The jungle and I

There is something about the jungles that attracted me towards them. And there is no better feeling than to be enclosed by the huge trees and surrounded by the greenery with an orchestra of various sounds playing in the background. Of course, the occasional leeches and mosquitoes and those small bugs that bite can sometimes be annoying, but that is a small price to pay for the peace and tranquility surrounding the place.

My first jungle experience was when I was in school, and we had an expedition to Gunung Angsi in Kuala Pilah. Being near my school, the mountain turned up to be the place that I go to when I needed to be alone and surrounded by nature. When there was an opportunity, I will pack my bag and head to the place, sometimes staying there for a night. I will always remember Gunung Angsi as I remember my first love. My first sweet innocent love.

I've been to a lot of other mountains eversince that. And it was always the same feeling I get when I first stepped into the jungle. The calmness that radiates in the surrounding, the fact that knowing I'm at the mercy of the elements, and the thrill that I get when I run and walk the small mountain path. I guess it is the same feeling that divers get when they are underwater. That's why I can't wait to go for my first dive, because I believe, it's even more challenging and thrilling since being underwater is something that not everybody gets to do.

Nowadays, my favourite haunt is Taman Negara Pahang. Getting there is easy, with the new road leading all the way up to the resort. A drive from KL will only take around 3-4 hours, and I can just leave my car at the riverside and take a boat across. The place is so huge that it will take my whole lifetime to explore every nooks and crannies and to get acquainted with every trees and animals. Eventhough it is highly commercialised, the beauty and calm are still untouched by technology and globalisation.

When I was younger and reckless, I went for a-week hike to Taman Negara alone. I was planning to go to Mount Tahan, but somewhere along the way, I got sidetracked and followed the wrong trail. Needless to say, I was lost, and it took me almost 5 days to find my way out to civilisation. The weird part was, I didn't panic nor was I worried. It's a feeling that I have that somehow, the jungle will look after me, and I am safe as long as I respected the place. And so, I went about my trek, and camped when it was dark, and eat whatever food I have, and drink from the small streams and rivers.

It was an experience that I will never forget. And every now and then, I will fit in a weekend where I set off to some mountain or jungle. Most of the time, I will be alone, but every now and then, there will be a few friends who will check with me on my next trip and tag along with me.

I can't wait for my next trip.