(Facebook conversation)
Hamid: By the way when are you going to Semangkok? Never been there, myself. Don't mind tagging along if that's ok.
Me: I had researched terrain map of Semangkok yesterday and have few observations:
1. To go without guide if want to be adventurous.
2. I have been to part of the trail last time when I overshot the way to Pine Tree Hill, and found the trek recognizable but slight bushy due to ? lack of use
3. From the above map it shows the trek from PTH to Semangkok may take 6-8 hours, so either start from PTH early morning (camp there first), or pitch tent/hammock btw PTH and Semangkok.
4. Waterpoint. I have another JUPEM map that shows there are lots of stream left and right of the ridges, but still need to get down slope to search. I don't think we can possibly bring enough water from start point.
5. Need two GPS to avoid getting lost.
6. Not sure of need for permit.
7. Prepare to abort mission if trek becomes unpassable (though this is a state border and the pegs should be there).
Your comments pls..
1. To go without guide if want to be adventurous.
2. I have been to part of the trail last time when I overshot the way to Pine Tree Hill, and found the trek recognizable but slight bushy due to ? lack of use
3. From the above map it shows the trek from PTH to Semangkok may take 6-8 hours, so either start from PTH early morning (camp there first), or pitch tent/hammock btw PTH and Semangkok.
4. Waterpoint. I have another JUPEM map that shows there are lots of stream left and right of the ridges, but still need to get down slope to search. I don't think we can possibly bring enough water from start point.
5. Need two GPS to avoid getting lost.
6. Not sure of need for permit.
7. Prepare to abort mission if trek becomes unpassable (though this is a state border and the pegs should be there).
Your comments pls..
Hamid: Doc, my humble opinion, we should get a guide.He should be able to show us the best campsite between PTH and Semangkok with or near water source. Trekking 5 to 6 hrs to Semangkok will be daunting enough without having to go up and down the ridge slopes to look for water. He too can help clear the bushy trek you mentioned. Should it be necessary to get permits and the likes, we can then ask him to settle it for us.
May be later, on a second trip, we'll be more confident to test our map reading and orienteering skill.
Me: Yea you are spot on, Hamid. Sounds very logical and sensible- from an experienced hiker, luckily I talk to you first, otherwise another repeat of getting lost like in G Irau haha.. In fact me and Mr Tan already hiked twice unguided- PTH and Irau, both quite eventful. So I will skip Semangkok for the mean time until we can sit down and work it out properly together, may be for next/ next next year's MNSJ outing. Can discuss it further during our Tahan train ride 
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