Lady luck was on our side. The rain stopped as we approached checkpoint 6. Also known as Checkpoint 6 Bonsai, the setting was like a bonsai garden enveloped by short and dense trees. Wild pitcher plants were seen along the track until the two storey high rocks. Sure, it was scary but safe. If you dare, have a look behind and witness the 180-degree panoramic view. The feeling of being above all the trees was exhilarating.
Then suddenly, we heard an excited yell “We’ve done it!”. The group ahead of us reached the peak of the mountain. We wasted no precious seconds and joined them. Finally, Gunung Ledang rewarded us with a 360-degree view of the peak. The sweat and rain that we endured were forgotten instantaneously. The serene clouds and tree tops added to the beauty of Gunung Ledang that we could not resist taking more photos.
What goes up must come down! Hiking down from the peak was as challenging as scaling up. Wet leaves and muddy track caused some of us to lose our footing.
A few of us decided to break away from the group, enticed by the adventurous side within us. Carried away by the beauty of Gunung Ledang, we decided to go on a quick run. Only to discover we missed the correct track! It dawned upon us that we were lost but we gathered our courage and continued walking hoping to discover a sign that might help us. Out of nowhere, our tired feet brought us to a clear stream and the pool glistened by the sunlight. Various species of fishes were spotted swimming in the crystal-clear river.
The sight of it stopped us in our tracks. What a perfect place for a campsite! There was even a signboard “Kolam Gajah Checkpoint 4”. With the signboard providing the perfect clue, we took out our maps and began identifying the track. What a relief it was to have the map with us, else we’d end up in the news headlines! This time we kept to the track and carefully made our way down. The sight of the park office filled our hearts and aching feet with joy. Our guide marveled when we showed him the crystal clear “Kolam Gajah” photo as the “Kolam” would normally be murky. We felt a secret contentment in getting lost because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t have discovered such a beautiful place. The Puteri Ledang just wanted to reward us with her beautiful pool. After all we believe it is a blessing in disguise!
We felt a secret contentment in getting lost because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t have discovered such a beautiful place.
