Day hike at Templer park

 

The swimming pool at Templer park before the start of the jungle trail

Its been months after my camping trip with Paul and JC at Lata Hammer before I manage to squeeze time for a day hike at Templer park. I cannot remember when was the last time I visited this park but there were a few very distinct features about it that I can remember. One being this very eye sore swimming pool. Its still there but in deplorable shape (what else is new). 

Templer park is in Rawang and it is quite a drive from where I am in Puchong. Like myself, JC prefers to start early. We agreed to meet at the carpark at 8am. So, by 615am, I was already on the way, wanting to avoid the early morning traffic crawl in Puchong. My plan was to head off early, stop along the way (close to Templer park) and pack lunch. 

I started driving before 6am actually!

No Nasi Lemak in sight!

Its ridiculous. there is not one stall or shop open along the way to Templer park. Once I drove pass the Selayang wet market, the road turned dark...in a creepy way with only scattered apartments and housing areas here and there. I slowed my driving...hoping to find a place to pack breakfast and lunch. I kept driving and before I know it....the GPS navigator on the phone told me to make a U turn to Templer park. I remember thinking myself...no way I wanna do this day hike to Templer park without any food. No joy in that! So, I continued driving, went on the elevated highway and headed into Serendah town. Once on the elevated highway, there is no U-turn till turn offs (FYI)

Good thing folks in small town wakes up early. 

This place in Serendah starts early! Got my food here- pic taken off Google Maps

Met a new friend at Templer park 

Meet Rimba! Now the official guide dog for Templer

The first to greet me at the carpark at Templer park was this gorgeous dog Rimba (JC thought of the name). Mostly white, she came towards me cautiously but at the same time the wagging tail gave her away. She was excited to see me, for which I assume it is because human means food to her. I put out my hand and immediately she went for a bow, skipped around and came for a pat. That tiny whisper in me...maybe...who knows she may follow us on our walk. All I had on me was some 'eu char koew' from Serendah town. Gave some to her which she initially does not seem to be interested but later finished anyways. 

Hiking into Templer park waterfall

The 'mini' waterfall, just up from the swimming pool

Many may not know that there is a bigger and higher waterfall at Templer park. To get there, one would need to hike about 45 minutes following a jungle trail. Alternatively, there is this small waterfall just above the 'swimming pool'. It really is enough for those who just want a place to chill without the hassle of hiking through dense jungle trail with hoards of leeches. 

Myself and JC (now with Rimba tagging along) is looking to find the jungle trail and find the waterfall. I am not crazy about waterfalls but it does give an 'aim'...a target of sort to get to. The jungle trail starts off on a clear path but not long after, it narrows up and some parts the trail gets cut off by fallen trees and undergrowth. It does feel like no one have been here for some time. 

Trail started off like this...

Soon turned into this

While the trail is overgrown and some parts detours are necessary, the damage and destruction left by human is really saddening. Rubbish everywhere, bamboo structures built and left to rot with plastic rafia strings still in tact. I am gonna point my finger at scout group or some uniform body cause I cannot imagine who else with the right mind would want to built ridiculous bamboo structures.

An eye sore along the trail at Templer park...note the tripod like structure at the back

We had a lot of leeches on this trail. Rimba was not spared. I can tell she is an experienced jungle dog. She went into the river and stood/ rested on sandy river banks whenever she can. Both places has no leeches. Rimba's presence on the hike made it much more pleasant and fun. She knew the trail. Occasionally, she would race off trail and went sniffing around. Maybe she was on a game scent of something but she will always get back to us. 

We arrived at the upper falls after about 1 hour slow walk. I was never there for the waterfall, hence did not bother to take a picture. We were the only ones on the trail in that day. Some parts of the trail was tricky, many 'junctions'. I doubt if one will get lost...but maybe frustrated of having to back track. A parang to clear a bit of the trail was helpful. 

Starting fire in the wet jungle

Loving this parang from Old Man Sarawak

Wet jungle full of leeches makes fire starting difficult but even more necessary. Good thing I brought the parang I bought from Old Man Sarawak. Its my most carried parang these days. It stays sharp, chops comfortably and has a very nice length for general trail and camping use. I did bring my mini gas stove but nothing beats the smell of burning wood and the feeling of having a fire in the jungle. Took a while to get it going but eventually it did. At least I did not embarrass myself in front of JC. Good thing I had my fire starting kit with me on the parang. It consists of a lighter and some old inner motorbike tire tube. This kit needs to be updated. Gonna swap the lighter and probably carry solid fuel in a small container in the future to start fire. Would make fire starting way easier.

Gotta make that 'smoky' cuppa

Concluding our day hike at Templer park

We spent about an hour (I think) by the river. Mostly chatting, taking pics, watching Rimba tend to her leech wounds and also eating our meals. We of course shared some food with dear Rimba. I had a fried egg in my lunch. Rinsed it in the river and she finished it instantly. Perhaps worried that I may change my mine. Full bellies, satisfied with a nice day our hiking...we slowly made our way out. Just before coming out of the jungle, I stopped to keep away the parang that is still hanging on my waist. Wearing a parang walking out with the possibility of many people seeing it may attract too many questions and suspicion maybe. Or maybe not. In any case, the attention is not necessary. Rimba followed us all the way to the carpark where she quickly turned her attention to other humans who may have more food for her. Way to go Rimba! Street smart. It was a really good day hike at Templer park.