4WD Ulu Slim, 2007

THE STAR
L I F E S T Y L E Travel & Adventure
Saturday July 7, 2007


Rumbling through the jungle

By LIZ PRICE

"Let’s roll,” our commander would call out when it was time for the convoy to start moving.

We were in a group of 11 vehicles on one of Malaysian Off Road Explorer’s (MORE) introductory off-road adventures. MORE is a group of dedicated and experienced four-wheel drivers who organise light, medium and semi-hardcore off-road outings.


Thrill ride: A 4WD doing a river crossing.

For our group of German visitors, this was a perfect way to experience off-road terrain and see rural Malaysia.

We kept in touch via walkie-talkie, with each car having an assigned call sign, such as Alpha 1, Bravo 2 etc. The commander could ensure that all cars were moving, and the sweeper could inform him when all the cars had cleared the obstacles.

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Slim River in Perak was smooth, and we then headed for the first off-road section designed as a familiarisation stage. This took us through a rubber plantation and the drivers were able to explain to the participants the basics of driving off-road.

After a while, we stopped so the participants could see the process of rubber tapping. This is the natural source of the expensive tyres our vehicles were using. We were shown how the trees are cut so that the latex drips down into the cup. It was hard to imagine that this sticky white liquid is what is used to make the familiar hard black rubber used on vehicles the world over.

Our next stop was the hot springs at Ulu Slim. With a water temperature of 104°C, these springs are reputed to be the fifth hottest in the world. Steam rose off the surface of the water, and the pond was a mix of colours with green from the algae and shades of brown from the minerals. There was only a very slight smell of sulphur.

A concrete walkway gives access to the main source of the spring, where even the rocks are almost too hot to touch. One driver, who obviously had been here before, brought along eggs to place in the super hot water for a snack.

Later, we went past a lake with wallowing buffalo, and then the real fun began.

We headed off-road onto a sandy track and began to drive on rough terrain. There were two participants in each car with the host driver, and one in each was allowed a chance to drive. There had been no rain, so the track was very dry, meaning that even the steep hills posed little problem.

I can imagine they would be a real challenge when wet and muddy. There were 3m deep ruts on one side and a steep drop on the other. However, my car had one interesting moment when the driver tried to change gear going up a steep hill and stalled. It took a lot of revs to get us going again; luckily we didn’t roll back too far!

We stopped in an oil palm plantation and were enlightened on the production of palm oil. When we passed a trailer laden with oil palm fruits, everyone was keen to take photos. To me, these clusters of fruits resembled porcupines.

The plantation then gave way to jungle and, at one point, we were driving close to a stream with clear water. It looked quite beautiful, with the orange flowers of the Saraca trees providing a contrast to the jungle greenery and the blue sky.


Forget cooking by the campfire, here the meals are a little more classy. — LIZ PRICE

A river crossing was the next challenge.

It was fun to watch each car go through, some drivers approached quite gingerly whereas others rushed in, making a big splash.

By now, everyone was ready for lunch. We turned into the MORE campsite, and I was surprised to see men in chef’s hats putting the final touches to a table laden with food.

The campsite was ideally situated at the confluence of two streams. It has running water transported by bamboo pipes and even flushable toilets and a shower! No need to dig holes in the ground here! The food was delicious, and there was plenty of it, and everyone was happy.

After lunch one driver was thrown into the river. He was on his maiden voyage with MORE, so this was his initiation dunking. He took it in good spirit and was soon joined by other people. After the obligatory group photo, it was time to head back. This time the second participant got a chance to drive.

We had some fun on the second river crossing, when one car went into a deep section and had to be winched out. At least this gave us a chance to see winching in action. Other drivers chickened out and went over the bridge instead.

On the way back, we stopped at an orang asli settlement. The people were a mix of Semai and Sewang. They were used to seeing 4WD convoys pass through, although some of the younger children still hid from the cameras. We gave some goodies to the children. It was a satisfying end to an excellent day.

MORE runs a variety of 4WD packages, from one day to about 10 days. These are adventure tours in the Malaysian jungle, but they also incorporate cultural and historical sites. Packages can be tailor-made to suit groups. MORE has a pool of experienced host drivers, each with their own vehicle

They also organise international tours through Asean countries. For more information, visit http://http://malaysia4x4.com or e-mail: info@malaysia4x4.com

Sungai Klah hot springs 2005

THE STAR Lifestyle
Saturday April 16, 2005

Refreshing hot springs in Perak

By Liz Price
Pictures by Liz Price & Christina Koh

LIZ PRICE believes that she has discovered the best hot spring in the Peninsula. Read on to find out what she says about the Sg Klah Hot Springs.

I will let you in on a secret – I recently discovered the best hot spring in the Peninsula. I came across it by chance, having seen a sign on an overhead bridge across the North-South Expressway near Behrang, Perak.


Said Saad says the green algae is good for your skin.

All it said was “Sg Klah Hot Springs”, and it was only 10km away.

Many hot spring destinations are in a dilapitated state and an eye sore. But the signs here were all new, so I thought it worth checking out. The road was well signposted, leading through Sg Kelah village and on through Felda oil palm plantations.

I arrived on a mid-week in the late afternoon and found the place virtually devoid of visitors, but there were a lot of staff maintaining the grounds. The garden was well landscaped, with a path leading through an attractive display of labelled plants.

I walked to the main pool and it looked so beautiful I wondered if it was really used for swimming. The pool and surroundings were so clean. There wasn’t a ripple on the water and it all looked so tranquil. Also, there was no smell of sulphur. I wondered if I was in the right place. Then one Encik Said Saad came up and spoke to me, and kindly offered to give me a guided tour.

First, he told me to paddle my feet in the water while he switched on the water cascade. I took off my shoes and immersed my tired feet in the pool. It was lovely. The water temperature was about 44°C. Within a few minutes, the artificial waterfalls at the head of the pool kicked into action and water cascaded down the rocks and into the pool. The water flowed across the pool and drained into a small stream. I was quite happy absorbing the atmosphere and relaxing my feet when Said told me to follow him.

We went to the egg-boiling area. This was one of the sources of the hot water, where the water bubbles up from the ground at a temperature of 100°C-102°C. There was a thermometer and sensor in place. A basket was provided for those wishing to boil eggs.

I was struck by the fact that there was no smell of sulphur. Many hot springs I have visited, particularly those in Indonesia, reek of sulphur, having come from volcanoes. The egg-boiling pool had a lot of green algae coating the rocks.


A surreal sight.

Said gathered some and covered my hands and arms with it. I was a bit perturbed being covered in bright green gunge, but Said explained that I should let it dry as it is good for the skin. And indeed, when I washed it off later, my skin did felt softer. There was another pool where the algae was white and this was supposed to be good for the stomach.

Said told me that the springs emerged from some 500 places within the complex. The spring water is channelled into the pool, and mixed with cold water. Just downstream of the main pool is another spring, covered with boards for safety. The water is pumped up to the top of an artificial cascade where it is then allowed to flow down, forming clouds of steam as the hot water meets the cooler air.

Next we went to the spa pools – individual “bath areas” designed for families or groups. Each was a private complex within a walled enclosure and consisted of a small pool or Jacuzzi fringed by rocks and set in the midst of a small garden.

There were also a table and chairs, as well as changing rooms. The water for the spa is pumped from the main pool and is about 38°C-40°C. There are currently four klah or family baths, and they are so popular that two more are being constructed.

Said explained that during weekends and holidays, the complex got crowded with visitors, especially at night – it would stay open until 10pm. The park was first opened in December 2003. Now people come from Kuala Lumpur and even Penang to enjoy the place.

Facilities include a large cafeteria offering cheap food and drinks, souvenir shop, surau and stalls selling burgers and drinks. The toilet and shower block is being expanded to cater to the large number of visitors at weekends. And a new car park is being planned.

At weekends, you can enjoy a traditional massage to remove aches and stiffness.


Visitors enjoying the warm water.

I took advantage of the water reflexology course, where I walked barefoot along a long area of stones covered with hot water. Said was surprised that I managed it with little discomfort, so he thought I was healthy!

As we headed for the boardwalk, we went past an impressive Ara tree. Said pointed out lots of trees and shrubs which had medicinal uses. I saw a Sungkai tree – from which the place name originated. The boardwalk led us to a small stream which flowed from the hot springs. It got hotter as we walked and came to many small springs. You could hear the water bubbling up from the ground. Signboards revealed the water temperature to be 60°C-102°C. From a platform built over the springs, one could feel the heat from the water. Gentle clouds of steam rose from the water. It looked surreal – a stream covered in clouds of steam and surrounded by green vegetation. Apparently it is even more beautiful at night. Floodlights lit up the area.

I liked the way the surroundings had been left in their natural state. The rocks in the pools were natural and the riverbed had the characteristic look of green and white crusty rocks of natural springs.

Communists used to stay in this area until the mid-1940s, but they left when the British arrived. It must have been a nice place to escape from war, and a good site to set up camp, with a free supply of hot running water. In the distance were the forested hills of the Titiwangsa Range.

Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park is an ideal place to relax and de-stress. The surroundings are tranquil, the gardens are immaculate and the water is beautiful. The spa pools are definitely worth using. Go and see for yourself. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. W

Getting there

The Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park in Perak is located 10km south of Sungkai. The turn-off is just south of the Sungkai toll exit on the North-South highway. Access to the park is signposted, about 10km from the main road.

Opening hours: 7am-10pm daily
Admission:
Weekday – RM3/adult & RM1.50/child
Weekend, holidays & night (7pm-10pm) – RM5/adult & RM1.50/child
Family spa pool costs RM25 an hour. o For reservations, call (05) 438 8687.

hot springs Simpang Pulai

 
Seeing Jan's photos of the dam at Lubuk Timah in Perak, I realised I hadn't posted the photos I took on a visit in February 2007.

My visit was to the hot springs, with some pupils and staff from the Penang International School. The springs are near Simpang Pulai, south of Ipoh, in Perak.

The springs are on the Sungai Anak Ayer China. The water is hot, and it is nice just to sit with ones feet in the specially constructed area. 



peaceful river

looking upriver

Following the river upstream leads to a dam across the river. I thought this was Lubuk China from the name of the river, but Jan calls it Lubuk Timah. That makes sense from the history of the place.

more people go in

I was interested in learning the history of this dam. I read that "in 1924, a dam for retaining tailings was erected on the Sungei Senju above Pulai, featuring 'a masonry arch sloping forward and 40 feet high'. This was claimed as the first dam of its kind in the country". This is obviously this dam, as the river is marked on the topo map as flowing through the Sinju reserve. And apparently the nearby quarry workers used the dam for recreation.

looking downriver

On our visit, we all enjoyed a swim in the pools at the bottom of the dam and reservoir. However there is now a warning sign in place, shown in Jan's album.

© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission

4WD in Ulu Slim, Perak - Brunei Times

4WD trip in the Slim River area in Perak, with MORE. We also saw the hot springs at Ulu Slim, and orang asli village.

Published on The Brunei Times

Rolling on an off-road trek
Liz Price
KUALA LUMPUR

Friday, July 6, 2007


LET'S ROLL! This was the familiar message given by our commander when it was time for the convoy to start moving. The convoy kept in contact via walkie talkie, each car having a call sign such as Alpha 1, Bravo 2. The commander could ensure that all cars were moving and the sweeper would inform him when all cars had cleared obstacles such as traffic lights and road junctions.

We were in a group of 11 vehicles on an introductory off-road adventure with MORE (Malaysia Off-Road Explorer), a group of dedicated and experienced 4WDrivers who organise light, medium and semi-hardcore off-road outings. For our group of German visitors it was a perfect way to experience Malaysia's off-road terrain and nature, namely plantations and jungle.

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Slim River in Perak was smooth and we then headed for the first off-road section designed as a familiarisation stage. This took us through a rubber plantation and the drivers were able to explain the basics of driving off-road. After a while we stopped to see the process of rubber tapping. This is the natural source of the expensive tyres our cars were using. We were shown how the tree is cut so that the latex drips down into the cup. It's hard to imagine that this sticky white liquid is used to make the familiar hard black rubber used on vehicles worldwide.

Our next stop was the hot springs at Ulu Slim. With a water temperature of 104C, these springs are reputed to be the fifth hottest in the world. Steam was rising off the surface of the water, and the pond was a mix of colours with green algae and shades of brown from minerals, but there was only a very slight smell of sulphur. One of the drivers had brought along some eggs, and they soon cooked in the super-hot water. A concrete walkway gives access to the main source of the spring, where even the rocks are almost too hot to touch.

We went past a lake with wallowing buffaloes, and then the real fun began. We headed off-road onto a sandy track and began to drive on rough terrain, where the participants were given the chance to drive.

Unfortunately there had been no rain so the track was very dry, meaning that even the steep hills posed little problem. I can imagine they would be a real challenge when wet and muddy. There were three metre deep ruts on one side and a steep drop down the hillslope on the other. My car had one interesting moment when the driver tried to change gear going up a steep hill and stalled. It took a lot of revs to get us going again; luckily we didn't roll back too far!

We stopped at an oil palm plantation and as we passed a trailer laden with bunches of oil palm fruits, everyone was keen to take photos. I always think these clusters of fruits resemble porcupines. The plantation gave way to jungle and at one point we were driving close to a stream which had clear water and looked quite beautiful. The orange flowers of the Saraca trees provided a contrast to the jungle greens and the blue sky.

A river crossing was the next challenge. It was fun to watch each car go through, some drivers approaching quite gingerly whereas others rushed it, making a big splash. By now everyone was ready for lunch.

We turned into the MORE campsite and I was surprised to see men in chef's hats putting the final touches to a table laden with food. The campsite is ideally situated at the confluence of two streams. It has running water transported by bamboo pipes and even flushable toilets and a shower! No need to dig holes in the ground here. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it, and everyone was happy.

After lunch one driver was thrown into the river. He was on his maiden voyage with MORE, so this was his initiation dunking. He took it in good spirit and was soon joined by others. After the obligatory group photo, it was time to head back.

We had some fun on the second river crossing, when one car went into a deep section and then had to be winched out. At least this gave us a chance to see winching in action. Other drivers decided to chicken out and went over the bridge instead.

On the return we stopped at an Orang Asli settlement. The people are a mix of Semai and Sewang. They are used to seeing the 4WD convoys pass through, although some of the younger children still hid from the cameras. We gave some goodies to the children and it was a satisfying end to an excellent day.

MORE runs a variety of 4WD packages, from one day to about 10 days. These are adventure tours in the Malaysian jungle, but they also incorporate cultural and historical sites. The Brunei Times

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