29 Aug 2004 - "I'm on top of the world !" Magnificent 360 degree panoramic view, cool breeze blowing, I was atop Mount Datuk at only 900m overlooking the state of Negeri Sembilan, but I sure felt like I was soaring!
"MJ, you'll like this" - said 'tour guide', Peter as we reach near the top of Mount Datuk. I couldn't wait to find out what he meant, as I coaxed everyone to carry on to the top. We were having a siesta after an easy hike of an hour. :D
*gulp* - A flimsy metal ladder, a rope and that was how we made our way to the top of them huge boulders marking the top of this mountain. Some girls in the group of 10 were terrified, but braced themselves, knowing they'd be rewarded at the top. No regrets, the view was fantastic, to say the least!
I don't wanna go home!
I was really enjoying soaking up the sun, taking in the sights, basking in all of Mother Nature's creation. It was like man were meant to make their way up to this place, and Mother Nature had intentionally placed one rock on top of each other, some flat enough so you could still stand and walk around.
Bungeee! - Perched atop the big boulder looking over every tree which would normally be taller than you on ground, really make me feel like putting on a bungee cord and take the plunge down.
Calm - Passing clouds shaded us from the midday sun, rendering a calming atmosphere, complemented by the cool breeze. Like the calm before the storm, rain to be exact, looked like it was pouring over the neighbouring towns.
O Wise One - I sat cross-legged, in a meditation pose, like a Guru would atop the highest mountain. Imagined lesser mortals would line for miles, stretching all the way down the mountain, desperately seeking advice and wisdom from this Guru.
Detour - Alas it was time to leave. On the way down, Peter got 'creative' and took us on a detour down an old route to the foot hills. I could almost hear Phil Keogan, the host of Amazing Race say...
A detour is a choice between two tasks, each with its pros and cons.
Authentic jungle experience - Haha.. the detour led us through a path laden with branches, leaves, loose soil, it was indeed a challenge! However, it also brought a change of scenery and I even spotted old honeycombs! Eventually, it led us to a muddy clearing... civillization, but not quite!
"My shoe!" - Yelled Li Leng as we both burst into laughter. She had tried to cross a muddy path and her hiking boot got stuck in the mud, but her foot had slipped out! She had to pull her boot out with all her might, and I think I heard something go 'pop'! Hahahaaa... needless to say, I searched for another path and found one on hard solid ground! Woohoo!
How do you get there? - Mount Datuk is easily accessible from the North-South Highway (PLUS). Turn off at Senawang, take a Right at the traffic lights and travel on towards Tampin on the trunk road. You will soon see a sign to turn Left towards 'Gunung Datuk'. After which travel straight on and make another Left at a sign stating 'Gunung Datuk'. Enjoy the view of the rubber estate to your left and right along a windy road till you reach a clearing.
And then... You're required to write down your details and pay an entrance fee of RM1. There are decent and clean toilets within the grounds and a waterfall nearby frequented by locals too. Enjoy your trip, I certainly did!