E-Wen Hooi: gopeng

Monday, September 12, 2016

White Water Rafting @ Gopeng

Gopeng is no longer a sleepy mining town. It has turned into a jewel that people travel from far for excitement and adventure. The highlands surrounding the Kampar River has metamorphed into a thriving area for eco-resorts and outdoor activities like paintball, kayaking, caving (Gua Tempurung), ATV and white water rafting.

Gopeng is famous for white water rafting

Connecting with nature has become one of my must-dos. This time, it is white water rafting White water rafting is one activity that allows you to submerge in nature and literally soak up its goodness.

Adeline's place offers activities such as white water rafting

Adeline's place is one friendly destination where both comfort and adventure can be found. The place is clean with sufficient amenities enveloped with plants and fresh air. To get to Adeline's place, first you have to enjoy a lorry ride! After reaching the villa, another lorry ride is required to transport you to Kampar River.

First ride the lorry

There are many reliable white water rafting providers and Adeline's team is one of them. Proper safety gears, quality equipment and qualified guides are just the things I need to put me at ease for the thrill that I am going to to embark myself in.

Briefing by Abang Helmy

The river is said to provide rapids of class 2-4 (highest is class 6). This means it is not too dangerous without discounting the thrill. Fret not if you do not know swimming, the float will keep you safe and might even entice you with some beautiful scenery while you are floating comfortably with the current.

Beginning of the adventure

Our first dip to get accustomed to water

Getting on our rafts

Ready for white water

Mayday mayday!

No pain no gain

It is not as dangerous as it looks

In fact, this is the fun part

Hard work...paddle forward!

At times when the raft get stuck, the guide has to put their muscles to work...with all of us in it!

Remember to enjoy the lush surroundings

Sound of water is soothing

Time for a chat

Jump jump! to free the raft from getting stuck

There are a few interesting commands that are taught to you when you embark on this exciting journey- jump jump, back on job, boom boom which all will not only keep the raft moving but also facilitate team spirit and cooperation with lots of laughter.

Paddle forward again

Abang Helmy said that the best would be for the raft to capsize. As life-threatening that may sound, that is said to give the most fun. Our raft was undesirably 'obedient' that day. Abang Helmy said not all rafts are lucky enough turn over!

There is a cliff for you to throw yourself into the water

Midway, the herculean guides take a break by the river bank. That was the time when we took the opportunity to lunge ourselves into the water from a cliff of 2-3 meters- low enough for me to take the challenge and high enough for a shot of thrill. I launched myself twice! And, it felt as if I threw all the emotional baggage away too. It was truely liberating.

Team work

White water rafting is not all laborious. Yes, you may have to burn some calories paddling but do remember to take some time to appreciate its surrounding. Hear the water gurgle, spot birds and monkeys, take lungfuls of fresh air and just immerse in nature.

And the journey continues

The 2.5km expedition ended safely

Adeline Villa & Resthouse

Lot 13302, Mukim Teja, Kampung Geruntum, Sungai Itik 31600 Gopeng Perak
Tel: 05-3592833 or 019-5561113
rumahrehatadeline@yahoo.com

www.rumahrehatadeline.com

https://www.facebook.com/adelinevillagopeng

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Paintball Thrill @ Gopeng

To those who recognize paintball as a heap of pain, like how yours truly once did, it is really not that bad. All you need is really just be more generous with your clothes and cover every inch of bare skin. Long trousers and long sleeves do go a long way. The fun and thrill is hands-down worth it, attested even by my sweat-averting friends.

My team for paintball

Gopeng is another haven for adventures and outdoor activities like paintball, white water rafting, kayaking, caving (Gua Tempurung) and ATV. If the city is treating you too harsh, consider a getaway at Adeline's Villa and Resthouse which is also an adventure hub that allows you to engage in all those activities under one roof.

To get to Adeline's place, we all have to be herded in a lorry

Adeline's place has a special way to make their visitors excited even before any adventure starts. To get to Adeline's place, we had to be herded in a lorry! Yeap you read it right. All of us stood in the back of the lorry just like cows! The route up the hill to the villas is a green and shady one. Just be forewarned about obstacles like hanging branches and fruits. Other than that, the lorry ride is truely one-of-a-kind.

Going up the hill in a lorry is a one-of-a-kind experience

Briefing before paintball. Be sure to adhere to all safety rules

Marshal showing the location of the flags that had to be snatched

My team leader (right) tossing the coin with another team leader

And we took the higher base

Prepping ourselves with our gears

Well protected this time

Team 'No Mercy' picture before battle field

Did you know that one of the best ways pretend you are in a movie, is to play the paintball. By doing that, you will not only find yourself in a set similar to that of Saving Private Ryan, you will also FEEL the characters and perhaps even BE the characters.

And the invasion of territories starts

Ducking behind barriers

Holding the marker and shooting gives a sense of seriousness in the game and of course surges of adrenaline. Team spirit automatically births in your heart. Not everyone will adopt bravery in the game but my gut swelled enough to pull the trigger like there was no tomorrow, accompanied by spirited screams under my mask (good stress reliever). And it is this game too that exposes what fear is like in a real war. Although a shot would just leave colour, I cannot stop imagining if those were real bullets! It was good cardio work out before I was marked on my head (luckily I was protected by my bandana) and had to leave the field.

Hey soldier!

Adeline's place not only offers exciting activities but also charming chalets for a getaway

The reception area of Adeline's place is all nature

Its restaurant is also nature themed

Asam laksa freshly cooked

The outdoor setting calls for yummy food like satay

The buffet line at Adeline's place

At the open air restaurant

Washing your own dishes after meals

Adeline's place is surrounded by serenity and greenery. Its rustic and natural appeal is a balm to the soul. Every corner is an unwinding opportunity as it allows visitors to assimilate with nature.