Second attempt at the butterfly Gunung Lambak Butterfly Trail within the same month. I think I’m addicted to Lambak! And this time I want to experience the sunrise!
Same 3D2N arrangement, except that this time I travel alone to meet the guide there. I contemplated booking another hostel, but decided to try the different room type of the same accomodation I had two weeks ago.
Day 1 arrived by train, checked in, and went for a short walk – looking for a watch shop, which is becoming rarer back home. I remembered seeing several in previous visits, and had volunteered to get it done here. Finally found what she wanted in shop #3! Both the boss and lady boss were such patient souls, running through stacks and stacks of their stocks to find green straps! And even more patient while waiting for my daughter to reply to my text on her choice! Of course we chatted, on none other than best foods in Kluang! So now I have a few more must-try places in town!
That night it rained, heavier and heavier as the minutes passed. I began to worry about my hike the next day. While I love frolicking in the rain, mountain climbing in the rain isn’t quite my idea of fun. My guide Zhiwei agreed to pick me at 4.45am. I set my alarm at 4.15, and a second set at 4.30am. True enough, a “just another 5min close eye” cost me dearly – gobble up my breakfast – 2 chocolate bun and butter cake from Lavender in JB, plus coffee. I guess I had too much too fast, and suffered later during the ascend. With Lambak, the initial ascend is the toughest.
Today’s hike, photo taking was kept to a minimal, so I have little photos to share. Details are in my Butterfly 1 which I did with Elise two weeks ago. This blog, I will breakdown the time taken at each stage
4.45am – pick up
5.00am – reach Lambak
5.50am – open view of Lambak town mid mountain
6.20am – reach North peak
Waiting for sunrise! The sky has pinky streaks at this moment, so pretty! Before long, another group of hikers had arrived, also for the same purpose. We sat there, silent, anticipating while snapping away endlessly at what’s infront of our eyes. As the skies brighten, we could see Belumut at the far end! Despite the heavy rain last night, there wasn’t much sea of clouds unfortunately. Finally at 7am, the Sun made its first appearance, peeping over the clouds. The sky turned orange, rays radiating across the landscape, all against the backdrop of the mountains. Such is the motivation of a sunrise hike! I have the best start to another beautiful day!
7.30am – coffee, I took a slice of apple. My stomach was just recovering from the overload. The apple was refreshing though
7.45am – resume hike, mostly descending
8.45am – arrived at Satellite dish, quick photos, then mostly descending again
9.45am – arrived at Big Tree, section between Satellite and Big Tree are less trodden on, with some pretty photo moments
9.50am – resume hike, this time ascending back to North peak. Getting hungry, water never tasted so sweet
10.45am – arrived at the Satellite/BigTree fork, refuel time
11.00am – arrived at North peak, another slice of apple
11.10am – resume hike, descending
11.40am – arrived at the bast of South peak.
This is one of my favourite “view”, as it’s a short but steep climb, and I could almost see the peak from where I’m standing at the bottom. It’s really the kind of peak where you can tell someone “it’s almost there, just up these steps”!
12.00nn – Huff and puff, arrived at South peak. Zhiwei took 4min, I took 20min! He said room for improvement .. haha!
12.05pm – start descend
12.50pm – arrived at x’treme signage
1.20pm – arrived at car park
The icy coconut drink awaits! After that we headed for lunch, dessert. Eyes heavy from the sugar load, it’s time to hit the sack! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Butterfly, once again! Will definitely be back! Thank you Zhiwei!
Random photos
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