Endau Rompin (Peta) National Park

It was only a short trip, but it felt long... for there was no end to a day, even as the night fell. I was reprimanded by my mom upon my return, for there was no reception there and I was virtually uncontactable (or is it incontactable?).

It was this year's Sungei Buloh/NParks Conservation Division's training-outing (we went to Pulau Kukup last year); Su Hooi was kind enough to schedule it so that I would be able to go as well.

Seven hours on the road... coach up to Kahang and then 4WD or van through the plantations, and the rickety ride through the thick forest, its rivers, and the kampongs of the native Orang Asli. My bum was bumped sore.

Endau Rompin, on the Johor-Pahang border, is a 49 000 ha piece of untouched lowland rainforest, home to more than 230 species of birds, 180 species of butterflies and all the big mammals - tigers, elephants, rhinos, tapirs, and monkeys. We didn't venture deep and long enough to see any of these, but we did saw, along the way, deposits of elephant dung. In the first afternoon we provided with local guides who pointed out all the interesting plants and features of the environment. They spoke in Malay, and from among our volunteers we supplied our own interpreters. Still, there were some who were not so much botanists as they were (faunal) naturalists, and strayed away from the core group to explore on their own. I was with the latter, and by doing so we found many more interesting animals.

I enjoyed the night walk. Total darkness... the sounds of the forest - the chirps of the cicadas... crickets, the croaks of frogs, the water flowing through the streams. With our torches we scrutinised the bark of every tree for forest geckos and invertebrates. Some others made frequent stops to check their feet and legs for the bloodthirsty leeches. Before we went for the walk the one of the locals advised us, "If you see red eyes, don't panic. If you see green lights, it's ok." He was referring to the tigers... but we were told that nothing unpleasant has ever happened before so we were boldened.

We didn't see much on that first walk, probably 'cos we were focusing more on keeping our footing rather than what could be found around us. We did see fireflies - how mystical they are! Floating dots of light, disappearing and appearing among the foliage - and many harvestmen. And a dead snake.

Some others went for a second round, but Thiha and I decided to go frog-hunting. It was easier (perhaps not so the terrain but the chances of success of finding something interesting). We were joined by Robert later, and together we found more than seven species of frogs. There was a special treat too! A pair of treefrogs were mating... in the thick of action... and an hour later they were producing lots of foam and the female laid her eggs.

Haunted by the gigantic whizzing mozzies at night, we went to sleep.

We trekked... and trekked... early the next morn, though our journey was made faster (and easier) with the help of a van which shuttled us a bit of the way. Fabulous location and time for birding. Added a few more lifers to my list (I'm missing lots of forest birds) - Scarlet Minivet, Black-naped Monarch, Red-billed Malkoha, a Woodswallow, a Nuthatch, Grey-breated Spiderhunter, Blue-winged Leafbird, and a flycatcher-shrike... among others. Saw lots of butterflies - again, many species new to me.

We arrived at the Kuala Jasin Waterfall, where three different major rivers met. Beautiful scenery... dominated by rock formations which date back some 248 million years. Hordes of butterflies on a coast along the other side made for an excellent photo opportunity. I only wished we could stay there longer.

Pics to come.

posted by Husky @ 9/26/2005 07:45:00 AM  |