hike to muka head

My friends and I had our ambition high lately. We decided to go all the way to Muka Head Lighthouse. None of us has been there before. And it is the furthest among all the hikes - 4.2 km (besides Teluk Kampi which we dunno what and where is it).

After all the discussion of who is going, where to meet, what time to meet, who's driving, what to bring.... 10 of us decided to PUSH THE LIMIT!! They are Ranjini, Karen, PeiShing, LipHoo, SookChen, KangLeng, Neoh, XiangTing, Lean and me!

group photo before starting our journey @ Taman Negara

Along the way, PeiShing classified our journey is like an ACCA journey.

It first began with CAT. The first 4 papers. The route is flat and smooth and can be easily walked pass.

Then the road become a little rough and sloppy. But still managable.

Then we reached the first beach. But we dont know what izzit called. =P USM Marine is located there. FIRST PART CONQUERED!!

The route then became tougher! Lots of rocks at certain parts. Sometimes we even needed rope to climb up or down. Just like ACCA Fundamental Papers.

And as for myself, I always love this part. Not the toughness but the friendship found at this part. Friends helping each other, holding on to each other, supporting each other! Trust in friendship strengthen. :)

After quite a long while going up and down, we reached the next destination - Monkey Beach!! (without monkeys!). ACCA Fundamental Papers conquered by helping each other!

@ Monkey Beach

It wasnt a very sunny morning today. We even worried if it would rain and our plan would have to be cancelled. Thank god it doesnt rain!!

Monkey Beach was also quiet today. No tourist at all when we reached at about 10.15am!

After taking some rest and photos. We decided to continue our journey to our destination, Muka Head! We werent sure of the direction at first but managed to meet some police stationed there. He told us that it would be another 1 hour of hike to Muka Head.

All of us went "!!!!!!!". We were actually quite tired already but after encouraging each other, we decided to reach our aim - Muka Head!

The third part is really the toughest. At first there was little uphill steps.

But the steps continued and the slopes became more slanting. We were slowly dying of exhaustion but the steps continued and continued..... when we reach the first rest pondok, most of us (especially the girls) were really exhausted.

Some wanted to give up as we were only 15 minutes from the 1 hour hike to Muka Head. Some suggested that we should head back to Monkey Beach and just chill by the beach. Some suggested that those who wants to hike would hike up and later meet back at Monkey Beach. Some mentioned that their heart was beating very strong and could've sworn heart attack is just minutes away. It was really THAT tiring.

But luckily we managed to encourage each other to keep going on. We say we shouldn't just give up. We promised to take enough rest at each stop so that we would gain our energy.

Again, this step is just like ACCA Professional Paper. The toughest route. Friends are there to support. But it is so tough that one could just die. It takes lots of courage to continue to journey! One must have determination to reach the ending. LOL I'm exaggerating.. but really k!! Taking ACCA and the stress it gives. T_T

Anyway, back to hiking.

We rested and the next pondok.. and the following pondok, encouraging each other that we are nearer and nearer towards Muka Head! So we hiked up and up....

Then suddenly, PeiShing the one at the front shouted "OIIII JALAN MATI LAAAAA". I, who was behind her went to have a look. Impossible. There's just one route. How could it be a dead end? Muka Head supposed to be the end!!!

True enough it was a gate. Then when I looked closely, it was the gate of the Muka Head Lighthouse!!!!! OUR DESTINATION!!!!

@ Muka Head Lighthouse

We then signed our name at the guestbook! Proof of our determination.

We went up to the lighthouse to and take a view from the top. It was quite windy up there.

Actually we didnt know that Muka Head doesnt have a beach. We thought when we reached Muka Head, we would ride a boat back to Taman Negara. We were a little disappointed when there is ONLY a lighthouse. But again, on the other hand, we were proud to reach there.

Most of us already ran out or water to drink and wanted to buy some mineral water from the guy living in the lighthouse, but it was RM4 for a 1.5 litre bottle. Furthermore, it wasnt even brand new. The bottles are not sealed. We dare not buy it.

We sat at the pondok located next to the lighthouse and had our little picnic of sandwiches and biscuits. Then the guy offered us a bottle of free 1.5 litre bottle. At first, we were quite worried how the water would turned out to be. But after a while, we decided to risk it as we were all dehydrated! Life vs Geliness... life won! Luckily the water doesnt tastes weird! Thank you Mr Lighthouse Man for the mineral water!

After a about half an hour at the lighthouse and some food and water to regain back our energy, we headed back to Monkey Beach. It only took us less than half an hour downhill, rather than one hour uphill. Look at our happy faces when we reached Monkey Beach.

We called Pak Atan (the boat service) for the boat ride. We then just sat down and chilled at the beach.

We left our little mark there too! Hehe couldnt resist.

Pak Atan arrived about 20 minutes later. We had our life jackets on and off we go heading towards Taman Negara.

The boat trip lasted only about 5-10 minutes. And we used about 2 hours to reach monkey beach? Ahhhh technology and its wonder. RM50 for the 10 of us.

We get ourselves cleaned up in the toilet. Washed the sands off our feet. KangLeng even bathed!! LOL

Then we headed for a curry mee / laksa lunch at Tanjung Bungah!

Before we bid farewell, one of the guy said "LET'S HIKE UP TO PENANG HILL NOW!!". All of us went =.=''

Wonderful memorable trip to be remembered!!


p.s. - more pictures on my facebook :)