MY Back to Nature

28/11/2024

Another great trip with awesome group to Yubeng Village, 雨崩 on 17-24/November. Weather🌡️was perfect with sun 🌞 and not too cold temperature, hovering between -5°C at night to about 12°C during the day.

The group hiked a total of 60km with some taking jeep where available on certain sections of hikes covering Lower and Upper Yubeng Village, Glacial Lake and the Sacred Waterfall.

Congratulations 👏 🎉 to everyone that made it. You should be proud of yourself enduring long hikes, steep elevation, differing weather and thin O² level.

Some also extended the trip to include Songzhanlin Monastery, Napa Lake, Dukezong Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, LiJiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley and the LiJiang Impression Show.

Had a great time in China 🇨🇳 leading groups in Yunnan. Surely we are going again next year 2025. PM me at https://wa.me/60143385407 to inquire or if you can assemble your own private group - I can have it materialize for you.

21/11/2024

Still having places on our upcoming 3D2N Royal Belum Boathouse on 6-8 Dec 2024.

Checkout the details https://www.facebook.com/events/1969228456861600/

Car Pooling and last minute discount available. Do enquire via WhatsApp https://wa.me/60143385407

14/11/2024

Yubeng Village, surrounded by mountains on all sides, is located within the Yubeng Scenic Area 雨崩景区境 of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 迪庆藏族自治州 in Yunnan Province 云南省, China 🇨🇳. The village sits at an elevation above 3000m asl. Its described by hikers as the last paradise on Earth 地球上最后一片世外桃源” and a secluded place beneath the sacred mountain and holy water 神山圣水下的世外之地

Two roads connect Yubeng to the outside world: one from Xidang 西当 and the other from Ninong 尼农. As the route from Xidang is closed, this trip we took the Ninong route. Yubeng Village is subdivided into the Upper Village and Lower Village.

Our trip are divided into the following days
Day 1: Arrival to LiJiang. Flights from KL goes to Kunming so there is a need to take a domestic flight or a High Speed Train.

Day 2: Travel to Deqin, followed by FeiLaiSi. Altitude acclimatization.

Day 3: Travel to Ninong and start hiking to Upper Yubeng Village (17.5km, approx 8h, ↑1120m, ↓80m)

Day 4: Day hike to the Glacial Lake (16km, 10h, ↑↓920m)

Day 5: Day hike to the Sacred Waterfall (15.5km, 7h, ↑↓1550m)

Day 6: Hike out from Yubeng to Ninong, and travel to Shangrila (17.5km, 6h, ↑80m, ↓1,120m)

Day 7: Spend our time visiting Songzhanlin Monastery, Napa Lake and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 8: Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way back to LiJiang. Spend time visiting LiJiang Ancient Town. Thereafter everyone head back to KL on their best outbound flight.

Weather this time during the hike and stay at YuBeng was sunny yet cold ❄️ with temperature 🌡️ -5°C to 12°C.

Best time to visit is between Jun to Aug for a good weather and flowering pastures but that would be the most expensive and the need to deal with massive Chinese crowds. Sept till Nov is the next best season but the need to deal with cold weather

We are going again next year 2025 at both periods. PM me at https://wa.me/60143385407 to inquire or if you can assemble your own private group - I can have it materialize for you.

06/11/2024

16D15N Everest Base Camp (EBC) with Chola Pass and Gyoki Ri

Day 13 to 16 out of 16 days

Day 13 - We continue our hike to lower altitude from Phortse to Monjo. The hike spans over 6 hours through the dense forest of Rhododendrons and pine trees. We opt not to stay in Namche Bazaar in order to arrive Lukla ahead of schedule in anticipation of bad weather in Lukla.

Day 14 - Final hike day from Monjo to Lukla. Last few kilometers to admire the Himalayan range before arriving at Lukla. Weather was indeed cloudy with airport closed for 2 days already. We continue enjoying the local bazaar at Lukla with dinner celebration on the successful completion of our journey.

Day 15 and Day 16 - Spent waiting for our domestic flight out of Lukla. Really a frustrating affair as weather have their own opinion. We finally flew out of Lukla on Day 16 and needless to say our outbound international flights was affected. That however didn't hinder the great achievement the team endured in these 16 days adventure.

Bravo comrades 🎉👏. Its a proud moment for everyone!

05/11/2024

16D15N Everest Base Camp (EBC) with Chola Pass and Gyoki Ri

Day 9 to 12 out of 16 days

Day 9 - First we hiked 9km from Lobuche to GorakShep, a small settlement at an elevation of 5164m. Small and slow steps all the way as air was thin and deep breathing was needed. We arrived GorakShep by noon, had quick lunch and rest before we head out again to the highlight destination of our trip - the Everest Base Camp (EBC) at 5364m. Took a good 3hrs to the base camp and what a sight to behold - the visibility of Everest main peak just behind the southern peak. Everyone is awe with many photos before we return back to GorakShep for the night.

Day 10 - Late breakfast and we hike towards Jongla (4900m) for a 6km 4-5hrs journey. Took an early rest for a difficult journey the next day.

Day 11 - Today, we attempt to go Gyoko Lakes via Chola Pass - an icy glacier between two valleys at height at 5400m. Here we need to use microspikes as we hiked on snow and ice. We arrive Gyoko Lakes by sundown for a tiring 12hrs hike. We are rewarded with a beautiful teahouse overlooking the famous Gyoko Lake.

Day 12 - We got up to a mesmerizing Gyoko Lake. Pictures are worth a thousand words. After many pictures and breakfast, we hiked down 6hrs to Phortse (3500m) for a good rest.

04/11/2024

16D15N Everest Base Camp (EBC) with Chola Pass and Gyoko Ri.

Day 5 to 8 out of 16 days

Day 5 - We hiked from Namche Bazaar to Deboche for a 9km distance to 3820m. On the way we will passed by the Monastery of Tengboche and also many ethnic village of Sherpas. Temperature🌡️during sun down is nearing 0°. Sun rays is always welcome at every corner of hike

Day 6 - We hiked from Deboche to Dingboche for another 9km to 4360m. The thin air makes every hike a difficult step.

Day 7 - Today we get acclimatized to the altitude of 4360m at Dingboche. Acclimatization is an essential part of our journey to EBC. Here we hiked up for 2km to Nakarsang hill and back to Dingboche. The hill is famous for its magnificent and up close view of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tabuche among others.

Day 8 - We hiked from Dingboche to Lobuche over a span of 4-5 hours and reach a altitude of 4940m. Lobuche, a mountain which lies close to the Khumbu Glacier and the settlement of Lobuche have two main peaks, Lobuche East and Lobuche West. On the way we passed by the Everest Memorial Park where many climbers are remembered here for their perished but heroic attempt at the many mountains in Himalaya.

02/11/2024

16D15N Everest Base Camp (EBC) with Chola Pass and Gyoki Ri

Day 1 to 4 out of 16 days

Day1 - We arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and immediately did a hotel checkin, money exchange and dinner. We are also briefed about our upcoming expedition and be introduced to our local guide. We then embarked on a 7hrs road journey to Ramechapp - the airport gateway to Lukla.

Day2 - The flight to Lukla was suspended for at least 4 days prior - one of the many risks of flight interruptions wheb heading to the Himalayas. We spend the day just lazing around in this small town of Ramechapp.

Day3 - Good news! Flight resumed and we are off on the first flight of the day to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla - one of the nist dangerous airport in the world at 2846m asl. Yo catch-up on our journey we then embark to trek directly to Namche Bazaar (skipping stay at Phakding) - a gruelling distance of 18km to the height of 3438m asl. We arrived Namche Bazaar just after sunset at 730pm.

Day 4 - Its acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar where we do a 3km return hike to Everest View Hotel 3800m asl and enjoy spectacular view of a wide range of peaks including Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tabuche, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Everest itself. Then back to Namche Bazaar for a rest before the real hike in upcoming days.

30/10/2024

08/10/2024

We still have places on our 3D2N Royal Belum Boathouse on 6-8 Dec 2024
https://www.facebook.com/events/1969228456861600/

And Mt Kinabalu 2025 permit by Sabah Park will open on 20 Oct 2024. The permit will be snapped up fast. Place your booking NOW. More details at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jAAtsUBmJQPNBp5L/?mibextid=oFDknk

Do WhatsApp https://wa.me/60143385407 to discuss

06/10/2024

Since 2020, we have been making Hike and Hunt for this largest flower of the beautiful Rafflesia Kerrii in Lojing, Kelantan. Those times a hunt will result in 2-3 sightings of these flowers and sometimes even as many as 5 blooming flowers.

The last one year or so, these numbers dwindled down to one blooming flower per hunt and at times hunt is cancelled because there are no blooming flowers. These are despite great effort by our Orang Asal people to conserve the baby flowers.

Many attained the lack of flowers due to the many farming activities happening to the surrounding area 😭😢

We are still grateful that we saw a beautiful flower in today's hike. Perhaps a matter of time before this Rafflesia of Lojing remains only part of our history.

30/09/2024

Thanks all for joining in our Day Outing at Lata Beringin. Campsite suitable for day trip az well as overnight with clean shaddy campsite with their own private waterfall and fresh water pool safe for children.

This time we had over 15 adults and children having a time going back to nature and bonding with each other.

Not forgetting scrumptious food with the highlights having freshly baked pizza 🍕🍕 with various toppings. Many enjoyed building their own custom made pizzas. 😋

Pic credit to Kitz, Mei² and Merryn. Thanks

24/09/2024

The Mulu Pinnacles located within Mulu National Park in Sarawak - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Is regarded as an extreme climb on a natural route. Man-made assistance comes in the form of vertical steel ladders bolted into the rock faces and ropes.

It takes a 3D2N with Day1 9km hike in and stay in Camp5. Day2 summit Mulu Pinnacle, 1200m asl 2.4km to summit (one way) with steep, roots and rocky terrain with 17 ladders to climb. Then 2.4km back down to Camp5 for another night till Day3 where you retrace your 9km steps back to Kuala Litut where we meet our boat at a pre-arranged time.

If you suffer from vertigo or fear of heights this is not for you. Strict cut-off-time in places with many underestimated the extreme trail and their own fitness levels. Advice from the guides is important for a safe and successful summit as lethargy and rescues are extreme (and costly) and even more so in the dark.

Congrats 👏 🎉 to all extreme climbers. You did really well.

Photos credit to the many great adventures out there.

20/09/2024

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟 ‼️‼️

𝑴𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒖 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒃 𝟐𝟎𝟐5 ⛰️⛰️ is 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 now. Hurry up!! The mountain is calling 😍🥰

🗻4D3N MOUNT KINABALU PRE-REGISTRATION 🗻

Book your 2025 Mount Kinabalu climb via Timpohon now.

Whatsapp https://wa.me/60143385407 (Calvin) to discuss dates.

Package details as follows:

𝟰𝗗𝟯𝗡 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹𝘂 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗻

Standing majestically at 4,095m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Mount Kinabalu derives its name from the Kadazan word, ‘Aki Nabalu’, meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’. It is one of the safest and most conquerable peaks in the world - provided that you’re reasonably healthy and physically fit.

We will attempt to climb Mount Kinabalu via Timpohon Gate using Ranau Trail. Mersilau Gate is still inaccessible due to the damage caused by the 2015 earthquake.

Itinerary
1-2 montha before the climb WhatsApp group will be created to discuss on preparation (Flights Booking, Packing List, Altitude Sickness, Attire, Insurance, etc)

We will meet at KKIA or if you arrive earlier, be sure you will be at the KKIA Terminal 1 building before Day 1 12pm.

After arriving at the airport, we will take van transport to Kinabalu National Park. A 2hrs ride, we will pass several villages and cross the beautiful valleys of the Crocker Range. During the journey we will stop by along the many roadside stalls for a quick lunch/snack (own expense). Then check into our accommodation at Kundasang for a free and easy till dinner (provided). Rest well for a long day ahead tomorrow.

The second day, after breakfast (provided) we will proceed to the Timpohon Gate where our climb to the summit of Malaysia's highest mountain starts. This will be a 5 to 8 hours climb in which we will enjoy our packed lunch (provided) along the way. Upon arriving at Panalaban, we will stay check in and stay overnight in one of the rest houses - dormitory style. Fill your stomach in a buffet-style dinner (provided)

The next early morning, after early supper (provided), we head for the summit at 2:00am and hopefully get the chance to witness the sunrise above Borneo. There are two trails up to the summit. We will be taking the standard and lesser difficulty Ranau Trail. The other called the Kota Belud Trail is 170m longer and it’s a more challenging mountaineering trail. After great photo taking at the summit, we'll descend back to Panalaban for breakfast (provided), check-out and head down towards Kinabalu Park to collect our certificate and a late lunch (own expense). Afterwards we will be transferred to hotel at Kota Kinabalu city for an additional nights in Kota Kinabalu to relax and enjoy a good seafood dinner (own expense).

Next day we will do own quick tour at Api-Api Marketplace, Filipino Market or buy seafood before you check out and proceed on our outbound destination.

Difficulty level: Hard
Hike Pace: Slow to Moderate
Total Elevation Gain: 2300m
Total Hike Distance: 18km
River Crossing: No
Leech Possibility: No
Suitability for kids (15pax per date)
● 1 night at Kundasang (dormitory-style)
● 1 night at Panabalan (dormitory-style)
● 1 night at Kota Kinabalu Central District (twin/triple sharing)
● Climb Permit, Entrance fee and Insurance
● Certificate
● Meals 4x (Breakfast x 2, Packed Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2, Supper x 1)
● Transportation from KK Airport-Kinabalu Park-KK Town or KK Airport
● Park transport from Kinabalu Park-Timpohon-Kinabalu Park
● Advisory and consultation on high altitude climbing will be provided

Excluded:
● Flight to/from KK airport
● Personal expenses
● Meals not mentioned above
● Any personal tips
● Transport from KK town to Airport (Day4)
● Optional Mt KK Personal porter - RM65 for maximum 10kg
● Optional Baggage storage at Kinabau Park - RM12 per bag
● Optional additional entry charges at various attraction area (if any)

Own Flight Arrangement
If you arranging your own flight, please select the flight that best suits you and your other travelling arrangements (if any). Kindly ensure you time your arrival at KK Airport no later than Day 1 12pm and your departure no earlier than Day 3 9pm. The organizer will not be held responsible in the event of you missing your flight cause by any delay. In the unlikely event of a flight cancellation or delay which might cause disruption to the itinerary, the organizer will give our best effort to adjust the itinerary accordingly to cater for these unforeseen circumstances. Though in the event where it can't be catered for, the organizer will not be held responsible for the participants missing the activities and will therefore not being able to refund on the payment made. Do PM us to discuss if you intend to manage your own flight arrangement. DO NOT book your flight until we get confirmation of park permit.

Participation Fees:
RM1450/Malaysian adult
RM1999/Non Malaysian adult

_Price correct as of Sept 2024_

Payment milestone:
● Booking fees of RM600 (Non-refundable unless fail to obtain permit)
● Final payment by one month before event

Participation can only be confirmed upon receiving the booking fees and subject to slot availability by Kinabalu Park. Fees WILL BE refunded if FAIL to get permit on the above mentioned dates. DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR FLIGHT TICKET YET.

Clicking "Going" in the Event don't guarantee you a spot. Kindly Whatsapp https://wa.me/60143385407 (Calvin) for booking or further queries.

Cancellation Policy:
● All payment made are non-refundable (unless permit fail to obtained)
● Name and Date change not allowed after slot confirmation by Kinabalu Park
● Activities are subject to weather conditions which includes trip cancellation by the park should the weather be completely unsafe. This will be at the discretion of the park ranger. We are dealing with the elements of nature, which is beyond our control.

By purchasing this trip, I hereby agree to fully indemnify and absolve the organiser from any claim and/or liability that may arise out of any damages, injury, death or loss of property howsoever arising from participation in the trip. Any photos/video taken/shared during the event may be used for any lawful purpose by the organizer including for example purposes such as publicity, illustration, advertising and website content.

Kindly Whatsapp https://wa.me/60143385407 (Calvin) for booking or further queries

15/09/2024

Kelimutu National Park is located to the east of the Flores island of Flores with Mount Kelimutu at 1690m asl, which has the three coloured lakes. It takes 45mins to summit with another 30mins to descend.

Each of the lakes has its own colors and a local name. Its lakes are unpredictable as to when and what color they will change into. Sometimes, the colors are blue, green, and black, and some other times they turn to white, red, and blue. They are all believed to be the resting place of departed souls.

This concludes our visit to this beautiful island of Flores. B2N will be back with open and private trips to many interesting places from March 2025 onwards - best season to visit is between Mar and Oct with less risk of rain.

Do WhatsApp https://wa.me/60143385407 to indicate your interest. Hope to see all soon!

14/09/2024

Day 4 was also spent travelling to a coastal town of Dingtor, passing by the beautiful blue Savu Sea. Staying overnight before proceeding to Wae Rebo on Day 5, a traditional village located at 1200m asl. To get here, we need to hike about 2hrs and be greeted by a traditional welcoming ceremony. This 1000yrs old village was given Cultural Heritage Conservation status by UNESCO Asia Pacific. We spend a good hours getting to know their history and lifestyle while being served with their traditional breakfast.

Day 6, visited the local palm liquor industry, Malanage natural Hotspring, Bena Traditional Thatched Roof Village, Ruteng Spider Web Rice Field, Blue Stone Beach before finally taking a good rest at Moni town ready for our hike to Kelimutu the next day.

13/09/2024

Day 3 and Day 4 in Flores was spent at Komodo National Park where we did a 30-45mins hike up to Padar Island to witness the surrounding bays with sunrise as the background.

Experienced the romantic Pink Beach - striking color from microscopic animals called Foraminifera, which produces a red pigment on the coral reefs and broken down by waves and washes it to the beach, combine with the white sands, produces this soft pink color that is visible along the shoreline.

Then the highlight was the hike and hunt for the giant Komodo Dragons. A 1hr walk and found a 1.5m 25yo adult dragon and two baby dragons aged 2month to 3yrs old. A sight to behold on the giant and dangerous creature.

And finally two snorkelling sessions with great colorful reefs with many lifes to it - saw turtles but failed to spot the giant manta rays.

Truly, Flores is fascinating and beautiful group of islands. A known yet hidden gem and unique destination of its own. Worth the time to spend a 3D2N cruise to marvel at the wonders of Flores.

Stay tune to our next few days of the overland trip around Flores main island.

12/09/2024

Day1 and 2 in Flores - one of the many islands in Indonesia. Now AirAsia flies daily direct to Labuan Bajo - also the gateway to Komodo National Park, known for its carnivorous Komodo dragons and waters teeming with sea life, including manta rays and turtles.

Day 1 arrival day with accommodation on a hill overlooking the port with mesmerizing sunset 🌇 and good rest with dinner of fresh seafood 🦞🐠🦀

Get on board on Day 2 to our Phinisi yacht for a 3D2N Komodo cruise with stop for a 15mins hike to panaromic viewpoint at Pulau Kelor then a snorkelling session at Manjarite Bay. Afterward, the yacht takes us to Kalong island for a view of sunset and as the sun sets, thousands of Flying Foxes will ascend for their nightly hunt. We called it a day with dinner and a good rest for the night .

Stay tune for postings on our subsequent days on the Komodo yacht and its beautiful surroundings.