Finally we did it. Finally we braved ourselves to go jungle trekking and we did it in Gasing Hill. I didn't actually plan for it but it just happened. I suggested it and suddenly my hubby was game for it. Just imagine I didn't even google up about the place and it's our first time there. So we didn't really know what to expect. We just heard about the place and knew about the location but we didn't know what it would be like. Whether it is a good place to hike for beginners or whether it's a appropriate place for toddlers to hike. We weren't fully equipped and prepared too. Just went in with some snacks for the children.
It was a good day to hike actually. It was not sunny but the weather was quite threatening as if it would rain heavily soon. When we arrive it was drizzling but not to worry. Walking under those trees, we can't feel whether it's drizzling anyway. The air was refreshing and although the weather was threatening, there were still people entering and exiting the jungle. I'm sure some of them are regulars there and some of them are first timers like us. The earlier paths were rather easy and level. The children could go through it with ease. They were so psyched up at the beginning thinking they were going to a 'jungle park'. Thanks to mummy who embedded that idea into their heads. They were so looking forward to 'jungle park'. Haha. Anyway, they were good sport.
Then the horror starts when we didn't know how to stop and didn't time ourselves. We went quite deep in and couldn't find our way out. We started to panic a little but still maintaining our cool because we didn't want the children to panic too. By that time, the paths are beginning to get tougher too. Once in a while, the children will cry when they fall or their hands touched the muddy ground. But I encouraged them and told them that it's ok and didn't want to dwell on the matter for too long. By the end of the journey, they were already so lethargic and started to get cranky. Fortunately, the snacks I took along managed to divert their attention a little bit and gave them a little bit more energy. The people in the jungle were getting less and when we finally managed to meet one, we quickly asked the way out. But guess what? That hiker came in from another way so she the direction she pointed led us to another totally different exit. We exited at a place near Kenny Hills or Pantai Hillpark, I think. We had to walk for a bit and stopped a taxi to bring us back to Gasing Hill.
It was really an experience for us first timers and we have learnt our lesson. It was a good beginning but an ending that went awry. I think the children forgot about the beginning but only remembered the ending that when I asked them whether they would like to go hiking again, they gave me a resounding NO. LOL. Nevertheless, I will never give up. Both hubby and I enjoyed the hike. I hope in time the children will start enjoying it too. Just that the 'lost' part gave us a bit of a panic and phobia. Still, the children deserve many praises and kisses for being such a sport and I considered them 'angels' already for first timers.
What we have learnt from this experience is to be fully prepared with equipment, snacks and water. And also to time ourselves not to get carried away. Since we are with small children, I think a 30 minute hike would be enough then we have to start turning back. It was good exercise though. The next time around, I wonder the word 'jungle park' will still make the children excited? Maybe I've to look for another word to entice them. LOL.
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| A picture of the entrance. This picture is not mine. I found it through another blog. |
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| It's hard to get a clear picture while walking and I took the shots all from my mobile phone as I didn't bring my camera with me. |
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| They were so brave at the beginning, walking on their own, following the leader..:) |
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| My girl in walking in front. That says a lot coming from a very timid girl. |
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| The paths were getting more tricky as you go in deeper. |
