Klang Gates Dam trail - Rating 2.3

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After last Sunday's easy hike, another nice and easy hike but... on Saturday. This time we will wander in the Gombak Forest Reserve.

This hike will follow a wide track in the beginning, which will become more narrow and eventually it leads us down to the lake.

Be prepared however because you will be completely exposed to the elements, in this case the sun or rain, due to the absence of foliage during the first half of the hike.

On the other hand this makes the hike so attractive as you have a beautiful panorama over the mountains of the Titiwangsa range that surround the lake. And Genting Highlands pops up proudly in the middle of the picture.

There are a few steep sections, but hardly worth mentioning it. The lake itself will be our turning point, but we don't follow exactly the same way back. We will turn right towards Tabur and there the track provides more shade and offers a nice jungle walk with lots of wild boars.

The final descent will lead us through an orang asli settlement with very friendly people. From then on it is only a few hundred meters to the car park, using a tarred road.

This is for sure one of the easiest hikes that has ever been scheduled, so absolutely suited for beginners. However physical fitness is still recommended as we will be hiking for at least 2 to 3 hours. Please also read the “Beginners” hike message on the message board to avoid all misunderstandings...

Hopefully carpooling can be arranged and pick-up places will depend on the residence of the participants. If you have confirmed your participation, and only if you have answered ALL the questions, I will send you a link so you can consult and edit the carpooling details. Those who are looking for a ride have to contact a driver in their neighbourhood, not the other way around! For this hike, the carpooling fee is fixed at RM10.00 per passenger. Passengers, please don't wait for your driver to ask for the fee...

IMPORTANT: When you confirm your participation you will be asked for 1- your mobile phone number and e-mail address 2- your location (eg USJ 11) 3- whether you need transport 4- whether you, as a driver, are willing to participate in the carpooling and how many people can travel along with you 5- your own perceived hiking level (beginner, less-experienced, medium, experienced) as this will aid us organising a safe hike.

Those who participated in earlier hikes and have given the information requested sub 1 and 2 can ignore the first two questions, but still need to answer the next three questions.

It would be nice if you could change the hometown in your profile to the location of your residence (eg USJ 11, Damansara Perdana, SS 7, Sentul, Seksyen 5 Shah Alam, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Ampang, etc...). This will make carpooling efforts much easier.

Besides the classical hiking tips, please note the following:

wear shoes with profile (a pattern on the soles to prevent slipping and gliding); adidas kampung is okay to start with...

rain gear is recommended

swimming gear and a towel - if you have a float/life jacket, bring it along we don't have to cross any streams

a pair of gloves doesn't weigh that much (mud)

bring enough drinks and snacks (carbohydrates). For this trip a bottle of isotonic drinks is recommended. Dried fruits are preferred over chocolate... Proper nutrition will be a key to your success!

leech protection will be advisable

please be responsible and don't litter – be sure not to leave any rubbish along the track and at the lake

Closing date: If you confirm your participation before Thursday 23/02/12 - 7:00pm we will try to accommodate carpooling if you are in need of transport.

Likely schedule:

10:00am Meet at Main Entrance of Zoo Negara - MRR2 - http://maps.google.com.my/maps/ms?msid=206718106192794761901.0004b9766738783afe175&msa=0&ll=3.209461,101.757517&spn=0.01189,0.013797

10:15am Set off to Kampung Kemensah

10:30am Start hiking

11:30am - 12:00pm Reach lake

12:30pm - 01:00pm Start return hike

02:30pm - 03:00pm Drive back to KL

Hike rating:

Height: 2

Terrain: 2

Distance: 3

Average: 2.3

More info on the rating system can be found in Mark's post on the Message Board (hover over Discussions on the website)

View Zoo Negara (http://maps.google.com.my/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=206718106192794761901.0004b9766738783afe175&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=3.207318,101.75565&spn=0,0&source=embed) in a larger map