Endau-Rompin Park - A Hidden Gem

Endau-Romping is a beautiful national park in the southeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Together with Taman Negara and Royal Belum State Park it contains some of the oldest rainforests in the world. The name comes from the two rivers that run through the park; the Endau River and the Rompin River. People that visit the national park do so to visit the many wonderful waterfalls, or to visit the Orang Asli tribes. The park is not easily accessible (by normal vehicles) which makes it an attraction especially popular among adventure seekers.

Just like Taman Negara there are many wildlife species that live in the park, chances on spotting them are slim as they have ample space to roam around within the park boundaries. The national park is known for having the largest remaining population of the highly endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. Other animals that live in the national park are the white-handed gibbon, Malaysian tiger, Asian elephant, wild boar, tapir, slow loris, deer, long-tail macaques and leopards. Among the many bird species that live in the park are the hornbills and kingfishers. As most of the animals know how to evade visitors it is more common to spot insects, spiders and the occasional snake.

There are many activities and attractions at Endau-Rompin National Park to keep you busy for at least 3 or 4 days. Among the most popular attractions are; jungle trails, a visit to the Orang Asli (Jakun tribe) village, rubber tube rafting, night safari (walk or by 4x4), numerous fantastic waterfalls, a few beautiful lakes and river cruises. You can stay at the chalets (RM100/RM150) or dormitory at Endau-Rompin Park Headquarters. As there is no aircon, it is advisable to bring along mosquito netting. Also make sure to bring along enough mosquito repellant. There are also a few campsites in the area; you can rent a tent at Park HQ (Peta) for RM40 per night.

The national park can be visited from April to October and is closed during the monsoon season (November to March).

Checklist trip to Endau-Rompin National Park

• First aid travel kit with personal medicine 
• Tripod for your camera (to make pictures in low light conditions) 
• Mosquito repellent Rain coat, poncho and/or umbrella 
• Headlamp or flashlight 
• Dry clothes in an aqua bag 
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• Special socks against leeches 

How to get to Endau-Rompin National Park

The best way to get to Endau-Rompin National Park is by rental car though you will not be able to use the car within the park (unless it is a 4WD). If you come from either Kuala Lumpur (5hrs) or Johor Bahru (3hrs) you should follow the main North-South Expressway until you reach Exit 244 (Air Hitam Interchange). From there you follow the signs via Kluang to Kahang. From there you can follow the signs to the Park HQ (Peta). If you are on a package tour Kahang is the place to drop your car and to get on the 4WD for the drive to Kampung Peta. At the Park HQ you can also arrange 4WD transport to the national park (accommodation at Kampung Peta); but make sure you arrange this beforehand.

Johor Premium Outlet - A Shopper's Heaven

Johor Premium outlets is basically located in the state of Johor, the most southern state in Malaysia just neighbouring Singapore.

How to get there?

Driving to JB (Johor Bahru) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), it mostly known will take you around 4 hours approximately and by driving according to speed limits.

If you are driving down from Penang, it will take around appx 8 hours. Well, there are a lot of express bus companies going to Johor on a daily basis from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) and some busses have a short pit stop in JB before shooting off to Singapore. If you are coming from Singapore, you will be able to drive your car over, take a bus or even cabs. Most likely a 40 minutes trip if you are from the centre of Singapore. For those who want to shop at the Johor Premier Outlet, you can exit at the Senai Utara toll exit at the North South Highway in Malaysia.

I believe this will be some sort of heaven of the shoppers as I noticed the sale / discounts for the goods were just too irresistible.

I've been to the Premier Outlets in Tochigi-Japan couple of years back and this Johor Premium Outlet reminded myself of being in Japan again but only thing is, I feel this is slightly smaller than in Japan. You can really find all sorts of branded stuff here. Let me give some of the retail outlets I could remember...

Raoul, Armani Exchange, Burberry, Polo, Calvin Klein, Salvatorre Ferragamo, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Michael Korrs just to name a few.

One thing I noticed, especially on the Nike & Adidas outlet, the shoes were magnificent. It was like not the same quality that is being normally sold around Malaysia but looks more of an outside of Malaysia quality I would say. I believe most of the goods here portray the same image and you have ample of choices to shop.

I would recommend at least a good 4 hours of intense scrutinising of the outlets. The bargains are really good, 10-85% discount. Not sure why they are offering such high discounts though.

But my point of view, this place has real good stuff.

As for a good place to eat, don't forget try  Thai Restaurant called Absolute Thai and trust me it was absolutely nice. Cleaned up all my dishes like a good dishwasher. I strongly recommend red curry chicken! Go try it. The restaurant did look a bit exclusive from the outside and I was bit worried to get an expensive bill but I would say end of the day it was reasonable and worth the money. Waiter/waitresses were quite attentive and the service was fast.

Thumbs up to this place.

Something different from going to all the shopping complexes to buy stuff with a different feel of atmosphere. Much better discounts too I think and more varieties to choose.

Pulau Kapas @ Cotton Island - Gate To Heaven

Pulau Kapas is an island off Marang in Terengganu, Malaysia. Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island, a name given to it by locals, due to its soft white beaches. Pulau Kapas is a dreamy little island in the turquoise waters of the South China Sea, off the east coast of Malaysia. Surrounded by crystal clear water, Pulau Kapas is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Though this island remains to be relatively unheard of in the tourist circuit, it is well worth an extended visit if you need time to get away from the chaos that can come with being a backpacker or staying too long on the mainland.

Over here, you can experience of living on a desert island, in the calm and tranquility of a beautiful bay with the luxury of your own chalet, nestling on the white beach or on stilts amongst the tropical trees lining the bay, and all overlooking the sea. You can go to sleep to the vibrant sounds of the jungle and wake up to the gentle sound of the lapping sea. Sounds like in heaven right? It is.

During monsoon season, between October and February, Pulau Kapas is closed to visitors. Most of the resort staff temporary move to the mainland to escape the severe weather conditions during these months.

Other time of year, you can enjoy sun bathing, diving and especially snorkeling as the corals around Kapas are very nice. You can rent snorkeling equipment for RM10 per day. There are a few paths that you can walk on if you like to do some light jungle trekking.

How to get there? Well, there is several ways to get to Marang. Marang is south of Kuala Terengganu and is not to be confused with Merang which is north of Kuala Terengganu and the departure point for boats to Redang and Lang Tengah Islands. If you want to get there by plane, the closest airport is in Kuala Terengganu, about 30 minutes away. Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines fly daily to Kuala Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur. From the airport you can get a local bus or a taxi (around RM 15-20) to Marang.

If you wish to travel by road, please beware that there aren’t any direct coach services to Marang, but buses approaching Kuala Terengganu from the south can drop you off here on request. There are also local buses and taxis from Kuala Terengganu to Marang. 

If you coming from Singapore, buses depart from the Lavender St bus station and are operated by Transnational. Tickets cost around SGD 40 and the journey takes around 10 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys. There are other coach & travel companies operating out of Golden Mile Complex at Beach Road (e.g. Five Stars, Enjoy Holiday Tours,Konsortium and Gunung Raya etc.) that provide holiday packages and coach services to Kuala Terengganu. These buses are more luxurious, but are also significantly more expensive. Ask to be dropped off at Marang. 

If you are coming from Johor Bahru, buses depart from the Larkin bus station. Several choices are available, including Transnational, Damai, Adik Beradik and Cepat Express. Tickets cost around RM 40 and the journey takes just under 9 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys. Ask to be dropped off at Marang.

If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, buses depart from the Hentian Putra bus station. Several choices are available, including Transnational, Damai, Konsortium, Plusliner, Sutera and Mutiara. Tickets cost around RM 30 and the journey takes around 7 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys. Ask to be dropped off at Marang.

If you are travelling from Penang, buses depart from Komtar or Butterworth bus stations and are operated by SP Bumi or Atieza. Tickets cost around RM 35 and the journey takes around 9 hours. Buses depart late in the evening for overnight journeys. From Kuala Terengganu you will have to take a taxi or local bus to Marang.

I believe many of you guys loves to drive. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur take the east bound highway (East Coast Expressway) in the direction of Kuantan. From Kuantan, take the coastal road (highway 3) north, in the direction of Kuala Terengganu (follow signs along the way). Marang is about 30-45 minutes after Dungun on highway 3. 

If you are driving from Singapore / Johor Bahru cross the border at Woodlands or the Second Link and from Johor Bahru take the Plus highway north. Exit at Yong Peng. Follow highway 1 to Labis and Segamat, highway 12 to Kuantan, then use coastal highway 3 via Kemaman, Paka and Dungun towards Kuala Terngganu. Marang is about 30-45 minutes after Dungun on highway 3. 

If you are driving from Penang take the East-West highway 4 towards Kota Bharu via Grik and Jertih. From Kota Bahru, proceed south on highway 3 to Kuala Terengganu. Continue south on highway 3 after Kuala Terengganu till you reach Marang.

Lake Chini - Pahang's Mystical Gem

This lake located about 85 kilometres from Kuantan, Pahang and Malaysia's second biggest natural freshwater lake, with an area of 12 acres. Lake Chini consists of 13 interconnecting water bodies, each with its own charateristics. Historians believe that Lake Chini is the site of an ancient Khmer city but the local folks, on the other hand, believe that the mysterious lake is guarded by a Loch Ness type monster named Naga Sri Gumum. There were reports of occasional sightings of the monster but unfortunately they were not scientifically proven.

Lake Chini is blessed with vast treasures of nature, which is rich in biological resources. There are 138 species of territorial flora, 300 species of non-aquatic vertebrates and 144 species of freshwater fish. Thousand of white and pink water lilies will emerge on the lake from August through September, transforming the lake into a floating multi-coloured garden.

On the fringe of the lake, especially at Kampung Gumum, there is a large concentration of the aborigines of the Jakun tribe. They still live their old traditional ways and fine woodcarvings and blowpipes are available to visitors. 

Fraser's Hill - A Scottish Gift

Fraser’s Hill is a highland resort destination located among the mountains of Pahang, located about two hours away from Kuala Lumpur. Locally known as Bukit Fraser, this cooling holiday retreat is popular for its nature activities and cooling climate, attracting not just locals escaping the city heat, but visitors from Singapore and other international locations. It is also one of the last hill stations of Malaysia, an imprint left behind by former British colonial masters. Fraser’s Hill has its roots in the 1890s, when the tin ore trade was bustling. After a failed gold mining venture in Australia, Scottish prospector Louis James Fraser arrived to explore the remote Titiwangsa mountains of Pahang. In 1917, the bishop of Singapore rediscovered Fraser's Hill while on a hunt for the man, providing suggestions for the area to be developed into a hill station which was brought to fruition by authorities.

Bukit Fraser has an average altitude of 1,200 meters high but its highest point rises at 1,500 meters. This nature resort destination is one of several highland tourist  which is covered with lush rainforests and green valleys.

Visitors and tourists can visit Fraser's Hill throughout the year, but expect heavy mist and occasional rainfall most times. Being high up in the mountains, moisture and cool are predominant features of the climate in these parts. Generally, the months with the least rainfall fall between April till September. This would be the best time to travel if you dislike wet surroundings, but the weather can still be unpredictable. It is also recommended to go during off peak seasons, which are months that have no major public or school holidays, in order to enjoy cheap accommodation in hotels and smaller crowds.

Temperatures usually range between 22 - 28°C during the day and 16°C to 20°C at night; with more rain, the environment becomes cold and misty. Besides scenic places to enjoy, Fraser’s Hill also offers activities like bird watching, golfing, jungle trekking, boating, horse riding and archery.

Normally during my trip, I enjoy putting up BBQ pit at rented apartments and enjoy the heat in the very cold night. In the morning, my normal activity will be boating and archery where little bit of sunshine could help to enjoy the chill weather.

One of my favourite weekend getaways, Fraser’s Hill is accessible via road either by self-driving or hiring a taxi from Kuala Lumpur. Or more economical way would be catching a local bus to Bentong, Pahang from Puduraya Bus Terminal and catch a taxi from there. It would cost much lesser that hiring a taxi from Kuala Lumpur as Bentong is the nearest town to Fraser’s Hill. Please take note that there is no train, flight or other transportation mode except for road transport to reach Fraser’s Hill.

Batu Caves - A Majestic Gift from Mother Nature

One of my favourite places in Malaysia is Batu Caves. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination in Malaysia sorted out by thousands of Indians and others every year during Thaipusam festival in the month of January. Batu Caves is connected by KTM Komuter service from KL Central and easily accessible by road via self-driving, taxis or simply riding in RAPIDKL bus service from city centre.

The main attraction of this 400 million years old limestone outcrop is the world largest statue of the Lord Muruga at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.

And I need to say thank you to Daly and Syers as well as American Naturalist, William Hornaday in 1878 who made this limestone cave famous which earlier used by Chinese settler just to excavate guano as fertilizer. I also could not forget our own K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader who was inspired by the 'vel'-shaped entrance of the main cave and dedicated a temple to Lord Murugan within the caves.

Kenyir Lake - A Hidden Gem

Kenyir Lake or also known as 'The Thousand Islands Lake of Malaysia' is one of the most magnificent tourist sports in Terengganu as well as in Malaysia. Kenyir luxurious forest is located in the district of Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu. It is believed that the rain forest is the world oldest tropical rainforest. The forest also serves as a part of Malaysia National Park.

It has everything to offer to those who loves nature and peaceful vacation. You can either go fishing, jungle trekking, explore limestone caves, or just chill with a cup of coffee at the wonderful boathouses enjoying the panaromic view of the mother nature. It is the best getaway from city's hustle and bustle.