Taroko National Park

A visit to the Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) during the autumn is beautiful. It’s the closest experience with nature and its beauty. Water from deep mountains is so clean, so pure, you can really see that it’s blue…

In order to encourage more visitors, some paths are created for visitors to walk through. Due to this reason, you may experience some water dripping on top of your head, and in some areas, you may observe increased risk of getting hit by a rock.

There has been several cases of deaths due to falling rocks. So during typhoon or heavy rain, visitors are strongly discouraged from visiting this place. If it’s sunny after heavy rain the day before, please don’t even consider visiting this hazardous place. Nonetheless, nature is just fascinating and you can experience it all in Taroko Gorge and National Park.

Some aborigines here making business out of arts and harvests of the forest.

Somewhere at the swallow grotto (燕子口), we had to wear safety helmets for ‘some’ protection, cause even with safety helmets, it doesn’t deter larger rocks to crack your head like an egg. So some visitors chose not to wear them.

I think the most interesting part of Taroko gorge are the rock formations and the layered stones, some close approximate to the Grand Canyon in the US. View the photograph below with red-cyan anaglyph 3D glasses for best result.

This trip there may only be a one day trip, but the view up in the mountains was breath taking. I would want to spend more time there, and I’m definitely looking forward for a second visit.

Back to 七星潭

It was about 3 months back when I first came to 七星潭... A beautiful rocky beach.

The funny thing is, the place may be quite crowded with people, but you can still find a quiet spot for yourself.

A group of eight of us went there. Six of us including I cycled there. It was about 8km away from my hostel, approximately 25~30 minutes away.

Well, I cycled quite a bit today, clocked approximately 34 kilometres today. The truth is, traffic here is somehow safer than KL but with more inconsiderate and crazy drivers on the road.

Till then, more updates soon.

Eventful today

Lots of stuffs happened today… some came really unexpected, while some others, are just meant to be that way.

Incident #1

I wanted to finish my 36 exposure film. When it was done, I found out that I could still wind some more. Then I got curious… could the film go beyond 40 exposures?

Then I stopped and rewind the film. Only to realize that the roll of film might have torn.

Upon sending it to the photo studio for aid, only I found out that that very roll of film did not load properly, resulting in an unexposed film… *speechless*

Incident #2

Sent my panorama of KK for printing, and it is beautiful! I’ve never had any of my panoramas printed beyond 4 foot!

Incident #3

It was an eco-friendly day for me. Went to Carrefour to shop with my own shopping bag (cause today is Saturday), plus, I cycled there. It felt great!

Incident #4

I went to Digital Mall to get some photo paper. It was then I saw the new KTM Duke. Didn’t expect to see that bike in Malaysia so soon…

 

Anyways, more updates soon, with photos I hope.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

A walk down the Gaya Street Sunday Market in the town of Kota Kinabalu, you will realize some interesting people selling interesting items. Some at jaw-dropping prices too!

The Gaya Street market is a must go if you’re in Kota Kinabalu for the weekend. They’re open on Sundays from 6.30am to around noon. Don’t miss it!

Magnificent Mount Kinabalu

I just came back from a trip to Sabah, and I must say, Sabah is a beautiful place. I can't wait to get a licence for scuba diving, for I shall come back to the islands of Sabah again.

This is my first time here in Sabah, and of course you can't miss the climb up Mount Kinabalu. The majestic submit and the breathtaking sunrise took my breath away. All the tiredness and weariness were all gone.

It was a tough climb, I must admit. With the cold air, chilling mist of rainfall, the high climb and altitude sickness will make you tired quickly. But along the way, you'll soon realise that the climb was all worth it. It's a battle of physical and mental strength. Your body could take it, but can your mind keep you moving forward?

I was very fortunate to be able to climb up Mount Kinabalu on a very beautiful weather. The wind was cold but not too strong. The temperature may be low but the sky was sunny.

Anyway, here are some suggestions if you intend to climb Mount Kinabalu:

1. Please train!!! Climbing up stairs is extremely helpful.

2. Rehydrate yourself constantly. Consume some chocolates or energy bars can be helpful too. Mars and Snickers chocolate bar may come in handy.

3. DO NOT over pack. If you are not physically fit, please do not carry more than 2 kg in your backpack. This would kill you. In short, travel as light as possible. Hire a porter if necessary.

4. Walking sticks may come in handy, especially when you're going downhill.

5. If it's your first time, spend 2 nights at mid-hill (Laban Rata). It's better to do so, in case you're too tired to walk downhill the same day.

6. Medications like Panadol and ORS may come in very, very handy.

7. When you climb up, avoid coming in contact with water. Using wet climbing gloves or shoes would lead to severe frostbites.

8. Get good shoes with proper traction. Nike's ACG (all condition gear) or other trail/hiking shoes would do just fine. Lightweight shoes are a plus too.

9. If you are travelling in groups, try to push each other, encourage your friends to try harder.

10. Remember to bring along a hoodie/beanie and a scarf too!

Here are some sceneries you might observe along the way…

More updates on Sabah to come.

Singapore: A Different Perspective

Went to Singapore for a few days and really enjoyed my time there. Went to a few places, some for free, some have to pay.

I think the most expensive ticket I paid was for the Singapore Flyer. Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands is worth a visit as well.

Anyways, here are some of the photos taken during the trip.

Met a few friends in Singapore too!

Busy busy week ahead… Hopefully got time for updates… =D