: min 2pax, max 12pax
* cost is subjected to final changes without prior notice
Monday, June 7, 2010
Dreaming for HABA SNOW MAOUNTAIN
Haba Snow Mountain
Haba Snow Mountain Hiking/Climbing Guide,Yunnan
Category: Yunnan
Overview
The Haba Snow Mountain stands by the Jinsha River, 120km southeast of Zhongdian (Shangri-La), with its main peak of 5,396m. The attraction of the Sanba Tourist Area is attributed to the towering peaks of the Haba Snow Mountain and its alpine moraine lake, endless tracks of azalea flowers and cluster of waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs. The glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the southmost glacier in China.
Haba is an interesting township beneath the Haba Snow Mountain. The local minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as the odd Tibetan. It is primarily of interest to hikers and those who enjoy exploring remote and more traditional villages. The town along the road is inhabited by a small number of Han people plus a mix of local minorities, the area above the road towards the mountain is home to two Hui (Muslim) villages, each of which with its own mosque. Further up the mountain is an Yi village. Further down the valley, beneath the road is a lush agricultural area inhabited by Naxi people.
Opportunities abound for hiking in the surrounding forest and mountains. Keen hikers will be interested to hike to the summit of Haba Snow Mountain, which takes 2.5~3 days at pace for ascent and descent and requires spending nights on the mountain. A guides is required and available in Haba town/villages.
Best Time to go: July and August.
Getting In & Out
Buses run daily to/from both Lijiang and Zhongdian, and are rarely full. Bear in mind that these will stop at many points along the way to pick up locals from intermediate villages.
Bicycle
To the south, the road towards Tiger Leaping Gorge rises for 5km or so, offering a spectacular view of the valley before descending almost constantly for nearly 30km to the valley entrance. From there a slight climb will get you to Walnut Grove.
Heading north out of town a 2km climb sees you through a pass, after which a slight but near-constant descent brings you within a brief distance of Baishuitai.
Lodging
Accommodation is basic and similar throughout most of the Haba town, with budget beds from Y10-15. Showers are shared with solar powered hot water.
The two most popular options are the Haba Snow Mountain Inn and the Fourth Sister Inn. The former provides a computer and a generator, as well as a larger selection of vegetables for meals.
Dining
Other than the impressive range of locally gathered wild mushrooms, there is a definite shortage of culinary variety in this town. Most places offering accommodation feature a limited variety of sorry-looking vegetables and a hunk of meat of two. The staple food is often baba or flatbread rather than rice, and you may be offered Tibetan-style butter tea, which is an acquired taste by all accounts. The saving grace is that all food available is locally produced and is completely free of agricultural chemicals. Also note that Muslim establishments will not serve pork.
Haba Snow Mt. Climbing
Recommend you start with a warm-up trekking from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba village first instead of arriving Haba by bus.
Phase I - Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village
D1: Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village-> 28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse
D2: Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina's -> Walnut Grove (Woody)
D3: Walnut Grove -> Haba Village(2800m)
More details on Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking & Route Maps
Phase II - Haba Village to Haba Snow Mt.
(Horse & guide can be hired in Haba Village, Y100/day total)
D4: Haba Village-> Base Camp (4200m) 6-8hrs
D5: Base Camp--Camp 1(4800m)--Summit(5396m)--Base Camp
D6: Base Camp--Haba Village, take a bus to Baishuitai
D7: Bus from Baishuitai back to Lijiang or further northern to Zhongdian(Shangri-La)
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Guide, Yunnan
Category: Adventure Tour
Location: Northwest Yunnan, near Lijiang
Description: A difficult yet amazing trek in one of the world's deepest and most marvelous gorges. It passes through some of the most naturally stunning and diverse landscapes China-if not the world-has to offer, making this once adventurous trek a popular choice for off-the-beaten track travellers. The trek passes in front of one of the highest peaks in Asia, Meili Snow Mt., and high above the deep crevasses of the Gorge, delighting every backpacker with truly awesome sights and great photos.
Access: Lijiang to Qiaotou or Daju
Starting: Qiaotou or Daju
Ending: Daju or Qiaotou or Haba Village
Route A
Daju-> Walnut Grove ( Woody )-> Tina's -> Middle Rapids -> Halfway Guesthouse -> 28 Turns-> Nuoyu Village-> Qiaotou
Remarks: from Daju to Qiaotou is upstream, Qiaotou to Daju is downstream, you can make the trek in either direction.
Part I : Qiaotou <=> Halfway Guesthouse, 6-8 hours
Part II : HWG <=> Walnut Grove, 3-4 hours
Part III : Walnut Grove <=> Daju : 3-4 hours
This means that trekkers leaving from Qiaotou will probably have to spend the first night in HWGH while trekkers leaving from Daju will have the choice of Walnut Grove or HWG.
Route B
Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village-> 28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina's -> Walnut Grove ( Woody )-> Jiangbian-> Haba-> Sanba Village(Baishuitai)
Maps>> Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Map
Two paths
The high path : long, strenuous & dangerous but amazing view : this is the "real" stuff. To find it from Qiaotou, walk 80m after the "entrance-fee short cut" or 200m after the entrance, take the large road on the left, pass a school sport yard, take the small path going up and follow the arrows of various colors.
The walk requires some previous trekking experience and good fitness. The path is sometimes slippery, sometimes very narrow (20cm), sometimes next to a ravine... It is OK under light rain but not more. In any case, check the conditions before going by asking at Backpacker's Cafe in Qiaotou. If you stick to the path and follow the arrows (red, yellow, white or blue) and the shoes traces in the dust, you should not have any trouble finding your way.
The low path : relatively easy, flat and boring. You can really walk in good condition from Walnut Grove to Km 9 only : from Qiaotou to km 9 is the domain on the Chinese tourist cars and buses (the Chinese come to see the Tiger Leaping Rock at Km 10) and you will have to take a lift or bring a mask gas as the road is transformed into a big dust cloud.
Two places to start (for the high path)
Qiaotou : Buses from Lijiang to Zhongdian stop at Qiaotou, 7:30~15:00, 2hrs, Y13.5
Daju : Buses from Lijiang, 7:30~13:30, 3hours, Y23.5
Itinerary
The popular section of trail begins at Qiaotou, two hours out of Lijiang. You can take a Hutiao / Zhongdian-bound bus from Lijiang, get off at Qiaotou(Y13-15), leave your bag at Backpackers' Cafe(unless you plan to trek further to Baishuitai near Haba), then change to a local minibus to the entrance of the gorge.
The entry fee is currently Y50, although it can be easily avoided if one arrives before the office opens, or at some opportune moment when the guard is out (or in the confusion if you're arriving with a number of other hikers).
Typically the hike is spread over two days, with a night spent at one of the many guest houses along the route, ending with a 40-60 minute bus-ride from Walnut Grove to Qiaotou (Y50-60 for a small van). More adventuresome types will continue to Baishuitai beyond.
D1 Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village-> 28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse
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Your hiking trip starts from Qiaotou, the 28 zigzaging turns will be a real stuff. The 26km takes about 6-8 hours. From the top of "28 turns" on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000m, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire Gorge. Check this at a Tea Horse or Guesthouse if you cannot figure it out yourself.
Halfway Guesthouse organizes two-day treks up Haba Snow Mountain with an overnight stay uphill at a point of altitude above 4000 meters. Sleeping bags and mats for the trek can be rented at the guesthouse. Successful trekkers are awarded "donkey shoes" as souvenirs and their names and contact information are recorded in the "donkey skin book" at the guesthouse. Similar treks can also be arranged at Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse.
D2 Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina's -> Walnut Grove ( Woody )
Three roads lead to the Middle Rapids. One starts at the right of Woody No.2 (Y2 for "road crossing" fee), another starts near Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse (Y5 "road crossing" fee), the third starts near Chateau Woody where you see a sign advertising Xia Yin Gu's guide service. Once you enter, just go down and you won't miss it! The scenery is the most spectacular in the entire Tiger Leaping Gorge.
To return, you may go back on the same road, or take a different one. Notice that on the third road close to the rapids there is a very dangerous section of a few dozen meters long called "Tiny Sky" (and you need to pay between Y2-5 depending on the condition to cross that). At the rapids itself, there are two places charging "road crossing" fees of 2Y each: one for a small bridge leading to the first road, the other for crossing the wooden plank to the Middle Tiger Leaping Rock. The visit takes between 3 and 5 hours.
Reminders:
Beware of the touts hanging around various guesthouses on the low path (Walnut Grove included except at Sean's Guesthouse): Offending these people may incur a harsh beating plus a demand for hefty money.
It's out of electricity sometimes in Walnut Grove, makes sure you have a flashlight.
Lodging
Qiaotou
Gorge Village Hotel, Xia Gu Chun (0887 880 6246), opposite Backpacker's Cafe, Dorm 10Y in 2/3 bed's room, Dble 25, Dble with bath 120Y / Restaurant
Jade Dragon Hotel "Lotus Hotel" (0887 8806 196), on the right from Bus Station, Dorm 12/15Y in 5/3 bed's room, Dble with bath 160Y / Restaurant
On the high path (kilometers from Qiaotou):
Naxi Family Guesthouse, 6km, Nuo Yu Village, 1.5-2 hours from Qiaotou, 5-8 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10 / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Old Horse Guesthouse,6.5km on a separate path, Nuo Yu Village, 40min walking up from low path at km 6.5, 1.5-2 hours from Qiaotou, 5-8 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10/ Basic
Tea Horse Trade Guesthouse and Peace Gorge Guesthouse, both at 12km, Ya Cha Corner, 5min between the two, 1 hour walking up from low path at 11km, 3-6 hours from Qiaotou, 3-5 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10 / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Halfway Guesthouse, 17km, Ben Di Wan Village, 1 hour walking up from low path at km 14, 4-8 hours from Qiaotou, 2-4 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm 10Y,12Y or 15Y in 1,2,3 or 4 bed's rooms / Basic but what a view (check the toilets...) / Hot water /Restaurant
Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse, 18km, Ben Di Wan Village, 4-8 hours from Qiaotou, 2-3.5 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10/bed, Hot water / Restaurant . From here it is 3.6 km (2 hours) to Tina's Guesthouse on the low path
On the low path (kilometers from Qiaotou):
Woody No.2 (Zhongxia Meijing Shanzhuang), 18km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse, 18.5km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Tina's Guesthouse, 20km, in front of the path going up to the high path, 45mn from Walnut Grove / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant / If you are walking the low path to Qiaotou, take the shortcut just before the Guesthouse to avoid 1.5km of turning road.
Midgorge Guesthouse, the former Ya Cha Hotel, now at 21km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
At Walnut Grove (23km from Qiaotou):
Chateau Woody, the first one from Daju / Great view from the clean room for 10Y or 15Y per bed in 1, 2 or 3 bed's room / Hot water in the evening / Clean Toilets / Restaurant
Sean's Guesthouse "Spring Guesthouse", the first one from Qiaotou / Dorm 15 in 8 or 12 bed's rooms / Dorm 20 in Dble / 42 big beds / Hot water / Restaurant
At Daju
Snowflake Hotel or Tiger Leaping Gorge Hotel have cheap beds.
D3 Walnut Grove -> Haba Village
An adventurous add-on to the gorge trek is to continue north all the way to Haba village and the limestone terraces of Baishuitai, making it a four-day trek from Qiaotou. From here you will travel on to Zhongdian.
From Walnut Grove to Haba via Jiangbian, it's about 30km and much of it is uphill, which takes 7-8 hours, more difficult than the high trail of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. After a long ascent, you will reach the village of Haba for the night. A few hundred residents in Haba, many of them are Muslim, and a couple of guesthouses tucked into a valley that spills down a hillside with mountains rising on three sides make up Haba. The Haba Snow Mountain Inn, a typical rural Yunnan guesthouse - a family farm with a couple of rooms converted to guesthouse use.
D4 Haba Vilalge to Baishuitai
A brief steep ascent in the beginning and a couple of steep descents are the only diversions from what is otherwise largely a flat trek and certainly much easier than the Walnut Grove to Haba portion.
Baishuitai (White Water Terrace), believed to be the birthplace of Naxi Dongba culture, is not as nice as Haba. A cluster of buildings around the base of the terraces themselves form the de-facto town of Baishuitai, which falls under the denomination of Sanba town. The main attraction is the limestone terraces, though interesting to see and worth the Y30 of admission. Basic accommodation is available in the town for Y10/bed. Off the main road most of the local dwellings are in the Naxi style and feature the twin-fish motif.
For moving on, the first bus to Zhongdian departs at 8:30AM, while others pass through throughout the day - either heading north to Zhongdian or south to Haba, Jiangbian, Tiger Leaping Gorge or Lijiang. On your ride to Zhongdian (4 hours), you can get off at the turn-off to Bita Lake, 25km east of Zhongdian and hike there.
Reminders
Wear light hiking boots with ankle support.
There is a risk of landslides in bad weather, though no one would like to step out of the door on a rainy day, just in case the weather changes when you are on route. After all, it's a 2-4 days trek.
As with any touristy area, there are endless efforts of varying legitimacy to help you part with your RMB along the route. At various intervals, old women, young girls and sundry others will demand small fees for using optional parts of the path. Some, such as the decent to the river below Tina's guest house, are particularly annoying, as you'll be asked for a few RMB more at what seems like every step of the way, with an elaborate story to explain the cost. Also be aware that some guest houses may try to mislead you about your hiking options, for example Tina's guest house has been known to insist that while you may descend to the river below, you must hike back up, and may not continue along the river to Walnut Grove--one of the most spectacular sections of the trail.
Haba Snow Mountain Hiking/Climbing Guide,Yunnan
Category: Yunnan
Overview
The Haba Snow Mountain stands by the Jinsha River, 120km southeast of Zhongdian (Shangri-La), with its main peak of 5,396m. The attraction of the Sanba Tourist Area is attributed to the towering peaks of the Haba Snow Mountain and its alpine moraine lake, endless tracks of azalea flowers and cluster of waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs. The glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the southmost glacier in China.
Haba is an interesting township beneath the Haba Snow Mountain. The local minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as the odd Tibetan. It is primarily of interest to hikers and those who enjoy exploring remote and more traditional villages. The town along the road is inhabited by a small number of Han people plus a mix of local minorities, the area above the road towards the mountain is home to two Hui (Muslim) villages, each of which with its own mosque. Further up the mountain is an Yi village. Further down the valley, beneath the road is a lush agricultural area inhabited by Naxi people. Opportunities abound for hiking in the surrounding forest and mountains. Keen hikers will be interested to hike to the summit of Haba Snow Mountain, which takes 2.5~3 days at pace for ascent and descent and requires spending nights on the mountain. A guides is required and available in Haba town/villages.
Best Time to go: July and August.
Getting In & Out
Buses run daily to/from both Lijiang and Zhongdian, and are rarely full. Bear in mind that these will stop at many points along the way to pick up locals from intermediate villages.
Bicycle
To the south, the road towards Tiger Leaping Gorge rises for 5km or so, offering a spectacular view of the valley before descending almost constantly for nearly 30km to the valley entrance. From there a slight climb will get you to Walnut Grove.
Heading north out of town a 2km climb sees you through a pass, after which a slight but near-constant descent brings you within a brief distance of Baishuitai.
Lodging
Accommodation is basic and similar throughout most of the Haba town, with budget beds from Y10-15. Showers are shared with solar powered hot water.
The two most popular options are the Haba Snow Mountain Inn and the Fourth Sister Inn. The former provides a computer and a generator, as well as a larger selection of vegetables for meals.
Dining
Other than the impressive range of locally gathered wild mushrooms, there is a definite shortage of culinary variety in this town. Most places offering accommodation feature a limited variety of sorry-looking vegetables and a hunk of meat of two. The staple food is often baba or flatbread rather than rice, and you may be offered Tibetan-style butter tea, which is an acquired taste by all accounts. The saving grace is that all food available is locally produced and is completely free of agricultural chemicals. Also note that Muslim establishments will not serve pork.
Haba Snow Mt. Climbing
Recommend you start with a warm-up trekking from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba village first instead of arriving Haba by bus.
Phase I - Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village
D1: Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village-> 28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse
D2: Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina's -> Walnut Grove (Woody)
D3: Walnut Grove -> Haba Village(2800m)
More details on Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking & Route Maps
Phase II - Haba Village to Haba Snow Mt.
(Horse & guide can be hired in Haba Village, Y100/day total)
D4: Haba Village-> Base Camp (4200m) 6-8hrs
D5: Base Camp--Camp 1(4800m)--Summit(5396m)--Base Camp
D6: Base Camp--Haba Village, take a bus to Baishuitai
D7: Bus from Baishuitai back to Lijiang or further northern to Zhongdian(Shangri-La)
Tiger Leaping Gorge to Baishuitai
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Guide, Yunnan
Category: Adventure Tour
Location: Northwest Yunnan, near Lijiang
Description: A difficult yet amazing trek in one of the world's deepest and most marvelous gorges. It passes through some of the most naturally stunning and diverse landscapes China-if not the world-has to offer, making this once adventurous trek a popular choice for off-the-beaten track travellers. The trek passes in front of one of the highest peaks in Asia, Meili Snow Mt., and high above the deep crevasses of the Gorge, delighting every backpacker with truly awesome sights and great photos.
Access: Lijiang to Qiaotou or Daju
Starting: Qiaotou or Daju
Ending: Daju or Qiaotou or Haba Village
Route A
Daju-> Walnut Grove ( Woody )-> Tina's -> Middle Rapids -> Halfway Guesthouse -> 28 Turns-> Nuoyu Village-> Qiaotou
Remarks: from Daju to Qiaotou is upstream, Qiaotou to Daju is downstream, you can make the trek in either direction.
Part I : Qiaotou <=> Halfway Guesthouse, 6-8 hours
Part II : HWG <=> Walnut Grove, 3-4 hours
Part III : Walnut Grove <=> Daju : 3-4 hours
This means that trekkers leaving from Qiaotou will probably have to spend the first night in HWGH while trekkers leaving from Daju will have the choice of Walnut Grove or HWG.
Route B
Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village-> 28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina's -> Walnut Grove ( Woody )-> Jiangbian-> Haba-> Sanba Village(Baishuitai)
Maps>> Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Map
Two paths
The high path : long, strenuous & dangerous but amazing view : this is the "real" stuff. To find it from Qiaotou, walk 80m after the "entrance-fee short cut" or 200m after the entrance, take the large road on the left, pass a school sport yard, take the small path going up and follow the arrows of various colors.
The walk requires some previous trekking experience and good fitness. The path is sometimes slippery, sometimes very narrow (20cm), sometimes next to a ravine... It is OK under light rain but not more. In any case, check the conditions before going by asking at Backpacker's Cafe in Qiaotou. If you stick to the path and follow the arrows (red, yellow, white or blue) and the shoes traces in the dust, you should not have any trouble finding your way.
The low path : relatively easy, flat and boring. You can really walk in good condition from Walnut Grove to Km 9 only : from Qiaotou to km 9 is the domain on the Chinese tourist cars and buses (the Chinese come to see the Tiger Leaping Rock at Km 10) and you will have to take a lift or bring a mask gas as the road is transformed into a big dust cloud.
Two places to start (for the high path)
Qiaotou : Buses from Lijiang to Zhongdian stop at Qiaotou, 7:30~15:00, 2hrs, Y13.5
Daju : Buses from Lijiang, 7:30~13:30, 3hours, Y23.5
Itinerary
The popular section of trail begins at Qiaotou, two hours out of Lijiang. You can take a Hutiao / Zhongdian-bound bus from Lijiang, get off at Qiaotou(Y13-15), leave your bag at Backpackers' Cafe(unless you plan to trek further to Baishuitai near Haba), then change to a local minibus to the entrance of the gorge.
The entry fee is currently Y50, although it can be easily avoided if one arrives before the office opens, or at some opportune moment when the guard is out (or in the confusion if you're arriving with a number of other hikers).
Typically the hike is spread over two days, with a night spent at one of the many guest houses along the route, ending with a 40-60 minute bus-ride from Walnut Grove to Qiaotou (Y50-60 for a small van). More adventuresome types will continue to Baishuitai beyond.
D1 Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village-> 28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse
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Your hiking trip starts from Qiaotou, the 28 zigzaging turns will be a real stuff. The 26km takes about 6-8 hours. From the top of "28 turns" on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000m, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire Gorge. Check this at a Tea Horse or Guesthouse if you cannot figure it out yourself. You will arrive at Halfway Guesthouse to finish today's trekking. At an altitude of 2500m, you get a magnificent view over the Yangtze River below and the Yulong Mountain right in front of you. For the keen photographer this trek provides a great opportunity to capture nature's best moments.
Halfway Guesthouse organizes two-day treks up Haba Snow Mountain with an overnight stay uphill at a point of altitude above 4000 meters. Sleeping bags and mats for the trek can be rented at the guesthouse. Successful trekkers are awarded "donkey shoes" as souvenirs and their names and contact information are recorded in the "donkey skin book" at the guesthouse. Similar treks can also be arranged at Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse.
D2 Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina's -> Walnut Grove ( Woody )
Three roads lead to the Middle Rapids. One starts at the right of Woody No.2 (Y2 for "road crossing" fee), another starts near Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse (Y5 "road crossing" fee), the third starts near Chateau Woody where you see a sign advertising Xia Yin Gu's guide service. Once you enter, just go down and you won't miss it! The scenery is the most spectacular in the entire Tiger Leaping Gorge.
To return, you may go back on the same road, or take a different one. Notice that on the third road close to the rapids there is a very dangerous section of a few dozen meters long called "Tiny Sky" (and you need to pay between Y2-5 depending on the condition to cross that). At the rapids itself, there are two places charging "road crossing" fees of 2Y each: one for a small bridge leading to the first road, the other for crossing the wooden plank to the Middle Tiger Leaping Rock. The visit takes between 3 and 5 hours.
Reminders:
Beware of the touts hanging around various guesthouses on the low path (Walnut Grove included except at Sean's Guesthouse): Offending these people may incur a harsh beating plus a demand for hefty money.
It's out of electricity sometimes in Walnut Grove, makes sure you have a flashlight.
Lodging
Qiaotou
Gorge Village Hotel, Xia Gu Chun (0887 880 6246), opposite Backpacker's Cafe, Dorm 10Y in 2/3 bed's room, Dble 25, Dble with bath 120Y / Restaurant
Jade Dragon Hotel "Lotus Hotel" (0887 8806 196), on the right from Bus Station, Dorm 12/15Y in 5/3 bed's room, Dble with bath 160Y / Restaurant
On the high path (kilometers from Qiaotou):
Naxi Family Guesthouse, 6km, Nuo Yu Village, 1.5-2 hours from Qiaotou, 5-8 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10 / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Old Horse Guesthouse,6.5km on a separate path, Nuo Yu Village, 40min walking up from low path at km 6.5, 1.5-2 hours from Qiaotou, 5-8 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10/ Basic
Tea Horse Trade Guesthouse and Peace Gorge Guesthouse, both at 12km, Ya Cha Corner, 5min between the two, 1 hour walking up from low path at 11km, 3-6 hours from Qiaotou, 3-5 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10 / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Halfway Guesthouse, 17km, Ben Di Wan Village, 1 hour walking up from low path at km 14, 4-8 hours from Qiaotou, 2-4 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm 10Y,12Y or 15Y in 1,2,3 or 4 bed's rooms / Basic but what a view (check the toilets...) / Hot water /Restaurant
Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse, 18km, Ben Di Wan Village, 4-8 hours from Qiaotou, 2-3.5 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10/bed, Hot water / Restaurant . From here it is 3.6 km (2 hours) to Tina's Guesthouse on the low path
On the low path (kilometers from Qiaotou):
Woody No.2 (Zhongxia Meijing Shanzhuang), 18km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse, 18.5km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
Tina's Guesthouse, 20km, in front of the path going up to the high path, 45mn from Walnut Grove / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant / If you are walking the low path to Qiaotou, take the shortcut just before the Guesthouse to avoid 1.5km of turning road.
Midgorge Guesthouse, the former Ya Cha Hotel, now at 21km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant
At Walnut Grove (23km from Qiaotou):
Chateau Woody, the first one from Daju / Great view from the clean room for 10Y or 15Y per bed in 1, 2 or 3 bed's room / Hot water in the evening / Clean Toilets / Restaurant
Sean's Guesthouse "Spring Guesthouse", the first one from Qiaotou / Dorm 15 in 8 or 12 bed's rooms / Dorm 20 in Dble / 42 big beds / Hot water / Restaurant
At Daju
Snowflake Hotel or Tiger Leaping Gorge Hotel have cheap beds.
D3 Walnut Grove -> Haba Village
An adventurous add-on to the gorge trek is to continue north all the way to Haba village and the limestone terraces of Baishuitai, making it a four-day trek from Qiaotou. From here you will travel on to Zhongdian.
From Walnut Grove to Haba via Jiangbian, it's about 30km and much of it is uphill, which takes 7-8 hours, more difficult than the high trail of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. After a long ascent, you will reach the village of Haba for the night. A few hundred residents in Haba, many of them are Muslim, and a couple of guesthouses tucked into a valley that spills down a hillside with mountains rising on three sides make up Haba. The Haba Snow Mountain Inn, a typical rural Yunnan guesthouse - a family farm with a couple of rooms converted to guesthouse use.
D4 Haba Vilalge to Baishuitai
A brief steep ascent in the beginning and a couple of steep descents are the only diversions from what is otherwise largely a flat trek and certainly much easier than the Walnut Grove to Haba portion.
Baishuitai (White Water Terrace), believed to be the birthplace of Naxi Dongba culture, is not as nice as Haba. A cluster of buildings around the base of the terraces themselves form the de-facto town of Baishuitai, which falls under the denomination of Sanba town. The main attraction is the limestone terraces, though interesting to see and worth the Y30 of admission. Basic accommodation is available in the town for Y10/bed. Off the main road most of the local dwellings are in the Naxi style and feature the twin-fish motif.
For moving on, the first bus to Zhongdian departs at 8:30AM, while others pass through throughout the day - either heading north to Zhongdian or south to Haba, Jiangbian, Tiger Leaping Gorge or Lijiang. On your ride to Zhongdian (4 hours), you can get off at the turn-off to Bita Lake, 25km east of Zhongdian and hike there.
Reminders
Wear light hiking boots with ankle support.
There is a risk of landslides in bad weather, though no one would like to step out of the door on a rainy day, just in case the weather changes when you are on route. After all, it's a 2-4 days trek.
As with any touristy area, there are endless efforts of varying legitimacy to help you part with your RMB along the route. At various intervals, old women, young girls and sundry others will demand small fees for using optional parts of the path. Some, such as the decent to the river below Tina's guest house, are particularly annoying, as you'll be asked for a few RMB more at what seems like every step of the way, with an elaborate story to explain the cost. Also be aware that some guest houses may try to mislead you about your hiking options, for example Tina's guest house has been known to insist that while you may descend to the river below, you must hike back up, and may not continue along the river to Walnut Grove--one of the most spectacular sections of the trail.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
kayuhan santai KAPAR-KUALA SELANGOR
basikal dah lama gantung. last aku kayuh rasanya tahun 2005. tak ade kawan nak kayuh. start masuk pusat ko, maka terjumpa la rakan-rakan yang sekepala.
segala benda kami buat, kayuh, daki gunung, masuk gua, bermacam benda. cuma kami ni tak la terlalu extreme menghabiskan duit untuk riadah. kami cari riadah yang fun, menyihatkan badan, otak, mencabar dan tak mengeringkan poket. yang costing ni sekali-sekala ja. tapi selagi dapat buat benda yang out of field as a government servant, dan enjoy, ada masa dan kesempatan. kami buat...
cita kayuh kapar - kuala selangor ni, awal tahun ari tu. kengkawan tau-tau ajak kayuh. aku plak free, bicycle ja lama tak service. maka cepat-cepat aku btindak. cari aksesori yang patut.
aku hantar keta pegi cat. so kena tumpang bicycle aku kat dalam kereta kawan aku ( akmal ). bila dah take-off suma tayar muat juga dua biji bicycle kat dalam kenari member aku nih. sebiji racing aku, sebiji lagi mountain bike dia. pastu pagi-pagi lagi kami dah gerak ke pekan kapar. breakfast dulu, sebelom bkumpul kat tempat yang djanjikan.
sampai tempat bkumpul kat taman di kapar tu, suma bawak turun basikal. masa aku bawak turun beskal aku, member aku (azhar) tegur, "dah berapa lama gantung, nat?" ( refer kat beskal aku la tu ) "4 tahun" aku jawab. bukan apa, beskal orang lain suma bkilat2 lagi. yang aku sorang ja kelabu asap. dah siap pasang semua tayar n setup barang, balau ( azhari ) melaung, " tanduk jugak..." (refer beskal aku lagi.) maksudnya , racing. tiga orang ja naik racing hari tu. yang lain suma mountain. hisham tanya aku, "ko dah brapa lama tak kayuh?" ( mmg nampak sgt beskal aku kelabu asap) takpa la, balik kayuh nanti, aku basuh.. huuu
dah mula kayuhan, aku layan pelan-pelan. dah dekat lima tahun tak kayuh ni, tak bleh trus paksa. so aku ikut ja pase kengkawan. yang laju, aku biar ja. tapi rasa terseksa jgk la. rasa macam nak berenti penat ja. tapi aku kuatkan mental. aku layan jugak. dah masuk kilometer ke 23, kawan berenti kat petronas mana ntah. Alhamdulillah..
lepas rehat kejap, kami sambung. aku layan kayuh ja. aku dapat maintain tak henti cycling. aku rasa kalau aku stop kayuh, maybe aku akan penat nak mula balik. so aku keep kayuh. n aku sampai jugak ke destinasi. kaki bukit melawati. yang nyatanya walau aku 5 tahun tak kayuh, bukan aku orang yang terakhir sampai..
masa stop kat situ, aku nampak kedai jual prepaid, aku pun berjalan nak kesitu beli topup untuk wife, takut kalau ade kecemasan, dia tak dapat contact aku. masa melangkah turun dari atas divider jalan ke jalan tar. kaki aku tetiba longlai, nasib baik sempat control, kalau tak,,/ mau melutut aku kat atas tar tu. penangan 5 tahun tak kayuh..
rakan2 semua dah sampai, rehat sekejap. ade group bbudak upm kayuh jgk. program ape ntah. lps tu kami mula kayuh naik bukit melawati. aku rasa macam nak turun tolak ja. 5 tahun tak kayuh pas tu terus bukit camni. mak aih... tapi control, akhirnya jaya.sampai kat atas, ramai budak upm tu, kitorang buat donno ja. yang aku rasa macam tak best tu. ade sorang budak ni, UPM la. taw2 datang kat kitorang, cita pasal dia main beskal kayuh 30km sehari, pastu cita macam2 pasal beskal. kata beskal dia tukar inilah, itulah. kami buat layan dengar je la.. nak halau karang kesian. pastu masa bbedak upm ni nak turun, dia datang kat kitorang bawak beskal dia. tunjuk. member2 aku nak gelak. tapi tahan. aku rasa nak sepak. pun tahan. bukan aku ja, yang lain pun sama. aku ingat beskal aku p skolah menengah dulu lagi elok. dah la budak tu boroi, kata kayuh 30km sehari. kawan2 aku analisis, konklusinya,.... biar la.. budak. hahahaha, kami gelak jaa
pastu, bergambar.. kami melepak hilangkan lelah.
layan pic s ya..
Monday, May 24, 2010
planning for MALIAU BASIN
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Revealing the lost world of Borneo
In 1947, a British pilot flew from the west coast of Sabah to Tawau experienced a shock when he narrowly avoided colliding with a wall of steep cliffs emerging from the misty jungle. This incident is the first recorded mention of the Maliau Basin. The "Lost World" was recorded in the Borneo Bulletin and then quietly slipped back into obscurity..........
Then in 1988, the first expedition into the basin was made and today only about 20% has been explored......... http://prinsengineering.com
Maliau Basin
...Sabah Lost World ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maliau_Basin
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In Sabah lies one of Malaysia's finest remaining wilderness areas, the mystical Maliau Basin. Bounded by a formidable escarpment reaching over 1,675 m a.s.l.., the almost circular Basin encompasses 390 km2 of pristine forest, a virtually self-contained ecosystem, never permanently inhabited and with large areas still remaining to be explored and documented. Remarkably, the whole basin is a single huge water catchments, drained by one river only, the Maliau River, which flows through a gorge in the southeast of the Basin, joining the Kuamut River and eventually the Kinabatangan River.
Maliau Basin conservation area is not commonly know by all Malaysian people. If you like nature and trekking in the jungle, Maliau Basin, can provide you a nice place and nice experience in the jungle. The scenery of maliau falls is very beautiful and nature. Here you will have a chance to see a sun bear, banting, deer and others.
The Maliau Basin is one of the most spectacular and pristine natural features in Malaysia. The Basin is almost unvisited and completely uninhabited by man. It is located in south-central Sabah, about 40 km. north of the Indonesian border at between 116° 40' - 117° 2' and 4° 40' 4° 50' N. While all of this region is rugged, remote and forested, the Maliau Basin is distinguished by its steep slope up to 1,500m. in height, making it insurmountable on foot from most directions. The size of the enclosed Basin is 390 sq. km. with a maximum diameter of 25 km. The highest point is Mt. Lotung, on the north rim which is about 1,900 m elevation.
It is drained by a set of radiating tributaries of the Maliau River, one of which descends a series of waterfalls, known as the Maliau Falls.
The river drains through a gorge into the Kuamut River which in turn feeds into the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah.
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The pictures on this page are courtesy of Gabriel Chong, the Chin Family, Stefan Kolb and Lau Nai Kwong. More information can be found on the websites of Gabriel
Photo Gallery : http://www.johnlkong.com
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Imagine a self-contained forest where rare and endemic flora and fauna have thrived for million of years in a saucer-shaped basin hemmed in by sheer cliffs.
Step into the pristine Maliau Basin Conservation Area (Maliau Basin Conservation Area), aptly dubbed the Lost World.
In the heart of Sabah, 190km from Tawau, Maliau was a well-kept secret among the local Murut people. The rest of the world only learned of this mysterious place when a pilot nearly crashed into its mist-shrouded cliffs in 1947.
A recent team to Maliau in 1982 discovered an untouched world with bearded pigs, leaf monkeys and eight-meter long pythons.
The first Maliau scientific expedition began in 1988, followed by a few research trips over the years. Scientists encountered the elusive clouded leopard, endangered sun bear and endemic species like the tufted grand squirrel and male Bulwer’s pheasant.
More than 30 species of mammals, 270 bird species and over 80 species of orchids, rare and endemic, were recorded. The recent June 2006 scientific expedition led by the Academy Sciences of Malaysia and two local universities yielded 10 possible new species of flora and fauna, according to Maliau Basin Conservation Area’s Dr Waidi Sinun, Yayasan Sabah’s group manager of conservation and environmental management.
Originally part of the 10,000sq km timber concession held by the Yayasan Sabah Group (Sabah Foundation), Maliau Basin escaped the chainsaws in the early 90s and mining exploration attempts in early 2000, despite it being gazetted as a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve in 1997 (banning all logging and mining activities).
The journey
Guests of Sabah-based outdoor operator Borneo Nature Tours (BNT), our party of five – including journalist Liz Price, photographer Calvin Ng and guides Calixtus and Isnadil – opted for a five-day/four-night trek on the Agathis loop which would take us through the Agathis, Lobah and Camel Trophy camps.
With over 70km of marked trails, only about one third of Maliau is open to visitors and less than half the Basin has been explored by researchers so far.
A six-hour trundle on a four-wheel drive from Tawau, over logging roads and oil palm estates took us to the Maliau Basin Conservation Area security outpost.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area covers an area of 590sq km, including a “buffer” zone made up of secondary forests. It is in the buffer zones that the rare Sumatran rhinoceros and Bornean pygmy elephants have been spotted.
Our first sighting was the footprints of the Banteng, or what the locals call tembadau (wild ox), extinct in Peninsular Malaysia for half a century now. About 15 to 20 tembadau have been recorded in Maliau.
An hour’s drive from the outpost, the Agathis camp is nestled in the mixed dipterocarp forest with tree canopies reaching 25m to 45m, and species like the meranti sarang punai (Shorea parvifolia) and seraya (Shorea curtisii). The camp, a wooden building on stilts, comes with comfy camp beds, shower facilities and lounging areas with stacks of reading material.
After the first of many scrumptious dinners, we took off for a night ramble on the Agathis Nature trail. Sightings of a Kingfisher, mouse deer, barking deer, frogs, millipede and calls of the Argus Pheasant wrapped up a fruitful evening.
Exploring the basin
Pristine rainforest covers the Basin from 300m to 1,800m high – with lowland dipterocarp forest making way for highland heath forest and Casuarina-conifer forests as the altitude increases.
The rugged terrains and precipitous hills also meant our knees took a serious pounding as we trekked an average of four to seven hours a day from one campsite to another.
But we feasted our senses on the forest’s smells, sounds and sights.
We stumbled upon a kaleidoscope of mushrooms scattered on the forest floor and tree trunks like cup fungi (Cookeina specie) and bracket fungi (Stereum lobatum).
Soothing hoots of the Bornean gibbons (Hylobates muelleri) kept us company each morning as we trudged on the sheer slopes. One of the rangers, Harbin, pointed out some unusual forest herbs, a tree bark ripped off by the sun bear and a gaping hole on a gaharu tree (Aquilaria malaccensis) left by poachers.
Maliau’s entire basin is a single water catchment, drained by numerous streams that converge to form Maliau River that flows out into Kuamut River which, in turn, feeds the Kinabatangan River.
Garden of Eden
On the third day, we plodded on to the Camel Trophy camp, 1,005m high. After a arduous climb of about 300m up a 70° incline, we stepped into the magical heath forest.
Bright pink rhododendrons and red ixoras peeked out from trees and bushes. Pitcher plants like the Nepenthes stenophylla dangled prettily like Christmas tinsel, while the Nepenthes veitchii with their flared lips (peristomes) wrapped their roots around trunks.
At least six pitcher plant species and one natural hybrid (N. veitchii-stenophylla) have been spotted in Maliau. In one day, I took snapshots of at least five types of pitcher plants including the N. tentaculata, N. hirsuta and N. reinwardtiana.
The winding trail flanked by pitcher plants and colorful fungi made a pretty sight. Assortments of epiphytes like orchids were in abundance although they were not in bloom then.
The Camel Trophy camp was almost “luxurious” with beds and pillows, solar-powered lights and running water pumped from the river below.
We stayed put for two days and explored the nearby Giluk Falls and Takob-Akob Falls. Both evenings, a “resident” bearded pig (Sus barbatus) was spotted foraging outside our camp.
My all-time favourite place in Maliau would be the 33m observation platform built on an Agathis borneensis tree behind the Camel trophy shelter. Towering Agathis trees have distinct pock-marked, grey/reddish barks with pearls of yellow-white resin. At the break of dawn, I clambered up the platform, taking in the sweeping view of the lush, mist-wreathed forest and enjoying the cool, fresh air.
As the pink, glowing sun broke through the clouds, I heard a sudden rustling of leaves. On my left, about 10m away at eye level, two Bornean gibbons were cavorting on a nearby tree. Seconds after they spotted me, they took a big leap and like trapeze artists, swung their long arms and vanished into the thick foliage.
What a spectacle
Five days were barely enough to unearth the many natural riches of Maliau. But given a chance, I would come back again, especially when the haze comes around . . .
o Sources: Maliau Basin – Sabah’s Lost World
Secrets of the Lost World – Sabah’s Maliau Basin
ENQUIRIES For information on the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, call (088) 326 300/422 211, fax: (088) 432 192, e-mail: maliau@icsb-sabah.com.my or visit www.ysnet.org.my/maliau
Travel info
STAY A 5D/4N-trip for a group of four averages RM1,100 per person (including conservation fees, transport to and from Tawau, administration fees, two park rangers, VHF radio rental, food and camp beds). Visitors have to write to Yayasan Sabah and get an approval before being allowed into Maliau Basin Conservation Area. Tariffs for Maliau Basin Conservation Area have not been updated on the website.
Or sign up for a trekking package with Borneo Nature Tours, tel: (088) 267 637, fax: (088) 251 636, e-mail: info@borneonaturetours.com or visit www.borneonaturetours.com.
For a 5D/4N package, price ranges from RM2,800 to RM 3,800 per/person (including nature guides). Park Rangers are not guides and their job is to ensure visitors follow the trails and don’t violate park guidelines.
Managing Maliau
Since it was designated a Protected Class I Forest in 1997, Maliau’s visitors (including government officer, researchers and voluntary organizations) total 2,574. As of Nov 2006, there were only 684 visitors.
Some of the steps taken to preserve the area include:
limiting the number of visitors at any one camp to 20
visitors must stay at designated camps, like Agathis, Camel Trophy, Ginseng or Lobah
regular trail maintenance
biodegradable wastes are disposed of onsite, while recyclable materials are sent to a recycling centre in Tawau. Visitors are advised not to bring Styrofoam food containers and canned foods
scheduled to open in June 2007, the new Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC), next to Belian Camp, will have a hostel and camping ground, exhibition hall, mini theatre, conference room and library.
Visitors can check out the new “sky bridge” (spanning eight trees, it is 400m-long and suspended 22m above ground), a natural pool, interpretative nature trail and treetop lounge. The centre will hold environmental education activities and have a Nature Gallery.
A 45-minute drive from the security post, the centre is open to the public.
Currently, there are 12 tour operators taking tourists into Maliau. But when the Study Centre opens, Yayasan will appoint a few operators to be on Maliau Basin Conservation Area’s tour panel.
Two of the biggest threats to the Maliau area are poaching and the nicking of forest products, according to Dr Waidi Sinun, the group manager of conservation and environmental management under Yayasan Sabah Group.
Maliau’s management has increased the frequency of patrols in the area by park rangers. Some of the rangers double up as wildlife wardens and also work with the Wildlife department to deal with poachers.
“It’s also a challenge to educate the public, especially the communities living near Maliau, to ensure they help conserve the area for the future generation,” says Waidi.
Traditionally, local communities have always ventured into the fringes of the basin to collect forest products.
“We’re now looking into alternative economic opportunities for these communities.”
Most of the park rangers are sourced from nearby villages.
Balancing nature conservation and protecting locals’ livelihood is a real challenge, but at this juncture, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is off to a good start.
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Management
Maliau Basin was originally part of a timber concession of Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation), an organization formed in 1966 through an Enactment of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, with the mission of improving the standard of living and education of Sabah people. Recognizing the uniqueness of the area, in 1981 Yayasan Sabah voluntarily designated Maliau Basin as a Conservation Area, for the purposes of research, education and training, along with Danum Valley Conservation Area further to the east.
In 1997, Maliau Basin Conservation Area was upgraded by the Sabah state government to a Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve, providing legal status as a protected area, and extended to its present size of 588.4 km2 by incorporating forested land to the east and north of the Basin. Maliau received further protection in 1999 when it was gazette as a cultural heritage site under the state Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment. Buffer zones surrounding the whole Conservation Area also add to its protection.
Day to day management of the Conservation Area is carried out by Yayasan Sabah on behalf of an inter-agency Maliau Basin Management Committee, which also includes Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, University Malaysia Sabah and representatives from other government agencies, academic institutions. District Offices and NGOs.
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Collaboration
In 1999, a 4-year project was initiated between Yayasan Sabah and DANIDA (Danish International Development Assistance), resulting in the preparation of a Strategic Management Plan for Maliau Basin Conservation Area/and the establishment of Maliau Basin Studies Centre at the southeast edge of the Basin, for research, conservation, education and ecotourism purposes.
Generous sponsorship has come from Swedish company IKEA who funded a vehicle, satellite camps, trail and bridge construction, observation towers and the Maliau 'Sky Bridge', while Sabah Shell Petroleum Limited sponsored the construction of Shell Maliau Basin Reception and Information Building.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a remote location and safety procedures must be followed. These include having insurance which covers emergency helicopter evacuation for those trekking into the forest, being accompanied by Maliau rangers while on the trails and rental of VHF radios. Hunting is absolutely forbidden, and rules concerning the conservation of the area such as no collection of specimens without written permission, must also be strictly adhered to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activities
In addition to being an ideal place for research and environmental education, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is perfect for adventure jungle trekking, bird watching, nature photography, night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife, waterfall swimming and recreation and simply experiencing the thrill of being in a truly uncoil wilderness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waterfalls & Lakes
Maliau’s Murut name for the basin means “Land of the Giant Staircase” derived from its step-like landscape and countless waterfalls – 19 falls and still counting.
A trip to the Maliau Basin takes several days, you will stay overnight in a number of camps and must be prepared for long jungle treks under sometimes difficult conditions.
For detailed information, download this Maliau trip report, prepared by Gabriel Chong.
Maliau Basin contains many outstanding natural features, including probably the greatest number of waterfalls anywhere in Malaysia. The most famed of these is the spectacular 7-tiered Maliau Falls on the Maliau River, the highest fall of which is a magnificent 28m. Maliau is also the home of the fabled Lake Linumunsut, Sabah's only non-oxbow lake, situated below the? outer banks of the northern escarpment.
Maliau Falls, with its seven tiers of cascading waters was breathtaking. The way to savour its magnificence is to see it from a hovering helicopter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flora
The isolated and mysterious Maliau Basin, also known as Sabah's Lost World, has only recently begun to be investigated by researchers. Major expeditions in 1988,1996, 2001, 2005 and 2006, and baseline studies during the joint Yayasan Sabah/DANIDA project, discovered a distinct and diverse flora of over 1,800 species, including at least 6 types of pitcher plant and more than 80 species of orchid, several of which are new records for Sabah. The rare Rafflesia tengku-adlinii has also been found in Maliau Basin, one of only two known localities in Sabah, and two species completely new to science, a tree and a moss, have so far been discovered. Main forest types comprise lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees, rare montane heath forest and precious lowland and hill dipterocarp forest.
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Fauna
The basin is a faunal haven for lowland animals such as wild pigs, barking deer, probocis monkey, clouded leopard, pythons and many species of birds including the rare Bulwer's Pheasant, the Crimsonheaded Partridge and the Peregine Falcon.
Although much of the terrain remains to be explored and studied, Maliau has already revealed itself to be the home of some of Sabah's most rare and endangered wildlife species, including the Sumatran Rhinoceros, Banteng, Orang Utan and Proboscis Monkey. Others among the over 80 mammal species so far confirmed include Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Clouded Leopard and Malayan Sunbear.
An impressive bird list comprising nearly 300 species has been recorded to date, including the spectacular Bulwer's Pheasant and Bornean Bristlehead. In fact Maliau has become a global hot spot for bird biodiversity with no less than one quarter of the bird species present listed as threatened or near threatened by IUCN (the World Conservation Union).
More than 35 species of amphibian have so far been found, including a frog which makes its home in pitcher plants! Maliau has also yielded new species of fish, crab and water beetle, with no doubt many more species still to be discovered amongst its rich biodiversity.
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Satellite Camp Accommodation
In addition to the chalet, rest house and hostel accommodation facilities available at Maliau Basin Studies Centre, Maliau offers a range of satellite camps linked by well-maintained trails.
Belian Camp
Belian Camp is about 25km drive from the Security Gate and within walking distance of Maliau Basin Studies Centre. It comprises a camping ground with space for 20 double tents, a large kitchen, toilets cum showers, and an attractive pavilion. Located in logged lowland dipterocarp forest near the banks of Maliau River, Belian Camp is close to an educational nature trail and an impressive canopy walkway, also known as Maliau 'Sky Bridge7.
AgathisCamp
Set on the banks of a 15m wide stream in hill mixed dipterocarp forest, Agathis Camp is located at the southernmost edge of Maliau Basin Conservation Area, about 20km to the north of the Security Gate. A 1km self-guided nature trail at the camp provides visitors with a fascinating introduction to the forest and its wildlife. The camp is well-equipped and comfortable, with hammock-style accommodation for up to 30 visitors, electricity and toilets and showers.
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Camel Trophy Camp
Camel Trophy Camp is a two-storey building complete with bunk beds, showers and solar electricity, which can accommodate up to 15 visitors. Constructed by the participants of Camel Trophy in 1993, it was the first permanent camp within the Basin and is located strategically at the meeting point of lower montane forest and the rare and unusual montane heath forest on Maliau's southern plateau. A 33m high observation platform near the top of a large Agathis borneensis tree provides an opportunity to observe birds at close range and allows breathtaking views of the surrounding forest canopy.
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Ginseng Camp
Constructed in 2005 near to the impressive 27m high Ginseng Falls and about 5-6 hours walk form Agathis Camp, this substantial camp can accommodate up to 20 visitors, and has hammock-style beds and toilets cum showers.
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SerayaCamp
Four to six hours walk from Belian Camp, Seraya Camp is located on what is expected to be the most important trail in Maliau Basin Conservation Area in the future, as most visitors to Maliau Falls will spend the night here. Trails around Seraya Camp also pass a rare Rafflesia tengku-adlinii site.
Lobah Camp
Located near the top of a hill with a 230 degrees panoramic view of the Basin's rim, Lobah Camp is approximately 2km from the well-known Maliau Falls, and serves as a much-needed stopping point for visitors from Ginseng and Camel Trophy Camps, before arriving at the Falls. Other satellite camps in remote locations such as Rafflesia, Strike Ridge and Eucalyptus Camps are accessible to visitors only by helicopter.
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Maliau Basin Conservation Area is located in south central Sabah, about 40 km north of the Kalimantan border, and adjacent to Yayasan Sabah Forest Management Area. It is accessible via the towns of Tawau or Keningau, both 4 to 5 hour drives away. Four- wheel drive is recommended as part of the journey is on unpaved roads.
At Maliau Basin Security Gate, where the Shell Maliau Basin Reception and Information Building is located, an access road leads to Agathis Camp and Maliau Basin Studies Centre. There are no roads inside the Conservation Area.
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Please contact the addresses below for further enquiries and booking information:
The Secretariat
Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Research & Development Division
Yayasan Sabah Group
P.O. Box 11622. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: (6 088) 326300 / 326318 Fax: (6088) 326316 / 326315
Email:albinus@icsb-sabah.com.my
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The Manager
Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Research & Development Division
Yayasan Sabah Group
C/0 Rakyat Berjaya Sdn. Bhd.
P.O. Box 60793, Tawau. Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: (6 089) 759214 Fax:(6089)759215
Email: maliaubasin@gmail.com
http://www.ysnet.org.my/maliau
http://www.borneoforestheritage.org.my
Revealing the lost world of Borneo
In 1947, a British pilot flew from the west coast of Sabah to Tawau experienced a shock when he narrowly avoided colliding with a wall of steep cliffs emerging from the misty jungle. This incident is the first recorded mention of the Maliau Basin. The "Lost World" was recorded in the Borneo Bulletin and then quietly slipped back into obscurity..........
Then in 1988, the first expedition into the basin was made and today only about 20% has been explored......... http://prinsengineering.com
Maliau Basin
...Sabah Lost World ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maliau_Basin
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In Sabah lies one of Malaysia's finest remaining wilderness areas, the mystical Maliau Basin. Bounded by a formidable escarpment reaching over 1,675 m a.s.l.., the almost circular Basin encompasses 390 km2 of pristine forest, a virtually self-contained ecosystem, never permanently inhabited and with large areas still remaining to be explored and documented. Remarkably, the whole basin is a single huge water catchments, drained by one river only, the Maliau River, which flows through a gorge in the southeast of the Basin, joining the Kuamut River and eventually the Kinabatangan River.
Maliau Basin conservation area is not commonly know by all Malaysian people. If you like nature and trekking in the jungle, Maliau Basin, can provide you a nice place and nice experience in the jungle. The scenery of maliau falls is very beautiful and nature. Here you will have a chance to see a sun bear, banting, deer and others.
The Maliau Basin is one of the most spectacular and pristine natural features in Malaysia. The Basin is almost unvisited and completely uninhabited by man. It is located in south-central Sabah, about 40 km. north of the Indonesian border at between 116° 40' - 117° 2' and 4° 40' 4° 50' N. While all of this region is rugged, remote and forested, the Maliau Basin is distinguished by its steep slope up to 1,500m. in height, making it insurmountable on foot from most directions. The size of the enclosed Basin is 390 sq. km. with a maximum diameter of 25 km. The highest point is Mt. Lotung, on the north rim which is about 1,900 m elevation.
It is drained by a set of radiating tributaries of the Maliau River, one of which descends a series of waterfalls, known as the Maliau Falls.
The river drains through a gorge into the Kuamut River which in turn feeds into the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah.
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The pictures on this page are courtesy of Gabriel Chong, the Chin Family, Stefan Kolb and Lau Nai Kwong. More information can be found on the websites of Gabriel
Photo Gallery : http://www.johnlkong.com
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Imagine a self-contained forest where rare and endemic flora and fauna have thrived for million of years in a saucer-shaped basin hemmed in by sheer cliffs.
Step into the pristine Maliau Basin Conservation Area (Maliau Basin Conservation Area), aptly dubbed the Lost World.
In the heart of Sabah, 190km from Tawau, Maliau was a well-kept secret among the local Murut people. The rest of the world only learned of this mysterious place when a pilot nearly crashed into its mist-shrouded cliffs in 1947.
A recent team to Maliau in 1982 discovered an untouched world with bearded pigs, leaf monkeys and eight-meter long pythons.
The first Maliau scientific expedition began in 1988, followed by a few research trips over the years. Scientists encountered the elusive clouded leopard, endangered sun bear and endemic species like the tufted grand squirrel and male Bulwer’s pheasant.
More than 30 species of mammals, 270 bird species and over 80 species of orchids, rare and endemic, were recorded. The recent June 2006 scientific expedition led by the Academy Sciences of Malaysia and two local universities yielded 10 possible new species of flora and fauna, according to Maliau Basin Conservation Area’s Dr Waidi Sinun, Yayasan Sabah’s group manager of conservation and environmental management.
Originally part of the 10,000sq km timber concession held by the Yayasan Sabah Group (Sabah Foundation), Maliau Basin escaped the chainsaws in the early 90s and mining exploration attempts in early 2000, despite it being gazetted as a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve in 1997 (banning all logging and mining activities).
The journey
Guests of Sabah-based outdoor operator Borneo Nature Tours (BNT), our party of five – including journalist Liz Price, photographer Calvin Ng and guides Calixtus and Isnadil – opted for a five-day/four-night trek on the Agathis loop which would take us through the Agathis, Lobah and Camel Trophy camps.
With over 70km of marked trails, only about one third of Maliau is open to visitors and less than half the Basin has been explored by researchers so far.
A six-hour trundle on a four-wheel drive from Tawau, over logging roads and oil palm estates took us to the Maliau Basin Conservation Area security outpost.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area covers an area of 590sq km, including a “buffer” zone made up of secondary forests. It is in the buffer zones that the rare Sumatran rhinoceros and Bornean pygmy elephants have been spotted.
Our first sighting was the footprints of the Banteng, or what the locals call tembadau (wild ox), extinct in Peninsular Malaysia for half a century now. About 15 to 20 tembadau have been recorded in Maliau.
An hour’s drive from the outpost, the Agathis camp is nestled in the mixed dipterocarp forest with tree canopies reaching 25m to 45m, and species like the meranti sarang punai (Shorea parvifolia) and seraya (Shorea curtisii). The camp, a wooden building on stilts, comes with comfy camp beds, shower facilities and lounging areas with stacks of reading material.
After the first of many scrumptious dinners, we took off for a night ramble on the Agathis Nature trail. Sightings of a Kingfisher, mouse deer, barking deer, frogs, millipede and calls of the Argus Pheasant wrapped up a fruitful evening.
Exploring the basin
Pristine rainforest covers the Basin from 300m to 1,800m high – with lowland dipterocarp forest making way for highland heath forest and Casuarina-conifer forests as the altitude increases.
The rugged terrains and precipitous hills also meant our knees took a serious pounding as we trekked an average of four to seven hours a day from one campsite to another.
But we feasted our senses on the forest’s smells, sounds and sights.
We stumbled upon a kaleidoscope of mushrooms scattered on the forest floor and tree trunks like cup fungi (Cookeina specie) and bracket fungi (Stereum lobatum).
Soothing hoots of the Bornean gibbons (Hylobates muelleri) kept us company each morning as we trudged on the sheer slopes. One of the rangers, Harbin, pointed out some unusual forest herbs, a tree bark ripped off by the sun bear and a gaping hole on a gaharu tree (Aquilaria malaccensis) left by poachers.
Maliau’s entire basin is a single water catchment, drained by numerous streams that converge to form Maliau River that flows out into Kuamut River which, in turn, feeds the Kinabatangan River.
Garden of Eden
On the third day, we plodded on to the Camel Trophy camp, 1,005m high. After a arduous climb of about 300m up a 70° incline, we stepped into the magical heath forest.
Bright pink rhododendrons and red ixoras peeked out from trees and bushes. Pitcher plants like the Nepenthes stenophylla dangled prettily like Christmas tinsel, while the Nepenthes veitchii with their flared lips (peristomes) wrapped their roots around trunks.
At least six pitcher plant species and one natural hybrid (N. veitchii-stenophylla) have been spotted in Maliau. In one day, I took snapshots of at least five types of pitcher plants including the N. tentaculata, N. hirsuta and N. reinwardtiana.
The winding trail flanked by pitcher plants and colorful fungi made a pretty sight. Assortments of epiphytes like orchids were in abundance although they were not in bloom then.
The Camel Trophy camp was almost “luxurious” with beds and pillows, solar-powered lights and running water pumped from the river below.
We stayed put for two days and explored the nearby Giluk Falls and Takob-Akob Falls. Both evenings, a “resident” bearded pig (Sus barbatus) was spotted foraging outside our camp.
My all-time favourite place in Maliau would be the 33m observation platform built on an Agathis borneensis tree behind the Camel trophy shelter. Towering Agathis trees have distinct pock-marked, grey/reddish barks with pearls of yellow-white resin. At the break of dawn, I clambered up the platform, taking in the sweeping view of the lush, mist-wreathed forest and enjoying the cool, fresh air.
As the pink, glowing sun broke through the clouds, I heard a sudden rustling of leaves. On my left, about 10m away at eye level, two Bornean gibbons were cavorting on a nearby tree. Seconds after they spotted me, they took a big leap and like trapeze artists, swung their long arms and vanished into the thick foliage.
What a spectacle
Five days were barely enough to unearth the many natural riches of Maliau. But given a chance, I would come back again, especially when the haze comes around . . .
o Sources: Maliau Basin – Sabah’s Lost World
Secrets of the Lost World – Sabah’s Maliau Basin
ENQUIRIES For information on the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, call (088) 326 300/422 211, fax: (088) 432 192, e-mail: maliau@icsb-sabah.com.my or visit www.ysnet.org.my/maliau
Travel info
STAY A 5D/4N-trip for a group of four averages RM1,100 per person (including conservation fees, transport to and from Tawau, administration fees, two park rangers, VHF radio rental, food and camp beds). Visitors have to write to Yayasan Sabah and get an approval before being allowed into Maliau Basin Conservation Area. Tariffs for Maliau Basin Conservation Area have not been updated on the website.
Or sign up for a trekking package with Borneo Nature Tours, tel: (088) 267 637, fax: (088) 251 636, e-mail: info@borneonaturetours.com or visit www.borneonaturetours.com.
For a 5D/4N package, price ranges from RM2,800 to RM 3,800 per/person (including nature guides). Park Rangers are not guides and their job is to ensure visitors follow the trails and don’t violate park guidelines.
Managing Maliau
Since it was designated a Protected Class I Forest in 1997, Maliau’s visitors (including government officer, researchers and voluntary organizations) total 2,574. As of Nov 2006, there were only 684 visitors.
Some of the steps taken to preserve the area include:
limiting the number of visitors at any one camp to 20
visitors must stay at designated camps, like Agathis, Camel Trophy, Ginseng or Lobah
regular trail maintenance
biodegradable wastes are disposed of onsite, while recyclable materials are sent to a recycling centre in Tawau. Visitors are advised not to bring Styrofoam food containers and canned foods
scheduled to open in June 2007, the new Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC), next to Belian Camp, will have a hostel and camping ground, exhibition hall, mini theatre, conference room and library.
Visitors can check out the new “sky bridge” (spanning eight trees, it is 400m-long and suspended 22m above ground), a natural pool, interpretative nature trail and treetop lounge. The centre will hold environmental education activities and have a Nature Gallery.
A 45-minute drive from the security post, the centre is open to the public.
Currently, there are 12 tour operators taking tourists into Maliau. But when the Study Centre opens, Yayasan will appoint a few operators to be on Maliau Basin Conservation Area’s tour panel.
Two of the biggest threats to the Maliau area are poaching and the nicking of forest products, according to Dr Waidi Sinun, the group manager of conservation and environmental management under Yayasan Sabah Group.
Maliau’s management has increased the frequency of patrols in the area by park rangers. Some of the rangers double up as wildlife wardens and also work with the Wildlife department to deal with poachers.
“It’s also a challenge to educate the public, especially the communities living near Maliau, to ensure they help conserve the area for the future generation,” says Waidi.
Traditionally, local communities have always ventured into the fringes of the basin to collect forest products.
“We’re now looking into alternative economic opportunities for these communities.”
Most of the park rangers are sourced from nearby villages.
Balancing nature conservation and protecting locals’ livelihood is a real challenge, but at this juncture, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is off to a good start.
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Management
Maliau Basin was originally part of a timber concession of Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation), an organization formed in 1966 through an Enactment of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, with the mission of improving the standard of living and education of Sabah people. Recognizing the uniqueness of the area, in 1981 Yayasan Sabah voluntarily designated Maliau Basin as a Conservation Area, for the purposes of research, education and training, along with Danum Valley Conservation Area further to the east.
In 1997, Maliau Basin Conservation Area was upgraded by the Sabah state government to a Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve, providing legal status as a protected area, and extended to its present size of 588.4 km2 by incorporating forested land to the east and north of the Basin. Maliau received further protection in 1999 when it was gazette as a cultural heritage site under the state Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment. Buffer zones surrounding the whole Conservation Area also add to its protection.
Day to day management of the Conservation Area is carried out by Yayasan Sabah on behalf of an inter-agency Maliau Basin Management Committee, which also includes Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, University Malaysia Sabah and representatives from other government agencies, academic institutions. District Offices and NGOs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collaboration
In 1999, a 4-year project was initiated between Yayasan Sabah and DANIDA (Danish International Development Assistance), resulting in the preparation of a Strategic Management Plan for Maliau Basin Conservation Area/and the establishment of Maliau Basin Studies Centre at the southeast edge of the Basin, for research, conservation, education and ecotourism purposes.
Generous sponsorship has come from Swedish company IKEA who funded a vehicle, satellite camps, trail and bridge construction, observation towers and the Maliau 'Sky Bridge', while Sabah Shell Petroleum Limited sponsored the construction of Shell Maliau Basin Reception and Information Building.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a remote location and safety procedures must be followed. These include having insurance which covers emergency helicopter evacuation for those trekking into the forest, being accompanied by Maliau rangers while on the trails and rental of VHF radios. Hunting is absolutely forbidden, and rules concerning the conservation of the area such as no collection of specimens without written permission, must also be strictly adhered to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activities
In addition to being an ideal place for research and environmental education, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is perfect for adventure jungle trekking, bird watching, nature photography, night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife, waterfall swimming and recreation and simply experiencing the thrill of being in a truly uncoil wilderness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waterfalls & Lakes
Maliau’s Murut name for the basin means “Land of the Giant Staircase” derived from its step-like landscape and countless waterfalls – 19 falls and still counting.
A trip to the Maliau Basin takes several days, you will stay overnight in a number of camps and must be prepared for long jungle treks under sometimes difficult conditions.
For detailed information, download this Maliau trip report, prepared by Gabriel Chong.
Maliau Basin contains many outstanding natural features, including probably the greatest number of waterfalls anywhere in Malaysia. The most famed of these is the spectacular 7-tiered Maliau Falls on the Maliau River, the highest fall of which is a magnificent 28m. Maliau is also the home of the fabled Lake Linumunsut, Sabah's only non-oxbow lake, situated below the? outer banks of the northern escarpment.
Maliau Falls, with its seven tiers of cascading waters was breathtaking. The way to savour its magnificence is to see it from a hovering helicopter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flora
The isolated and mysterious Maliau Basin, also known as Sabah's Lost World, has only recently begun to be investigated by researchers. Major expeditions in 1988,1996, 2001, 2005 and 2006, and baseline studies during the joint Yayasan Sabah/DANIDA project, discovered a distinct and diverse flora of over 1,800 species, including at least 6 types of pitcher plant and more than 80 species of orchid, several of which are new records for Sabah. The rare Rafflesia tengku-adlinii has also been found in Maliau Basin, one of only two known localities in Sabah, and two species completely new to science, a tree and a moss, have so far been discovered. Main forest types comprise lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees, rare montane heath forest and precious lowland and hill dipterocarp forest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fauna
The basin is a faunal haven for lowland animals such as wild pigs, barking deer, probocis monkey, clouded leopard, pythons and many species of birds including the rare Bulwer's Pheasant, the Crimsonheaded Partridge and the Peregine Falcon.
Although much of the terrain remains to be explored and studied, Maliau has already revealed itself to be the home of some of Sabah's most rare and endangered wildlife species, including the Sumatran Rhinoceros, Banteng, Orang Utan and Proboscis Monkey. Others among the over 80 mammal species so far confirmed include Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Clouded Leopard and Malayan Sunbear.
An impressive bird list comprising nearly 300 species has been recorded to date, including the spectacular Bulwer's Pheasant and Bornean Bristlehead. In fact Maliau has become a global hot spot for bird biodiversity with no less than one quarter of the bird species present listed as threatened or near threatened by IUCN (the World Conservation Union).
More than 35 species of amphibian have so far been found, including a frog which makes its home in pitcher plants! Maliau has also yielded new species of fish, crab and water beetle, with no doubt many more species still to be discovered amongst its rich biodiversity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Camp Accommodation
In addition to the chalet, rest house and hostel accommodation facilities available at Maliau Basin Studies Centre, Maliau offers a range of satellite camps linked by well-maintained trails.
Belian Camp
Belian Camp is about 25km drive from the Security Gate and within walking distance of Maliau Basin Studies Centre. It comprises a camping ground with space for 20 double tents, a large kitchen, toilets cum showers, and an attractive pavilion. Located in logged lowland dipterocarp forest near the banks of Maliau River, Belian Camp is close to an educational nature trail and an impressive canopy walkway, also known as Maliau 'Sky Bridge7.
AgathisCamp
Set on the banks of a 15m wide stream in hill mixed dipterocarp forest, Agathis Camp is located at the southernmost edge of Maliau Basin Conservation Area, about 20km to the north of the Security Gate. A 1km self-guided nature trail at the camp provides visitors with a fascinating introduction to the forest and its wildlife. The camp is well-equipped and comfortable, with hammock-style accommodation for up to 30 visitors, electricity and toilets and showers.
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Camel Trophy Camp
Camel Trophy Camp is a two-storey building complete with bunk beds, showers and solar electricity, which can accommodate up to 15 visitors. Constructed by the participants of Camel Trophy in 1993, it was the first permanent camp within the Basin and is located strategically at the meeting point of lower montane forest and the rare and unusual montane heath forest on Maliau's southern plateau. A 33m high observation platform near the top of a large Agathis borneensis tree provides an opportunity to observe birds at close range and allows breathtaking views of the surrounding forest canopy.
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Ginseng Camp
Constructed in 2005 near to the impressive 27m high Ginseng Falls and about 5-6 hours walk form Agathis Camp, this substantial camp can accommodate up to 20 visitors, and has hammock-style beds and toilets cum showers.
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SerayaCamp
Four to six hours walk from Belian Camp, Seraya Camp is located on what is expected to be the most important trail in Maliau Basin Conservation Area in the future, as most visitors to Maliau Falls will spend the night here. Trails around Seraya Camp also pass a rare Rafflesia tengku-adlinii site.
Lobah Camp
Located near the top of a hill with a 230 degrees panoramic view of the Basin's rim, Lobah Camp is approximately 2km from the well-known Maliau Falls, and serves as a much-needed stopping point for visitors from Ginseng and Camel Trophy Camps, before arriving at the Falls. Other satellite camps in remote locations such as Rafflesia, Strike Ridge and Eucalyptus Camps are accessible to visitors only by helicopter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maliau Basin Conservation Area is located in south central Sabah, about 40 km north of the Kalimantan border, and adjacent to Yayasan Sabah Forest Management Area. It is accessible via the towns of Tawau or Keningau, both 4 to 5 hour drives away. Four- wheel drive is recommended as part of the journey is on unpaved roads.
At Maliau Basin Security Gate, where the Shell Maliau Basin Reception and Information Building is located, an access road leads to Agathis Camp and Maliau Basin Studies Centre. There are no roads inside the Conservation Area.
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Please contact the addresses below for further enquiries and booking information:
The Secretariat
Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Research & Development Division
Yayasan Sabah Group
P.O. Box 11622. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: (6 088) 326300 / 326318 Fax: (6088) 326316 / 326315
Email:albinus@icsb-sabah.com.my
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The Manager
Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Research & Development Division
Yayasan Sabah Group
C/0 Rakyat Berjaya Sdn. Bhd.
P.O. Box 60793, Tawau. Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: (6 089) 759214 Fax:(6089)759215
Email: maliaubasin@gmail.com
http://www.ysnet.org.my/maliau
http://www.borneoforestheritage.org.my
Friday, May 7, 2010
pic collection xpdc nuang.
hutan buluh yang indah
mini damp yang kekontangan air..
on the way to lolo base camp.
tempat berendem...
baru nak gerak turun.
tambah2 shot..
jaga langkah.
kembali ke mini damp
tambah shot..
sejuk dan menyegarkan.
jalan pulang...
ada lagi pic nuang yang lain.
buat masa ni upload yang ini dulu..
akan dikemaskini kemudian.
salam..
Saturday, April 24, 2010
@ ke gunung Dato`
KEMBARA LALU..
aku masih lagi bercuti. terima sms dari kawan, mengajak ke Gunung Dato`. di negeri sembilan. semasa di rumah mertuaku, hati bergolak; nak pergi atau tak.. akhirnya aku nekad buat keja kalut. pegi aja lah.
tapi trip tu esoknya, skang kat umah mertua aku lagi.
esoknya, aku tenang-tenangkan diri, tak mau tergesa2 balik ke kl. bukan nya jauh pun rumah mertua aku dari kl. tapah ja. menjelang petang, aku bertolak dari Tapah, sasaranku pkl 8.00 malam aku berada di puchong. lalu aku susuri hiway, bersama anak-anak dan isteriku.
SAKIT HATI.. bila kat hiway, jem teruk. hati mula tak tentu. takut rakan-rakanku yang dah berjanji berkumpul di puchong akan bergerak dulu. tapi Alhamdulillah, selamat sampai cuma agak terlewat.
Selesai angkat barang2 ke dalam rumah ku di puchong, aku terus mandi. ambil alatan hiking, bersalam cium anak-anak ku serta isteri. terus turun ke car park. kawan-kawan dah lama menanti. naik kereta, terus pergi.
berhenti sekejap di hentian seremban, menunggu kawan-kawan yang lain datang. dah ramai sampai.. kami bertolak. sampai... di kaki gunung Dato`. ramai lagi yang akan mendaki bersama kami. tambah kenalan. sepanjang mendaki tiada cabaran, cuma sedikit lambat kerana ramai peserta perempuan yang baru mencuba-cuba melelahkan diri mendaki.
sampai di puncak, angin bertiup kencang. kawan-kawan asyik menyalahkan diri sendiri. sebab tinggalkan wind breaker di kaki gunung, bukannya apa. cuaca malam panas sangat, pun sangat panas ketika mendaki. tak sangka pulak, di camp site puncak Dato`, angin kuat. sejuk menggigil. kami bertahan sehingga subuh..
ambil wuduk dari botol air mineral, solat subuh di puncak Dato, kawasan berbatu, hampiri gaung,.
menikmati pemandangan terbit matahari. kami abadikan..
aku masih lagi bercuti. terima sms dari kawan, mengajak ke Gunung Dato`. di negeri sembilan. semasa di rumah mertuaku, hati bergolak; nak pergi atau tak.. akhirnya aku nekad buat keja kalut. pegi aja lah.
tapi trip tu esoknya, skang kat umah mertua aku lagi.
esoknya, aku tenang-tenangkan diri, tak mau tergesa2 balik ke kl. bukan nya jauh pun rumah mertua aku dari kl. tapah ja. menjelang petang, aku bertolak dari Tapah, sasaranku pkl 8.00 malam aku berada di puchong. lalu aku susuri hiway, bersama anak-anak dan isteriku.
SAKIT HATI.. bila kat hiway, jem teruk. hati mula tak tentu. takut rakan-rakanku yang dah berjanji berkumpul di puchong akan bergerak dulu. tapi Alhamdulillah, selamat sampai cuma agak terlewat.
Selesai angkat barang2 ke dalam rumah ku di puchong, aku terus mandi. ambil alatan hiking, bersalam cium anak-anak ku serta isteri. terus turun ke car park. kawan-kawan dah lama menanti. naik kereta, terus pergi.
berhenti sekejap di hentian seremban, menunggu kawan-kawan yang lain datang. dah ramai sampai.. kami bertolak. sampai... di kaki gunung Dato`. ramai lagi yang akan mendaki bersama kami. tambah kenalan. sepanjang mendaki tiada cabaran, cuma sedikit lambat kerana ramai peserta perempuan yang baru mencuba-cuba melelahkan diri mendaki.
sampai di puncak, angin bertiup kencang. kawan-kawan asyik menyalahkan diri sendiri. sebab tinggalkan wind breaker di kaki gunung, bukannya apa. cuaca malam panas sangat, pun sangat panas ketika mendaki. tak sangka pulak, di camp site puncak Dato`, angin kuat. sejuk menggigil. kami bertahan sehingga subuh..
ambil wuduk dari botol air mineral, solat subuh di puncak Dato, kawasan berbatu, hampiri gaung,.
menikmati pemandangan terbit matahari. kami abadikan..
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