The bus gears down to a slower pace as I look out the window to see the billboard saying "Welcome to Gunung Angsi". The place was unexpectedly quiet. There were none of the streaming tourists nor rows of parked vehicles. Small buildings stood empty and delapidated as though forsaken since time long ago. There were no shops, no chalets, no restaurants, just seemingly unused structures weathering under the sun.
This was quite unlike Mount Ophir which I visited about two years ago. There was a tourist resort, a restaurant, a guide house and stalls. There were people everywhere. Children, caucasians, asians and so on. It was so different.
As we alighted in the carpark, I took a deep breath of the sweet smell that is the surrounding forests. The morning air was so cool and fresh, like a sponge soaking away all the fatigue I felt during the bus ride.We were told to visit the toilet and relieve ourselves to prepare for the long day ahead. The only water available was a running hose which was meant to be shared outside the ladies and gents. As simple as the settings were, it was more amusing than annoying that things were such.
The stark difference in amenities only further reminded us that this expedition is an enjoyment in the form of an experience. Just off the road was the river. Slow and gentle. Albeit looking abit too green for dipping.
We set off shortly after, trekking on a rather walking path to reach the so called 'start of the climb'. I was beginning worry if the trip was to be too relaxing. Oh boy i was wrong.Treading along natures track I was once again. The rest of the team was chatting along. Cracking jokes, being cheerful. I didnt really know anyone well enough for me to jump into a conversation comfortably. As I tread along quietly, I thought to myself. Why am I here?
What is it that I seek that has driven me to this place. This wonderful place which, is wonderful to me in a way i did not seem to have questioned. Why has it been that so many speak of a preference to the smell of nature's honey dew and not the city's smell of burning fuel?
Soon we reached a checkpoint that seem to signify the beginning of the climb. We were all psyched and feeling gamed for the challenges ahead. So off we went!Midway through, the trek started to rear its dreary face as everyone started to feel lactic acid accumulating.
But of course we pushed on. Pass the lustrous greenary. The verticle rock faces proved to be a challenge for our team, but we eventually managed to squeeze our bums through.
As the journey wore on, you could read from our faces how we were wishing for one thing to come quickly. The summit! As for the me so silly, I brought less water than I should. And thus was going abit crazy over dehydration. =p
Before long, we reached the summit! It took us almost 3-4 hours! It was here that we come to appreciate how the effort was well spent as the view around us seized our attention. Not as breathtaking as Ophir or Balumut, but still definitely worth the effort. =]
As much as we had wanted to stay there, we had to go. Dark clouds loomed ahead! So quickly we descended. However, more fun awaits!
On the way down, we once again passed by the sparkling river. Dr E suggested that we go for a swim! Something I had never even considered before. For certain, had I gone with other people i would have felt very restricted towards my composure.
There seem always to be a facade that cannot be shedsh. But there I was, with this bunch of nice strangers. I did not feel restricted at all. It felt like I was free to mould my personality as I saw fit and to do as I wished. I felt free. So splashingly I went to join in to swim and play in the water!! VERY COLD water!!
And it was here for the very first time in my life that I stood right beneath a waterfall! Letting the cold water splash over my head. Rinsing away all my tiredness and whatever thoughts which plagued my mind. I had never felt this good. This was the climax of the trip.
Soon after, we left the pool to return to the starting point happlily. Feeling accomplished and satisfied. We cleaned ourselves up at the communal hose before finally setting off for a much looked forward dinner and home, Singapore. =]
