Odysseys of the  "Wanderbug"

 

The odysseys of the "Wanderbug" have been nearly all checked off my wish list. Tasks have been steadily completed, even the daunting endeavor of sorting through and utilizing the vast collection of amassed photographs. Yet, amidst this process, I stumbled upon a remaining trove of memories: the local destinations I ventured to between 1995 and 2001.

One might question why these escapades weren't given priority. However, it's essential to note that I consistently embarked on these journeys. Now, as I sift through the remnants of those years, it's clear that the adventures with the Dalmatian Beetle were among the most whimsical. While I've extensively documented my road trips to Thailand with the Beetle, what remains are the excursions into the untamed wilderness of the Peninsula.

Among the handfuls of selected pictures—over a hundred, to be precise—it would be both frivolous and tedious to narrate each destination in detail. Instead, this compilation serves as a visual journey, intended to reignite my memories and provide a swift retrospective of my wandering days.

 
 

The National Parks

 

The two National Parks of Malaysia, namely the official Taman Negara at Kuala Tahan and the Endau Rompin National Park, were established to cater to adventurous visitors. Both offer environments and settings that command premium prices for a visit. Initially, access was not easy, requiring a sizable package price, and tours were meticulously organized, leaving little room for spontaneous drop-ins or casual observers.

This formal barrier contradicted my desire for a more spontaneous style of exploration. I preferred the freedom to drop by whenever I pleased, adding another destination to my list of places visited. Despite the complexity of visiting a national park, I persevered, diligently researching until I found a little-known land route that allowed me to visit both parks on my own terms, as a casual visitor.

 

Taman Negara Kuala Tahan

 

The journey begins at Kuala Tembiling, where visitors embark on a three-hour boat ride to reach Kuala Tahan. Upon arrival, guests typically check in at the three-star Mandarin Hotel & Resort. During my quest to explore caves, I found myself in Kota Gelanngi, where I noticed a road sign. Interestingly, the forest on the eastern bank of Kuala Tahan was gradually being converted into a Palm Oil Estate. Navigating through interconnected tracks could lead one upstream to the Orang Asli Villages opposite Taman Negara. A continuously connecting track running parallel to the Tahan River bank had been established due to increasing needs, spanning a lengthy 65 kilometers. While most of the track was on level ground, some sections involved navigating slopes, rendering it accessible only to vehicles equipped with 4 Wheel Drive capabilities. Despite the rough and bumpy ride lasting over an hour, I decided to take the risk with my Beetle. I vividly recall one particularly rattling drive where the vibrations shook out my entire exhaust system. Nevertheless, I felt a sense of pride upon successfully completing the journey and parking my car among a fleet of Jeeps. This experience motivated me to undertake many more expeditions after the initial trip.

The park itself is meticulously maintained, albeit experiencing a rise in foot traffic. The land route to Kuala Tahan has now been paved as Federal Road 1508, making it accessible to all vehicles year-round. On the opposite bank of the river, a small township named Kuala Tahan has emerged, boasting numerous chalets, mid-sized hotels, schools, health clinics, and even a spacious area designated for bus parking.

 

#1 Unpaved land route

In small print - only 4 wheel drive vehicles

#2  River bank of Sungei Tahan

Alongside a 4X4 Jeep

#3 Background - the Kuala Tahan Resort

This landing - This was a flooded river bed in the monsoon period

#4 Parking area close-up

Same picture but in close up

Endau Rompin National Park

 

Traveling to Endau Rompin was an equally challenging endeavor, as it involved traversing a network of palm oil estates with no distinct landmarks to guide the way. In the absence of GPS technology in Malaysia at that time, I relied on a sketch map with limited details of notable landmarks to navigate the route. A significant aspect of the journey was the river crossings, facilitated by makeshift timber bridges constructed by logging companies along the jungle road.

Unlike Kuala Tahan, where the administrative office of the park was located, Endau Rompin's headquarters were operated by the Forestry Department. Within the park compound, there were only chalets available, lacking boarding facilities. Most visitors, often led by tour guides, were self-sufficient, embarking on hikes to destinations like Upeh Guling, approximately 8 kilometers away. The last amenities were found in Kuala Jasin, serving as the trailhead for tours to Buaya Sangkut, where visitors would camp in the open air. The only semblance of civilization was the Kg Peta Orange Asil settlement.

Reflecting on these expeditions, I found great joy in being among the pioneers who explored these remote areas. Remarkably, revisiting the region some 30 years later revealed little change; notably, transportation still relied on contracted 4WD vehicles during the non-monsoon seasons, typically from April to October each year.

 

#5 The start of the track at Kahang

Sign  board says - 56 Kms

#6 Bridge crossing using logs

A good memento and souvenir to collect

#7  The dirt track

Bringing out a cloud of dust in dry weather

#8 We made it

Park HQ and Chalet

#9 This is classic - Kuala Jasin - 8 Kms jungle road from Kg Peta

Until today this could be the only saloon car that survived the trip

 

From National Parks, next I give to you sample of my waterfalls Days. Those places that the "Dalmatian Beetle" had ferried me to the waterfalls themselves - Enjoy!!!

 

 

        With  Will  Will  Wander

The Waterfalls

 

"Waterfall hunting," a term previously unheard of as a hobby, remains relatively obscure even today, with few individuals acquainted with the pursuit of such activities. I can proudly claim to be among the pioneers of this pastime. My journey into this interest began with a visit to the renowned "Grandmother's Falls." As I grew more adventurous and accumulated additional information, I delved into seeking out the hidden jungle falls.

With the invaluable assistance of Joyce and Khoo, I managed to explore numerous waterfalls, reflecting upon their contributions with immense gratitude. Eventually, I amassed a total of 83 waterfalls, encompassing various types. Passing on this task to Jan and his companions, they took the hobby to even greater heights, tallying over 120 waterfalls. Reflecting on my waterfall expeditions with my Dalmatian Beetles, I am reminded of the diverse locations they have taken me to.

 

#10  This was the original name of this waterfall located just outside of Bidor

By now, this place could be known by other name

#11 Just at the outskirt of Kampar town

Very popular and very treacherous as well - with the eddy currents and whirlpool

l

#12 The Berkelah Waterfalls - Nearest town - Maran

First trip we hiked 5 Kms on the river bed and then 3 Kms on the dessert sands

#13 The Sungei Chalit Waterfalls along the new Cameron Expressway

That's Jackie, seeking shelter from the heat

#14 The Chamang Waterfalls - Bentong

Extremely dramatic, crowded and equally treacherous

#15 The Gapoi Waterfall - on the way to Traing

Relatively unknown - well hidden, a low Waterfalls of about 5 meters tall Very scenic spot for picnic

#16 The Kijang Jatuk Waterfalls in Titi

I would rate this to be the most dramatic and beautiful Waterfall It is 15 Kms off road

#17 On the way to Seminyang Waterfalls

The old timber track was soon reclaimed by the forest. I got the Orang Asli to bring me in by his bike

#18 The Sendat Waterfalls - Ulu Yam

The early days of Dalmatian Beetle Still with its steel wheel

#19 The Serendah Waterfalls - Serendah

The area of the Waterfalls had altered dramatically

#20 The Stong Waterfalls - Dabong Kelantan

They have proper Chalets and resort living to cater for international tourist

#21 Tanjong Kala Waterfalls - Grik

Short drive through kampong Road then a short hike

 

        With  Will  Will  Wander

Places with people

 

During my travels, I encountered a myriad of peculiarly named towns and picturesque destinations. As I ventured through various landscapes, my itinerary was filled with visits to enchanting waterfalls, capturing images of dwindling trades such as government-run Rest houses, and exploring places that had long intrigued me but remained unexplored.

This eclectic mix of experiences provided a diverse and enriching journey, where each unique name held its own story and significance.

 

#22 Mausoleum for Malay heroes - Bota Kanan

Area contains graves for those who took part in the assassinations of Birch

#23 More pictures of the grave site

Part of Perak glorious momemts

#24 The Dutch bastions in Bukit Melawati hills

Beside the popular  Bukit Melawati  there is lower hill in front of it

#25 Air Hitam famous for pottery at that time

Car appear as a souvenir item

#26 Main Road - Bentong

Another souvenir photo

#27 The eastern entrance to Bentong  - Ketari

A souvenir shot

#28 Cameron Highlands

Just outside the Lavender garden

#29 Carey Island

Exploring this relatively flat mangrove island

#30 Cherating - land of Club Med

We were there!

#31 Selangor Dam protest

#32 Frasers Hills town center

#33 The "Gap" in Frasers Hills

#34 Way to Tanjomg Piai

#35 Grik town center

#36 Gua Musang Town Center

#37 Bahau RestHouse

#38   Jerantut New Village

#39 Outside Jugra

Seafood Restaurant

#40 On top of Jugra Hills

Overlooking Carey Island

#41 Outside Karak Town

Junction to Kuala Pilah and Traing

#42 Kampong Kuantan Golf Course

#43  Outside of Kampong Klau - Pahang

Heart of durian territory

#44 Kroh Town Centter

This town is now renamed as Pengkalan Hulu

#45 Car park Resthouse Kuala Selangor

#46 Wildlife Department Training school

in Kuala Ganda - the place is now out of bound to causal visitor

#47 Kuala Klawang

Better known as Jelebu in the past

#48  Bradley Steps now changed to Tangga Krai

An early warning to the flood plains in Kelantan River estuary

#49 Old Agong's Palace

#50 Town of Lanchang before reaching Mentakab

#51 Mangrove Forest Park

Kuala Sepetang - fore ground - Maxwell Hills

#52  Mersing town by the beach

#53 Dalmatian passed under NKVE in Rasa

#54 The Thai Village of Pantai near the Border at Kroh

#55 Pasir Penanpang Seafood haven

#56 Perak State border at Tanjong Malim

#57 Pontain

#58 Pos Slim - Highway to Cameron Highlands

Expressway under construction at that Reached Pos Slim an Asli settlement

#59 Telemong Pahang

#60 Pos Slim - Cameron Highland

#61 An Asli Village Pos Slim

#62 QuartZ Ridge East

Our car driven up onto the hills - Charles

#63 Quartz Ridge East

Impossible but done Here is Jackie to commemorate the feast

#65 Kuala Ganda Elephant Sanctuary

#66 Town of Kuala Sepetang

#67 Sg Tinggi in the Raja Muda Forest

#68 Sungei Selangor crossing

#69 Close-up another bridge across Sungei Tinggi

#70 Sik - Kedah

We Were there Waterfalls hunting

#71 Slim River

The one street in the original town. Suburbs alongside the Highway 1 have sprung up

#72 Entering Sri Menanti

The Royal Town of Negeri Sembilan

#74  Tanah Rata Town center

#75 Tapah Road Post Office

Tapah Road is another suburb away from Tapah Town

#76 Heart of Pahang - Tasek Bera

An Orang Asli settlement away from the national Road grid

#77 Reached the Settlement

The most decent looking building - The district office

#78 Temerloh Town Center

Modern Rest House on the left

#79 Tody Outlet in Kapar

#80  Main Street only one in Trong outside Taiping

Cowboy Town

        With  Will  Will  Wander

Last sightings of "Resthouses"

By 1995, I have taken up a new hobby "Waterfall Hunting"-  a switch over from the past time of going Caving. Most remote waterfalls are in deep jungle without

#81  Resthouse - Bahau

#82  The Old RestHouse in baling

#83  Bentong RestHouse

#84 Bentong RestHouse

Looking out from the Porch

#85  Rest House in Tanah Rata - Cameron

Abandoned

#86  Rest House - Fraser Hills

The Bakat still operating

#87  On the way to the RestHouse

Fraser's Hills

#88  Rest House at The Gap

The better days

#89  Outside the Gemas Rest House

#90  Guest House Turned Resort in Kroh

#91  Frontage of Kroh's Rest House

#92  Rest House in Lenggong

Story lineee

#93  Mersing by the South China Sea

#94  Rest House in Mersing

#95  Rest House in Pontain

The frontage

#96  Pontain Rest House

Seen from the side

#97  The Raub Rest House

#98 Tennis court for the Raub Rest House

#99 The Segamat Rest Houses

#100  The new Taiping Rest House

#101 The new Taiping Rest House

It was the Resident's Bungalow previously

#102  Rest House in Tampin

#103  The Tanjong Malim Rest House

#104  The Tapah Road Rest House

#105  The Temerloh Rest House

In conclusion, what truly brings me satisfaction is perusing a meticulously curated page that transports me back in time, reminiscing about the days when I dared to venture beyond the ordinary. With the completion of this page, I want to emphasize that it serves as a testament to the journeys undertaken with the "Dalmatian Beetle". While it does not encompass all our travels with various cars, it beautifully encapsulates the adventures shared with the "Dalmatian". This collection holds significant meaning for me, evoking memories of the experiences encountered at each destination. The pictures, though not arranged in any specific order, serve as poignant reminders of the numerous trips undertaken, sometimes revisiting the same locations multiple times.

 

        With  Will  Will  Wander