11 posts tagged “jungle”
Taking opportunity of the weekend to get away, I took another attempt to reach that elusive waterfall which defeated me about a year ago. My car got stuck then and the knee deep mud devoured my slippers and effectively ended my attempt.
But now, it has a paved road and I could drive right near to the waterfall, only trekking for 500m. Looking at the sight, I couldn't resist dipping into the waters. It was damn cold, I think it was at least 15 degrees! My whole body quiverred but it was well worth it. Better than any shower at any 5 star hotels. Where else can you find clear, clean fresh water without chlorine.
The numerous ferns and plants lined the area.
It started drizzling later in the afternoon and we headed for home after the refreshing trip. The road was covered with mist and visibility was about 20m only. We drove past wonderful people, numerous buffaloes (and their poos lining the road) and chickens, and magnificent sights of mountains. All I can say is, this is the great outdoors!
One of my patient's mother offered me to take me to her village in a remote island in South China Sea. I agreed with a little apprehension at first because if the boat capsized at sea, well...sayonara. There are no communication equipments on board, no modern nagivation and no insurance. But I 'm glad my adventurous side got the better of me. And what I saw must be one of the last paradise on earth. This island holds about 100 houses while the smaller nearby island is uninhabited. We took about 2 hours by boat to get there after a 90 minutes drive.
Time stood still for a moment. It seems I'm transported back into a time where time is relative.
The traditional way of life and the sea co-existed for generations.
There were many sea creatures in nature or were caught. We saw turtles, flying fishes (really flying), sharks etc. We had a feast of lobster and abalone. It means nothing to them. Here we pay top dollar for them...I wonder who is rich and who is poor hahahaha
The poeple there are very nice. The children never looked happier. But there are a few stateless children too. Stateless because of the boundary we draw or because it doesn't really matter to them to get an identification card.
I love waterfalls and rivers (clean one that is, not the Klang river- gosh!). Today, I drove to a river nearby the city and was met with a magnificent sight. Yes, clean and clear waters. A signboard nearby warns visitors not to dirty the river or catch any fishes in it. Any catch will be confiscated and the person fined severely. I think this river has a traditional fishing season to protect the local species.
I think Malaysians should be grateful we have such great sources of clean water. It is unthinkable that some rivers are used as large garbage dumps by irresponsible people. If we are not careful, the petrol price crisis will pale in comparison with a clean water crisis! We must protect our precious water resources.
As opposed to its name, it's no place for the untrained to climb this forest reserve. With some time to kill the next day, my friend and I decided to climb this mountain in a forest reserve in Tawau. I was told it used to be quite popular. We drove his pick-up truck to this place a few km from town.
The first thing we heard was the cry of hornbills!!! Before I could whip out my camera, they flew away...how disappointing. This is quite an amazing virgin forest. I saw some extremely large trees and some interesting plants and animals. There was also a canopy walk near the peak. The view was magnificent!
I had to go to cover another hospital for 2 weeks in a different town right after the new year. Packing my bags and going to a totally new town was a little daunting especially when I have no idea at all of the place. And I was told this town can be a little dangerous. Anyway after settling in, I decided to move around to see the place.
I met the "man of the jungle" in the wild nearby and tried the town's famous egg tarts and a pastry called UFO. Unidentified food object, I guess. It is made of a thinly baked pastry with a circular whipped egg white cream with the yolk mixed with butter at the centre. Tastes rather good and lived up to their reputation :)
Can anyone guess where is this place?
After an extremely hectic month and continuously being on call for the last 2 weeks I just couldn't take it anymore. Everybody seems to be on leave except me. Today is my free weekend, nobody's gonna bug me. I shut off my phone and took a drive into the interior. Even if I switch on my phone there is no line hah! Another photography trip :)
The 3 hour journey to my destination was breathtaking. The roads, the view, was magnificent - nothing like the hustle and bustle of KL. I started my journey at 9.30am and returned only at 6.30pm.
On the way I discovered a new butterfly farm which was recently opened. Took out my toy and had a field day. Then up the winding roads to a "not so famous" hill resort, then to the small town. Buffaloes and padi fields were everywhere. Stopped to buy some food supplies and a new slipper to use in my seach of an elusive waterfall.
Drove towards the waterfall following the signs till the road brings me to a laterite path. As in everything, improptu actions carries some risk. What I failed to ask around earlier was that you'll need a 4x4 to get to the waterfall. With my Perodua car - oops. So when I reached some real muddy road, I had no choice but to continue on foot. And whaddaya know - muds are so deceiving. I put my foot into a muddy path and down my leg goes till almost my thigh!! Like a mudtrap, it sucked my feet in. I had no choice but to disengaged my feet leaving my new slippers behind :( And the slippers were like under 3 feet of mud. No way I'm gonna put my hand into the mud searching blindly. Ouch! My new pair of slippers donated to the mud.
In the end, I was defeated my the mud and called it a day, and drove to a smaller waterfall on the way back home. A wonderful outing it was ;) Far far away from referrals and patients.
Took my new toy for another round of test drive again today. It was a scenic drive to reach the wildlife refuge. I must say I'm pretty impressed by my new toy. Unfortunately due to my enthusiastic photo shooting I slipped and injured my ankle pretty badly :( It ballooned up. Oh well, it's worth it :)
And Happy Deepavali to all my Hindu friends!
These are some of the pictures I manage to capture while hobbling around.
A most beautiful weather this morning, blue sky, great sun...ahhh the great outdoors. The temptation was too great :) Decided to skip church for this is a wonderful opportunity to go out. Not gonna stay within 4 walls.
I decided to go catch some photos of kingfishers. My fourth visit to the city bird park within a mangrove swamp. But again the birds are elusive today. Well, not all is lost. I managed to take some photos of the wildlife there minus the birds. This dragonfly was particularly challenging. Took me at least 30 minutes to get a focused shot. It was well worth it!
Shortly from my trip from Hong Kong, I had the opportunity to climb the highest mountain South East Asia, Gunung Kinabalu. The journey was a torture but well worth it. It took us an agonizing 6 hour climb to Laban Rata, then 4 hours to the peak. Just in the nick of time to view the spectacular sunrise. The journey down was another torturing 5 hours. The wind was howling and the temperature dropped to less than 8 degrees near the peak. Some of the wonderful views I managed to capture. Enjoy!
Feeling a little encouraged by some positive feedback, I shall be posting some photos here ;)
