Perak: Riding the historical trails…

“Real travel requires a maximum of unscheduled wandering, for there is no other way of discovering surprises and marvels...”-Alan Watts

(Pasir Salak Resort)

I don’t know whether you know a place called Pasir Salak. If not, it is of no consequence.

Last Saturday we went riding to Pasir Salak and to our surprise there was a massive rally. The former PM was there to address more than 10,000 supporters of the Malay rights group, Perkasa. The attendees came in busloads from all over Perak and jammed the small trunk road.

Pasir Salak Resort was fully booked when we arrived. After much persuasion we manage to get the last of the 2-room chalet situated at the very end of the resort. The Pasir Salak Historical Complex is a walking distance from the resort.

(VIP chalet by the pool)

If you know the history of Perak at all, you are probably well acquainted with the remarkable history of the assassination of the British Resident of Perak, J.W.W.Birch which, sparked off a war between the British colonial administration and the Malays and it is believed to have sparked the fire of nationalism leading eventually to the declaration of independence from British rule in 1957.

The Historical Complex pays tribute to warriors such as Datok Sagor and Datuk Maharajalela, with special memorials erected in their honor, in the shape of a sundang, a type of knife widely used in the rebellion against the British.

(A Sundang - a deadly weapon)'

The main attraction of this complex is the Historical Time Tunnel where most of the flash points and important historical events of the Malays and Malaysia are exhibited through dioramas.

(A sun-dial in front of the Time Tunnel)

Other interesting sights include the burial site of Seputum, one of the warriors involved; Maharajalela's house and fortress; the lela rentaka, a type of cannon used by the Malays; traditional Perak Malay houses called Rumah Kutai.

(Rumah Kutai - Perak traditional house)

The scenic and historic Perak River and the activities it can offer is another attraction. We had our dinner at a nearby floating restaurant but the service was snail paced and the karaoke was extremely loud for comfort.

(Relaxing by the river side)

On the way back to KL, we detoured from Kampung Gajah to Batu Gajah and stopped by Kellie’s Castle for photo shots.

(Kellie's Castle - another historical site)

I am not complaining...

"Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving..." - A Einstein

It was cloudy and moody the last few days. The sky is bluer today, what bliss.

The day trip to Singapore last Sunday had me exhausted and I spent the whole Monday morning in bed. To add misery to this tired body, there was a water cut at the apartment and we didn't have 'spare H2O' to even brush our teeth. And to make matters worst, I agreed to have hi-tea with a couple of friends in Bangsar Village later in the afternoon.

Today is different. In the morning, Sara and I indulged in a 2-hour therapeutic traditional massage at Dewi Sri Spa and later had garlic nan and tandoori chicken for lunch. And before she drove back to JB with Fitri, we had a sumptuous dinner at the Club House.

(Embun menitik @ Lanai Kijang)

The body massage and rich food made me feel light-headed. I may be in a state of limbo now, but hopefully it's only temporary...

Singapore Wedding Reception...

 "Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity..."

Two hearts beating together till the end of time...

We started from KL early in the morning and reached the causeway before noon. The entry process at the border was smooth and not that tedious but could be better. The cousin's wedding reception in Tampines was lively and full of jovial moods.

(Two hearts entwined)

(A photo of the lovely couple)

Before we left Singapore, we went to a motor shop and bought us a pair of Nolan helmets and communicators. The journey back was smooth and we reached home just before midnight.

Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Next Trip: 2011 10th Umrah and Ziarah

Now And Then...

The past is so familiar

But that's why you couldn't stay

Too many ghosts, too many haunted dreams

Beside you were built to find your own way...

(2011 - Lubuk Simpon, Taman Negara)

But after all these years,

I thought we'd still hold on

But when I reach for you and search your eyes

I see you've already gone...  



(2007 - Lubuk Simpon, Taman Negara)

And I know that the sun will shine again

I still may think of you now and then...

(Ritchie Blackmore)

Pahang: Leisure ride to Taman Negara...

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it..." - Yogi Berra

(Gearing for the ride from Bidara House)

More than 30 years ago, joining a class outing, we came to Taman Negara via a boat from Kuala Tembeling which took us more than 4 hours up stream.

Several years and several trips later we braved the untarred road and managed to reach Kuala Tahan unscathed in our strong 4x4. Only in the recent years the road is better taken care of to accommodate tourist buses and even the low slung sports car.

(Crossing Sungai Tekai on Route C163)

So last Saturday we decided to leave the noisy hustle bustle of the city and rode on our easy rider to the serenity of the tropical jungle of Taman Negara.

(Riders taking a rest)

We started from our apartment around 9.30 a.m. and had lontong and laksam at Kak Nah's restaurant. After watering the plants and feeding the kois at our Bidara House we headed towards Kuala Tahan via the East-coast highway exiting at the Temerloh interchange.

(Negotiating a sharp corner)

The day was bright although the sky was cloudy. The weather was perfect for leisure riding. We had lunch in Jerantut and finally checked in at the Rainforest Resort Kuala Tahan at 3 p.m. and had our much needed afternoon nap. Dinner was at one of the floating restaurants on the confluence of Sungai Tembeling and Sungai Tahan.

(Leisure trekking to Lubuk Simpon)

We had ventured via many routes and had used many modes of transportation. For the next trip, we may want to try getting to Taman Negara riding on bicycles instead...

(A rest before a cool dip).

Total mileage: 470 km

Route taken: KL - Jerantut - Kuala Tahan - Jerantut - KL