Fishing Trip To Belum Rainforest

Timber Tucks

BAT aka Blackwind Adventure Team have organized another trip but this times a fishing trip to one of the undiscovered Malaysian Tropical Rainforest, BELUM FOREST. The team consist of 5 units 4x4 Mitsubishi Pajero and 15 passenger. We left Shah Alam city on the midnight in hope to reach the Grik town at 6 am in the morning. It will take us about 4 hours using the main North South PLUS highway to reach Grik town.

We will accompanied with 2 local peoples as our guide.

We arrived at Grik town at approximately 6 am and after having our breakfast, shopping for our 4 days 3 night daily necessities and fill up our 4x4s, the journey continue and it will take us about 3 to 4 hours to reach the camp site. We will using the the timber tracks and have to be very be careful when meeting the timber trucks as the area is an active logging area. Although I am not really agree to the logging activities but it have provide us a track to our destination.

Hutan Belum is reported to cover an area of 290, 000 hectares. Belum forest is divided into North and South. Part of the forest is not covered by the 117, 500 hectares of thick forest and entered the Thailand-Malaysia border. Vast areas of forest can be regarded as a natural wall and the "Gazette" as a preserved tropical rain forest by Malaysia government. Part of the forest is 90% that has not yet been explored and it is a vast area for research.

It is compulsory for us to get an Entry Permit from Grik, Wildlife Department to enter the Belum Forest. At the entrance point, the team will undergo the thorough checking to ensure there are no restricted items be brought into the forest.

The hot weather has resulted the timber track become very dusty.

The convoy at timber track

Before we reach to the camp site, we have been told that our 4x4 have to descend  60 degree down and it will be very dangerous when come to rainy day as the road become very slippery.

However, we managed to overcome the obstacles and the team arrived at the camp site at very late evening and we have to set our tent and camping  gear with help of our car light.

We spent 3 days 2 nights camping while fishing and exploring the nature. However, during the days we were there, the rain has pouring the jungle which has impeded our activities.

On the early morning of day 3 we decided to pack and make our trip home with the hope that the track won't be so slippery as we have to ascend 60 degree up, if not it will become a very tough ride for us.

However, what we worry about is really happening when the track to climb become very slippery and very dangerous. We have no choice but to continue the journey home by climbing up and it has caused my 4x4 ran out of plate clutch. My 4x4 have to be winched and towed back to Grik.

I and my two sons have decided to stay another night at Grik in order for us to repair my 4x4 on the next day.

It have become an amazing journey for me and my kids and we hope to return back soon.

  

Another Trip to Malaysia Rain forest- Selancar

We have again organised another 4x4 trips extreme adventure to explore Malaysia rain forest to the toughest trail to SELANCAR, in Pahang. Very popular off road trail among the 4x4 enthusiast in Malaysia, it took almost 4 hour to reach the destination. After take a bit nap and morning meal, we continue the journey to test our 4x4.With 6 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 Diesel and a Land Rover and led by ex-man Rain Forest Challenge (RFC), the journey will take us approximately 7 to 8 hours depending on route condition to reach the first camp site.

Along the route we have to overcome many obstacles that challenged our mental, team spirit and 4x4 vehicle. V gullies, mud pool,winching and river crossing become normal scenario before we reach the camp site at approximately 6.30 p.m.

After set our camp site and having our dinner, we planned to go for night fishing as the rivers are famous to have plenty type of white water fishes. However,heavy rain has pouring the first night and make us spent most of our night in the tent talking about our adventure.

Second day, the night rain has flooded the river and now we are worried how to plan our journey back because crossing the rivers is dangerous due to high water level and rapid rivers which may submerge our 4 wheels and it is the only way back.The decision has been made to stay for another night and wait for the rapid river to be at safe level for us to cross. So on the second day, fishing and repairing our wheels has become our main activities.However, the 2nd night again the heavy rain has become our great enemy and we have to re-plan our journey either to stay or packed and start our journey escape.

3rd day, decision has been made,pack and prepare for our back and the plan is to take a different route which according to our guide and leader may be a bit tougher.After cleared the camp site area, we start to roll at about 10.30 a.m with hope no rain. This back journey we experienced more on handling our 4 wheels on long 'mud pool', more winching techniques using the snatch block, crossing a rapid river and most important lesson were the teams spirit on our escape.

LESSON from trips: Rescue techniques, winching, winching angle, 50 feet winching techniques,mud pool, snatch block, crossing rapid river, snatch trap, v gullies, teams radio and for us most important were not just the off road tips but being a good team with a high team spirit to overcome the obstacles a long our trips and these made these trip a memorable trips. Another lesson, a good off road team is where everybody play their own role and not being so selfish.

To all Blackwind members and other we have a tremendous trip and a very good lesson too.

Over and out.

Off Road to PEDU

For the first time Blackwind represented by K3 and K6 has joined an off road trip to Pedu, Kedah. Accompanied by 2 RFC ex-man and 4 other 4WD, they have undergone tough trip for first time. The 2006 RFC route at Pedu became their training ground to learn and understand other off road techniques especially handling 4WD in muddy route. For us the best off road knowledge is learn from experience and to equip our vehicles and ourselves before go off roading.

At Mat Daling

We reached at Mat Daling approximately 6 p.m after traveling for almost 5 hour. Just following the timber track without many obstacles encountered, we spent most the time inside our 4WD. Just stop for a break or just cooling off our engine. Be in the forest make our mind peace and enjoying the nature seems very relaxing. Using 4H gear, we move roughly 40km t0 50km per hour.

After preparing our camp site, taking a bath at fresh water stream has restored us. Enjoying peaceful night in beautiful nature right in the forest we take our nap at very early night after an exhausted journey and with hope to experience more challenge on tomorrow expedition.

Mat Daling Trips -at Kuala Tahan

After enjoying traveling on normal road we reached at Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara at 08.08.08 approximately 12.45 p.m. We have our lunch at floating restaurant at Kuala Tahan. Kuala Tahan is a center for tourist or adventurer to continue their journey to Taman Negara. Water transport is most suitable mode of transportation here and for 4WD enthusiast like us, we prefer 4WD offroad adventure. Mat Daling here we come to take your challenge.

Mat Daling Trips (Brakedown Handling)

After traveling for almost 3 hours at about 4.30 a.m., our Captain K5 received an emergency radio called and informed that our Pajero K4 seems to have a problem with his vehicles. Our team mechanic made a quick inspection and found that there were a leak at the water radiator and an urgent and temporary repair need to be made. Just by using egg K4 managed to travel for another 1 1/2 hour (60 km) until we arrived at Jerantut approximately 6 a.m. After taking 1 hour sleep, we decided to find workshops to seal the leak. On 10.30 a.m after taking our breakfast and fuel up our engine and spare tank, we continue the journey for another 1 hour to Kuala Tahan National Park.

to be continued...at Kuala Tahan (National Park or Taman Negara)