Taman Negara has become our soft spot now…..whenever we feel up to a nature trail…we love to go to our favourite Monkey beach….(in detail at an earlier post)
Each time we visit the beach has something new to offer…..this time around it was friends…..
We had a larger group …with us….of a wide range of age yet very enthusiastic group…so we decided to hike up from monkey beach to Muka light house…to checkout the fabulous view they say it has to offer….
We landed at monkey beach….this time….our motorized friend had the liberty of taking us to monkey beach.
It was raya time….hence..the beach was lovely…..and live…. plenty of shacks, games, sea sports…..
The hike up to the light house is estimated to be around 40minutes to one hour or more depending on stamina. Honestly we had the enthusiasm which we banked on…to walk up 227meters…than our stamina.
We walked up to the far most corner of monkey beach…leading off into the forest….after crossing a small stream outlet..water in the deepest part ..was lower than the waist… here begins the hike.
Concrete steps are laid to mark the trail and for easy ascend… There are rest stops along the way…but most of them…..not sure if they will fall off.
The trail begins a a smooth incline…following the second stop point that you see… ..the trail begins to become steep….
The concrete steps are not all the way along…the jungle path takes over…so be ready for climbing over boulders…or….bow down to the heavy tree vines. This was a bit exhausting….but keep up the enthusiasm…..
As it was a vibrant day…there were many climbers who were coming back providing the encouragement to go up all the way…the view is phenomenal, just a few minutes up….etc….at this point….We would like to thank them…as ….by then, 45minutes into our hike…we were huffing and puffing….so off we went again….
A few of us… sadly….returned back…. but have to appreciate….the huge effort as it is not a easy climb.
The climb reached a point where…I was almost ready to give up…when one of a fellow climbers said two minutes more.. and you will reach…..we picked up pace to tread forward.
Exactly in two minutes…..stands the majestic 14meters tall light house …oh…what a relief….
The light house built by British in 19 century was for active trade as per history.
We stayed at the rest spot for two minutes and the happy feeling….pulled us up the cool…narrow staircase…up the light house….
Behold…..the most breathtaking view you would have ever seen….
The Straits of Malacca……
.stretching…endless …..for a 270degree view…. laced by the various hues of green on land…..wow…..
Now the hike was all worth it….we forgot….we were almost out of water…we forgot we were almost…near exhaustion….sat there and enjoyed the beauty of nature….the cool breeze to infuse strength…back into us….
On our way back one of our fellow youngster pointed out a giant mosquito..who has made a quite corner his home.
We signed off at the register near the office….and began descend….
This as usual was more easy…we made plans to scale Penang hill next…not bad….we were motivated…the sight of the sea…was refreshing… relaxed by the beach….we packed of late in the evening
Psst…..there is no water available enroute the hike..so please carry enough…from monkey beach.
Psst….wear comfortable footwear.
Psst…don’t give up…even if you don’t see the light house
Happy hiking….
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