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Middle Earth Promotes Eco-adventure Packages In Jerantut |
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As it falls, water from Lata Manik dissipates into droplets of fine glistering beads, which is manik in Malay, hence the name. A unique feature here is the absence of a pool or river flowing at the bottom. It is as if the earth has swallowed the waterfall. Hence, Lata Manik is also known as the Lost Waterfall. Pic: Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
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By Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Jerantut, which is the largest district in Pahang, is known as the main gateway to the National Park in Kuala Tahan.
Tourists mainly visit the Kota Gelanggi Cave, Tekam Plantation Eco Resort and the Meraung Waterfall near here before proceeding to the National Park.
However, hidden deep in the indistinguishable mix of recreational and permanent forest reserves, interspersed with fast flowing rivers and waterfalls, lay sequestered nooks and crannies.
Locals have named these obscure waterfalls Lata Telur, Lata Selesa, Lata Manik and Lata Lebah.
Fish is abundant and the water in these rivers is categorised as Class 1 under the Department of Environment's (DOE) Water Quality Index. This means it is safe to drink straight from the river.
In colonial times, these jungles had provided asylum to revered Malay warrior Mat Kilau who used their cover as a training ground, hideaway and getaway after his frequent skirmishes with the British.
These same locations could now be the perfect backdrop for eco-adventure activities.
"It is a shame that only we locals and a select few are privy to these pristine locations. I would like more visitors to enjoy them," said Jerantut born businessman cum restaurateur, Marodzuan Abd. Ghani.
As a precursor, Marodzuan, who also heads the Jerantut based Gaharu 4x4 Team, organised the Sungai Salan 4x4 Challenge and Kembara Merdeka 4x4, last year.
The former was a competition while the later was a familiarisation programme in which a convoy of 4WD vehicles was used to ferry participants to remote villages in the district.
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MIDDLE EARTH MOTEL & CAFE
Following these teaser events, Marodzuan and teammates Osmadi Osman and Amiruddin Sabri formed an event management company called Middle Earth to promote eco-adventure packages in the district.
They also set up a board and lodging establishment for backpackers called Middle Earth Motel & Cafe, located a stone's throw away from the Jerantut railway station.
Being a Land Rover enthusiast Marodzuan invested in three Land Rover Defenders, which are used as a chuck wagon as well as to ferry camping paraphernalia. These official vehicles are called Godfather, Lost Boy and Blues Brother.
A crew of seven takes care of the housekeeping and logistics.
ECO-ADVENTURE PACKAGES
Middle Earth offers comprehensive eco-adventure packages in Jerantut, apart from day trips to remote villages, geological locations and historical sites.
Eco-adventure packages have different signature themes printed on T-shirts that must be worn by participants during the trip.
Depending on the destination chosen, these have the company's logo with catchy phrases like 'Lost Boy Trail', 'Run to the Hill', 'Monsoon Trail' and 'Wet and Slippery' printed at the back.
That such apparel is exclusive to participants make them a much coveted souvenir.
JUNGLE SOIREES
Middle Earth eco-adventure trips are a memorable experience as well as a gastronomic delight.
Getting back to camp after a physically exerting activity, it is amusing to see your guide cum instructor don an apron to prepare your meal, with recipe book placed next to the stove.
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Lata Telur is located in Hulu Salan, in Jerantut, Pahang. Here, the water in the Salan River cascades down a series of flat rocky plateau before collecting in a deep and large pool at the bottom, which make for a great swimming hole. Lata Telur is also known as ‘Japanese Garden’ because it resembles the fountain normally found in a Japanese garden. Pic: Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
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Managing Director, Marodzuan Abd. Ghani (second from right) with staff and crew in front of the Middle Earth Motel & Café, located near the Jerantut railway station. The company offers comprehensive eco-adventure packages, apart from day trips to remote villages, interesting geological locations and historical sites in Jerantut, Pahang. Helmed by a management team which has an extensive experience in the hospitality business, Middle Earth eco-adventure trips are a memorable as well as a gastronomic delight. Pic: Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
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Lunch can be anything from traditional Pahang Malay cuisine to catch-of-the-day steamed fish with vegetables, prepared in Chinese style.
Event & Marketing Manager Osmadi is also a deft hand at whipping up an array of Western cuisine ranging from steak, barbequed chicken wings, Coney Island Dog, spaghetti bolognaise to venison stew.
Middle Earth dinners are delightful jungle soirees which can be full of surprises. During a 'Lost Boy Trail' package organised for the media recently, the company even held a special 'Jungle Wedding Reception' as a show of appreciation for crew member Mohd Ghazali Onn.
PROMOTING NEW ECO-ADVENTURE LOCATIONS IN JERANTUT
Middle Earth has also conducted specially tailored adventure programmes for TV9, Akademi Nasyid participants, Nissan Frontier and X-Trail owners in Kuantan, apart from 4x4 off-road driving skills training for Land Rover owners from across the causeway.
According to Pahang Tourism Action Council (MTPN) general manager Haji Idros Yahya, the company's activities are in tandem with the Council's aspiration to promote new eco-adventure locations in Jerantut.
"Middle Earth logistic support has greatly contributed towards the success of our promotional programmes," Idros said.
For more information, contact Middle Earth Motel & Cafe at: 603-6188 9990 (Tel), 603-61889950 (fax); or Marodzuan at: 012-9819 145.
-- BERNAMA
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