Looking at my current fitness level, conquering anything bigger then Penang Hill may be a problem for me. Hence as a preparation for my trip to conquer Mount Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), I’ve organized a trip to challenge the Penang Longest Trail. This trail span from Teluk Bahang all the way to Penang Hill, possibly one of the hardest and most time consuming trail in Penang. It sure feel like hiking at least half of Penang. Generally it will take approximately 6-7 hours of hike but because of the different fitness level in my team of 39 people (yeah you read it right), the duration ranges between 4 hours up to 8 hours. I was almost one of the last few, as I either busy taking pictures or yacking along the way – why rush when you can enjoy the nature right? An excuse of being slow. Well I was slow probably because I was carrying a load of almost 8 kg, I think I over pack (heavy traveler) – too much water, too much food, too much junk food, loads of medicine ~ HAHAHA.

This hike is definitely not for beginners, I would seriously advice that you have a little bit of training – maybe going up to Bukit Jambul Hill a couple times or Penang Hill. Nobody is going to carry you out of the trail if you are stuck half way! Having said that, I do not mean that it is overly tough. It is a series of up hill and down hill, and it’s a long trail – a good stamina goes a long way for you to at least to enjoy the trail.

This trip took roughly two weeks to plan. I needed at least a decent group of 15 people to minimize the bus fare, plus its safer that way. However in the first week, all I have was 7 or 8 people. I was quite worry it won’t work out and I do really need the training. Hence I launch a ‘marketing campaign’ to market this event. I used Facebook, Multiply, Emails, Instant Messaging, Skype and SMS to spread the news, I am quite sure some of you got the invitation one way or another. The campaign was quite a success and the participation level has grown steadily. Up to two days before the hike, my list is at a healthy level of 26 hikes. What was most surprising was … 10 hours before the hike my team grew up to 39 people. There was some reshuffling in the list but the amount of people join outnumbered the number of people who pulled out.

If you are interested in organizing a trip to challenge this trail and need to charter a bus, try Ah Chye at 016-4229318. He charged me RM 80 for the whole bus (44 capacity). For those non-Penangnites, you must be wondering why you need a bus. Basically Teluk Bahang is on the other side of the island from the end of the trail, it would take an hour just for you to go back to Teluk Bahang to get your car. So most of us park near the Tram station and took the bus over to Teluk Bahang.

Tip: There is a fantastic and must try homemade chicken pie at Southview Bangalow in Penang Hill. However to get them, you need to pre-order at least 1 week ahead (just to be safe). To order them, try calling 04-8299474 (the aunty speaks mostly hokkien I think).

You may also use my list to plan your trip.

———-

Summary of ‘planned’ attendees – 26 hikers, 35 chicken pies (more pies then hikers hehehe).

Activity:

• Penang Longest Trail Hike

Trail:

• Teluk Bahang to Penang Hill Trail (Laksamana Trail)

Duration:

• Approx 6 – 7 hours (depends on the overall group performance)

Date:

• 7 June 2008 (Saturday / Public Holiday)

Time:

• Meet up at before 7.00 am sharp (bus leaves at 7.00 am) at Penang Hill foothill station - Please have your breakfast prior to that, we will not stop for breakfast
• Adjourn at 2 pm (depending on the progress of the journey)

Transportation:

• Charter a bus from bus stop at the temple near Asia Café to Teluk Bahang (near to Penang Hill Station)
• Upon reaching Penang Hill at the end of the trail, we will take the tram down

Cost:

• Bus fair (RM 80 per bus to be divided) + Tram fair (RM3) – Those who have confirmed their attendance, needs to pay for their share of the bus fair despite absent (fair right!)

Misc:

• Chicken Pie order (RM 1.90 / pie) – upon arrival of the destination (this is your light at the end of the tunnel J)

Suggested attire:

• Wear at least knee-level pants (pants that covers DOWN to the knee) and also hiking (or sport) shoes and thick stockings.

What to bring: VERY IMPORTANT

• Water – bring plenty of this, especially if you’re the type that perspires a lot. 3 liters would be a reasonable amount although you can carry less if you are not a ‘drinker’ or more if you are a ‘heavy drinker’
• Food – No food stalls along the way. Bring 2 meals with you, breakfast and lunch at least. You are also encouraged to also bring some energy bars in case you get hungry during the hike. Try not to bring any dry food (eg. Biscuits) as our body is not suitable taking in these during fatigue and exhausted condition. Sandwiches or bread will be good.
• Raincoat or umbrella – since this is a rather long hike in which we cannot turn back at any time that we want to, we need to be prepared for the weather. A light raincoat would be preferable as it would allow you use of both your hands when hiking.
• Extra change of clothes – to change after the long hike.
• Hiking pole – if you have one. It will help ease your hike a little.
• Bring along insect repellents.
• First aid stuff – not everyone needs to carry this. Volunteers anyone?
• CAMERA! - Does anyone have a wide angel lens? we have a really big group here.

What you will take back:

• your own rubbish (don’t litter … glitter!)
• your self
• pictures
• loads of fun + memories

What you can leave behind:

• your footprints

Please arrange your own transport to the meeting place, car pool if possible. SAVE THE EARTH, SAVE PETROL!.

———-

My special thanks to the Anak Hutan gang! Without them I think most of the people in my group would have probably gotten lost! Frankly speaking, I don’t know the trail and most of the people don’t know either.