10 INTERESTING FACTS ON MT. ULU SEPAT EXPEDITION

1.         First time into the remote areas of the Titiwangsa range.  Ulu Sepat summit is located in the Titiwangsa range.  The starting point is located at Kampung Lelar.  Kampung Lelar can only be communicated via Lasah or Gerik.  If coming from Lasah, it is by 3 hours 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle on the muddy logging trek.  If coming from Gerik, it is by a 45-minute drive to Pengkalan Trojen.  Then take a 1.5 to 2 hrs boat ride to Pos Kemar.  Later, take 30 to 45 minutes 4WD to Kampung Lelar.  The journey will pass by the muddy logging trek. 

 

2.         Teamwork.  For any expedition to be successful there is a need to have good teamwork.  Without good teamwork, the expedition would not be a success.  Do not try to split or be away from the main group as it will invite unnecessary problems or situations if your team is unlucky.

 

3.         Watch out your steps.  When going up a steep slope, one must watch out his or her steps carefully.  Please be extra careful when holding on to the tree roots when climbing or going up the steep slope.  Some tree roots are not stable and strong.  Make sure you hold on to the strong roots to assist you in climbing up the steep slope.

 

4.         The least climbed peak.  From the internet sources, this peak is one of the least climbed in Peninsular Malaysia (besides Chammah) due to its remoteness. 

 

5.        Advisable to employ guide.  It is advisable to have guide for the whole expedition.  This is to prevent the team from getting lost in the jungle or heading towards the wrong direction.

 

6.                  Last water point.  This place is located 3 hours before the summit.  In order to reach this place, you have to pass through Lanweng campsite (most hikers use it as a base for overnight before continuing the next day) and cross the river.  After crossing the river, majority of the route is uphill until the last water point.  There is an empty bottle on your right to indicate the last water point.  It takes 15 minutes to go down to collect water and 15 minutes to go up.  The route down to collect water is steep.

 

7.         Y-junction.  Approximately 40 minutes before reaching the summit, you will be able to see a Y-junction.  The left direction (blocked by tree roots) will lead you to Chammah.  This is the route used by those who are coming down from Chammah, i.e. the Trans Chammah – Ulu Sepat expedition.  The right direction will lead you to Ulu Sepat.

 

8.         No leach.  The entire journey to Ulu Sepat peak, you will not be able to encounter leach.  You will encounter sand fly (depending on season) and bees.  Use incense set or mosquito coil to get rid of bees.  Bees will stay away from you if you light up these two items.

 

9.         Blocked view.  The view from the summit may not be as nice as there are trees blocking the view for those wishing to snap sunset or sunrise photos.

 

10.       Unique tree.  On the summit, there is a tall and thin tree.  This tree is the official mark of the Ulu Sepat peak.  Remember to have snap some photos of the trees before leaving the peak or sleep next to the tree if you are planning to camp overnight (if other team members allow you to do so).  You are prohibited from spoiling, destroying or chopping any part of the tall and thin tree.