Guide of Malaysia

Highland and mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:17:00 +0800

If you visited Pahang, the largest state in West Malaysia do visited their popular high land.I highly recommended you to visit the most popular high land destinations in Pahang.

The cool air and the fun activities in these places will provide you with lots of relaxations.

Cameron Highland

This is still one of the best places to get away from the busy city life among the Malaysian. The freshness from the cool air is really refreshing, unwinding the mind. 1829 meter above sea level, the place has an excellent temperature for tea growing, vegetables and fruits. You will get to see vast land of tea plantation across the land and only the top part of tea leaves are plucked, which is said to be the best part of the plant for making tea.Visit their site here

Genting Highland

Slightly higher than Cameron Highlands, Genting Highland is the most popular highland destination in Pahang. It has got a wide range of hotels for tourist to choose. Genting Highland is popular because it is the only highland casino in Malaysia and they are also popular with their Theme Parks.Developed by Resort World Bhd, it has been popular as a "City of Entertainment" where they have a lot of fun activities to be offered. As for me, I only fascinated with the refreshing cool air.You can check more here

Fraser's Hill

Even though is just a hill as compare to the mountains in Pahang, Fraser's Hill has always been a place for me for spiritual tranquility. From the balcony of most of the resorts, you often will see a vast greenery ahead of you and colorful birds flying across the forest.This colonial-era hill station was named after Louis James Fraser, a Scotsman who prospected for gold in Australia but eventually struck tin here instead in the 1890s.

Bukit Tinggi

If you have been to French before you may like to experience it again in this little classic French-themed resort on the hill. Sipping a cup of espresso outside your balcony within the French styled designed resort enjoying the view of fresh, cool surrounding is a luxury of peace and tranquility.Developed by Berjaya Group of companies, it has been attracted Malaysians to experience the essence of different culture of the world in one destination. Visit their site here

Teluk Intan Leaning Tower

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:29:00 +0800

Most of us know the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, you can find in Perak too.Not copy or built purposely to tilt, the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower , a clock tower is built in 1885 by a Chinese, Leong Choon Choong. The pagoda like tower was used to as a covered water tank for the Teluk Intan residents, it was later then used by Japanese as an observation tower during World War II and later a Boy's Scouts' headquarters.

It started to tilt towards Jalan Bandar of about 1.8m between 1889 and 1895. Today, remains as it is, you can hear the chimes from the tower as far 8km twice every 15 minutes. Especially on Wednesday, you will get to see the caretaker who will wind up the clock and doing some maintaining works for the tower.

This is one of the history building that still preserved for our kids to know and learn.

Malaysia's 4WD Adventure (Rainforest Challenge)

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 01:08:00 +0800

Adventuring and exploring Malaysia's rain forest become one of the favorite activities among Malaysian now day. Driving a 4 Wheel Drive engine become popular now day and therefor is much easier for them to explore more in Malaysian jungle. It is different from those days where only people who involved in construction field like to use these vehicle but today it has become hobbies to many Malaysian. Owning a 4WD or 4x4 not just for construction use or to carry heavy load but also for traveling off road in Malaysian jungle. They even have a yearly event for 4WD enthusiasts around the world to explore and challenge in Malaysia's rainforest such as Rain Forest Challenge (RFC).

Rain Forest Challenge (RFC) was initiated in year 1997 and the event normally held between November and December every year. Why November or December? The wind and rain of the North East Monsoon normally falls on these two months, it has been an advantage to the event to become more challenging to the participants. A tropical secondary jungle environment is such that the existing and/or disused logging tracks can turn into formidable obstacles during the rainy season. A single day's thunderstorm of high water will further make sure the event become more challenging. The heavy rain will obliterate the tyre tracks left by the convoy and therefor the environment will not be the issue. The participants are also abide by strict jungle code to ensure the eco-system preserved.

With competitors and press from 30 countries, this assembly of 4x4 vehicles and enthusiasts from North and South America, Africa and Europe will be sharing friendship, teamwork and camaraderie as well as giving their best to win the prestigious Individual Champion, Team Champion, Team Spirit Award, Jungle Man, Most Unique 4x4, Environment Award and Special Awards.

The Rain Forest Challenge was awarded the Top Ten Most Spectacular Sports Tourism Event by the Ministry of Tourism & Ministry of Youth & Sports of Malaysia and the Most Countries Participation in a 4x4 Event by Malaysia Book of Records.

On 5th to 14 December 2008,Malaysia will be flooded by 4WD enthusiasts around the world. Held in Terengganu, they will be again mentally and physically tested to endure the challenge.

To participate in Rain Forest Challenge (RFC) 2008 click here

Exploring Taman Negara in 4WD

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:54:00 +0800

For those 4WD enthusiast who like adventure in 4WD, Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan also offering such activities.

August 8, 2008 arrived at Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan for offroad trips with Pajero BLACKWIND Club. Click here for the trips.

Pangkor Island

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:04:00 +0800

The name 'Pangkor' was told been originated from Thai word Pang Ko meaning "beautiful island". Lying of Perak on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this tranquil island offer white sandy beaches and charming fishing villages.

Pangkor main attraction are the wonderful beaches for you to enjoy sunbathing and recreational activities such as bird watching.

But for me, I prefer to visit the fishing villages to learn their daily activities and at the same time enjoying the nice and beautiful scenery especially during sunset

Accomodation, no problem as there are many hotels, resorts and chalets for tourist to enjoy their beautiful night.

Here some info for your reference

Tourism Malaysia
Pangkor Website

Malaysia Celebrating 51th Independance Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 23:10:00 +0800

This year Malaysia celebrating 51th Independence day with harmonious among the Malaysian. The date of 31st August, is the day Malaysia gained its independence from British.

Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake)

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:48:00 +0800

This time, I want to introduce to you the Kenyir Lake which is reputed to be one of the largest and most fascinating man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covering an area of 260,000 ha, it is also Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam.

Located approximately 55km from Kuala Terengganu in the East of Peninsular of Malaysia, it provides a tranquil and serene environment. You can enjoy jungle trekking, rafting, kayaking or fresh water fishing.

When the area was submerged by water, most of the hill peaked out above the water level, creating a wonderful assortment of 340 islands with waterfalls, river and rapids.

The highest peak in Kenyir Lake is Mount Chergau with an elevation of 4,514 feet above sea level.

Water transport is the most important mode of travel in Kenyir Lake.
Staying in a Houseboat is the best experience. If you are an angler this is the best mode of transportation where you can explore the lake and having a fresh water fish cooked for you.

Comfortable lakeside chale accommodation is availabe besides chalet on the island or floating chalet if these are your preference. Just a bit info for you. Do enjoy the lake adventure!

Read more

Langkawi - Island of legends

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:49:00 +0800

Famed for its intriguing legends and myths, Langkawi teems with tales of princesses, ogres, gigantic birds, heroic warriors, epic ancient battles, love and romance. The duty free paradise of Langkawi offers everything from pristine white sandy beaches to 5 star hotels, majestic views of mist-covered mountains, lush jungle with monkeys swinging through the treetops, monitor lizards sunning themselves down to magnificent golf courses- just a brief introduction of this island.

But for me this beautiful island is much more interesting if you can explore the islands or just explore the Machinchang Cambrian which is Geoforest Parks hosts the oldest geogical formation in Malaysia. Important geosites include Teluk Datai , Pantai Tengkorak, Tanjung Buta/Pulau Jemuruk and Tanjung Sabung.

The are many choice when staying in this island, you can choose to stay at 5 Star hotels, resorts, chalet or if you interested in learning and mix with the local citizen culture just book for their Home Stay Program such as Pulau Tuba Home Stay where there are 30 houses registered under this program.

Langkawi also had hosted an international events such as Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) which normally scheduled in December.

For traveling around the island either you hire the local people as your tourist guide or just rent a car or motorcycle.

Read more about Langkawi Adventure here

Here in MY Home

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:32:00 +0800

This lovely music is from Malaysian Artistes for Unity, to share with us the lovely Malaysia within their lyrics and melody.

Survival Video

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:20:00 +0800

This video was taken from Man Vs Wild by Discovery Channel

Enjoy and learn

What you can explore here!

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:52:00 +0800

Start to see, feel, you will like it and enjoy, at the end of journey they become a memorable journey ever to you.

click here for more info

Rainforest sound of nature

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:44:00 +0800

How to relax your body and mind? Listen to Rainforest sound of Nature.Heal your mind with sound of nature, the sound to make you mind relax at the maximum point so the brain can think at the optimum.

Just click either one of the above video to relax your mind, and enjoy your surfing.

Just think and feel you are in the rainforest itself!

Welcome to Sarawak

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:31:00 +0800

Would you like to befriend an orang-utan? Learn to use a blowpipe? Or maybe get married in a traditional tribal ceremony? You could do it all in one day in Sarawak. Perched on the northwestern edge of the exotic island of Borneo, Sarawak is laterally quite unlike any other place on earth.

Start your holiday by spending a day or two in the capital-Kuching. Here the Sarawak Tourist Association (STA), or the Visitors Information Centre (which also houses the National Park and Wildlife Booking Office) will provide you with all the brochures and advice you need to plan your stay.

You'll find an astonishing variety of things to tempt you. Wonders of the natural world. A rich and fascinating history. A patchwork quilt of more than thirty different ethnics groups. And also long, sandy beaches for water sports or more traditional beach holidays.

Despite being home to the world's oldest rainforest, travel around Sarawak is easy. Tourist are welcome everywhere and the people are all very friendly. English is widely spoken although the national language is Malay. So, SELAMAT DATANG (Welcome)

Orang Utan Preservation

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sat, 3 May 2008 19:00:00 +0800

Preservation of endangered species of Orang Utan has become as part of the commitment of Malaysian Government. The Orang Utan preservation Center at Sepilok is one of the center established.

How To Build A Fire When It's Wet

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:16:00 +0800

How To Build A Fire When It's Wet

When you are going out for an adventure with nature, there is one thing that you will optimally need - fire. Fire will give you warmth and comfort as you sleep during the night. It will also give you the light necessary to move around the campsite effortlessly. Fire burning rapidly can also protect you against wild animals because they tend to stay away from it.

Fire is really important and it is quite easy to build a campfire, but not if it has rained and the ground is wet. You might encounter problems big enough to cancel your adventure for another sunny day. But with these tips, you will know how to create fire even though it is wet outside.

1. Be prepared for the weather. Keep matches and chemical fire starters in a dry, secured place. A good fire is hard to build if it has rained, making the rest of your things unusable. You might still find something dry to burn, like tree branches and sticks. The more important thing here is that you have something to start a fire with.

2. Keep a set of clean twigs inside your stove's fuel bottle. Keeping three to four sticks soaked in fuel will light, no matter how rainy it has been. These sticks will start any campfire quite reluctant to blaze.

3. Look for an area protected from moisture. Large trees, big rocks, and other natural structures can shield an area enough for you to start a fire. If you are in a real campsite, look for their enclosed fire pits and use them to build a fire.

4. Bring non-flammable tarps. When all else fails and you really can't find ground dry enough for a campfire, use any non-flammable canvas you brought with you. Lay it on the ground and throw on some usable sticks and twigs and your fire will be ready in a short while.

5. Dig a fire pit. This is most applicable during the winter season when there is snow all around. First, clear all the snow away. If you feel the ground is hard for you to dig, you may use a fire tray or a fire ring instead. So always have these with you.

These are five good tips for making a fire when it's wet. Your outdoor adventure should not stop when it rains. Actually that should just be another challenge for you, especially with your survival skills.

How To Avoid Wild Animals In The Wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:14:00 +0800

If you are a camping enthusiast, there are many things that you have to remember to keep your outing enjoyable and free from any form of danger. The things you have to keep track of are weather, wild plants, and wild animals. As for animals, that's where we can help.

To keep your campsite free from them, here are good tips to follow:

1. Keep your food at bay. Wild animals are drawn to campsites because of the food that you carry. As they smell your food they form the immediate desire to eat. They may approach your campsite in search of that food they smelled and you do not want that to happen. Keep your food in a container and seal it properly so that its aroma won't reach the animals.

2. Don't offer food to the animals. If and when animals do approach your campsite, don't attempt to offer food to them. Squirrels may look cute, but they can create serious damage to your health too. A squirrel can scratch your limbs and even your face as it tries to get the food from you.

3. Don't even think of offering wild animals your leftovers. You might want to be kind to animals and offer them your leftovers. Don't do that. This will just make the animals anticipate more and they might try to visit other campers too. It is better that you dispose of your food properly. Put it in a trashcan with a very secure lid.

4. Lock up your food away from the campsite. If you intend to spend the entire night out, keep your food in a locked container and at least one hundred feet away. This will keep you safe while you sleep.

5. Do not touch wild animals. Whenever you see wild ones passing by, always be on your guard. If your kids are along, explain the risk to them. They might find the animals fascinating, but they can bite and cause injuries as well.

6. Don't aggravate the wild animals. Again, these animals could show up in search for food. The best defense against them is to show that there is no food in your campsite that they can devour. Don't shoo them away with a stick or by throwing stones at them as this might provoke them and cause them to attack you for.

These are the things you have to remember the next time you intend to venture closer to nature. Just follow these tips and you will experience a risk-free nature spree.

Explore your mind

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:16:00 +0800

This picture was taken during my family trip to Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar

What this ant do is how we see and interperate, live in colonies they are together in most of their live activities. Are we together? This picture may be not a good one but the most important about this picture is how it relate to our live. Be a positive interpretor, see and understand that nature is very important to us. What do you think?

Preserving Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sat, 2 Feb 2008 22:26:00 +0800

When many of us think about preserving nature we think of wildlife programs on the television, of cuddly lovable furry animals such as the chimpanzee, the koala bear, panda bears and many others. We also think of the big game of Africa, and the shimmering beauty and amazing diversity of the sea life of our coral reefs. In fact, the understandable popularity of these animals has been such that until recently nature conservation bodies were formed which concentrated almost wholly on such examples of mother nature's most lovable and most amazing creatures, with international bodies like the highly respected World Wildlife Fund fighting to preserve the habitat of these wonderful creatures.

To lose the elephant, for example, or the tiger, or lion to extinction would be for most people an unthinkable loss to mankind our grandchildren and all the generations that follow them, and yet it could happen, and the day that it might happen is closer than most of us think.

Nobody can be sure how many individuals of any particular species are needed to maintain a healthy gene pool, and once there are no longer any animals of a species living in the wild then so much of their behavior is lost. So much of the personality of any wild animal disappears when they are not living in their natural habitat. They are so much a part of the habitat that they have evolved to live in over the untold millennia, that without it man will not fully be able appreciate the animal. Nor, can the individual animal ever fulfill their function or be at one with his environment in the way they would in the wild, no matter how well cared for by their keepers.

So let us not think that zoos will save earth's rare wild creatures over the next hundreds of years. They will do their best, and they will provide specimens for us to see these animals, but we should not see zoos as preventing the loss of wildlife to extinction over many hundreds of years. Zoos are best seen as educational resources that bring city dwellers to understand enough about these wonderful creatures, to take delight in them, and then to care about them and nature generally.

It is only by caring for all of nature, and preserving nature, that mankind will be able to see his place within it, and its importance to man's very existence. When he does, all species will be much better respected and as a result protected, than they are now.

Man has been, and still is experiencing a unique age, an age which has seen the evolution of ever more advanced technologies, which has been powered by the availability of almost limitless cheap fuel. Before the industrial revolution man could only use the earth's current solar energy, the sunshine that shone that year on the crop he ate, and by photosynthesis enabled the plants to grow. The energy he used was from the food they ate (the crop grown that year without chemical fertilizers), and his power came from muscle power - his own, and that of the animals he harnessed to work for him.

The use of fossil fuels changed that, and they changed the way we thought of the world. Man saw himself as apart from and independent of nature, and indeed, we have been. However, there are two reasons why all that will soon change, and they are climate change, and the peaking in the production of oil.

Now, as we know, just what the causes and future effects of climate change might be, are open to wide debate, and we are not about to tackle those in this short article. So let us for a minute consider the peaking in the production of oil alone.

Very few, if anyone at all will question the fact that there will be a limit to the amount of oil which can be extracted from our planet, and that the present production rate of oil is huge. Many oilfields have already been exhausted, and year-by-year geologists simply go looking for new reserves. Luckily, for all of us they have kept finding more, and enough reserves have so far been found each year to fuel the world's oil demand, albeit with rising prices.

However, each year it becomes harder to find the oil, and the known reserves have not increased for the last few years.

Many experts say that within possibly 10 years from now, all unexplored parts of the world that might contain oil reserves will have been searched and drilled into. When that happens, mineral oil production will peak, and begin to reduce. That will be the day that man will cease to be within the current age of independence from nature. Once, again man will depend upon the energy from the sun, which falls on the earth each year, to survive, just like the rest of nature. (I will assume that nuclear power is too unpopular, and in reality too dangerous, to make a substantial contribution.)

During the new age of diminishing fossil fuel availability, man will either have to live far less interesting "low energy consuming" lives; uncomfortable lives (cold in winter and hot in summer), at a much lower standard of living with little travel, or adapt.

Now, for man's adaptation to work, the adaptation needed will have to be wide-ranging and massive, because man uses absolutely unbelievably huge amounts of fuel each year. This is fuel that has been stored from the sun over many thousands of years, and man uses this much each and every year.

It is going to be very hard indeed to find ways of creating as much fuel as we use today, from renewable (non-fossil fuel) sources. So, we will need to be much more fuel efficient as well as finding new ways to generate renewable energy.

When the large-scale use of the fossil fuel reserves (then mostly coal) started about 200 or so years ago, man respected nature, because he depended upon it for his survival. So it is, and will demonstrably be so, after the oil peaks.

Our scientists will need every bit of the diversity of all nature, which exists today to provide us with new ways to live and grow energy crops, while at the same time not causing climate change, or even having to reverse its worst consequences.

We all need to hope that when respect for nature returns, ALL our fellow creatures are still around to help us learn how to live in harmony with nature. Preserving nature, its diversity and wealth of yet undiscovered chemicals and ways of living, which started for many city dwellers with their love of cuddly furry animals, is really so important that it could make the difference between the survival of mankind, and the disappearance of our species.

That is why we should all help to preserve nature and make a sustainable future for our grandchildren, and all mankind on earth.

Royal Belum, Perak

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sat, 2 Feb 2008 21:17:00 +0800

Second largest park after Taman Negara. Covering a vast area of 148,900 ha and estimated to be as old as 130 million years is a premier centre of tropical rainforest mega-biodiversity, Royal Belum stands on the threshold of discovery as home to some of the world's most important, unique and beautiful natural treasures. It make a unique haven for eco-tourists, recreational anglers and adventurers. The area is rich with waterfalls, streams, lagoons, limestone outcrops and island dotting the numerous waterways that make up Temenggor Lake located within Belum. Nature lovers can expect to see with ginger, orchids, medical herbs, aromatic plants, ferns and if lucky, the world biggest flower, Rafflesia.

While Sarawak has been described as the 'Land of the Hornbills', the Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) has pointed out that all 10 species of Malaysian hornbills can be found within Belum forests. Watching swarms of horbills take flight into the sky is a favorite activity among visitors to Belum.

Our most precious wildlife remains safe in Belum. There are an estimated 60-70 tigers roaming in Belum, over 100 Seladangs survive here in groups of single male and their harems, the Sumatran Rhinos are estimated at 160 individuals and there are over 100 Tapirs. Elephants live in large knit families, Binturongs come out at night, Malayan Sun Bear scale tree for huge honey combs and Serow hide away in the limestone hills. The wild fishing cat sit patiently for its food to swim down the streams as wildcats crouch in thick undergrowth. Here, so many species share space in Belum such as Leopard Cats, Clouded Leopards, Black Panther, Vipers, Flying Foxes, Otters, Porcupines, Armadillos, Reptiles, Dholes and more than 200 species of colorful birds.

How to Get There?

Belum Valley is located, midway between the East and West Coasts. The nearest towns are Grik in Perak and Jeli in Kelantan which are connected by the scenic East-West Highway. Kuala Lumpur to Belum takes about six hours by road. Join the North-South Highway and exit at Kuala Kangsar. Head for Grik and then to Pulau Banding. It is also accessible from Baling in Kedah via Pengkalan Hulu from the north. From Kota Bharu it's a three-hour drive. The nearest railway station is Kuala Kangsar, a long way off. To get to the campsites, arrange for boat transfer with tour operators who normally include the boat fee and entry permit (RM10) in the package. Unfortunately, the operators are not centrally located.

Accomodation

The first choice is camping by the lake or river. There are also floating chalets and a few units of chalet at the Orang Asli settlement. However, for something comfortable, Banding Island Resort offers rooms ranging from standard, superior and deluxe with choices of hill or lake view. Rooms are basic with coffee/tea-making facilities. Resort also has a campsite and function rooms equipped with modern audio visual aids. Located at Pulau Banding, the third biggest island in Tasik Temenggor, the resort makes an ideal stop-over for motorists using the East-West Highway. It also offers a host of adventure activities like fishing, kayaking, jungle walking and trekking, bird watching, camping or visiting the Orang Asli settlement. For food, guests have two choices – the air-conditioned Hornbill Restaurant or unpretentious Warung at the lakeside.

click here for more info

Exploring Malaysia Rainforest in 4WD

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:33:00 +0800

Exploring Malaysia in 4WD is an interesting journey. The adventure become more interesting and enjoyable when there are a lot of hidden places you can explore which may be an exhausted trips when you travel on foot. Going into rainforest became much easier and you also be able to load into your 4WD the equipments you need. These vehicles were used by many adventurers, scientists, photographers, nature explorers and they became a very important and useful vehicles.

When go off roading we must be prepare with the challenge along the path. Stranded in the mud, river crossing will be a normal challenge especially traveling in Malaysia rainforest. It become very challenging during raining season. As for me it much easier to travel in 4WD where it can took me deeper into Malaysia rainforest within shorter time. Towards your trail you may see 'Orang Asli' settlement, heartbreaking scenery, clear stream, crescendo of the chirping cicadas and experience the tranquility of being one with nature in all its glory.

I just love it and there are many more to explore!

BLACKWIND! prepare to explore Malaysia.

Advanced Cave Exploration: A Challenge To Go Deeper

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:13:00 +0800

Spelunking, or cave exploring, is a hobby for people who love nature and want to test the limit of physical endurance. Although some caves are very difficult to explore, especially those located under the sea or atop steep terrains, some people have dared to enter them for scientific purposes, or for the sheer fun of it.

If you are one of those who like to flirt with danger or study this mysterious type of land formation, you might want to explore advanced cave exploration areas. The following are caving specializations for extreme spelunkers:

Vertical Caving

Many caves have huge vertical drops, sometimes thousands of meters deep, which can only be accessible through rope work. To be able to explore such caves, you need vertical cave training and equipment.

The vertical cave exploration technique that is widely used nowadays is the Single Rope Technique, which was developed in the United States and Europe. The equipment you will need for vertical caving includes mechanical descenders, ascenders and a single rope.

Cave Photography

Anybody can take videos and pictures of the cave's inner sections. However, only expert cave photographers can capture excellent photos and videos of the cave. The challenges you will surely encounter in cave photography include difficulty in bringing the equipment inside the cave, lighting up large cave cavities, and taking pictures in dark areas.

Cave Rescue

Many people venture into caves even when they don't have the proper training and equipment to do so. Thus, some cave exploring aficionados have devoted their time to studying cave rescue. It is also important to note that many spelunkers, who usually become experts in cave rescue, are members of fire, rescue and police departments.

Cave Diving

Cave diving is one of the most exciting cave exploration activities. This is a highly specialized field in caving because you need to undergo training in both cave exploration and open sea diving. You need specialized equipment and rigorous training before you can be a cave diver. It is important to note that many people who have ventured into cave diving without the right equipment and training often get injured or even die.

Finding Virgin Caves

Although there are many caves that have already been discovered, some extreme spelunkers find thrill and excitement in discovering and mapping new caves. Finding an unexplored cave usually means entering very tight holes, digging through rock and dirt, and expanding narrow crevices.

Advanced caving requires lots of training and special skills. If you want to go beyond recreational cave exploration, you need to contact spelunking associations and take on special courses and training.

Birds Watching

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 9 Sep 2007 23:49:00 +0800

Bird Watching is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. In Asia alone, there are thousands of groups dedicated to bird watching, ranging from small, informal gatherings of friends, to large organizations that hold annual conventions.

If you've never tried bird watching, you may wonder what draws so many people into it. At its simplest, bird watching's popularity stems from its simplicity and ability to relieve stress. Birds are symbols of innocence and freedom, and bird watchers gain a measure of relief from the day to day stresses of modern daily life simply by looking at these little winged wonders of nature.

Another appeal of bird watching is that the sheer variety of birds in the world gives the watchers a sense of something new every time they see a breed they've never encountered before. Unlike enthusiasts of domestic animals like dogs and cats, bird watchers who want to look at certain breeds may even have to go into the wilderness on camping trips to look for these birds; thus getting fresh air and exercise mixed in with their hobby.

Birds are a joy to behold due to their colorful nature; they are one of the types of animals that generally use visual displays to attract their mates. For this reason, birds are usually colorful, flashy, and really fun to view. Their behavioral patterns are also more whimsical and playful than most other types of wild animal.

Their songs are another reason why people enjoy bird watching. While some species of birds just squawk or shriek, there are enough songbirds with melodic voices in the world that some enthusiasts have actually compiled their own recordings of the various songs of the birds they've viewed.

Bird watching is a safe family event; while some nature trips and wildlife viewing expeditions involve factors of risk that prevent children from joining in, birds are almost predominantly harmless, making a nature trip to watch them an excuse for a family holiday.

On a more serious note, bird watching also contributes towards the preservation of nature. Aside from environmentalists and natural scientologists, formal bird watching societies make a habit of knowing which species of birds are endangered, which are rare, and the general behavioral patterns and migratory paths of flocks of birds. With this knowledge, even casual birdwatchers are able to help official wild life preservation groups keep track of and protect avian wildlife.

Emergency Food to Bring in the Wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 9 Sep 2007 22:13:00 +0800

Experienced campers know that it is always necessary to take some emergency food along on any trip. This will come in handy should the group get lost; and has already finished the existing supplies before rescuers are able to arrive and get the people out of harm’s way.

Why is bringing emergency food in the wilderness important even if the campers can hunt for it instead? This is because not everyone can successfully kill an animal especially if the only piece of equipment available is a survival knife.

But what is considered to be emergency food? Is it an extra slab of steak that is cooked before going on the trip? The answer is no.

These items are either a bar of chocolate or some canned goods since these will not spoil; unlike other items that will do so after being kept in a sealed container for more than a few days.

Chocolate is important because its ingredients are able to keep a person warm in very cold conditions. It also provides a sudden jolt of energy because of the sugar concentration.

There is no particular brand to take along the trip. It is best to take things that doesn’t melt easily and then have them stored in a plastic container. This will prevent them from getting wet or eaten by ants.

Canned goods could be meat or fish products. Since these are quite small, the individual can pack a lot of these into the bag and just tale it out when the other supplies run out.

The nice thing about having food in aluminum cans is that they are easy cook over a fire. When everyone has eaten, this can be disposed of so there won’t be so much load weight in the backpacks.

If there are many in the group, it is best to have everyone bring different kinds of canned products. Someone can bring tuna or any other type of fish while the other can bring ham or corned beef.

These should be easily opened with a key that is sometimes attached on the side of the can, a can opener or with a survival knife.

Emergency food is just one of the many things that are required for any camper going into the wilderness. It doesn’t matter if this is for just overnight or for the weekend because there is no telling what could happen or for how long the group will be in there in the event that the campers get lost or are stuck due to bad weather.

Tips for navigating the wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 9 Sep 2007 03:57:00 +0800

Navigation is one of the most important skills to have to survive the wilderness. Without it, a lost hiker or camper has no choice but to rely on luck to get himself out of the wilderness safe and alive. If you have future plans of including the wilderness in one of your adventure trips, it is a good idea to try to learn how to navigate for your own safety and security.

Our 'natural' sense of direction
Our inborn talent to find our way home has been a highly debated issue and there is no tangible evidence that we can truly navigate ourselves out of the wilderness using only our 'sixth sense'. More often than not, it's usually the force of habit or the lessons from a previous training that allow us to keep to a certain route in order not to lose our way.

There is also a tendency for people to follow the direction that is predominant in their person. For example, a right-handed person will eventually veer to the right and walk in circles in that general direction while a left-handed person has a tendency to do the exact opposite.

Instead of trying to find your way out of the wilderness with the help of your 'natural' navigation talents, it's best to learn how to find your way out using something you can actually see, hear or control.

Navigating the wilderness
If you can, never venture into the wilderness without first knowing how to navigate using a map or a compass. Make sure you have these tools with you and that you know how to read them correctly. Map out your route before your trip so you will know which direction you will be headed. During your trek, refer to the map or compass periodically to check if you're on the right track.

In case you don’t have these implements with you, here are things you can do to navigate the wilderness and find your way home:

Always be aware
Let's say for example you willingly go on a trip into the wilderness. Before going in, be aware of where you are. Study what you can see and hear. Take note of roads, rivers, streams, lakes, houses, buildings, anything that could help you find where your exact starting position is.

If you can, try to find a distinctive feature of the landscape you are in – ridges, bodies of water, rocks, hills – and try to memorize where they are in relation to your present position. You might also want to try to determine the sun's position and wind direction, although these factors can change during the day. It is also very helpful to establish the direction to where you are headed right before entering the wilderness.

Leave a mark
If you are still unfamiliar with the territory, you might try leaving a mark such as a broken branch, an improvised flag or a piece of fabric on a tree trunk or a rock so you will know where you've been. This is especially helpful if you need to retrace your steps. It will work well if you have nothing else to help you with and in case somebody needs to find you.

Get an eagle's eye view
Try to 'map' out your route or course by finding a high vantage point (a tree, a rock or a hill) and looking out in all directions to find your objective. This may be necessary especially if the terrain or immediate environment looks the same to you. By establishing your target area, you will know the general direction you should be headed.

Finding North
If you know where the direction of East is, finding North will be easy. Face East and spread your arms straight shoulder high. Your left will be pointing towards the North and your right toward South. Behind you is West. Based on these directions, you can now determine where you should go.

If you're unsure of where east is or if you can't tell whether it's day or afternoon based on the sun's current position, you might have to use other tools. One of these is your watch. This method is recommended for an analog watch, but it can also work with the digital type as long as you mark a specific part for the necessary purpose. Here's how:

If you are located in the northern hemisphere, hold your watch and turn until the hour hand points directly at the sun. The direction which is found midway between the number '12' and the hour hand is South. Once you've determined where South is, you'll know that the exact opposite is North. Knowing where North is will help you establish where East and West are.

If you're in the southern hemisphere, turn your watch until the number '12' points directly towards the sun. The direction that is found between the hour hand and '12' is North.

There are other ways to determine directions and navigating your way out of the wilderness and some of them take a little time and effort. Remember that the wilderness, for most of us, is unfamiliar territory and should be approached with much caution, preparedness and respect. Learn the basic information about navigation and you'll never have to be afraid of the wilderness, regardless of whether you are lost or not.

Secrets to survive in the wilderness without bringing food

noreply@blogger.com (Dalim) — Sun, 9 Sep 2007 03:30:00 +0800

3 Secrets to Survive in the Wilderness without Bringing Any Food

If you are trapped in the wilderness without any food, your chance for survival is still high. Contrary to what most people believe, anybody can survive in the wilderness even without food: that is because scientifically speaking, the human body can survive life for more than a few weeks without food.

Then again, the effects of having to prolong existence in the wilderness without food can bring about psychological problems and may worsen one’s physical condition.

No food intake for several weeks may cause a person to become defenseless against viruses or other diseases, bad temper, inability to think clearly, exhaustion, and may destabilize the immune system. If prolonged, the body may develop diseases, which can even cause death.

So it is important to find some ways to sustain the body’s need for food. Here are some tips on how to survive the wilderness without any food.

1. Be sure to equip yourself with skills

In order to survive in the wilderness, it is imperative that you know the basic skills of fishing, hunting, and catching animals in order to survive. In fact, experts say that survival in the wilderness is not actually a question of survival since nature can provide man with his basic needs.

The only important thing is that the individual must know how to look for food and how to identify the edible ones.

2. Learn how to start a fire even without a match

If you know how to do this, cooking food in the wilderness will never be a problem. With fire, you can cook almost all of the edible things that you can find. You do not even have to depend on canned foods because you have nature’s “grilled” foods.

Besides, maintaining a fire will protect you from nature’s harmful bacteria that can be found in foods. So just to be on the safe side, it is best to cook whatever edible things you can find in the wilderness before you eat them.

3. Prioritize water

As mentioned, food is not so important in order to survive in the wilderness. What matters most is to have plenty of potable water. If you are not sure of the water that you can get from the stream or river, you can always boil it before drinking.

Surveys show that almost 90% of deaths in the wilderness are caused by dehydration.