TAMBUN

The morning was hazy and dry as we set off for the base of Gunung Panjang. 17 of us had gathered for the climb, instead of the 10 we were expecting. There were some last minute entrants which caught us by surprise as we did not have enough climbing equipment for all. But everyone was eager to get to the top so we would have to share the equipment during the climb. We parked at an Indian temple built in a small cave at the base of the hill and after a short briefing, the climbing gear was distributed into willing hands and we set off for a gap on the side of the hill. The slope here is less steep, making our ascent less difficult.

We scrambled over broken rocks overgrown with vegetation and a slippery slope to reach the most challenging part of the climb. It was a vertical rock face about 15meters high. This is where our climbing gear will come into use. A few of us had done a recce the previous day and anchored a rope to a tree at the top of the rock face to make today's ascent easier. The rope was still there so one by one each climber was belayed to the top of the rock face. Two or three of the more agile climbers managed to find another route up the rock face and did it without the rope. Above the rock face another steep slope with lots of loose rocks and earth led to the peak we were heading for. Ascending this slope caused loose rocks and stones to cascade down towards the climbers below. Many shouts of "Falling Rock" echoed down the slope as those above warned those below to head for cover against the shower of rocks. A big rock missed Philip Leong by inches as he was helping to belay climbers up the rock face. Luckily we all managed to reach the top without injury. From the top we could look down at the Army Camp below and also see most of Southern Ipoh. The hazy conditions hindered our view towards the West and The Kledang Range.

The climb down was easier but the danger of falling rocks was still present. We were back at the Indian temple by half past twelve, weary but satisfied with the successful climb. For some it was their first time using climbing gear and they were happy to have had such an experience. 

Some of us still had some energy left and went ahead to view the Tambun Rock Paintings. Although weathered due to exposure to the elements, the paintings are still visible. We all wondered how the natives climbed the wall to practice their art as most of the drawings are 10 to 30 meters above the base of the wall. The drawings of Deer, Tapir, Fish, Musang, Tortise and Humans can still be seen but may not last for very long if nothing is done to shield the rock face from the elements.

For a change of scenery and activity, this MKS outing was a recce of some limestone hills near Tambun. Time for us to breathe in some fresh air, get some sunshine and admire the lush green foilage that covers most of our limestone hills instead of looking into dark caves. However, being avid cavers, the purpose behind this hike up the hills was to try and discover new caves that can be explored at a later time!
After meeting at the Ipoh Garden Plaza, we proceded in 5 vehicles towards the Tambun Hills. The hills we wanted to recce are located behind some temples, one of which is devoted to Tibetian Buddhism. This temple has a 100 foot statue of Buddha built in an enclave in the hill. It gives the impression of Buddha blessingly emerging from the serenity of the cool forest which surrounds him. After a brief chat with one of the officials of the temple to see if they knew of any caves in the area, we proceeded along a path at the back of the temple.

As we approached the hills we were stopped by fences put up by farmers who are using the land adjoining the hills to grow Jambu, Star Fruit and Durians. They also keep dogs to keep out uninvited guests! Luckily, a farmer and his wife approached on his motorbike to begin his daily toil, and we asked permission to cross his land to get to the hills. He gave his OK and we were on our way again.

We followed an old path to the hills, passing an abandoned construction of some pools fed by a small stream. We spotted a small cave entrance at the base of the hill ahead and went in to check it out. It was only a small cave about 30 metres long with an exit at the other end. Not much to see except some crocodiles teeth and cave straws on the low ceiling. Emerging from the other end, we climbed and hacked our way deeper into the valley, looking for more promising orifices in the limestone faces now surrounding us. Philip said that there should be a Wang ahead and we should try to find a way there. The way in got steeper and the undergrowth denser and our progress slowed, but no one was prepared to give up yet.

Another half hour of labourious climbing and the earth beneath our feet began to level off. We took a short breather and then pushed furthur in. We were now surrounded by hills but no sign of any potentially accessible caves except 1 or 2 high up on the limestone faces on the other side of the valley. The hill we were on did not want to reveal any of her inner secrets to us on this day. It was now approaching noon and we were getting tired. We stopped for another break and I took this opportunity to climb to the top of the hill to try to get a better look around the surrounding hills. The area is heavy with foilage and even from the top, no promising orifices could be seen.
On this hill however, there are signs of habitation by Serow as there are some droppings and a small cleared area where they probably rest. Calling it a day, we turned and headed back to civilisation. On the way back we made a detour to take a look at a Hut and Gazeebo built near the pools and probably used for prayers and meditations by the nearby temple devotees. The jungle here is also home to a large spider which spins a strong sticky web. It looks strong enough to capture large insects and maybe even small birds, although no prey was found entangled in the web when we were there.
After the trip, a few of us made our way back to Ipoh Garden Plaza for a free Lunch of Dim Sum, Nasi Kunyit, Fried Mee and Lo Sang at the Crystal Jade Dim Sum Restaurant. They were having a small lunch party for good customers and friends. Hong managed to get MKS members invited too!

Click on continue below, to see more pictures of this trip. Continue reading "Tambun Hills Recce on 5th Feb 2006"