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Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Kampar / Itik River Whitewater Rafting, Gopeng


Fun for kids at Kampar/Itik River, Gopeng!!Situated nearby the former tin mine town of Gopeng, this location has been seeing city slickers visiting almost every weekend as it has been revived as an outdoor recreational suitable for familiesstudents and corporates for teambuilding.
The conditions on Itek or Itik River in the interiors of Gopeng town are pristine. You paddle pass lush rainforests, chirping birds and in cool clear waters. On the way to starting point, you will be driven through old village roads, passing by kampung houses and fruit orchards. Modernity has crept in throughout the years but village and jungle life is still intact.
If you enjoy limestone karsts, then add in the caving package where you will walk into Gua (Cave) Tempurung learning from the knowledgeable guide on the cave history as a former communist hideout, the limestone formations that imitate life and best of the all, pursuing the underground passages which sometimes get filled with water!
Gopeng town is not only popular for its small town Chinese food but it has historical significance since it was once made a temporary home by the Chinese revolutionary leader Dr. Sun Yat Sen in the early 1900s. It was also the birthplace of the popular chinese medicinal herbal brand, Eu Yan Sang. It is worthwhile to walkaround the town to admire the surroundings, and visit a heritage museum. On certain evenings, there is a night market.
What do I get to do?
Spend a great time out in nature with friends, colleagues and strangers by rafting some fun rapids and sharing more memorable activities with the add-on options. For accommodation in the jungle, the Ulu River Lodge is a brick lodge with modern amenities, offering a comfortable stay.
Adventure Rating and Remarks
3 - Whitewater rafting together with other outdoor activities and a stay at a rustic setting provide you superb fun and a stress free vacation that's not too far from Kuala Lumper. Water levels and rapids is usually medium level which is suitable and safe for a family fun activity. The licensed rafting and activity guides aim to provide a fun time for all which ensuring safe conditions.
Special Discounted Rate (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)
Valid for 2017
No additional GST
Minimum 2 Adult booking
Adventure starts from Gopeng town
Activities are suitable for children aged 7 years and above. Children should be with parent/guardians and must be able to understand instructions in English and carry out the instructions.
PackageDescriptionDurationSessionSet LunchRate per person
ARafting Only1/2 day9am or 2pmYes140
BRafting and Caving at Gua Tempurung
(Switch to Gua Kandu if Tempurung not available)
1 day-Yes220
CRafting and Waterfall Abseil1 day-Yes245
DRafting, Waterfal Abseil and Kandu Cave1 day-Yes305
 Optional Insurance---30
 Optional BBQ Lunch---25
 Optional Pickup from Ipoh hotel or bus/train station (not private transfer)---35
per person per way
Other options to go with Rafting
may require at least overnight stay depending on selection
Activity
Rate per person
Minimum participant
Tubing (2 hour)
58
2
Nightwalk (1 hour)
58
2
Jungle Trekking (3 hours)
632
Rafflesia Hunt Trek & Rajah Brooke Birdwing Butterfly Tour (half day)
90
4

Optional Riverside Accommodation (Ulu River Lodge)
Ulu River Lodge has 15 basic brick chalets built in a jungle beside the river. The lodges come in a variety of sizes. The smallest room size starts with a minimum beds of 4. Total capacity 132 persons. Electricity, through a generator, is only available from 7pm to 7am.
All chalets are equipped with aircond, fan, and bunk beds with mattress, pillow, and blanket. 12 of the chalets have private bathrooms and toilets. The remaining 3 unit of large size chalets share a common bath and toilet area.
Gopeng Ulu River Lodge. Room size depending on your group size
RM165 per person per night (Minimum 2 person)
Includes 1 night fan accommodation (quad share chalet or dormitory) with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Here is 2 days 1 night promotion at Ulu River Lodge which includes accommodation, meals and rafting + 3 other activities!
Alternatively, If you are seeking better accommodation comfort but still wanting to remain in a jungle setting, we can arrange all inclusive adventure package and the luxurious Adeline Villas. Rates will be significantly higher.
Itinerary
*Times are approximations. Schedule may change when onsite due to delays from late guest arrivals, crowded participation, weather, and unforeseen onsite transfers issues.
A. Rafting Only Itinerary
0930 Meet guide after Gopeng toll then convoy to parking location
1000 Transfer to put in point, passing by kampung village before reaching Gopeng Nature Resort(15minutes).
Sign indemnity form and insurance papers. Put on white water rafting equipment, safety briefing and rafting technique will be given by river guide.

1015 Rafting commences. Covering the distance of 12 km with 9 rapids along the way. Rafting journey takes around 1 ½ - 2 hours.
1200 Arrive at the ending point for lunch (Set Menu Lunch). Lunch completed, a van transfer back to your car
END
B. Rafting & Caving Itinerary
C. Rafting & Waterfall Abseil Itinerary, please replace waterfall abseil where caving activity is performed

0930 Meet guide after Gopeng toll then convoy to parking location. Transfer to rafting start point. Sign indemnity form and insurance papers. Put on white water rafting equipment, safety briefing and rafting technique will be given by river guide.

1015 Rafting commences. Covering the distance of 12 km with 9 rapids along the way (depending on water level). Rafting journey takes around 1 ½ - 2 hours.

1200 Arrive at the ending point for lunch (Set Menu Lunch). Maintain wet clothing

1300 start caving at Tempurung or Kandu cave
1500 clean up and return to your transport.
END
*For Tempurung Cave, we may not be permitted to go underground passages by park officials if water level is too high on event date. Kandu Cave may be the alternative. No refunds.
What does it include?
English speaking Guides/trainers for activities selected, Equipment for activities selected (helmet provided for caving and waterfall abseil), safety equipment, meals as stated
What does it exclude?
Flashlight/Torchlight for caving. Suggest to bring a waterproof tough torchlight; handheld with wrist strap.
Photography - A guide will provide photography along the rafting adventure. You will be shown the digital images at the end of the run and if you wish to take home a CD, please discuss rates with the guide.
What do I need to wear/bring? 
Wear light breathable clothing, shorts is fine. Quick dry material is advantageous. Hat and sunglasses is optional. Strapped sandals or dive booties are excellent choices although sports shoes are fine too.
Bring a change of clothes, towel, insect-repellent, sun-block lotion, torchlight/headlamp (caving), spare set of batteries, toiletries, personal medication and pocket money. This can be safely kepted in your car boot. Car keys can be handed to the guide for safe keeping
Best time to visit
Year round. Usually dry period between March and August but this may vary.
Just check with us on availability.
Getting here
A drive from Ipoh to Gopeng is approximately 30minutes.
From Kuala Lumpur (KL) to  Gopeng, it takes approximately 2 hours. 
Go north to Ipoh on PLUS highway. Look out for Gopeng exit 135 (after Tapah Exit). T-junction turn right to go Gopeng town. You will drive through 1 set of traffic lights and within few minutes you will be in Gopeng.Lookout for police station on right handside at town area, turn right into road after the police station. At the end, there is a small row of commercial shops, park there and a guide will be waiting.
Overland transfer from KL or Ipoh can be arranged upon request at additional charge.
Getting to Gua Tempurung
Take the North-South PLUS Expressway and exit at the Gopeng Toll Plaza. From the plaza, turn left (southwards) towards Kampar. Drive for about 5 km before turning left and driving a further 2 km to reach Gua Tempurung. There are signboards to help you find the way.
For further information log on website :
http://whoaadventures.com/package/kampar-itik-river-whitewater-rafting-gopeng

Day trip to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Lanchang, Pahang

Author


Day Trip to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary at Lanchang.

 

 

    General Information               

  • Also known as Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary or Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre.
  • Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is about 98km from Kuala Lumpur and it can be reached in  1 1/2 hour drive via Lebuhraya Karak.
  • The centre is set up to rehabilitate abandoned and injured wild elephants before they are released back to their wild natural habitat.  They also help to relocate wild elephants that come into conflict with village fields and plantations to other safer areas.
  • The entrance is free of charge but all visitors are required to register at the Visitor Registration & Information building.  Donation is encouraged for the Elephant Trust Fund.
  • It is opened daily from 8.30am-4.30pm except on the first day of Hari Raya Puasa but the scheduled activities only start from 1pm-4.30pm.  So the best time to arrive at the centre is around 12 noon to avoid waste of time.
  •  
 

    Things To Do

  • Watch their 30-min video presentation on "The Plight of The Homeless Elephant".  There are a few scheduled video presentation starting from 1pm.
  • Learn more facts about elephants from the display at the exhibition hall.
  • Get up close with the wild elephants by feeding them bananas and peanuts sold at the stall.
  • Have a short ride on the wild elephants.  Number of riders is limited to about 100 pax per day on first come first serve basis.  So need to register at the Visitor Registration  for ride ticket.
  • Splash yourself in the nearby river and experience the thrill of bathing the wild elephants in the river under supervision of the elephants' skilled trainers.   The bathing activity might be cancelled if the water level of the river is high.
  • There will be a short show showing simple tricks done by the elephants.
 
 

    Useful Tips/Suggestions

  • Dress casually and comfortably because it can get very hot in the afternoon.  Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and plenty of water.  There are a few big trees and wooden huts for shade.
  • You can bring your own food and drinks because there is not much choice in the sanctuary.  There is a small café inside and some little stalls selling drinks.  You can find a few warongs outside the sanctuary entrance.
  • The elephant sanctuary is very popular during weekend and school holidays.  So for those who wish to avoid the crowd, they better plan for a weekday trip.
  • Bring a change of clothes and towel (full set) because you will get wet in the bathing activity.  Proper restrooms are available for shower and change.
  • Stop by at  Deerland next to the elephant sanctuary to see wild animals like deers, sunbear, snake, hedgehog, peacocks etc.  Open Sat-Thurs 10.30am-5.30pm.  Entrance fees are RM10 for adult and RM5 for children.
 
 
 
 

Elephant Skull.

Comparing size of Asian elephant with mammoth.

Fascinating exhibits in the exhibition hall



Young wild elephants roaming freely in open field with fence.





 
Friends greeting each other :)




 
Say cheese....



Come and feed me :)



They love bananas!



Special experience for kids.




Wild elephants with their respective trainers.




Getting ready for show.









 
Yummy papaya!  Feeding time after the show.




Overall Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is a fun and educational family outing.  Kids enjoyed the activities very much and treasured the opportunity to get up close with wild elephants. 

 




Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary
Kuala Gandah,
28500 Lanchang,
Pahang.
Tel: +609-2790391
Website: http://www.myelephants.org/


GPS coordinate : 3˚ 35’34.4”N and 102˚ 08’37.7”E

From Kuala Lumpur proceed to the Karak Highway and then to the East Coast Highway.
Take Exit 816 to Lanchang.
Follow the signboard to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary at the T-junction.

For further information log on website :
http://klshortgetaway.blogspot.my/2013/06/day-trip-to-kuala-gandah-elephant.html

UK Farm Agro Resort, Kluang, Johor


 

2D1N Stay at UK Farm Agro Resort, Kluang.

 

    General Information

  • UK Farm Agro Resort is an agro resort in a fully operational farm and therefore it  provides an authentic farm stay experience.
  • It is about 250km from Kuala Lumpur (KL) and can be reached via North-South Highway in 2 1/2 to 3 hours depends on the traffic. 
  • It is Malaysia's largest goat & sheep farm with 100 acres of grazing land for 4000 sheeps.
  • It consists of sheep farm, ostrich park, mini zoo, mushroom and organic vegetables farm, fruit farm, herb garden and Jakun orang asli village house model.
  • Facilities provided include restaurant, farm mart, souvenir shop, conference room, chalet, dormitory, BBQ area, open stage for performance, camp site , karaoke, beer area and DIY room.
  • 2 types of accommodation are available :  long house chalet and dormitory.  We stayed at the chalet.  Comfortable and clean chalet room with water heater, air conditioner and TV.
  • UK Farm tour is carried out by riding either open-concept mini bus or horse carte.
  • Different day trip or overnight stay packages are available for kindergarten, primary students or family.
      

    Must See

  • Sheep Grazing and Herding - watch flocks of goat and sheep coming out from their pens to graze and then herding back to their pens after finish grazing.  Grazing time is scheduled at 10am, 1pm and 4pm everyday.  It is advised to confirm again with the reception about the grazing and herding schedule.
  • Sunset Viewing - enjoy amazing sunset view over the vast green plain.  Best spot to view sunset in my opinion is the Beer Garden/ Beer Area.  If you are lucky, you might spot hornbill flying by :).


 

    Must Do

  • Visit the sheep pen whereby you can feed  baby goats with dry grass.  Each pack of dry grass costs RM3.  Here, you get to pet and hold a baby goat too if you would like to.
  • Feed baby goats with bottled milk in a separate outdoor pen.  Each bottle of milk costs RM2. You might get to feed free milk if you were there around 5pm when the counter selling was about to close because they normally won't keep the balance of unsold milk and will just feed all of them to the baby goats.
  • Feed ostrich at Ostrich Park.  Ostrich feed costs RM3 each.
  • Light a Good Fortune Lantern or "Kong Ming Deng" and fly it off at night.
  • Make a wish and throw it up onto the Wishing Tree in Mushroom Farm. 
  • Sheep Challenge - try to catch the sheep in 3 minutes and win yourself a secret present.
 

    Must Eat

  • Yummy mushroom snacks and grilled mushroom satay from Mushroom Farm restaurant.  The restaurant also serves vegetarian food.
  • For those who love lamb and mutton, there are a variety of lamb/mutton dishes served at the restaurant next to the reception.  Fresh goat milk and ice cream are sold too.
  •  
 

    Must Buy Souvenirs

  • Passion fruit pickles, passion fruit juice and passion fruit jam sold at the farm mart or souvenir shop.
  • Mushroom sold at Mushroom Farm.

 

    Useful Tips/Suggestions

  • Bring some board games along so that kids won't be bored at night.
  • After checking out the next day, you can stop by at Kluang Rail Coffee at Kluang Railway Station which is just 20 minutes drive away from UK Farm Agro Resort.  The coffee shop is famous for their coffee and toasted bread. Operating hours is from 7am-12pm and 2.30pm-6pm, closed on Thursday.

 

    Others

  • Other activities available are horse riding, archery and DIY sessions for t-shirt, cap, kite, etc.
  • Night life activities - BBQ for big group or upon request, karaoke, light Good Fortune Lantern or "Kong Ming Deng".
  • We were told that sometimes fireflies can be spotted at Mushroom Farm at night.  We didn't go because it was too dark there.
  • Herb Sanctuary has over 100 species of herbs.  You get to taste hot stevia tea free of charge here.  Roselle drink is sold at RM2 each.
UK Farm Agro Resort Main Entrance


 
 
The Wishing Goat - Good Luck Goat from Indonesia
 
 
  



Open-concept Mini Bus for farm tour




Adventurous ride on a horse carte




 
Long House Chalet
 



 
Long and comfortable balcony outside room
 
Pretty flowers from trees planted in front of chalet
 

 

Grazing Time! Hooray!
 



Beautiful sky match well with beautiful landscape.

Flocks of sheep will herd back to their pens through this small road.
 





Amazing sunset over the vast green plain
 





Perfect spot for sunset viewing

Sheep Pen where you can feed and pet them.

 

Feeding milk.

Elegant looking ostrich :)
 

 
 

Setting "Kong Ming Deng" up into the sky for the first time!
 
 
 
View from top of treehouse at Mushroom Farm.
 

Treehouse at Mushroom Farm.
 



The Wishing Tree at Mushroom Room.
 
Hope every wish will come true :)



Triangle shape pineapple.
 
Lemongrass at Organic Vegetables Farm.
 


 

Sweet potatoes plant.
 










Sheep Challenge area, Mini Zoo and Archery area.

The mini zoo houses birds and animals like peacocks, turkey, chicken, rabbit, monkey, hedgehog, duck and geese.




15 acres of passion fruit farm with an on-site passion fruit manufacturing factory.
 


 
 
Jakun Village features Orang Asli Treehouses, Hunting Traps and breathtaking blow pipe performance by orang asli.
Each visitor will be given a free souvenir here.


Pineapples planted along both sides of the road in the farm.
 





Relax on the swing and enjoy greenery view in front.


 
Open stage for performance and BBQ area.








Overall, UK Farm Agro Resort is a memorable farm stay with beautiful sceneries and fun activities for both young and old. 

A nice and short getaway from Kuala Lumpur for some fresh air and view and experience!

Day trip from Kuala Lumpur is possible if your journey starts early in the morning.

 

For tour enquiry, please write to :
  
UK AGRO RESORT
Plot 8,
Project Pertanian Moden Kluang,
KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat,
86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
  
Tel:+607-759 7555
 +607-759 5018
 +607-759 5991
Fax:+607-759 7991
H/P :+6013-778 7235
Website:www.ukfarm.com.my
Email:info@ukfarm.com.my
GPS Coordinates: N02 01.109
E103 13.117

For further information log on website :
http://klshortgetaway.blogspot.my/2013/06/uk-farmagro-resort-kluang-johor.html

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fasting for Runners

Author BY   ANDREA CESPEDES  Food is fuel, especially for serious runners who need a lot of energy. It may seem counterintuiti...