August MM Saga Hike: How did it go?

There was a whiff of adventure in the air. The atmosphere felt tense as we readied ourselves for the challenge that awaited us. Bukit Saga is no Mount Everest, but to regular city dwellers like me who sit around all day looking at computer screens, it’s more than a handful.

By the looks of many of the staff members, I could tell they’ve done this more than once. Armed with an arsenal of equipment ranging from medical kits to hiking gear, they were well prepared for the journey.

The terrain was unbelievable. I have seen thorny plants and spiky leaves before, but the ones at Bukit Saga were downright lethal. Coupled with extremely muddy forest floors, I found myself right in the middle of Mother Nature’s kill zone. 

As we moved on though, everyone settled into their comfort zone; we dodged vines and avoided stumps in almost perfect harmony, and the once twisty trail seemed to unwind itself. 

But after what felt like a month to me, fatigue and the unbearable feeling of sand in my shoes slowed me down.

Next thing you know, a mesmerizing waterfall came into sight.

You cannot even begin to comprehend how happy everyone was.

Drunk in ecstasy and relief, we leapt for the rocks that were conveniently shaped like benches. All of a sudden Mother Nature revealed her treasures; an array of fascinating wildlife greeted us. Lizards, colorful insects, fishes and even a turtle showed up, arousing the curiosity of everyone. We chilled out under the refreshing jets of water and even danced along to fellow staff member Carrot. 

Then somebody broke out the crisps. Life just keeps getting better. Thoroughly satisfied with all the fun we had (and the food), we decided it was time to head home.

Wow.

I have been completely blown away by the sights and sounds of Bukit Saga. There is certainly other ways to start your weekend, but trust me; few are as incredible as this.

Happenings in Sept & Oct 2012

Boom!

Let’s have a look on what will be happening in Raleigh KL this coming Sept and Oct 2012!

Just click at the link for details!

1.     September Monthly Meet, 15.09.12 Sat, 0745@ Bkt Jalil LRT station  – The Great Migration@ Logs shift

The great migration link

This will be happening this coming Saturday! Appreciate your help to join us with the logs migration! Lunch & Morning snack will be provided!

2.     Carrot Ho 12K & Serene Lim’s 12 J Expedition Fundraising Event, 29.09.12 Sat, 0900 @ KL Central station – Trainopoly Outdoor Game

Trainopoly

Support Carrot & Serene on their fundraising event for their venture to  India/ Borneo expedition this November/ December! Wanna have an experience in an unique treasure hunt? This is for you!

3.     October Monthly Meet, 06.10.12 Sat, 0600 @ KL Central station – Deep Impact (Gua Tempurung Caving)

Deep impact

Can’t get enough from last year’s caving? We are giving you another round this time!

4.     Introduction Weekend, 26-28.10.12 Fri- Sun- IW is BACK!

http://goo.gl/9vuiT

We’re back this time with the new IW officer- Liang Keat to run the show with us! If you are 24 or above OR have been to any IWs previously jump on board our staff team!

Fill in the form above!

Have a great day!

Poh-E

October MM: Deep Impact

Everyone has their own secrets. 

So does Mother Nature.

This October, we will unravel one of her best kept secrets.

This October, we are going caving at Gua Tempurung.

Ever since 8000 B.C., this limestone labyrinth that covers 1.9 km in length and 120 meters in height has been constantly evolving, forming breathtakingly spectacular rock formations in exotic shapes that exceeds the human imagination.

The unbelievable force of Mother Nature on full display

Now, give yourself a minute to imagine how it feels to venture through these tunnels, riffs and cracks in waist deep waters.

If you want an adventure, you've certainly found one.

Don't worry it's just a tiny ledge. Wait a minute...

Find me the man who told me "it's just puddles of water".

Don't worry though, there is a very good reason you go through all this. 

From glittering crystallized-rocks to multi-tier ponds, you can feast your eyes upon the magnificence of Mother Nature throughout the nooks and crannies of Gua Tempurung.

It's the perfect adventure, for the perfect weekend. 

See you there! 

P.S.: Visit our Facebook event page for more updates!

Agenda on event day 6^th October 2012

0630  : Meet up at KL Central (facing Sooka Central)

0700  : Depart to Gopeng

0900  : Arrive at Gopeng

0930  : Briefing by tour guide; start Grand Tour

1300  : End of Grand Tour; clean-up

1330  : Lunch

1500  : Depart to KL Central

1700  : Arrive at KL Central 

Registration:

Price: RM 50  (early bird – before 16^th September 2012)

          RM 60  (normal fee – 17^th September until registration closes)

Secure one of 40 limited seats for this trill ride by registering here!
All you need to do then is bank in the full payment to

Beneficiary Name: Pertubuhan Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur
Name of Beneficiary Bank: CIMB Bank Berhad

Account Number: 1430-0006860-05-5

Snap a picture of the bank-in slip and email it to monthlymeet@raleighinternational.org.my

Useful Information

     A)   What is caving? 

      

      Caving is the exploration of caves. It includes walking, crawling, rappelling and climbing. Caving usually involves being part of a group of cavers who get as much adventure and fun out of being together in the cave. It is also a time of sharing the wondrous beauty of a cave, tackling many obstacles together during a trip or simply having a good outing.

  

     B)   Caving Essentials

1. Wear comfortable clothes while caving (longs pants are highly recommended)
2. A change of clothes, towel and shoes/sandals (you need not bring these into the cave. Leave them in your vehicle as you will need them only after the tour).
3. Head torch / torchlight (compulsory)
4. Gloves (optional)
5. Camera. Don’t bring expensive ones. Put camera in watertight plastic or container. It is a good idea to put everything in water-proof plastic bags so items won’t get soaked.
6. Caving helmet.
7. Personal first aid kit.
8. Extra torches and back-up batteries.
9. Water. You'll need loads of it.

      D)   More useful tips

1. Bring snacks if you feel you need extra energy. There are also stalls selling food, snacks and drinks outside Gua Tempurung.
2. Other facilities available include toilets, changing rooms, convenience store and prayer rooms (surau) for Muslims.
3. Please do not litter in and outside the cave area.
4. Check equipment before entering the cave.
5. Heart patients and those suffering from claustrophobia should limit themselves to show caves only. Do inform us if you have if you have any serious medical condition.
6. Cavers should be free from allergies related to limestone and bat guano.  

      E)   Is caving dangerous?

Like any activity, if you are not careful, it can be dangerous. That is why at Gua Tempurung, all tours are guided. Only trained and knowledgeable people lead the trips. *We will not be allowed to enter the wet passage during rainy days*

      F)   Should you get proper training?

Participants must be reasonably fit to go caving. If you are serious about caving, it is a good idea to get training as there are many aspects of caving that you should know. Training also involves learning to conserve and treat the cave environment properly. You can get pointers from experienced cavers, caving clubs and nature societies.

    G) The Organizer reserves the right to change and/or cancel the program of the event without any prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances eg. heavy rain.

     

     If you have any queries, feel free to contact us after working hours at:

• Ange (012-6641525)
• Siu Hou (012 – 292 6824)
• Dennis (017 – 665 3153)

Support our fellow venturers!

TRAINOPOLY Fun-raising Outdoor Game

*Drum roll*

Ladies and gentlemen, aunties and uncles, daddies and mummies, boys and girls, working adults and wandering students, bosses and minions, human and non-human, brace yourself and behold the date 29^thSeptember (Saturday), as this the day we all will witness the first ever TRAINOPOLY happening right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur.

*Applause!!!!!*

In short, TRAINOPOLY Fun-raising Outdoor Game is a self-improvised game inspired by the very much familiar monopoly board game. We translated monopoly into real life, and jumble it up with treasure hunt and the all-time favourite reality show – Amazing Race.

Sounds interesting huh? Read up more for further information.

https://www.facebook.com/events/349347725151134/?ref=ts

Amazing goodies and jaw-dropping prizes are awaiting you peeps! Just sign up here and you’re on your way to a fun and meaningful Saturday:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFRSTmRvYzdlSmtFOXJVcVFlTk9IZXc6MQ

Behind the TRAIN:

TRAINOPOLY is organized in an effort to raise the much needed for two upcoming Borneo and India Autumn Expedition venturers. As you may already know, every year Raleigh International will gather like-minded youth from all over the worlds and bring them together on a 10-expedition in four different countries – Costa Rica and Nicaragua, India, Borneo Malaysia or Tanzania. Youth will be working closely with locals in communities, environmental projects and adventures that focus largely on giving back and also self-development.

Read up more about Raleigh Expedition from the following link!

http://www.raleighinternational.org/what-we-do/raleigh-expeditions

Thank you for your time in reading this and we hope by now your are intrigued or is ready to get out there and join the TRAINOPOLY challenge :D

You're most welcome to buzz Serene (expedition 12k) or Carrot (expedition 12j) for any questions you have, for teh tarik also can!

1. Serene Lim Pei Yinn - 012 5477 989
2. Carrot Ho Chung Shin - 012 5090 120
trainopolyinfomalaysia@gmail.com

"Why not get out there, when you can, while you can?"

September MM: The Great Migration

Every now and then, we need a fresh start to life.

We need to start clean.

We need to move on.

And that applies too to our precious equipment at Raleigh KL.
Those who have gone through our camps and events know that our equipment are gold to us and they deserve the best. 

That is why we are moving them to a brand new logistics room, so when we need them, we know that they are there for us, standing by in a clean, spacious and accessible place.

This is where YOU come in.

We need your might to embark on our Great Migration and for that your effort will be rewarded with a hearty lunch!

Agenda on event day (15/9/12)

0745 - Meet at Bukit Jalil LRT Station: Map
0820 - Arrive at current logs room
0830 - Let The Great Migration begin!
1000 - Water and snack break (don't worry we'll bring along loads of snacks!)
1030 - Load up lorry
1115 - Depart to Sri Damansara*
1215 - Arrive and shift equipment to new logs room
1330 - Record and list down all equipment
1400 - Final clean up
1430 - Get together for lunch! (we'll treat you to that as well!)
1530 - Depart back to Bukit Jalil LRT Station. Sayonara!

*Please note that drivers may be designated to drive to and fro Sri Damansara from Bukit Jalil.

Our equipment will have a new home and they will definitely be thrilled. They might even say hello to you if you have talked to them long enough!

We only require a maximum of 30 helpful people so what are you waiting for?

Get involved in our Great Migration! Sign up here!

P/S: Please be informed that you will be very very tired but filled with fun at the end of the day with your crazy Raleigh folks. See you there!

August MM: Hiking at Bukit Saga

Craving to escape out of your hectic lifestyle? 

Looking for luscious GREENERY, refreshing streams and opportunities to sweat out all your stresses? Raleigh KL is here to fulfill your desires!

Excited yet?

Just a stone throw away from your doorsteps located in the Cheras region, Bukit Saga is a excellent place that combines seclusion with accessibility to provide you with the perfect getaway. This August, we will embark on a journey to conquer the hike and enjoy the spectacular waterfall that lies at the end.

images courtesy of Marble and Siuhou

Sign up before the 22nd of August to 
GET OUT THERE!

Details:

Location: Bukit Saga

Terrain: Level 3 (Scale of 1-10 the scale is based on difficulty/terrain trickiness/danger)

Date: 25 August 2012 (Saturday)

Time: 6.45am - 230pm

Meeting point: Cempaka LRT station (Location - http://goo.gl/1zduK)

Agenda of the day:

06.45am - Meet up at Cempaka LRT Station (STAR LRT)
07.00am - ''Cant wait to go'' we Leave Sharp!!
07.40am - Reach Saga Hill Car Park, Getting Ready, Safety Briefing, Warm Up
08.00am - Start Hike

08.45am - Reach Saga Hill Peak + Ice breaking + Monthly Meeting (we have exciting news for you!!)

09:30am - Start Hike to Waterfall
11:00am - Reach Apek Waterfall and have light lunch there

swim, bathe, splash water (feel free to show us all your crazy stunts!)
12:00pm - Start Decamp and trek back
02:30pm - Exchange contact with new friends and good bye all!

Equip yourself with... 1) 1.5L Drinking Water or more
2) Cutleries and mess tin 
3) Hiking Shoes / Kampung Adidas / Good Sport Shoes
4) Day bag
5) Light Snack for your own self*
6) Towel
7) Extra cloths to change*
8) Sarung as Portable Changing room*
9) Glove*
10) Rain Cloth (incase raining)
11) Hiking Stick / Walking pole*
* Optional
-Please take note that there is no toilets and changing rooms at the waterfall.

Register yourself at http://goo.gl/8M1OL

by 22 August 2012

The fees are RM 10 for members and RM 15 for non-members. Payment is inclusive of transport and lunch.

If you have any queries, feel free to contact:

Zhimin ( 017-3512952) after 5.30pm

Shen Quang (012-356495) after 5.30pm

or 

email us monthlymeet@raleighinternational.org.my

Everyone is welcome, come with your friends and family to a green escape!

July MM River Wading Updates

"

As soon as we disembarked the volunteers’ vehicle, a verdant jungle greeted us with a gentle zephyr and bird hoots. Wasting no time, the new Raleigh Committee 2012/2013 expedited what Raleigh stands for – Getting Out There - to be a bringer of
positive change to aborigines of various nations and society, exploration possibilities, an unconventional way to practice and refine our leadership skills, make new chums and bonds, to accomplish long-term improvement in the lives of the local community & not
affecting the capabilities of future generations to satisfy their own requirements. Raleigh puts that motto into action via adventure, community, and environmental local projects.

The Raleigh members and committee were wearing mainly bright leafy forest green shirts with a Capital R in front & headbands and bracelets centralized on tribal designs. One of the organizer stood out because he wore an extremely eye-catching pair of bright orange shorts.















There were basically 2 groups of people who attended July’s Monthly Meets – the novices and the “old hands” at outdoor activities. Clearly, there was a distinctinction
 between the agility in movement of the old hands and the maladroit movements of novices at hiking upstream. For instance, the newcomers were seen grabbing onto
rocks for support gingerly while the more experienced outdoor enthusiasts were moving quickly and lightly, whilst jesting with one another & splashing the cool stream water at each other.

Abecedarians of outdoor activities like me were taught where to purchase waterproof bags by Marble and kampong adidas by Shen in addition to what
type of shoes to wear for water-related activities and also the funny smell kampong adidas emits if the wearer does not wear socks (Siu Hou). I learnt a new word ‘Reconnaissance’, short form being recce.

The journey uphill was thoroughly fun. Water and sweat can be seen trickling down everyone’s faces. As we clamber up the stream, everyone contributed in ‘breaking the ice’ and soon everyone’s mouth was displaying white flashy grins and smiles, and
there were also numerous short intervals of laugh eruptions and jokes & funny stories were shared. The banter among July Monthly Meets participants and friends reach my ears like music.



 Sunlight percolated via the top tree branches were seen reflected on the stream and boulder’s surface looked pretty surreal, and inspirits the participants to continue river-wading through the water, sand, and boulders. Dozens of insects darted on the surface of water.








Throughout the hike upwards, everyone can be seen wreathed in smiles, enjoying themselves; albeit the occasional frown of concentration when participants faced a mini obstacle like fallen tree trunks and long bamboos, scary-
looking rushing water, and “sticky-outy” branches and long tree vines along the trail, as well as the loose and slippy rocks covered in emerald coloured moss that seemed to be
embedded within the river bed.



A written thank you should be extended to Marble, who used his multi-purpose machete to cut away the layer at the bottom of my sports shoes as it was flapping about, causing difficulty in trekking, and annoying.

Throughout the hike upstream, one of the organizers dad volunteered to be
our ‘water photographer’. Uncle’s camera was waterproofed in an adorable clear
plastic cover with bright yellow, pink and blue with a neck strap and he photographed
us in candid shots – mostly when we are facing a not-so-easy or deep section of the
waterfall.

After the fantastic scrambling uphill, despite being thoroughly soaked and dirty, the rush of adrenalin and endorphins, plus the achievement of reaching the peak of the waterfall makes it worthwhile.

Lunch at the waterfall area was a double decker sandwich consisting of button mushrooms, smashed peppered hard boiled eggs, round red tomato, chopped green capsicum, crisp lettuce slices, chicken sausages and crackers. The Raleigh-ians cooked for us using mini stoves (the rectangular thing that you turn on to get fire) and mess tins. Newcomers mostly chat and got to know each other better while being served lunch and resting on large rocks.

At the peak of the waterfall, there was the tall wall made out of multiple layers
of brown smooth stones that glimmer in the sunlight. Those more experienced could climb up the brown smooth stones without difficulty and rested on them like benches.The lion-hearted dare devils hiked a step further than the mostly outdoor adventures newcomers.







They did crazy stunts jumped into copious rumbling water at their own
risk and had a thoroughly good time doing so. The brown smooth stones forming the waterfall provided a natural water slide. Note: Jumping off rocks (at your own risk).









What makes this trip even more wondrous are the random kind acts by new acquaintances. The warm-hearted gestures can be exemplified particularly by 2 Raleigh-ians (Siu Hou & Shen) when they offered my friend Doris their kampong adidas shoes to wear when 2 layers of her shoe base literally torn apart due to ‘old age’ and would not mind wearing the remnants of her shoes. Besides that, Yen Kit was also so thoughtful to volunteer to pick tree vines to tie up Doris’s broken shoes together.

Soon, it was time to go home and the trek down was relatively easier as we don’t have to balance ourselves as much as river wading. Everyone changed to dry clothes – some in a sarung, some in the trees and in the bushes or behind tents.

July Monthly Meet - River Wading

Anyhow, I’m glad to be a part of it and I look forward seeing those cute, button-shaped,
fungi in the shade of dark chocolate and those tiny, silvery, white, umbrella-shaped
mushroom again.

"

Written by a fellow Raleigh-ian who chose to be anonymous. Anyways, thank you Anonymous Person.

Stay tuned for August Monthly Meet.


Raleigh KL