I fell in love with Lambak the first time I set foot on this gunung. Somehow it gives great energy, I’m not sure why or what. Maybe it’s the huge network of roots system that makes the climb so enjoyable. The roots are reassuring, I know I can always count on them either to grab, or for a solid foothold. Or maybe it’s the shaky pole at the summit that makes great check-point photos. Unfortunately the pole has now made way for a viewing platform, though I recently realised that parts of the old pole still remains at the bottom of the platform. Regardless, it’s the place that I’ve returned over and over. Easy accessibility helps – it’s just a 2.5hr train journey from JB Sentral. Being a relatively small town, everything is within close proximity – accomodation, food, murals, old school shops, friendliness and of course the mountain.
There are many iconic places to check in. The big tree, log bridge, temple at the base nearer Talula, and the waterpark at the other end. The satellite dish and the South peak are what I have not attempted, and the butterfly trail ties them together. Or no, actually the bikini trail is the one that ties them all, but that be for another time.
At the resort entrance, hordes of people doing their morning mass dance! What a culture! After about 15minutes on the tarmac path littered with chalets on both sides, we arrived at the trailhead at 8.30am, ready to start our hike!
At the first fork at the “Welcome to Gunung Lambak” signboard, there are 2 options – we took the left ‘x-treme’ trail for our ascend and the right down descend to create the “butterfly”. As the name implies, it’s extreme. Steep, and huge steps to cross over, fortunately with lots of ropes to help. I started off with my poles, but decided not to use them as the roots, rocks, and ropes provide better support.
9.45am the trail opened into the (North) summit platform! At this time, summit photos are not the best already, with the sun facing us. But we do have a second chance up here later …
We can see the satellite at a distance though, the place we will be heading next! Let’s go!
10am start our descend towards the satellite dish. Descend towards the South summit is at the other side of the platform, with a sign labelled “big tree”. It’s a steep descend right away, so no more photos for now. 10.15am arrived at another fork – left to the satellite, right to big tree. We took the left, creating the other wing of the strava butterfly. 11.10am arrived at the Satellite Dish! It’s a wow moment, since it’s the first time for both of us!
11.20am leaving the satellite dish after taking loads of mandatory photos! Retraced our steps to where we came from. There is a short cut to the big tree, which passes by 5 small streams, and yes, with leeches! My biggest dislike! Arrived at the big tree at 12.15pm. By now I’m needing some sugars for energy. Have been several slopes and hiking for almost 4 hours.
12.30pm leaving big tree to return to the North summit, arrived 2pm. One wing of the butterfly has been completed! For lunch we had bread, bak kwa, egg and coffee. The hot Kluang coffee does wonders!
Unfortunately it started pouring, getting heavier each minute. As if that was not enough,lightning and thunder followed! We considerd abandoning the butterfly (sad, but I guess safety first) but that only shaved half an hour from the total time. We decided to wait for the rain to subside a little, continue and decide when the final decision needs to be made. It’s 3.15pm before we finally resumed our hike.
3.45pm the final fork, where we need to decide the final trail route. Continue with the butterfly trail – go straight by ascending to the South Summit, or abort, turn right and descend. We decided to push on, we were already so close, and the rain seemed manageable. Hopefully it stay this way! 4.15am summited South peak, and from here it’s descend all the way. Look at all that mist! That’s the bonus of after-rain hike! Even our guide said it’s his first time witnessing such a scene!
5pm we arrived at an open space that housed a few stools. Presumably a rest point but we continued. 5.15pm we are back at the arch “Welcome to Lambak”. 5.45pm arrived at the trailhead into the tarmac chalet path, and 6pm back to the carpark. Completed the butterfly! We are elated! When the butterfly shape took form in the app, my friend shouted for joy! Such is happiness, because we were unsure if we could complete it ..
Special thanks to my friend Elise for getting it going – we were just having a chat while I was travelling in Sydney – and she arranged it all! And thanks to our guide Zhiwei for taking us and bringing us around Kluang! Next post coming up …
This trip, we did a 3D2N unhurried trip. Took the first train from JB Sentral, arrived in Kluang for early check in, roaming around the wall murals and eating away. Day 2 is the butterfly hike followed by more eating. Day 3 a short Kluang tour to the coffee factory before our 12.20pm train back to JB, and a shuttle to Sg.
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