MWA e-magazine article

Located in a typical Malay village of Kampung Bengok, about 15 kilometers from Simpang Ampat Tol Exit, in the outskirt of Rembau, lies Gunung Datuk, a legendary peak with the height of 870 meters or 2,900 feet.

At the foothill, you will cross a small stream of waterfall to begin your climb. The first 10 minutes was sheer walking and later followed by 70 to 90 degrees of ascending trail. Interlocking of bare roots and rocks challenged your fitness and perseverance along the way. Your heart started pumping frantically. So, think twice before you decide to climb! After 50 minutes, you will reach the 1st check point. Well, that too depends on how well you can go. After approximately one and half hour of worthy perspiration and tough climb, you will reach the peak. Enormous boulders and small steel ladders are the end of your climb. Adjacent to the peak is a cozy cave that is the home to mediators. The picturesque view of the land below and the open sky will surely promise you an awesome breathtaking moments. Gushes of cool icy breeze may chill your cheeks! The sound of Mother Nature (chatters of monkeys) is the music to your ears.

On a bright sunny day, you are lucky to see ships sailing along the Straits of Malacca while the local train passing through the oil palm and rubber plantation amidst the kampung. The facilities provided like chalets, camping sites, toilets, car parking lots are satisfactory and certificates are even issued upon request. For city folks, health conscious individuals or nature-lover clubs, this is the best getaway from the buzzing city.

MWA Mount Datuk Report

Date: 23rd & 24th October 2009
Day: Friday & Saturday
Location: Medan Ikan Bakar, Alai, Malacca and Mount Datuk, Negeri Sembilan
Estimated price: RM25 only

Project Manager: Catherine
Contact: 017-5189878

Gears & Equipments
1. Headlamp / torchlight
2. Toiletries
3. Sufficient money
4. Comfortable shoe
5. Good attitude
6. Mosquito repellent (optional)
7. Snacks
8. Sweater / thick clothes
9. Hand gloves (optional)
10. Extra tent (optional)
11. Sleeping bag (optional)
12. Mineral water
13. Long sleeve t-shirt recommended
14. Self-light breakfast and supper

23rd October 2009 (Friday)
5.00pm Gather at SS14/8F house number 16
5.30pm A short briefing and last gears and equipments check
6.00pm Depart from Sunway City, Subang Jaya
8.00pm Arrived in Medan Ikan Bakar, Alai, Malacca
8.30pm Dinner
10.00pm Head to Pantai Puteri, Malacca
10.15pm Tent setup and light supper
11.00pm Sleep...zzz

24th October 2009 (Saturday)
2.00am Wake up
2.30am Collect all rubbish and clean camp site. No rubbish left behind!
3.00am Head to Mount Datuk, Negeri Sembilan
4.00am Final gears and equipments check before climbing
4.15am Start climbing
6.00am Reach the summit and watch sunrise
6.15am Light breakfast at summit
8.00am Collect all leftovers and start climbing down
9.30am Self-cleaning, shower, collect rubbish, start packing
11.00am Head back to Sunway City, Subang Jaya
12.00pm Lunch at nearest restaurant or RnR along the highway
1.00pm Arrived at Sunway
1.15pm Sayonara and good luck

Male climbers
Alain Iylia Adnan (Alen)
Wan Rizzal Wan Zaki (Rizzal)
Abdul Halim (Halim)
Muhyiddin Yaarop (Midin)
Naim Fadhli (Naim)
Afiq (Afiq)
Hasanul Asyraf (Shenol)

Female climbers
Norazmilia Azmay (Milie)
Nooriza (Noriza)

MWA Jerangkang Waterfall Report

Date: 16th - 18th October 2009
Day: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Location: Maran, Pahang, Malaysia
Price: RM 50 (Food + Transportation)

Project Manager: Kai Wei
Contact: 017-3537206

Gears & Equipments
1. Comfortable shoe
2. Suitable clothes
3. Sufficient money
4. Mineral water
5. Headlamp / torchlight

16th October 2009
10.30 pm Gather at No 16 SS14/8F Subang Jaya
11:00 pm Short briefing
11:30 pm Final gear and equipments check

17th Octobert 2009
12:00 am Head to Maran, Pahang
5.00 am Arrive in Maran, Pahang
7.00 am Heading to Waterfall by 4WD
8.00 am Reach targeted campsite at Jerangkang Waterfall
8.30 am Tent setup
9.30 am Swimming at the waterfall
11.30 pm Start cooking
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Have a good rest and sleep
5.00 pm More Water activites
6.00 pm Start preparing dinner
8.00 pm MWA dinner and Activities
11.45 pm Sleep...zzz

18th October 2009
8.00 am MORE Swimming at the waterfall or trekking to see lots of waterfalls
10.30 am Start preparing lunch
11.30 am MWA lunch
12:00 pm Start packing up and collect all rubbish
2.00 pm Arrive at the first point
2.30 pm Head back to Kuala Lumpur
6.30 pm Arrive in Sunway
7.00.00 pm Goodbye and ready for tomorrow's lecture :)

Male participants
Muhyiddin Yaarop (Midin)
Em Isavarut (Em)

*click on the pictures to enlarge

MWA Tak Nak Merokok Campaign!

How much damage smoking does to your body depends on the type of tobacco, the form it is smoked, the temperature it is burned, the length of time you have been smoking and your general state of health. Cigarette smoking is the most dangerous form and every cigarette you smoke shortens your life.

Cigarette smokers are twice as likely to die before middle age and the average smoker aged 35 has a life expectancy five and a half years shorter than a non-smoker. In many cases, these deaths are caused by cancer."Cigarette smoking accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths. It is a major cause of cancers of the lung, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube connected to the stomach), and bladder, and it contributes to the development of cancers of the pancreas, cervix, kidney, stomach, and also some leukemias," according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Aside from lung cancer, smoking damages the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems of the body. The irritating substances found in a cigarette can disturb the bronchial passages and fill the lungs with mucus. Normally, glands in the interior lining of the lungs constantly produce mucus. Together with dirt and bacteria, the mucus is expelled from the lungs by the action of cilia or small hair-like projections. Inhaled smoke, however, interferes with the action of cilia and stimulates mucus production. Because of this, mucus, tar and other bacteria are trapped in the lungs. Smoker's cough is a sign that the lungs are clogged with mucus and coughing is the body's attempt to get rid of tar and phlegm.

Bacteria in the lungs can later lead to bronchitis (the Inflammation of the bronchial tubes) or emphysema in which the air passages of the lungs are enlarged. This makes breathing difficult and can damage the heart. Atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries) and thrombosis (the formation of blood clots) are common in smokers because the level of fatty acids and cholesterol in the blood is raised.

Let us all support the new 'Tak Nak Merokok Campaign 09' by Malaysian Ministry of Health. Quit smoking and love our environment!

MWA 2009 New Logo & T-Shirt!

Designed by Omar

*click on the pictures to enlarge

T-shirt price: RM 30.00
Type: Dri-fit
T-shirt size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colour: Black
Description: Nickname on the right sleeve of shirt

Please provide your preferred nickname and size of the shirt. Pay to Midin as soon as possible.

Person incharge
Name: Muhyiddin Ya'arop (Midin)
Contact:017-2860553
Cimb-clicks account: 0405-0070864-52-6

MWA Broga Hills Report

Day: Sunday
Date: 6th September 2009
Location: Broga Hills, Semenyih, Selangor
Cost: RM15 per person (RM20 for non-members (automatic upgrade to member status) and members who haven't paid their membership fee)

Gears & Equipments
1. Headlamp / torchlight
2. Insect repellent
3. Suitable shoes for hiking
4. Food and drinks
5. Great attitude
6. Thick clothes / sweater

Program manager: Nurul Nadia
Contact: 017-2434125

6th September 2009 (Sunday)
3.00 am: Depart from Sunway
4.00 am: Arrive at starting point. Start the hike.
5.30 am: Arrive at the crest. Sahur for the Muslims. Sunrise watching.
8.00 am: Start the journey back down to the parking area.
9.00 am: Drive back to Monash.
10.00 am: Arrive in Sunway city

MWAC Mount Nuang Report

Date: 30th & 31st August 2009
Location: Mount Nuang, Hulu Langat, Selangor
Estimated climbers: 25
Estimated cost: RM 25.00

For further information and inquiries please contact our project manager
Name: Hasanul Asyraf
Contact: 019-5256146
Course: Engineering

Gear and Equipments
1. Headlight / Torchlight
2. Sweater
3. Hand gloves
4. Comfortable t-shirts
5. Suitable shoes
6. Sleeping bag
7. Sufficient money
8. Mineral water
9. Extra tent (optional)
10. Extra foods and chocolates

30th August 2009 (Sunday)

3.00 am Gather at Monash University
4.00 am Depart from Monash University
5.30 am Arrive at Hutan Lipur Gunung Nuang
6.00 am Start hiking to Kem Lolo (Campsite)
9.00 am Setup tent
12.00 pm Lunch preparation
2.00 pm Lunch
3.00 pm Ice breaking
5.00 pm Swimming
7.00 pm Dinner preparation
8.00 pm Dinner
9.00 pm Games & activities
12.00 pm Sleep

31st August 2009 (Monday)

4.00 am Wake up
4.30 am Prepare breakfast
5.00 am Breakfast
5.30 am Start hiking to summit
9.30 am Arrive at summit
10.30 am Head back to campsite
1.00 pm Lunch preparation
2.00 pm Lunch
3.00 pm Swimming
4.00 pm Clean campsite and start to climb down
5.30 pm Arrive at Hutan Lipur Gunung Nuang entrance
6.30 pm Arrive back in Monash University, Sunway

MWAC Wall Climbing Report

Date: 25th & 27th August 2009

Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Location: Extreme Park, Shah Alam

Gears & Equipments
1. Suitable shoe for climbing
2. Water
3. Sufficient money ($)
4. Foods?
There are some fast food restaurants located near the climbing spot like Pizza Hut, Burger King, and KFC. Muslim students can break your fast at these restaurants or buy foods from Bazaar Ramadhan.

Participants: Maximum 15

Please contact Alen, our project manager for further details and inquiries.

Name: Alain Iylia Adnan (Alen)
Contact: 012-2599429
Course: Mechanical engineering

First Trip, 25th August 2009 (Tuesday)

04:30 Gather at Monash University, building 2 entrance
05:00 Depart from Sunway
05:30 Arrive in Shah Alam
06:00 Start climbing
07:30 Buka puasa for muslim students
09:00 Head back to Sunway

Second Trip, 27th August 2009 (Thursday)

04:30 Gather at Monash University, building 2 entrance
05:00 Depart from Sunway
05:30 Arrive in Shah Alam
06:00 Start climbing
07:30 Buka puasa for muslim students
09:00 Head back to Sunway

*Pictures credit to Hariz Zulkarnain

MWA Meeting report

Date: 20th August 2009
Time: 4.00 p.m - 6.00 p.m
Attendance :
1. Abdul Halim Bin Yahya (MWAC president)
2. Nurul Nadia Binti Matdiah (Vice president 1)
3. Wan Rizzal Bin Wan Zaki (Vice president 2)
4. Noraniza Binti Mahawi (Assistant secretary)
5. Alain Iylia Bin Adnan
6. Qamarul Hafiz (Head of ration division)
7. Catherine (Safety Officer)
8. Omar Bin Mokhtar (Transportation division)
9. Muhyiddin Bin Yaarop (IT division)
10. Nur Uzair Bin Jais (Photography division)
11. Kai Wei (Waterfall division)
12. Hasanul Asyraf (Hiking division)
13. Mohd Idris bin Ismail (Treasurer)

Upcoming activities planned
Event: Wall Climbing
Type: Recretional
Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Date: 25th & 27th August 2009
Venue: Shah Alam Extreme Park, Shah Alam
Estimated fee: RM10 per person
Project Manager: Alain Iylia Bin Adnan (012-2599429)

Event: Gunung Nuang merdeka expedition
Type: Hiking
Day: Sunday & Monday
Date: 30th & 31st August 2009
Venue: Hulu Langat, Selangor
Estimated fee: RM25 per person
Project Manager: Hasanul Asyraf (019-52526146)

Event: Broga Hills
Type: Hiking/recretional
Day: Saturday & Sunday
Date: 5th & 6th October 2009
Venue: Semenyih, Selangor
Estimated fee: not decided
Project Manager: Nurul Nadia Binti Matdiah (017-2434125)

Event: Paintball
Type: Recretional
Day: Saturday
Date: 10th October 2009
Venue: Tanamera, Sungai Buloh
Estimated fee: RM70
Project Manager: Jullian

Event: Jerangkang Waterfall Trip
Type: Waterfall
Day: Friday - Sunday
Date: 16th - 18th October 2009
Venue: Maran, Pahang
Estimated fee: RM75
Project Manager: Kai Wei (017-3537206)

Event: Gunung Datuk expedition
Type: Hiking
Day: Friday - Sunday
Date: 23rd - 25th October 2009
Venue: Negeri Sembilan
Estimated fee: not decided
Project Manager: Catherine (017-5189878)

Regards,
Noraniza binti Mahawi
Assistant Secretary
Monash Wild Adventure Club

MWAC Berkelah Waterfall

Date:14th, 15th and 16th August 2009
Location: Berkelah Waterfall, Maran, Pahang
Transportation: Bus (maximum 44 passengers)
Estimated cost: RM66

Gears and Equipment
1. Life jacket (optional)
2. Sleeping bag
3. Trekking shoes
4. Sweater
5. Long sleeve shirt
6. Mosquito repellent
7. Mineral water
8. Headlamp / torchlight
9. Side ration (extra food)
10. Tents, flyers & ground sheets are provided
11. Big camping/hiking bag

14th August 2009
10.30 pm Gather at Monash University
11:00 pm Short briefing
11:30 pm Final gear and equipments check

15th August 2009
12:00 am Head to Maran, Pahang
5.00 am Arrive in Maran, Pahang
7.00 am Lorry scale trekking from first point to campsite
10.00 am Reach targeted campsite at Berkelah Waterfall
10.30 am Tent setup
11.30 am Swimming at the waterfall
12.30 pm Start cooking
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Have a good rest and sleep
5.00 pm Swimming at the waterfall
5.30 pm Flying fox
7.00 pm Start preparing dinner
8.00 pm MWACkers dinner
11.45 pm Sleep...zzz

16th August 2009
8.00 am Swimming at the waterfall
8.30 am Flying fox
10.30 am Start preparing lunch
11.30 am MWACkers lunch
12:00 pm Start packing up and collect all rubbish
1.00 pm Start trekking back to first point
3.00 pm Arrive at the first point
5.00 pm Head back to Kuala Lumpur
8.00 pm Arrive in Sunway
9.00 pm Goodbye and ready for tomorrow's lecture :)

MWA Bukit Tabur Report

Date: 8th & 9th August 2009

Day: Saturday & Sunday
Location: Ampang, Selangor
Fees: RM10

First trip was on 8th August 2009, Saturday
Second trip was on 9th August 2009, Sunday

Hello MWA members, please be extremely careful when climbing Bukit Tabur because most of the tracks there are rocky and challenging. Make sure you follow your guide steps and call them if you need any help or support. Dont forget to bring your own breakfast and water when you go there. Meet you at the summit :)

Bukit Tabur is a quarzt/limestone ridge, with height of less than 1000 metres (that's why it is a hill). However, do not be fooled by the word 'Hill'. The climb requires moderate fitness and a high level of vigilance, as a wrong step fall may be detrimental. Seasoned climber may finish the hike in less than 2 hours, while beginners may find themselves taking up to 5 hours.

The ridge are made up of several peaks. There were some rock climbing involved, all of which each MWA climbers succeeded (Congratulations!). Their hard work paid off with the magnificent view from the peaks.

The path down, on the other hand, is considerably easy, going through an orchard. You can actually see jackfruits, durian etc around if they are in season.

Gear and Equipments
1. Suitable shoes for hiking
2. Torchlight or headlamp
3. Mineral water
4. Light breakfast at summit
5. Mosquito repellent
6. Sweater or thick clothes
7. Hand Glove
8. Long sleeve t-shirt recommended

Program Schedule
4.00am Gather at Sunway Pyramid
4.30am Head to Bukit Tabur, Gombak, Selangor
5.15am Start Climbing
6.50am Reach summit, sunrise watch and breakfast, take pictures :)
9.00am Climb down
11.00am Head back to Sunway Pyramid, Subang Jaya

First Trip
Participants
1. Wan Rizzal Wan Zaki (Rizzal) -Guide-
2. Muhyiddin Ya'arop (Midin) -Guide-
3. Nur Uzair Jais (Uzair) -Guide-
4. Nia -Guide-
5. Foo Julian
6. Marshella
7. Pua Ming Terng
8. Wong Meng Kiat
9. Low Ken Chief
10. Cheng Kai Wei
11. Jinisha a/p Srigantha
12. Aliff Izuddin (Alep) -Guide-
13. Averyl Byrne
14. Scarlett Killary
15. Goh Jia Ee
16. Prem Anand
17. Benjamin Yue

18. Alain Iylia Adnan (Allen) -Guide-

*Pictures credit to Kurt Low

Second Trip
Participants
1. Abdul Halim Yahya (Halim) -Guide-
2. Alain Iylia Adnan (Allen) -Guide-
3. Azmielia -Guide-
4. Auni Nur Fatin
5. Amylin Gan
6. Claire Lhériteau
7. Athénaïs Delacour
8. Fitri Ilma Naviati
9. Heri
10. Ayesha Aumeeruddy
11. Suhaizal -Guide-
12. Shahid
13. Nia -Guide-
14. Hun Seang
15. Nishika Fonseka
16. Muhyiddin Ya'arop (Midin) -Guide-
17. Afiq
18. Nishika
*pictures credit to Midin

MWAC Pantai Puteri, Mount Datuk & Kolam Air Panas Gadek report

Date: 1st & 2nd August 2009

Day: Saturday & Sunday
Location: Pantai Puteri, MountDatuk, & Kolam Air Panas Gadek

Pantai Puteri
Location: Tangga Batu, Malacca

Pantai Puteri is a famous beach located near the Petronas oil refinery in Malacca. This beach located near Pantai Klebang in middle of Malacca city. The beach is an ideal camping spot where there are a lot of trees to setup tent and shelter. Beautiful view emerge during the evening where sunset and light coming from the refinery place hit the beach.

Mount Datuk
Height: 2,912 feets / 870 metres
Location: Rembau, Negeri Sembilan
Climbing Fee: RM3.00 each climber + public toilet

Gunung Datuk is a famous training ground for local climbers from Negeri Sembilan and Malacca. The sunrise view is awesome and the air there is way too refreshing. Sweater or thick cloth is important since the wind blowing is strong and low temperature can cause you to shake drastically. The summit is the most challenging track to reach. You have to climb steel ladders and rope to reach the biggest rock at the summit top. But it all worth it. Its a 360 degree view when you stand there. But be extremely careful because the rocks there are steep and once you fall theres no other place to grab on. Climb usually start at 3.00 am in the morning. The climbing duration usually takes about less than two hour depend on your speed and stamina. It gets harder if the track is wet and rain heavily.

Kolam Air Panas Gadek
Location: Alor Gajah, Malacca

Gear and Equipments
1. Headlight / Torchlight
2. Sweater
3. Hand Gloves
4. Comfortable t-shirts
5. Suitable shoes
6. Sleeping bag
7. Sufficient money
8. Mineral water

1st August 2009 Saturday
3.00 pm Gather at SS14/8F house no.16
4.00 pm Head to Malacca
7.00 pm Arrived in Alai, Malacca for Ikan Bakar fiesta

Alai now is another alternative spot to find cheap and delicious seafood instead of Umbai in Malacca. There are lot of restaurant there offering deliriously delicious seafood cooking served with local traditional rice, Nasi Lemak. The place is crowded during weekend where people from Singapore, KL, and other part of Malaysia come there to self experience the tasty cooking skills. Some food taste good if you choose the correct cooking menu and some might taste a bit weird for newcomers. Overall, two thumbs up for the foods there. Delicious and cheap!

10.00 pm Head to Pantai Puteri, Malacca
10.30 pm Tent setup and light supper
11.00 pm Have a good rest & sleep...zzz

2nd August 2009 Sunday
4.30 am Head to Gunung Datuk, Negeri Sembilan
5.00 am Start Climbing
7.00 am Reach summit, subuh prayer & sunrise watching
7.30 am Breakfast at summit (RM2)
8.30 am Climb down
9.30 am Arrived at Gunung Datuk car park
10.30 am Head to Air Panas Gadek, Alor Gajah
3.00 pm Head back to Sunway, Subang Jaya

Male participants

1. Muhyiddin Ya'arop (Midin)
2. Wan Rizzal Wan Zaki (Rizzal)
3. Amir Hamzah (Amir)
4. Nur Uzair Jais (Uzair)
5. Amin Jamil (Amin)
6. Hasanul Asyraf (Shenol)
7. Nik Ali (Nick)
8. Qamarul Hafiz (Bob)
9. Muhammad Fareez Ismail (Fareez)
10. Azroy (Roy)
11. Norsham Hazriq (Syam)
12. Faiz (Peoz)
13. Muhd Hariz Zulkarnain (Harith)
14. Aliff Izuddin (Alep)
15. Mohd Naim Fadhli (Naim)
16. Omar Mokhtar (Omar)
17. Salleh (Salleh)
18. Wan Mohd Nabil (Wan)
19. Mohd Mokhlis (Mokhlis)
20. Muhd Alif Muadz (Alif)
21. Hafiz (popo)
22. Asyraf Noordin (Acabx)

Female participants

1. Noorshamsiah Maarof (Umi)
2. Nurul syuhada Abu Bakar (Syukey)
3. Nadiah Karim (Nad)
4. Noraniza Mahawi (Niza)
5. Nadia (Nia)
6. Mardiana Radzi (Mar)
7. Ainil Hawa (Ainil)
8. Zahirah Al Atta Soo (Zera)
9. Mastura (Mas)
10. Intan Liana (Intan)
11. Norul Amalina (Mayna)
12. Farawahida Ghazali (Jelly)
13. Juwairiah Dahlia Alias (Ju)
14. Nor Hafizah Mohamed Yusof (Fizah)
15. Amin's friend (Elly)
16. Farah Hanum (Hanum)
17. Suraya Yacob (Sue)

Food & Drinks

Estimated food and drink cost for each person is less than RM5. True amount will be announced later and payment must be made within three days period after the trip ends. Cost for the Ikan Bakar feast is to be settled separately, after the dinner itself.

Contact
Abdul Rahman Hj. Idris
Taman Rekreasi Gunung Datuk
Kampung Batang Nyamor
71350 Kota Rembau,
Negeri Sembilan

Trekking permit: RM1.00 per person
Permit campsite: RM3.00 per tent

*Pictures credit to uzair