Mt Murud and summit trail

[Robert]

This was my 2nd trip to visit Mt Murud . Instead of taking the same route as previous trip we walk from the village - Ba’kelalan.
Our group comprised of 4 person and 7 porters. We have brough enough drinking water, dried food and caned stuffs.




The walk from the village to the first shelter (pa’Rabata ) for a night took us 6 hrs since we stop often for photos and refreshment, else according to the porters we can make it in 4 hrs. some interesting mushroom,neps common and orchids along the way.









Before reaching Pa’Rabata passing by an open logged over area we came across some population of vogelii.




Pa'Rabata shelter


The river behind the shelter –for washing, and bath. The rushing water against the sandstone boulder provide natural music, added with insect calling for a good night sleep.



The next day another long walk from pa’Rabata to Lepo Bunga ( another shelter )for a rest then proceed on to the church camp. The ascent was steep along the logging road. The wooden plank walk are all rotten and damaged and everyone have to walk through muddy ground. Many flowering plants,orchids and neps are found along the trail to church camp.
Remains of the plank walk























We reached the church camp by 5.00pm but the 5 porters who walk infront who had reach earlier had gathered fire wood for cooking. Dinner was ready.

Along the way the porter had collected wild banana pulp which was all consumed. While one porter cook the others enjoy chatting.
An interesting aspect of travelling in the interior of Sarawak was the never ending shortage of jungle vegetable, wild ginger and mushroom. For many who had done such trip would enjoy such delicacy.



The temperature at church camp drop drastically from around 32⁰C to 12⁰C at nigh. with wind blowing it makes the weather chilly. My friends are all wrapped up.



The next day as plan our hike was to trek to the Rock Garden and summit. The walk through the mossy forest isn’t easy due to the exposing tree roots, pot holes and muddy ground. Pitcher plants are plentiful.

The mossy forest



















part of the summit trail was through a sandstone stream


















alpine type forest where the trees are stunted and short




the passing cloud darken the sky and brings with it moisture.


Rock Garden


A rest for refreshment before we descent back to church camp




The walk from Ba'kelalan to summit and back total to about 20km.

The work of mother nature - strong wind and clouds laden with moisture thus replenishing all the plants
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1qdlCNxMEM

[cbkhoon]

thank you to Robert for very well documented trip. This is useful to members and encourage us to participate more in this kind of field activities.

WELL DONE

[sooxiwei]

amazing trip

[weeps]

wow, such a beautiful place.
Thank you for sharing.

[Angkau Tekor]

Thank you for sharing such an amazing pictures from your trip to Mt Murud.

[robthered]

Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing. I really like the diversity of Nepenthes you saw on the trail. Very cool.

[Robert]

Thanks all for viewing. we have many hill and mountain that are worth exploring. some are already fully explored but some are still uncharted due to isolation.

[jacob1974]

thanks for sharing!!! a lot of lovely nepenthes!!

[paphioboy]

Thanks for sharing... Love the orchids and neps, especially nep lowii.. :D