January 05, 2004

A twisty maze of little paths, all alike

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

After a couple of days relaxing on the beach it was time to return to the jungle. Or in this case, the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands.

After a grueling bus trip up the mountains, with 639 corners, I arrived late at night at the small town of Tanah Rata. I was determined to see the sunrise over the hills so the next morning I got up early and took a taxi past the next town of Brinching and partway up the nearby mountain to a great viewpoint, just above the tea plantations with the sun rising in the distance.

I spent some time here then started walking the 4km back to the main road. I had thought to catch a bus from here to Brinching, another 4km or so, then another for the final 5km to Tanah Rata. Alas, no buses. I ended up walking all the way to Brinching.

From here the road continues to Tanah Rata but there are also numerous jungle trails. Much more interesting I thought. I loaded myself up with suitable supplies and set off to find the first trail.

It was hidden behind an elaborate Chinese temple and turned out to be quite steep and overgrown. Undaunted I forged on. The trail was indistinct in parts and false trails would branch off here and there but I was encouraged by the occasional sign assuring me that I was still on trail 2.

The day wore on and I continued to struggle through the dense foliage. I was looking for trail 3, which would take me to trail 5 then back home. I tried a few promising side trails but they all soon disappeared. I realised that the last trail 2 sign had been some time ago and my thoughts began to wander to the tale of the two people who were lost out here for two days. I was unconcerned though as I was well supplied with six slices of dried mango and a packet of jelly fruits. Perhaps I could use the jelly fruits to capture small animals.

I eventually came out on a vegetable farm that I was sure was not on the trail. A couple of Bangladeshis came across and after a quick bit of banter about the cricket they pointed me back the way I had come.

I continued my search for trail 3, taking every possible side trail. I eventually found it but couldn't see how it could possibly match the map. From here however I had huge signs directing me along the final stretch back to civilisation. It was now late afternoon and I still had to clean my backpack from an exploded shampoo bottle.

Posted by David at January 5, 2004 02:10 AM