Photography Class

Good News for those who want to improve their photography skills because Nikon always conduct photography class for various level from basic up to professional. Fee charges is very reasonable from as low as RM20 for 2 hours basic photography class session. This photography class is available through out the year, just contact Nikon center directly for more information, such class available at Nikon Center at Alamanda and Berjaya Times Square.. I personally prefer Nikon photography class offered at Nikon Centre Alamanda. You will be tutor by photographer professional sanctioned by NIKON..

Contact Nikon to book your photography class place here:


NIKON CONCEPT STORE
Lot G41, Ground Floor,
Alamanda Shopping Center,
Presint 1, Jalan Alamanda,
 62100 Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur

Phone :03-88887649 / 03-88887870

Gunung Tahan

This is actually a rewriting and recollection of my previous articles about Gunung Tahan hiking trail that consist of several parts, by rewrite and combine it back in single article would make it easier to read and for  yourself  to enjoy it. Gunung is a word in Bahasa Malaysia that mean "mountain", so Gunung Tahan also commonly referred to as Mount Tahan.

Gunung Tahan & the whole world

"It is not the peak that matter but the journey is" No trail suit more with that phrase other than trail of Gunung Tahan from Kuala Juram, Merapoh to Kuala Tahan if you put that literally. Sure that meaningful phrase meant a lot more, but one hour stop on peak just a little cut from six days of amazing journey.

Gunung Tahan with height of 2,187m above sea level is the highest point of Peninsular of Malaysia, located 4°38′N 102°14′E / 4.633, 102.233 in Pahang area of Taman Negara National Park Malaysia / 4.633, 102.233. This national park with total area of 4,343km2 encompasses three states of Malaysia –Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. The unspoiled pristine rainforest in this area aged million years and house many species of protected flora and fauna. All visitors to the park and climber must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks or locally known as PERHILITAN, plus climber need to hire guide licensed by PERHILITAN and ratio for maximum of 12 climbers to a guide apply. As precautionary measure and park management purposes at anytime no more than 48 climbers are allowed to climb the mountain.

Gunung Tahan could be climbed trough 2 popular entries point, either through Kuala Tahan or through Kuala Juram, Merapoh. Return trek of Kuala Tahan would take normally seven days for average climber and Kuala Juram trek would take 4 days. One way trail from Kuala Juram to Kuala Tahan would take six days (near 78km). There are groups who complete Kuala Juram to Kuala Tahan trail in less than 4 days but that would be a lot of hiking, eat light, overtime and lack of sleep. Other people have their own objective but you are advised not to exceed sunset time limit as you are in the midde of wild animal habitat which active after dark and any possibility of encounter that could risk safety would bettter be avoided. The trail would take climbers through dense lowland towering tree of rainforest, rivers crossing, muddy valley, bonsai garden, granite trek, vast squares of beautiful high altitude plant and oops no snow. The Trail of Kuala Juram to Kuala Tahan is unique that you would not find the same with other trails in peninsular Malaysia.



 Tahan Mountain Range

How to be there

Taman Negara has several entries point, but two most popular are through Kuala Juram Sungai Relau Merapoh Kelantan and through Kuala Tahan Pahang. While Kuala Juram entry point popular as shortest trail to Gunung Tahan even though it also do have Kelah Sanctuary and offer activities such as bird watching, Taman Negara Kuala Tahan are more busy with activities and better equipped. Taman Negara Kuala Tahan is well known for it tourist destination, got a 5 star hotel, a lot more adventure and close to nature activities package await to be explored.

Journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Tahan for 247km would take 3 hours and 40 minutes while to Merapoh, Kelantan for 267km would take around 4 hours. To Kuala Tahan visitor can take express bus from Pekeliling Bus Station straight to Jerantut, alternatively you could buy ticket to Temerloh as it have more buses and from there continue to Jerantut. From Jerantut to Kuala Tahan, there are two bus companies servicing the route currently. There are train line services connecting Merapoh and Jerantut but using train services to Jerantut from Kuala Lumpur are not advisable as that would take a lot of time unless the train journey itself that you want to experience.

Field reports/ log
Entry point

This expedition consists of 10 climber, 9 men and 1 cute lady. Age ranges from 13 years old to over 40s. Organized by Kereh member; ajiz, mono, din & yusri, other climbers (khalid, abg lan, fauzan, jo, bro Munawar & Mun jr.) invited through mountaineering online community – http://www.gunungonline.com/ We met for the first time at Putra Bus Station Kuala Lumpur on Friday night of 25th July 2008. Even though met for the first time, we have no worry of teamwork, dynamic and fitness of this group as all are experienced climbers inclusive of 13th yr old Mun Junior who already complete Trans Titiwangsa ranges with bro Mun senior. To ease preparation as all expedition member come from various part of Malaysia, ration and accommodation was set up separately by fauzan with abg lan, Bro Mun sr. & jr, and the rest form one group (khalid from Kulim, Abg Lan – Kuantan, Bro Mun – Kedah, Ajiz – Sabah and the rest from Kuala Lumpur) . Kechik was there that night to give support and deliver new spider stove ordered by Khalid. We take bus Mutiara Express journey to Town Gua Musang and we will stop halfway at Merapoh Baru Village 30 minutes before Gua Musang Town. Our bus departs at 12.15am and arrives around 4am at a Restaurant which also a Rest point for Bus Mahligai Express. The restaurant has closed by that time but we ask permission to rest at its surau before our contact person meet us tomorrow morning.

At Perhilitan Station Sungai Relau

Day 1

Our Contact arrives before 7am with 2 pick up trucks. First thing first – breakfast at nearby village Felda Merapoh Baru. Most of Gunung Tahan Guides for route from Merapoh come from this village. There is no rush this morning as expected trekking time for today would take just around  6 hours. Back on pick up truck we head to our entry point Perhilitan Station; around 3km from main road. Things to do at Perhilitan office - register; – body, clothes, plastics, bottle, basically everything what you take in there have to be take out, divide ration and change for trekking attire. At 10am after all settled we back on 150 horsepower Toyota hilux for another 14 km journey to Kuala Juram-our starting point. The journey for the next six days starts from here. My feeling mix up; excited on scaling peninsular Malaysia highest mountain with all the tales about it and at the same time anxious of challenge ahead. To prepare our body for the next few hours of physical ordeal we ensure that we do enough warm up; and with heartfelt prayer we off hitting the trek with hail of chuckle and giggle. Trekking is about getting together and sharing laugh anyway.

At Kuala Juram

The journey goes through lowland dense jungle and several river crossing. As trek covered with high tree canopy there will be less windy and whether could be hot and humid. The trek could be muddy in rainy season and expect more leeches waiting around, so choose your attire and shoes accordingly; rubber shoes or wrap up sandal is wise choice especially to go through those rivers crossing. After 5km we arrived at Kuala Luis at 1.30pm, from here Lata Luis is for another 6km. We arrived at Camp Kor our campsite for the night at 4.30pm. Not to our advantage our arrival was welcome with light rain and situation become almost dark even we still got few hours before dark. The condition at the campsite is little bit muddy make it a little bit uncomfortable. Light rain keep pouring consistently throughout the night, at least we get a tight sleep that night.

Day 2

Enough sleep last night make me feel fresh this morning, a good start for a long and tough journey that we going to face today. Distance from Camp Kor (750m) to Bukit Botak (1943m) is 13km with elevation of 1193m gain in single day is the steepest part up to the Gunung Tahan peak. We all wake up early for breakfast. Wet condition slows us down to pack up or just good reason to lazy up a bit, but what got to do is got to do otherwise we will way out of schedule. Today trekking would take around 10 hours for average climber. We start trekking around 10am; we hope to arrive at Bukit Botak before dusk, the last camp before Gunung Tahan peak. Whether that achievable would depend on our pace and management, but considering average climber factor with a simple math calculation means we will arrive late after dark definitely.

Kubang Camp

The journey begin with a river crossing and the trek ascending consistenly. We arrive at Permatang Camp at 10.44am, last person arrive at Kubang Camp at 1.30pm. We have lunch of Pita Bread sandwich and nice hot lemon tea here. Water point is quite far for around 100m and descends a bit to another campsite. After prayer, enough rest and chatting of nearly one hour the last person leave Kubang Camp at 2.47pm.

We reach Belumut camp at 3.30pm. There are sign of different group camping here last night. Camp Belumut located at stretch of muddy valley and at the camp itself is quite wet all year round likely. What special here is it seems that the place is habitat of certain species of bird. The sound of bird chirping is constant and loud and a couple of chirpy is quite tame to move around our team members. The bird would pick up bread thrown to them and have it in the bush. It is more like food feeding session. Next time you here remember to set aside a cup of rice for them :) . Puncak Pemandangan at 5.50pm, Bonsai Camp at 7.00pm. From here we could see the front group of Khalid, Bro. Mun & jr, and Fauzan on the way up trek to Bukit Botak. They are more than 30minutes ahead of us. From Belumut Camp and certain part of Camp Bonsai to Bukit Botak the trek is quite muddy. Finally the last group reaches Bukit Botak Camp at 9.00pm Yeeehaaaa.

Puncak Pemandangan

We set up our tent (a modest build of fly, ground and sheet to cover opening) parallel to a small bush so that the opening is covered and to avoid heavy wind blowing directly inside. The water point is running water flowing from nearby hill with 2 small pools. The upper pool is strictly for drinking water whiles the lower one for bathing. After dinner we just keep inside as cold wind is blowing hard outside and the temperature here could be quite low and based on experience of previous climber ice formation could formed on metal utensil leave on the open.

Bukit Botak is perfect site for camp site; with even surface, nearby big enough water point, nice view and good toilet with view :). But it is quite open area with small tree and so that it is quite windy. If we arrive little bit early before dusk this camp site going to be perfect place to view sunset.

Bukit Botak Camp Site

Day 3

We wake up on one fine good morning, scenic view stretch more than 200 degree, layer of greenish to azure mountains tiles with pale fog and blue sky in the background. Breezy wind that morning is plus point to already perfect setting. On the other degree of East side sit imposing barren hill on the way up to the peak of Gunung Tahan, so there is no sunrise view from here.

Our destination today is Gedong Camp or Gunung Gedong that would take around 6 hours. The plan is from Peak of Gunung Tahan, we would have lunch at Bukit Berapit and proceed to Gunung Gedong Camp. As expected trekking time today is not so long and excitement to trek along the most beautiful and unique part of the trail make us little complacent about management that would make us suffer later. We leave Bukit Botak at 10.30am with camera ready to snap photo as much as possible. Sun start scorching hotter as it move to the west. Journey today would go through mostly small bonsai tree and small part of muddy valley with higher cover tree just before Bukit Berapit. After Bukit Berapit the vegetation back to all small bonsai tree and porous granite soil as we ascend back to Mount Gedong. The sun shines hot but cool wind makes us just feel right. With not much cover from tree shade we all exposed directly to the elements. It is wise to wear enough protection, long sleeve shirt cap and sunshade, sun block cream is advisable as long as you not fancy of burn skin and retina. My good morning towel is indispensable and serves well as cover beside sweat soaking tools.

At Gunung Tahan Peak



all the way from Peak to Mount Gedung, with fog passing by it just like walking through the clouds



We reach Gunung Tahan Peak one hour later and spend 45 minute at the peak to snap photo and commemorate our feat. After all it is the peak that is the main target, wish to spend more time there but the Gunung Tahan peak is just a stop in the middle of this trail. Mono is the last person to leave the peak as we descend toward Gunung Gedong. Wind sometime brought fog moving along our side and covering the gully. Small nepenthes and orchids are common here and vegetation no higher than one foot for the first 1km down. If lucky you would find raw diamond among porous soil and granite along this trail.

Estimate time taken and distance cover for Merapoh-Gunung Tahan Trail                                          

(Altitude)	Distance (km)	Time (hour)
1.Kuala Juram (309m) to Kuala Luis(306m)	5	1 ½
2.Kuala Luis (306m) to Lata Luis (558m)	6	1 ½
3.Lata Luis (558m) to Kem Kor (750m)	2.5	1
4.Kem Kor (750m) to Permatang (874m)	2.5	1
5.Permatang (874m) to Kubang (1406m)	3.5	3 ½
6.Kubang (1406m) to Belumut (1493m)	1.5	1
7.Belumut (1493m) to Bonsai (1705m)	5.5	3
8.Bonsai (1705m) to Bukit Botak (1943m)	3	2
9.Bukit Botak (1943m) to Gunung Tahan (2187m)	2.4	1

From Peak to Bukit Berapit would take 3 hours and 2 hours more from there to Mount Gedong. Here I realize the problem, we will trekking past lunch time for 2 hours more. It means suffering if you still trekking without lunch at 3 o clock. The worst is no water point along the way until a spot near Bukit Berapit. At that time even rainwater in small puddle looks tempting enough, but the scene of frog tadpoles doing freestyle refrain me from it. It is fraught to replenish depleting energy level but my entire tidbit already finish on the way up to Bukit Botak yesterday. I trekking along with ajiz while Mono, Khalid and Yusry strolling further back. Whatever food we have all finish hours before Bukit Berapit including ajiz last chocolate bar. Thanks.. Jiz!

Bukit Berapit

The last group reach Bukit Berapit at 3.30pm, it is actually intersection between trail to Padang camp and Gunung Gedong camp. Bro Mun the earliest to arrive already set up his fly for shade while waiting for the rest of the group. After simple bread and jam we leave for Gunung Gedong at 4.00pm. 1 hour and 30 minute later we reach a spot of World Ward II plane crash. Based on the wreckage it is possibility that is a small fighter plane. The plane hit mountain wall from east side just below the spot the main wreckage tossed. The debris littered up to nearby hill that still laying up to these days. Finally all member reach Gunung Gedong camp at 6.00pm.

At World War II Plane Crash site

Serial No. Of The World War II Crashed Plane

Mata Air, water poodle that flow from "lumut"

At Bukit Botak and Gunung Gedong Camp, walking pole found it new use as tent’s fly pole other than walking assistance, while anyone not suppose to cut any tree here, but one big reason is actually there are no high enough tree here qualified to be a tent pole. Water point here is just marvelous there is a small flowing water beside big boulder 30m front camp site, it just enough for basic need a big No for bathing. West side down the big beautiful valley on right side of trail to Padang Camp there are big flowing beautiful waterfall. This just amazes me from where such big water is flowing while we are already on top of mountain plain. It would be exciting if we could trace up source of the stream but that would be another new adventure, but it’s not so difficult to comprehend that the stream is flowing from unique eco system of the mountain. Area of mountain’s top from Bukit Berapit to Gunung Gedong is formed of thick small plant and the soil is covered with damp plant and weed. During cold night the weed and damp soil would soak moisture, fog and water droplet. This will form a steady water catchments area and release steady flow of water and grow bigger as it move downstream.

The Spirit! Strange rock formation of face



Gunung Gedong Campsite - Mark by small clearing on top.. Vegetation here consist of small bonsai tree at just waist level height which is a character of montane forest and the soil was wet with "lumut" abd algae that soak water and moisture  during night time and slowly release it to form small stream





Gunung Gedong



After taking bath, cleaning ourselves, changing to warm clothing, next main thing is having coffee while enjoying the sunset. The beautiful view, serene and peaceful scene that makes the experience so sweet… or it’s the coffee?

From dusk till dawn

Day 4

Viewing sunrise at Mount Gedong is superb. The sun appears just beside a hill on the left and above line of cloud over the horizon on the right. Breakfast beside the green valley of Mount Gedong must be the most sentimental ever, not exaggerating but that what I truly feel. With fresh cold air blowing and soft sunlight radiate, time ticks over not pass in a meaningless way. We really enjoyed the moment till situation become warmer, when fly become a little bit drier, we pack and ready for journey to our next campsite – Camp Teku.



sunrise





Breakfast at Gedong Camp



Pantat Lesung waterfall

We start trekking at 9.00 am. Less than 10 minutes trekking down we hear humming sound of waterfall strong enough to make us wonder from where it come from. Its amazing that the sound was brought by the wind from big waterfall at nearby mountain range. That is the amazing Pantat Lesong waterfall, this waterfall must be the highest waterfall above sea level ever in peninsular Malaysia. One girl – Umai of uitm student who lost in this park for more than 2 weeks in 2008 has find her way through stream/ valley of between these two mountain ranges. It flows straight from plain of mountain top. The other popular waterfall in this area is 4 step waterfall. Trekking to 4 step waterfall would take 4 days go and back from trek near Camp Teku. Trekking to this waterfall is very rare thus the trek usually covered by growth and not properly maintained. Every attempt to trek to this waterfall would be like opening and clearing for a new trail that make it more risk for trekker to disoriented and lost. Based on information from ranger at Kuala Tahan Park, that several recent attempts to reach the waterfall has failed. Hard to find guides who willing to take trekkers to the waterfall because of its challenge and mystique.

Today trail would be the steepest part of the whole Gunung Tahan trail. It would cover Gunung Reskit, Gunung Tangga 15, Gunung Pangkin and several campsite of Pangkin Bawah campsite with near waterpoint and Wrays camp. To pass Gunung Tangga 15 trekker have to go through 15 steel ladders as what the name is “tangga” (ladder). We have lunch at Camp Pangkin Bawah and reach Camp Teku at 4.00 pm. Today is the most mental part of the whole journey especially to go through dense jungle from wrays camp to Camp Teku - the long Gunung Tahan trail covered with high tree and its humid and basically no wind blowing through. To reach Camp Teku which is beside a big Tahan river is a salvation. Do not trek alone as this trail would cut through a lowland rainforest; that would mean a lot of big wild animal roam the area.

Day 5

Today journey would have 4 river crossings. The rivers is quite big and at normal level some river is at waist level deep, with strong current crossing of the river could be quite difficult and become dangerous if water level raised little bit higher. It’s important to pack accordingly to prevent rations and things from getting wet. One way is to use big heavy duty plastic bag as cover inside back pack. One thing to consider when using backpack raincover during crossing is river water would seep into inside cover and collecting water. We have lunch at Camp Putih one of Campsite beside big river. Kelah and Sebarau fish is abundance here but fishing is prohibited as this is inside conservation area. One and half day descending from Mount Gedong we have to ascend back Mount Rajah (576m) on the way to Camp Tengah. We reach Camp tengah at five pm and decided to camp there for the night as continue trekking to Camp Melantai means we have to trek overtime through lowland jungle which could be dangerous.

Camp Tengah has horror stories among trekkers and natives people here. But what special about this camp is its water point. Its water taste sweet! It’s natural and I can’t explain how it tastes that way but it’s true. It’s weird? You all have to taste yourself to believe…

one of big tree on Gunung Tahan trail

Day 6

This is the last day of trekking but the longest distance ever for more than 16km through Lowland Dipterocarp Rainforest. The decision not to continue trekking during night time yesterday was wise one for me as I found out a lot wild animal traces along the trek to Camp Melantai. New Elephant dropping means that the trek is one of Elephant migration route along Tahan river valley and it could be a big group. We reach campsite Melantai at 11.45am, after light meal and hot milo we continue trekking to Kuala Tahan. The distance between Camp Melantai to Kuala Tahan is 12km. The temperature become hotter, humidity induce sweat drench my clothes like i'm just taking bath with it and my inside thigh and crotch start to hurt as continuous rubbing cause blister. May be it’s because of short tight that I wear inside my track pant no longer tight enough to protect my skin. Lesson – invest for good and new tight if you going for a long trip. Finally we reach Kuala Tahan at 5pm. Welcome back to civilization!!!…. What a wonderful Gunung Tahan trail....

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NIKON STORE IN MALAYSIA

You have read about this magnificent DSLR camera of NIKON D7000 and you have know the price, but where to get it? For your information NIKON have around 300s dealers. You can choose any of these dealers, but I only recommend only one! buy from NIKON  Store  itself! NIKON has open their own retail store at Alamanda Putrajaya since October 2010. Unlike their showroom at Times Square which only showcasing NIKON products but do not sell anything, this NIKON store at Alamanda Putrajaya sell almost anything NIKON. By purchasing your camera here, you are dealing direct with the manufacturer - which means less profiteering and fast service. Plus.. the staf is knowledgeable and friendly too

Here is the full address of the said NIKON STORE

NIKON CONCEPT STORE
Lot G41, Ground Floor,
Alamanda Shopping Center,
Presint 1, Jalan Alamanda,
 62100 Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur

Phone :03-88887649 / 03-88887870

NIKON D7000 PRICE IN MALAYSIA

At last Nikon D7000  has arrived on Malaysia's door on late November 2010 and I has bought one! Even though I have wait for so  long for this camera since the rumors of this supposed to be D90 replacement start buzzing since early year of 2010, I have apply some restrain of not buying straight away at first sight! good God i did that. The published Nikon D7000 price in Malaysia is RM4,398 for body only and RM4,998 with kit of NIKKOR lens AF-S 18-105mm VR 1:3.5-5.6G ED. Deducting the Lens price from NIKON D7000 body price will give effective price of the Lens of only RM600!! What a promotion for a lens that retail for more than RM1,300!! Survey and compare NIKON D7000 price at several shops. You may get the same published price, but kits and free gift offered might be different, different charge for using credit card or no charge at all and you may get some discount! believe me.. I have checked a temporary boot set up at Suria KLCC main lobby concourse on third weeks of Nov 2010 and found out that charge of 5% will be imposed for using credit card that would be nearly RM250 charged for nothing.. what a cheat.. for me credit card charge should be borne by merchant not on consumer, I lose appetite to ask for more info.. I plan to use interest free easy payment facilities of my credit card, furthermore who want to move around with  RM5,000 cash.

Yesterday, on 29 Nov 2010 I went to NIKON Concept Store at Alamanda Putrajaya and I bought NIKON D7000 straight away because I get an unbeatable offer that I might not get somewhere else at least for this time being.  This is the unbeatable offer of NIKON D7000 price in Malaysia!!! : 

1. Nikon D7000 body  RM4,200
2. NIKKOR lens AF-S 18-105mm VR 1:3.5-5.6G ED. RM600
3. AON Extended warranty 1+2 (DC/Flash/Lens) [8% x RM4,800] RM384
4. KENKO 67mm 1A/UV Filter and Second LCD Screen 3.0 inch - RM150
5. STEINZEISER SZ 1245 JUMBO Camera Cleaning Kits RM69
6. STEINZEISER SZ-88 Tripod
7. NIKON N228 DSLR Camera Bag
8. LENSPEN ORIGINAL LP-1
9. NIKON 4GB SD Card
10. DIY Photobook Magbook software
11. Smartthumb My Encoder software

All together with free gifts for total price of RM5,403!, No CREDIT CARD CHARGE!

I dream of pairing my NIKON D7000 body with NIKKOR LENS 18-200mm [ it covers an extremely wide range of focal lengths 18-200mm] but price of the Lens is so expensive of more than RM3,000... even after asking for discount, as we are entitle to ask as purchase with purchase offer, the price offered do not move much.. event though this is all can go Lens, and look good too :) but since it price is exorbitantly high, thus I have to kept the dream for another day...

Hope this information of NIKON D7000  Price in Malaysia would benefit you all!

Where To Buy NIKON D7000?

NIKON D7000 MALAYSIA

NIKON D7000 Malaysia - Release Date In November 2010 With Price Sit Around RM4,000 - 5000.

I have eagerly visited Nikon Centre at Times Square on 3rd October 2010 on anticipation that I would be able to get a feel and touch of this new star from Nikon. Sadly, Nikon D7000 no where on my sight at the showroom. Quick chat with the staff provide me information that Nikon D7000 probably would able to meet its prospect buyer earliest only on early November 2010 with price around Rm4,000 to RM5,000 same as the price range of D90 on its debut. With the success of D90, arrival of D7000 Malaysia which should be D90 replacement model meet with high expectation from enthusiast, even with a little shock as instead of being direct successor to D90, the D7000 push itself a little above D90 in product line. I have 100% in love with Nikon D90 still image quality. Based on review from professional photographer, magazine, and internet website, D90 beat its near rival from competing brand all out but one only thing that make me still hesitating to swipe my credit card on this one is its video quality. As hobbyist photographer as what I think the proper term would be :) , video aspect would be very important to me... who want to bring along both camera and video camcorder on a mountain? i'm not an idiot to carry an extra kg while a single thing could do both job perfectly.. am I right? With qualities like new processor EXPEED2, new 16.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, a lot more 39 point auto focus system than D90, a new 2016 pixel RGB metering sensor, live view, 6 frame per second burst shooting, full time auto focus video shooting compare to have to do it manually on D90, shoot video with full HD 1080p, magnesium alloy frame body compare with polycarbonate body of D90 with better weather sealing, upgraded to a full glass pentaprism from D90 pentamirror which produce a better viewfinder image, Nikon D7000 would qualify as semi professional camera better than D90 and even better than D300s in certain aspect.. that would be my DSLR of choice.

More information of NIKON D7000 & Related Articles:

NIKON D7000 Price in Malaysia (Nov 2010)

Where To Buy NIKON D7000?

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Shoes For Hiking In Rainforest

Trekking Shoes / Hiking Shoes For Tropical Rainforest

Rainforest have diverse terrain and trail surface, and that could differ based on geography area and altitude, so choosing a suitable shoe for hiking / trekking activities in rainforest trail could be tricky.  Most of Hiking / trekking Boot in the Malaysia market was brought over from oversea and designed not meant for use inTropical Rainforest.  What in mind of most people about image of Hiking Shoe would be something like the one in the photo, but bear in mind that this kind of hiking shoe such as this Adidas Trekking FM GTX hiking boot are specifically designed for High Alpine Mountains not for muddy humid of Tropical Rainforest!. Nevertheless some aspect of this Hiking Boot such as High Cut, Breathable Waterproof, and Hard Sole can be a guide in choosing the right shoes for hiking in rainforest. Whatever brand of hiking / trekking shoe you choose, these characteristics presented below is must have in choosing Shoes for Hiking in Tropical Rainforest;

o    Safety
o    Breathable / Quick Dry / Draining System

o    Light

o    Sole - Cushioning, Hard Middle Sole & Soft Outer Rubber Sole, Pattern & Design

Safety Issues Of Hiking Shoes

Adidas terrex

One of main aspect of choosing a hiking shoe is safety and protection offered. The most ideal design of hiking shoes collar should be just over ankle for ankle support. Furthermore,  the support  will be more essential when you have weight on your back. Mid Cut boot is sufficient to provide enough ankle support, no need for High Cut. This is important as most injury sustained by hiker is ankle injury, Suffering ankle injury during expedition in the mountainous rainforest will not only hurt yourself but your team member as well, while you are no longer able to carry your own weight, your friend have to help carry your backpack. Hopefully no one throw it away :).  Risk of bite from poisonous creature, knock on rock and root could rip open your foot nail were another real safety issues…

But Safety is not only thing in choosing trekking shoes.. there will be a lot more things to consider. You could have the safest shoes on earth and you would just look like Mount Everest Climber or shoes of Astronaut on moon landing attempt.

Breathable / Quick Dry / Draining System

In tropical rainforest you need to have your feet dry most of the time.  You will get wet some of the time. If you are on lost and survive mode like Bear Grylls finding way out of rainforest you will be wet most of the time at least that was presented by his show - to survive you need to be near with water point. Wet and damp shoes could lead to foot fungal infection. Damp and humidity in rainforest  allow bacteria and fungus grow faster. If your trekking will going to get your trekking shoes wet through stream, river crossing or muddy path, choose light trekking shoes that can easily be drained. Trekking Boot clumber some to unlace, good to have waterproof system but no need for Gore-Tex, bear   in mind that and once it inside get wet it will be very uncomfortable, with more day to complete the rainforest trail ahead, wet shoes is the last thing you would want. That is why having shoes that could dry up quickly and easily drained is very important. You won’t want to stop every time after crossing stream as that would disturb your team rhythm, been able to continue trekking even after saving your self from mud pit is luxury. That why  I  myself would prefer for a low cut light trekking shoes from high cut heavy trekking boot, even that would mean safety aspect is compromise a little. Some Trekking shoes have drainage system like North Face Crusade, but this function comes with quite expensive price. If cost is your determinant factor then rubber shoes is just perfect choose. No bother to get it wet hundred time just dab with tissue or cloth then it will be dry again. Rubber shoes was used widely as shoes for hiking in rainforest by villagger and natives, one clear reason is that this shoes is cheap and it perform well relative to its low price.

Light

Shoes for trekking in rainforest should be light. Trekking boots for Alpines Mountains are built sturdy, hard and thick sole and mostly heavy! That kind of boot was built in such away because of hard surface of   trail in High Alpine Mountain. Light is luxury in rainforest, as people pursue for lightness in F1 racing so do hikers in rainforest trail. Heavy boot through muddy trail of rainforest is like swimming with your wedding dinner suit, can't you imagine how hard it is?. Lightness of trekking shoes also depend in its material, choose for quick dry mesh like new Adidas Kanadia Trail2 Hiking Shoes and Adidas Adizero XT. Unsuitable material would soak water like your car washer sponge that would make heavier, worst it will take long to dry and remain wet for the rest of expedition.

Want extra light? What about this rubber shoes? Add some shoes pad for extra cushion. One advantage of rubber shoes that no other trekking shoes / hiking shoes could match is its sole would never broke off , it is because it was made simply by mould in one piece. I have seen many hiking shoes martyrdom on rainforest trail, it was sad to see hiking shoes with detached outsole thrown away along rainforest trail. Something to remember: rainforest trail is a nature worldly heaven for us to wonder not a graveyard for your broken hiking shoes / trekking shoes. If you got problem with your trekking shoes make sure to bring it home, if your trekking shoes is old and was not used for quiet considerable time, then look for sign of it may be broken off; buy a new one, or fix it or just buy a pair of rubber shoes for standby.   

Sole - Cushioning, Hard Middle Sole, Soft Outer Rubber Sole, Pattern & Design

Rubber shoes is light and easy to dry, but it sole can quite be on soft side that you could almost feel root and rock you steep on to just like foot reflexology path , Tropical Rainforest floor full with maze of root that steeping on it with rubber shoes almost like steeping on reflexology stone barefoot. Foot massage is good, but having to walk on foot reflexology for 6-7 hours is arduous. Having moderate hard middle sole is good to protect your foot, too hard would reduce flexibility and making climbing difficult. Soft outer sole of trekking shoes is important for grip especially like on flat granite surface at Mount Kinabalu. Soft and flexible sole would help to climb slippery boulder.  I’ve see many of hiker with knee pain and problem; they share a common habit – running while descending a mountain trail. They maybe fan of downhill racing. If you want a fast downhill take a mountain bike not by running with 10kg++ heavy backpack which will ruin your knee. If you can’t live with adrenalin rush of downhill running then  invest for a pair of good cushioning trekking shoes, you will appreciate it next time you have chat with old timer hiker with knee pain. To venture into rainforest choose sole pattern / design for mud and slippery earth trail not your shopping sneaker and futsal shoes.

Good Outsole With Mud Release System

Know Your Trail To Choose Your Shoes

Knowing in advance condition and kind of trail that you going to trek is very much helpful in deciding which kind of hiking shoes to wear. What kind of question to ask? These key points would give you some idea of  what to expect when hiking through rainforest trail

1-Is the trail rarely used or traffic jam used to occur there (not really)? or you will gonna open  totally new trail - wow

2-Do you have to cross stream and wet your shoes? or you going to follow along the stream, Mountain stream normally bank with a lot of round big slippery rock that could give you hell of crawling torture. Is the trek muddy or dry?.. bear in  mind that some trek is mostly muddy all year round like Trek to Mount Irau Cameron Highland... and some trek would be just wet and slippery (not muddy) even after torrent of monsoon like Gunung Tebu in Terengganu.

3-Type of the trail - Is it hard granite, rocky porous limestone or sharp small rock like you can find on Ulu Klang Quartz Ridge, or red / yellow earth that could be very slippery when wet.

Based on information from the questions you could more or less decide which shoes for hiking is suitable for your trekking activities. I will go into detail into which kind of hiking shoes suitable for kind of trail in the questions, or more accurate say is kind of hiking shoes of my choice in case you got different views - reserve it to the comment section pleasee ..

Question 1 - Shoes For Hiking In Rainforest For Rarely Used Trail   & Safety Issues

If the trail is rarely used, it will be quickly cover by dry leaves and close down by new thorny rattan leaves or small tree branch.  Cover up your feet, wearing sandal is definitely NO.. You would never sure what you stepping on to, it could scorpion/ or centipede sleeping under those dry leaves. Disturbing dangerous creature sleeping could be painful, believe me. Worst, you could stepping on to viper snake.. if that happen in deep jungle far from modern medication that could be very serious. Even if not poisonous as cobra, untreated bite could be infectious and fatal. Viper live on forest floor, mostly small around 50-60cm and camouflage well with surrounding. These creature is hard to see, thus precaution by not wearing sandal might save your big toe not only from brown viper but also from scratch and cut of thorn rattan and root.. . A popular trail normally properly maintained with steps and stair such as Mount Kinabalu Trail if that is the situation I won't question for you wearing sandal :) ..make sure it is a nice one like this one

Question 2 - Shoes For Hiking In Rainforest For Wet Condition

It’s raining all night and You know it gonna be wet and slippery, then opt for your mud fighting sole shoes like Adidas Adizero XT and Adidas Kanadia Trail.  If you opt for your gore-tex boot, ensure you won’t wet it inside. If you love your boot or your new adidas kanadia trail2 so much then just wear your rubber shoes, it will serve you fine.

Question 3-Type of the trail - Is it hard granite, rocky porous limestone or sharp small rock like you can found on Ulu Klang Quartz Ridge, or red / yellow earth that could be very slippery when wet.

My Shoes Sole Badly Damage on Bukit Tabur Trail

High cut boot trekking designed not only to support your ankle, it also to protect from cut and abrasion from hard jagged granite. Choose for hard outer sole, I once wear my Columbia boot to Bukit Tabor, which the longest quartz ridge in the world. It serve me good, I could trek comfortably almost feel like trekking on normal trail, it soft sole give me good grip but my boot’s outer sole end up beaten, some of it soft pattern sole broken off as result of sharp jagged stone up there. Yellow clay or compose trail on rainforest mountain ridge would have more soft surface, at some part mountain ridge up to level of montane forest you could feel it almost bouncy – because you are actually walking on soft root of  bonsai tree.

This Hi Tech Magnum may look big but it is exceptionally light. Used by a lot of  Armed Units. My friend have one and satisfied with it to use on trail and urban. Myself would prefer a lower cut

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