Hiking during peak durian season

I have routine of hiking at least 5 times a week for almost a months.

Although it has not much changes in my weight lose ... I still want to share how good is hiking is good for body and mind.

When hiking become routine, I dont want this activities has loss its fun and joy. So, every time I will try to see is there any group that I could follow along to discover new route of hiking place, either long or short distances.

If really no one I can join, I will take stone pathway mix with jungle trail.I truly enjoyed the moment when the drop of sweat from my face till body.

To mention, this month is peak durian season. There are many durian trees in BJ hill along the jungle trail. You can see many hikers made effort patrol around the jungle areas which has durian trees to get 'durian'. Iam so lucky to have chance to eat durian treat by the owner after my hike. ( My favorite )  

Near the bj hill has stall sell vege & durian. The average price RM5 - 15, depends on the size of durian. Durians - King of fruit !  You either love them or hate them.

If someone were to ask you what smells horrible but tastes heavenly, you can bet the answer is none other than durians!

Of course not everyone will agree with this. One good example is yours truly. I love the smell of durians and I love the taste even more!

 

Yea! This times I also got to know a new trail called "625" - which consider a short trail. It only take around 20-30 minutes to reach to the half top. So, this trail is good option for me after work. Normally I will spend around 15 minutes for stretching / body workout.

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I still want to say hiking is really a good activities. Beside can have a nice view, fresh air, and the smells of nature. Hiking is a powerful cardio workout that boasts all the health benefits of walking, including less risk of heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer, as well as better blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Because hiking is a weight-bearing exercise -- you’re moving against gravity while staying upright -- it boosts bone density and helps combat osteoporosis (thinning bones )

Hiking is also good for muscle strength. The activity targets your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower leg muscles. It works your shoulders, strengthens your core, and improves balance. And hiking can help you control your weight.

It's also a powerful mood booster. "Research shows that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety," says Gregory A. Miller, PhD, president of the American Hiking Society. "Being in nature is ingrained in our DNA, and we sometimes forget that."

Hiking Trip to Celuk Tokun Hill | Bukit Mertajam | Penang

I had a marvelous & fantastic time hike to Celuk Tokun Hill along with Penang Adventure Club ( PAC). Cheruk To'kun is located in eastern of Bukit Mertajam (BM)Province situated in the mainland side of Penang state, northern part of Malaysia. 

Bukit Tokun or Tokun Hill or Cherok To’kun hill (however you want to call this place) is really great, vibrant, happening and has an incredibly beautiful view right at the wooden platform. 

Early in the morning, we're gathered at Butterworth railway station, and going to Tokun hill by bus. Our group has total of 22 person. Around 9am, PAC captain Mr Wong started briefing and registered the member for this trip. PAC has partnered with Tokun Hiking Group to facilitate us. 

It took around 1 hours and 30 minutes hiked to the top of the Tokun Hill. ( Pic with power station ). The starting hiking trail was easy walk way. After 20 minutes hike, we have our first pit stop. The rest house was served with hot coffee and tea. Sister and I just enjoyed the scene and fresh air in the jungle.

For the next 30 minutes, the BM facilitator started leading us using hiking trail with more steep hike step go up all the way, and go down again. On the 2nd Pit Stop, our shirt was practically wet, but we still looking forward to have similar tough trail to challenged. At the second pit stop - Called 3 stones which these 3 stone was lined up and might has stop the landslide. We took another 40 minutes to reach the top of the hill. 

About 11.30am, we finally has reached the top and the view was astonished when we can see the Mengkuang Dam and clouds from wooden platform. We were up on a really beautiful mountain view. Praise to the Lord for this beautiful creation. Oh God, You're God of creator !!!

Bukit Jambul Hiking Journey

After loss for 2 kgs in 1st month, I've decided to take up hiking as alternate way to loss weight. Hiking not only help me to burn more calories than I'm going for simple walk, but I can enjoy the beauty of natural setting where I'm hike. 

Near my house has a small hill called Bukit Jambul hill, its about 5 minutes from my house, and is situated just opposite INTI College in Pennag, and near the Equatorial Hotel. 

I've incorporated hiking to Bukit Jambul hill in my daily exercise routine. I'll hike at least 2-3 times per week. The hill is not long, with normal speed, I will able reach the top within 20-30 mins to reach the top.

As time goes by, I've built up my stamina in hiking up to the top. I can reach the top within 15 mins, and it no longer enough for me, because I do not feel any stretch anymore. 

So, I will use another trail go down to the mid of the staircase and hike again to the top. With this I normally spend 15 mins go to the top, and 10 mins go down, and another 10 mins go up again. After reaching the top, I will spend 10-15 mins to do stretching to complete the hiking session. 

Throughout the hiking journey, my stamina in walking and hiking has increased, and Iam able to do long hike for more than 60 minutes. While hiking, I really enjoy the natural view along the way. Various kind of flower, tree, leaves, mushroom, ant, chameleon, scorpion or even snake become my companion. :)

Up to now, my weight has been reduced to 63.5kg from 74kg within 4 months period. When I look back, the weight loss journey never be an easy, but is not as hard as I thought. Life is not waiting for the storms to pass..it's learning to dance in the rain. The only disability in life is a bad attitude." - Scott Hamilton