(From left: Abiq, Im, Kak Dila, Ayie, Epi, Abang Boy, Fendi, Nai, Kai, Kak Ti, Kak De and Ninie)
With a blink of an eye, it has been about four weeks since that most unforgettable Vacanture. It is so hard for us to forget those fascinating memories. The moments with our lovely cousins. Those scenery keep on playing on the screen of our eyes till now. Somehow, we just can't believe our most wanted dreams had been fulfilled with our loved one. Went on an adventure in the forest and at the same time had an extraordinary vacation with them. How can we forget it so easily? Furthermore, what make us happier was they treated us as our age which not even once we had been treated that way by others. Others just treated us according to our physical. A small kid. Short for the age. But are those derision makes us down to earth? Exactly a big NO.
At the beginning, nobody invited us to go on this Vacanture. They just invited our sis, Ninie. We thought it might be just for them who were not a school students anymore. Then it's fine. But then, our hearts kept on saying wanna go. As fate had written for us, our cousin, Epi invited us through Facebook. In order to go, we must get our Mummy's permission first. As we talked bout this matter, she just cut our lines and said NO. She said she didn't wanna talk about it anymore. We didn't dispute her words cos we understand what her thought was at that time. However, our enthusiasm didn't stop. Our enthusiasm of being with our cousins. We tried again by persuading her. Still, she with her stance.
Before that, at school, both of us had discussed bout how can we make her melt? Hahaha~ Then, something really useful popped out on our mind. As she always said to us, "Use your psychology skills in everything you do". We tried to manipulate her words back. We list down every reason that can make her think thrice. That night, we persuaded her. With a little sense of nervous, we pulled her into a 'drama' of our life.
She listened to every single of our reasons unsatisfactorily for its to end faster. We started with our story bout future. How we can be able to mix up with our cousins if we already further our studies abroad? As she already knew, we never had a friend to enjoy and share bout our life. At school, we are introvert kind of persons. Just silent with our own world. Nobody cares. Furthermore, how can she not allowing us to go with a group of people who can make us happy and smile? Yet, she had restricted us for not going on a vacation with our classmates this end of year. By all means, this Vacanture was something that we would love to participate. Besides, we are no longer a small kid who had no ability to think rationally. Moreover, she didn't allowed us to go for a school camp for plenteous of times. We asked her, "You don't wanna give us to experience bunches of happiness" with a torn tears of honesty. Well, that's the key. Since then, she didn't talk to us till the next afternoon. Before she gave her approval, we already could sense her answer. We told our cousins that we are going. As we expected, she agreed.
26th April
We didn't go to school for inevitable reason because we need to take the bus at 3pm. Our plan was at 5pm but by the fact that our sis, Ninie had bought the ticket at 3pm totally changed our plan. Just imagine, our school day ended at 2pm and what we thought was "did she expect us to go with our uniform on?". Well, that's just an instant thought. Definitely we were not regret with her action. Our mum sent us to the LRT station and the four of us made our way to Masjid Jamek station and transmitted to Pekeliling. Met Ninie's friend, Kak Husna who took the bus together with us. It took about 2 hours till we arrived in Temerloh.
We left our bags in the Scarf Shop as our aunt had went out. We were feeling rather peckish and thought we would slip in any cafe. Out of blue, we came across our besties cousin, Kak Long Mira( only 1 year older, but that's what we had called her since our childhood ). She said how fortunate she was meeting us. Miss her. Coincidentally, there were our favourite cafe nearby and we went in treated by sis to slap our meals. Half an hour then, our cousin, Fendi arrived and joined us. Half an hour later, we headed back to our aunt's house and took our bags. We didn't manage to get inside the house since we didn't want to burden Fendi cos he was the one who came to fetch us up to Wan's house. 6 persons in a car. As we arrived, the other participants still weren't there except for Kak Dila and Fendi.
Night came, one by one arrived but the guys were gone out for badminton. Yet, the girls were waiting for them to get back for the Vacanture discussion. However, they went back after we had our small little nap cos of the long-awaited appearance. It was 1am in the morning and we had to wake up for the discussion. All of 11 cousins gathered up at the veranda of the house except Ayie, who was on the way back from KL. However, not even a scruple of sleepiness conquer us cos being with all of them was the best moment that we hope wouldn't end. Though it was so cold, we still could withstand it with the warmness in our deepest heart. Whats make it more interesting, some of them were making jokes till our laughter could be heard across the reposeful road. What we were discussing about was about the passengers of a car, foods, what we gonna have for lunch tomorrow, who hasn't paid yet, who gonna in-charge for this and that and so many more. Everyone was teasing each other and that was so much fun of it. Eventually, we ended the discussion at 3.30am and everybody went to sleep.
27th April
Everyone was waking up rather late as planned and Abang Boy had to go to his work in early of the morning (He hadn't sleep since the discussion). Then, at 10am, everybody was getting ready without any breakfast. Crown it all, Kak De and some of the others went to town to withdraw money from the bank cos she's the one who in-charged to accumulate money from all of us. Some of us gathered up at the living room watching 'Super Spontan' while waiting for Abang Boy. As he returned, all of us ate a pinch of rice on a plate brought by Abiq from the dining.
Right after that, we put all the bags inside own car as discussed. Here's the placement:
Abang Boy's car: Epi, Fendi, Kak Ti
Abiq's car: Im, Nai, Ninie
Ayie's car: Kak Dila, Kak De, Kai
Started our journey to Taman Negara, Jerantut at 1pm (out of planned). All of the drivers were sprint the car up to 160km/h to chase our check-in time. Wow! That was crazy but awesome. Finally, arrived at our chalet and loaded our bags in the room. We were so lucky for having a very homely tour-guide, Abang Khairil who patiently waited for our arrival. After that, we went for 600m jungle trekking towards Lubuk Simpon. Minai was falling for plentiful of time but luckily had been helped by the others. After more than an hour, we finally arrived at Lubuk Simpon. All should dip in the river first, but since we all were starveling for not ingested any foods from morning, it was a requirement for us. Luckily both of us and Kak Ti had prepared sandwiches at home. The funniest was the four loaves of bread and scramble egg were inserted in a plastic bag separately. Then, the eggs were just poured onto the bread.
Had bathe in the river except for Kak Ti because she was little sick. Also, we had a game at first named Labu Labi but then the others changed it to Kentut Busuk. Who said it wrongly was eliminated one by one. Lastly just left Fendi, Nai and Epi and then Nai was somewhat dilatory in giving response, so the result, Fendi and Epi won the game. Then, other group turned up and the river flow started becoming swift and we had to step out. It was such a blithesome 2 hours times. Headed back to chalet and had to go through another trekking for 600m. Afterwards, there's two ways which was totally different. One was high and slippery while the other one was a narrow concrete 10m depth from below which had no safety guaranteed at all. However, it will be no fun if there's no adventure at all. So, 6 persons ( Ninie, Kai, Kak Ti, Abang Boy, Epi and Ayie ) went through the slippery and high way while the other 6 ( Kak De, Kak Dila, Nai, Fendi, Im and Abiq) went through the narrow concrete. Oh by the way, we were six girls and six guys. It was already 6pm when reached our chalet. We had time just until 8pm to go for dinner and for the next activity. We all had our jamak prayer and a short bath.
Promptly we gathered outside the chalet. Just with the guide of 6 torch-lights, we went down to the restaurant and had our dinner. The dishes were delicious! A minute later, Abg Khairil came and clarified our next activity, Night Jungle Walk!! Yeay! We all then walked side by side cos we had to share the torch-lights. Rode on a boat in the dark night was one of the most fascinating experiences. Fortunately, we saw two tapir on our way to the museum. As it was the first time to see tapir for the 12 of us, we didn't miss the opportunity to have a picture with 'them'. Furthermore, we were invited to go inside the small museum of Taman Negara and got some explanation bout the place we were in. Before we enter the night jungle, we made a circle and Abiq read several doa as our shield. We made our way into the forest. We observed every little insect that we saw and Abg Khairil elucidated more information about it. Somehow our fear towards the supernatural had fade away instantly as the others presence by our sides made us more serene. It was an amazing 3 hours! We could even got the chance to saw three deer from a far. Out of the forest at 11.30pm and everyone was exhausted.
Recommendation from our tour-guide, all of us made our way to a nearby stall for a light drink. We sat outdoor and started to talk about the day. As the drinks ordered arrived, the rain came by its sound first. With precipitant, we moved our tables indoor and the rain was rain drizzly. We ordered fried chickens and shared it with the person beside. Yeah, it was as fried as the KFC's. Luckily the girls brought the rain coat together but in contrast, the guys had to walk through the rain with plastic bag as their raincoat cos they hadn't brought their. By all means, ladies first. The night road was just lighted with neon light but without a torch-light, you wouldn't be able to watch your step. Reached room and had slumbered into dream.
28th April
The girls just had a few hours rest. Kak Dila woke all the other girls for Subuh Prayer at 6.30am. Ninie,Kak Dila, Kak De and Kak Ti didn't had their bath as the time went in the bathroom, there's no water supply but it was fortunate for both us who came in later, the water was 'back'. Furthermore, we couldn't withstand if we hadn't our morning neither afternoon bath. At 7am, Kak Dila and Kak De knocked the guys room for so many times but there's no response at all. Kak Dila began to get mad and knocked the door like a rife. Ninie had called Im thrice to open the door cos we gonna be late for the canopy walk but still no response. An hour later, they just got to open. The girls were just going straight to the restaurant for breakfast left the guys behind. As they arrived, Kak Dila was annoyed by their answer, "We thought it was the sound of the rain". Howsoever, we were already late bout 2 hours. All had their breakfast quickly. Though, Abg Khairil still be patient with our attitude. (^_^)
1.6+km jungle trekking to the canopy walk. Went through the muddy track was quite fun. 1 hour then we reached the pre-enter of the canopy walk. Wow! It was so crowded with the TM team and the tourists from all over the world. We sat on a bench while waiting for our turn. We waited for another one hour. As it was our turn, we climbed up a few steps of stairs and were given the information again by Abg Khairil. Queued up ranged from Abg Boy, Kak Dila, Ninie, Kai, Kak De, Abiq, Kak Ti, Nai, Fendi, Im, Ayie and Epi. Somehow, our group weren't really listened to the regulations cos only one person could walk every 10m. However, our group were walking closely till all of us could fit into one lane. That was so crazy. (^O^) The canopy walk was just about 300m far and it just took 20 minutes till the last station.
Headed back for another 1.6+km. We were walking slowly as Abg Khairil gave us information more about the herbs, plants and plenteous more. Had lunch and back to the room for some rest.
At 2pm, we gathered back at the jetty for rapid shooting. Our belongings were inserted in a plastic bag cos we were advised that we will definitely get wet for 110%. It was true, we got wet all over the body. It was such a beautiful and fun moments. All of their laughter will be our encouragement for tomorrow onward. 45 minutes until we reached our destination, the indigenous colony (Perkampungan Orang Asli). We were shown to their way of lives. Their history, 'sumpit', how to light up the flame using wood and so many more.
All 12 of us did try to 'sumpit' and it was the effective way to hunt animals. Then, a snacks-giving programme was held. As for information, the indigenous were so shy towards the visitors. Several photos were taken with the head of Orang Asli (Perpatih) and they said 'ok-oyla' which means 'I love you' we said it back as our appreciation. Rapid shoot again! Everyone was tired and went back to room at 5pm and slept till 8pm.
Again, with the guide of torchlight, we stride to the barbecue reserved for our group. The restaurant staff just prepared all the substances and materials and we grilled it by ourselves. While waiting, Epi played the guitar and several Malay and English songs. It was really a barbecue-like as we dreamt of.
At 11pm, we had nothing to do, so majority wanted to go for karaoke but the place was already closed. As the results, we went to a restaurant, quite far from the chalet. At first, only the girls rode on the car drove by Abiq to the restaurant and then Abiq dropped us and headed back to the guys to fetch them up. We just had a light-tea during that midnight and played UNO Game owned by Kak Ti. It was so hard to end the game. At 12.30am, Kai, Ayie, Im and Kak De went back early left the others. Our UNO ended at 1.30am. 8 persons rode on a car with Abiq as the driver, Epi and Fendi sat together in front while Nai, Kak Dila, Ninie, Kak Ti and Abang Boy on the back. It was great wasn't it? Once reached the chalet, everybody got into the room and slept tremendously.
29th April
Indeed all were sleeping deadly as we all woke up at 8.45am. By that time, we should had our breakfast but it wasn't our fault since nobody realized the time. Finished breakfast at 9.45am. Totally out of schedule. One boat was for 4 persons. So, we were divided to three. Fendi, Ninie, Kak Ti and Kak De on the first boat. Nai, Kak Dila, Epi and Abang Boy on the second while Im, Kai, Abiq and Ayie on the third boat. 45 minutes on the boat across the rapid. What such a beautiful scenery we saw beyond our eyes. The serenely forest and river caught our eyes. How great it was Allah's creation. Later on, we stopped the boat near the land. Again, 1.2+km jungle trekking to Lata Berkoh. However our tiredness had been cured by looking at the beauteous of the waterfall. Had a seat on the rocks with eyes on the scenery. What an enjoyable period of time.
Therewithal, we didn't miss to snap some photos to be left as memories. At the same time, Nai didn't miss the opportunity to sing several songs silently which were Super Delicate, Ashita e and Heart of Glass. The sound of the waterfall really suit with that kind of songs. Once satisfied with the serene environment, we made our back to the boat through 1.2+km trekking again. Rode back on everyone boat, we settled down in Kelah Sanctuary.
The clear water totally will calm every one's eye. The depth of the water is about 10m deep. For sure we wore our life jacket but the coldness of the water somehow made our nerves up. Some of them did get out cos they couldn't withstand with the cold river water. For some of us, we didn't want to get out since this was our last activity before we head back to Temerloh. We swam around and played in the water together. Therewith, we swam together with the Kelah fish all around our body. Yet, at 1pm, we had to get out and rode on the boat again. On the way back to the jetty, there were some of us who took a nap on the boat. We all were exhausted under the torrid sun.
Packed all the belongings and directly put it in the cars.
We could never thought that was the last day of us, the cousins at Taman Negara. If we have the time controller, we would turn back those times again and again. Could never want to let all the memories faded away. Till this moment, it is still racy and fresh on our eyes. We had our lunch at the nearby restaurant treated by our humble tour-guide. 6 of us ate plain rice with some dishes while the other 6 ate fried rice with eggs. Said farewell to Abang Khairil. Made our 2 hours journey back to Gramma's housed. As we arrived in Temerloh, the three cars stopped at side of the toll. Kak Ti and Kak De had planned that they had to go back to Kuala Lumpur that evening but unfortunately after half an hour of waiting, Kak Ti's friend said she would headed to Gramma's house. The first group who arrived in Grammas was Abang Boy's. Second was Abiq's and third was Ayie's. Gathered all around the Kasrah's Veranda together with Wan and TokBah. We flashed back the memories and had laugh together. Every single person smile made our day. We were teasing Kak Long Mira who should came along but cancelled at last minutes caused of her license's test. What a loss of her but both of us believe that there is wisdom behind all of this.
That night, we should be going to our aunt's house but because of everyone's persuasion for us to stay at Wan's house, we did. Had dinner together. Watched television together. Miss-ing. Mikai and Ninie slept in Mummy London's room, Minai and Kak Dila in Acu's room, Fendi and Im on the sofa bed in front of the TV and Abang Boy in his room. So, that's the amount who stayed. Kak Ti and Kak Dila already went back to KL with Kak Ti's friend, Ayie and Epi went back to their houses and Abiq went back to Kuantan. Sadness was there deep inside our heart but we were happy since we still had extra time with the others. We should live the present. Thus, vexations never conquer us.
29th April
Woke up during the dawn and had Subuh prayer. Lied back to sleep again till 11am. Only silent could be heard. Fendi and Abang Boy went to their work. Kak Dila also departed to Jerantut for her work. There's only left the four of us in the house with Wan and TokBah. However, it was our main intention to stay. To take care and spent time with our grandparents. At 3pm, we went to Kak Long's house which is only beside Wan's for movie session, The Vow at the ground floor. It was such an interesting movie. That night we had dinner with various type of dishes. Then, the guys, Abang Boy, Ayie, Fendi, Epi, Im and Hakim played cards while Minai, Mikai, Kak Long Mira and Ninie watched HBO on the second floor of Kak Long's house. At first, we should be watching Astro First but since Aicik and Cik Ana watched the ground floor's TV, we had to go upstairs. At 12am, back to Wan's house but the guys still with the cards, so we decided to go to sleep. -,- .
30th April
Woke up at 11am and saw the others sleeping. They were not going to work cos its Labour's Day. Got a call from Ayie and he said he gonna send us back to KL. Promised at 1.30pm. Before headed back to KL, had our lunch together. At 1.30pm, four of us put our belongings into the bonnet. Before leaving, we greeted the others and salam. It was such a melancholic situation. Had to say goodbye after having a wonderful journey. After 2 hours in the car drove by Ayie, we were home. That wondrous days just like a dream. An extremely spectacular dream. For the rest of our life, those fabulous Vacanture will be kept safely in our hearts.
Life is like a book.
Don't jump to the end to see if it's worth it.
Just enjoy life and fill those beautiful pages with memories.
