Saturday, June 13, 2009

Wandering, East-West Highway

My family has the habit to make a last minute decision to visit one place or simply drive around somewhere that is new and seems interested to us. The journey maybe as short as one hour, or it can be a whole day adventure. Although this is an ad hoc plan, it actually started in our mind for quite a long time ago resulted from the information in newspapers, magazines or "hear-say" from friends.

It is excited to listen or read repeatedly about the herds of elephants wandering along the picturesque journey through virgin jungle along the East-West Highway. I had travelled once on this highway to Kelantan about thirty years ago, during which this highway was put under strict security control by Malaysian army whereby it was closed from the evening until the next morning. At that time, Malayan Communist Party (CPM) was still active in most of the jungles in Malaysia.

My whole round trip covered 250km which started from BM, passed through Kulim, de tour Baling, then we witnessed the rolling hills with miles of rugged terrain. After we had reached the other side of Lake Temenggor Bridge nearby Jeli, we made a U-turn for home.


Our car, at most of the time, ran along the tricky curves flanked by wild bushes and big trees. We scoured the bushes by the roadside for any signs of movement. But, alas, there was no sight of the wild beasts throughout the drive along the mountains that form the backbone of the peninsula.

According to on-hand information, "herds of elephants, some numbering 10 to 12, have often been seen crossing the highway at almost the same spots every time. Chances of sighting them are 80 per cent, but almost always at night".

By the way, I have kept something undisclosed and would like to tell you silently now. I might, it turned out to be another disappointment finally, also spot a tiger crossing the highway.

I have not found any road signs to warn motorists of elephants crossing, instead there were a few on deer crossing. Anyhow, none of these animals bothered to say hello to me.

It was an exciting, but dangerous, drive along some narrow and steep roads, especially in the heavy rain. I was sorry to see two car accidents along the way. To penetrate through the dense fog was kind of blind-fold, yet it was simply fun.


18 comments:

Skinny R said...

didn't see any elephants in the end?

betchai said...

despite having no elephants, the scenery is still worth the drive, love the fog hugging the hills. like in the philippines, we also have some mountains we take more precaution when we adventure, because of the presence of the communist party.

Anonymous said...

The lake is beautiful. The highway's so foggy. Better than the haze.

The Retired One said...

I would be in HEAVEN to see either an elephant or a tiger in the wild!!!

Rick (Ratty) said...

A nice drive like this is one of the best things to do. It gives a good chance to explore. Your pictures show that you saw very interesting things. Just the thought that you had a chance to see elephants or a tiger is amazing.

rainfield61 said...

Richard Ling::: I went with a big hope but back with a memory card full of pictures that without any animals.

Betchai::: My family has such a drive on and off to anywhere, either for food or sceneries.

Mei Teng::: The hazy condition is improving at Penang. I can see Cerok Tokun clearer now.

The Retired::: But I'll feel very frightened with tiger in front of me, though very curious to see them.

Ratty::: Tiger is getting rare to be seen in Malaysia, but elephant can be spotted, but not by me.

Mike said...

A nice day out none the less. I wasn't aware there were still tiger on peninsula Malaysia.

Eng said...

what a fantastic sight...the lake, the fog covering the mountain somehow reminds me of home....

ha!ha!ha!...i came silently but defenitely not leaving that way.!!

rainfield61 said...

Mike::: I have not seen any wild tiger in Malaysia, and keen to see one. Of course, I must be inside my car.

Eng::: Welcome and thanks for not leaving silently. This is where friendship starts.

There must be many similarities between Malaysia and Philipines, from what have been mentioned by you and, betchai.

Unknown said...

I heard about the elephants too! But have not made the journey yet. They say it is scenic. And it is in your fantastic pics!

J Martin said...

i thought u were frm sabah coz you use that picture of mount kinabalu as ur profile pic ...

nice blog though ...

Joanne Olivieri said...

The scenery is very inviting and I would love to see those herds of elephants crossing :)

roentare said...

The rain is also horrendous over my side of the world. The rain and clouds make me somewhat doom and gloom.

Thanks you for a regular update :)

rainfield61 said...

Keats The Sunshine Girl::: This place is scenic, and you can have a one night stay by the lake.

J Martin::: I used because Mt KK is so beautiful and I have been there during 2008.

Poetic Shutterbug::: Sad to say an overnight stay does not guarantee we can see herds of elephant crossing too.

roentarre::: The rain is best welcome over here now. It helps to wash away the haze.

Heather Dugan (Footsteps) said...

Lovely photos! I appreciate your sense of adventure. So, this time you were in the 20% group... That must raise your odds for next time, yes?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have afun drive, and to see elephants crossing, heaven!

I like the lake pictures..beautiful!

•°°• IcyBC •°°• said...

Oops, the previous comment was from me :-)

Kirigalpoththa said...

such nice sceneries! The top one is great.

It will be dangerous to have elephants on a highway..especially at night the chances of seeing them at far distance is quite remote..