Gunung Datuk, Rembau
I joined a group of seasoned climbers from a local church on the 19th Jan 2008 to summit (this is a new word for me; basically it just means to climb to the top) Mount Datuk (or Dato’). The mountain is one of two in Negeri Sembilan, the other being Gunung Angsi, which I summited (there’s that word again!) in February last year.
The drive from Seremban to the mountain foothill was about half an hour at a leisurely speed of 80 km/hour (I wasn’t driving, otherwise it would be a lot faster!). We had to drive on a narrow road cutting through rubber plantations to reach the foothill.
There was this sign to welcome us. In order to climb the mountain, you need to register with the officer there and pay RM 3 only.
I am told the place had undergone some major renovations late last year, so it was all nice and spruced up.
In case you are wondering how the name of the mountain came about, here is a signboard giving a brief history of the place. IMHO, the name ‘Datuk’ is a misnomer, because no Datuk, whether biological (meaning, grandfather) or political (meaning, crooks, slimeballs, VIPs) will be able to ascend the mountain without say, a helicopter! More on that later.
There is a sign board with Malay poetry written on it at the point of entry to the climb. I am not sure what it means. Perhaps it’s meant to encourage would-be climbers or it might be a warning (like “die of dehydration and mountain sickness all ye who enters here!) or whatever. Anyone of you can enlighten me?
This is the lane where it all began. It’s a short walk downhill to a little sequestered pond where picnickers would gather and enjoy the cool ambiance and the sound of the rushing stream. It also gives climbers a false sense of security because from then onwards, it’s all UPHILL!
To be continued…
Sun, 270108 @ 0700
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Cool Sabri! Watch this space. Will update when the next climb comes along. Right now everyone is gearing up for the KK climb next week.
sounds awesome…looking for companion by the way. please include me
Thanks Sabri. I went to Angsi again last weekend. We will be going to Ledang soon and then Tahan. Wanna come along?
hey jim, stumble upon your website while looking for my next hiking trip.i went up hiking angsi few weeks ago and gotta tell u i totally underestimate it. think i’ll try datok this time. keep writing..nice blog
Wow! I would gladly trade places with you! have a pleasant trip! *jeles*
Hi Jimbo…
Huhuhuhu
Still unavailable 2 join u on 1 may… still on my way back from Istanbul and Saudi Arabia and only free after 4 May. Maybe next time k.. wish all of u have great and amazing hiking trip. ENJOY and take care
::IMPOSIBBLE IS NOTHING::
Hai Suhaimi! Small world eh. The next Angsi climb is on 1st May. Join us then!
sory wrong month…. MARCH should be, not APRIL
Hi Jimbo
…. just surfing web about Mt. Angsi trip… but suddently found your blog… hahahah look good… my pics also there..thanx…
sory cant joint all of you for next 20 april angsi climbing… hv to go jakarta till 24 April, maybe next time
take care dude..
Suhaimi
Hi,
I bump into your website will surfing.
I saw the pacat thing, I think you are the person who shouted about the pajat which cause my friend to jump.
I still got a of the picture of your friend.
Let me know if you interested on it.
Nice to meet you
Thanks Azman for the interpretation. Sounds pretty convincing.
Literal translation:
Nan senting dilabuhkan = Make what is short long.
Nan panjang dikeratkan = Make what is long short.
Nan rumping disisipkan = Keep what is small.
Oh, quit the snickering. I am not kidding.
Sinting or senting is used to describe an act of folding, like a sleeve of a shirt. Labuh means something that extends longer than it’s supposed to.
Panjang is long. Kerat is to cut.
Rumping or ramping means slender, in this context, it means small. Sisip means to keep something, usually when describing keeping something small and slender, like a letter into an envelop.
I guess the first two lines has got to do with human nature when facing difficulty. We always hope that things are the otherwise. “I should’ve brought more water”, “I hope the route is shorter”, “why can’t the hill be less steep?”
The last one probably means keep what you can.
But then again it’s my interpretation.
ROTFL
I will say it sounds like I offended all the Datuks, and it looks like I offended all the Datuks, but I will not say it is me who offended all the Datuks, unless this has been verified by 2 of my ’specialists’.
Dr Jimbo, you have just offended all the Datuks! Now please forward your apology in the papers or else face prosecution.
YY, the climb doesn’t cost a thing (I mean the climb up Angsi or Datuk). For Gunung Datuk, you need to pay only RM 3 for entry. Gunung Angsi entry is free. If you are talking about Mount KK climb, the cost is about RM 700 but unfortunately, there are no more space.
Guys, when the time is near for the next climb, I will announce it on my blog. Call me then if u guys are around, and then we will plan out the climb. Right now, just concentrate on your exams!
Jimbo, if can I wan to join as well, but,will it be expensive? If can everything, I wan the cd of lust caution and climb mountain!
Thanks for inviting, jimbo =)
I cant say YES so soon, gonna check the timetable for next Sem first. (Aii, I hope I will be checking Sem8 timetable, not another Sem7, scary…)
Feel happy when there is something nice to anticipate!
When do we have to reply you?
Yo, I wanna join as well. Call me along ya
Thanks CK for your interpretation of the poetry. I wonder if it’s 100% based on fact or a mixture of fact and fantasy? And are you sure it doesn’t mean “Beware! Head-hunters ahead!!!”???
Anyone out there with any other interpretation? Let us hear it.
That’s why we can see the Kris there as a symbol. I think it is written around the time of Dutch invasion, possibly 1600s?
Nan senting dilabuhkan = Difficulties are thrown away
Nan panjang dikeratkan = Our lives can be short
Nan rumping disisipkan = The Yaya Rumping Keris held in the belt
Historic story: I think the meaning is historical, the malays are trying to fight against the Dutch colonization of Malacca (they realize difficult to defeat) during the sultanate times & they use the Kris as a symbol of the Malays ready to defend their land anytime from invasion even though sacrificing their lives. Possibly they want to capture back Melaka with great intent from the direction of NS since from the hill can view Malacca straits? Just guessing from history…
I might consider joining the climb.
Join me for the next climb then. Gunung Angsi on Mac 20th and Gunung Datuk on April 12th.
I feel like wanna give myself a try =)