Scar Trek in JB

Over the Easter weekend, I went on my a trekking escapade at Endau Pompin National Park in Johor by invitation of my guru G. I've gone on forest treks before in Thailand and NZ but not like this where we roughed it out in a tropical forest. This is the second designated National Park in Peninsular Malaysia and contains one of the world's oldest rainforests. I read that the volcanic rocks there date back 240 million years. I was prepared for the worst, including sleeping in basic wooded huts and leeches. Yes, LEECHES. I thought he was joking until I googled the park and Wikitravel affirms it: "Leech socks are advisable" *Eeekss* I hate mosquitoes as they love me, but in this case, I'd gladly swap the leeches for them.

Anyway I was trying not to think of them but they crept into my mind (pun) on the way from Woodlands train check point to Kluang. The train was nothing like those I love in Europe and the first class cabin was worn out and looked like no one cleaned it for years. I can't imagine what the ordinary class looks like. Grace and I travelled up with a bunch of American teachers and spouses, and guru G met us at a sleepy town, Bekok. We got into the 4W drives on a bumpy road winding through miles of oil palm plantations and lush forests till we reached the park at 5pm+. The wooden huts exceeded my very low expectations and there were even rubber mattresses so that was a good start. Before we even settled down to dinner by the river stream, I already saw 2 leech marks on G and another guy! I think you can call me the leech spotter. I stuck to my running shoes and sprayed them with repellent. Kiasu, kiasi. I don't care.

The food was also very good, prepared by a kindly Malay lady and her family - as we tucked into spiced chicken, forest veggies and rice. The group even brought 2 crates of beer, bottles of wines and candles. I was having second thoughts about the trek tomorrow cos of the leeches but G was adamant that I go. It's good training, he said. For what?!? For war? Anyway I asked the heavens to decide - if it rains, I wouldn't go. The skies held up all night and I couldn't chicken out in the morning. After a hearty brekkie, we prepared our gear, including these long cotton beige leech socks that run up to below the knees. They look like giant versions of coffee socks at our local kopitiams. Anyway I took extra precaution by wearing another pair of socks inside, and tucked my long-sleeved top into my long pants into the leech socks and into the shoes. I ain't no taking any prisoners. The rest in our group of 13 wore shorts and swimming costumes (and they all kanna bitten).  

G wanted us to take a longer route but the guide suggested a shorter one which I'm totally happy with. We set off at 9.45am and came back at 3.30pm (about 5 hours)! Imagine this was the 'shorter' trek :O Needless to say, we ate like kings and slept like pigs. The next day, I was quite happy to pack my bags and leave the campsite after sending out a silent blessing to the forest and its inhabitants. May the park be protected and stay pristine and beautiful.