Project Trans Nuang 1.0

(Photo: Zinov)

It was my final mountain training before Ramadan.

12 hours.

34 km.

3,800+ Elevation Gain

Pangsun – Nuang Summit – Janda Baik – Nuang Summit – Pangsun

 

We started around 6:00 am, Zinov, Shariff and I. Shariff only made it until Camp Pacat, he was sleepless the night before – saying too excited for “Project Trans Nuang”.

It was pitch dark when we started, and it was cold. I guess due to rainfall couple of days before. As it was a “hours on feet training” we decided to take it easy and slow. Zinov and i brought our head lamp that morning, i guess my Petzl Nao won him over – he’s looking for new headlamp for his Rinjani Trail Ultra after we left that day.

We fast hiked to Camp Lolo in 55 minutes, there we hikers camped around the area. We could see that some of them already waking up and made breakfast – still wrapped with blanket. It was a cold morning with constant wind around the area.

When we arrived at Camp Pacat, Shariff had to cut it short due to fatigue. Smart guy, always listen to your body.

Zinov with his new pet

It was then the two of us, Zinov and i continued the attack to Nuang summit. The trail was getting worst, due to corrosion and we could see the tree roots are all coming out; which makes it more difficult to ascent and descent.

First summit for the day

We’re the first guys reached the Nuang summit (1,493 meters)that morning, took us almost three hours. After comwhoring around the summit, we decided to proceed our descent towards the trail to Janda Baik.

The trail going down was steep, but it was much better than Pangsun – Nuang summit. It was said that it’s shorter distance from Janda Baik – Nuang Summit. We found later, it’s about 7km and it could be done in 2 hours in fast hike pace.

Going down to Janda Baik from Nuang Summit

We found the best waterfall around the trail of Janda Baik, it’s was a beauty. As we moved along the trail, after crossing the stream; we came across farmer’s vegetable garden.

Finally we arrived at the final stream’s crossing towards the car park at Janda Baik just before 12 pm. There was a small village shop there, only drinks and few type of kueh was on offer. We decided to stop for a while and rest – it’s time for Ice Cold Coca Cola. Blood sugar level needed to be top up before we proceed back towards Nuang Summit.

Across the stream is Janda Baik

We arrived back at Nuang summit in less than three hours – we were the last guy on the summit that day. It was about 3:15 pm when descent towards Pangsun. It was beginning to rain, thankfully we brought along rain jacket and head lamp – the trail was getting dark at the time.

It was fun running downhill and sliding after Camp Pacat, i felt stronger and better with each Nuang mountain training. BTW this was my fourth Nuang trip within 5 weeks time and i’m loving it every time.

After Camp Lolo, we decided to walk fast all the way to the base. The trail was wet and slippery by then, no point in risking injuries by running it.

Second summit for the day

We arrived back at Pangsun carpark around 6 pm, body felt nice after 12 hours not too tired; i felt i could go on running more.

Things to consider for Trans Nuang.

1. Bring headlamp and extra batteries

2. Rain jacket

3. Good trail shoes with deep lug. My Salomon Sense Ultra was not adequate for some of the slippery part of the trail, especially the trail from Camp Pacat towards the summit. Shoes like Salomon Speedcross is the best for Trans Nuang.

4. Hydration bag with at least 2 liters. I brought my Salomon 10 + 3 bag with two extra bottles in front, we top up our front bottles with water from water fall at Janda Baik. It’s never enough water, especially for 12 hours project like this.

5. Bring all the gels you can carry, i brought about 6 gels, a bag of raisins, mars bars and Banana Powerbar, You needed all the food in the jungle – just precautions, in case of getting lost in the jungle.

6. Mobile phone – always let your friend knows your location around the mountain. It could save your life.

Thank Zinov for the company, this guy is bloody strong. Watch out Rinjani, Zinov is coming!

Till then, join us for Project Trans Nuang 2.0 after Hari Raya (Eid Fitr).