Showing posts with label Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

BRINGING THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURES TO KEDAH

BDB Triple Challenge 2016 brings triple excitement for adventure sports seekers.


Langkawi, 24 May 2016 - A breath-taking scenery along a journey filled with 160 types of herbs, 80 types of timber trees, 73 species of birds and 169 species of butterfly await adventure sport seekers at the upcoming BDB Langkawi Climb and Run 2016 occurring this June. 
I was at the press conference for BDB Triple Challenge 2016...
Taking place on 4 June 2016, the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run will see participants climb up a 3.1km journey up the Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan (Steps of Thousand Memories) to a maximum elevation of 781 meters high while being mesmerized by the lush greenery of the Hutan Lipur Sungai Sembilang located in Gunung Raya which is the highest point in Langkawi, Kedah. The BDB Langkawi Climb and Run is arguably one of the most unique physical fitness in Malaysia as participants will experience climbing up 4,287 steps stair climb combined with a 15km downhill run towards the finishing line. Organised by Minds@work with Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) as title sponsor and Brooks as a main sponsor, with support from Kedah Tourism in conjunction with Discover Kedah 2016. 
"The BDB Langkawi Climb and Run is possibly one of the most unusual and challenging event in the world as climbing a route consisting of 4,287 steps at an altitude is not an easy feat not to mention the additional downhill run after the climb. But the breath-taking view as well as the pristine flora and fauna available at Langkawi coupled with the uniqueness of the challenge will definitely be a motivational boost for the participants, " stated Dato' Izham Bin Yusoff, BDB Group Managing Director.


Dato' Izham was giving the press conference accompanied by Datuk Zulkifli Bin Mohamad, CEO of Kedah Aman Makmur
It is the first in a series of events under the BDB Triple Challenge 2016. The BDB Triple Challenge 2016 aims to attract running, climbing and fitness enthusiasts both locally and internationally to experience the lush attractions Kedah has to offer while partaking in a world class event. In addition to the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run, the BDB Extreme Jitra and BDB Marathon Jitra will see participants running, climbing and going through obstacles in the heart of Kedah.

"We are truly excited with the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 as we want to showcase the splendours of Kedah to both the local and international community with our world class event. Many might not know the gems hidden in Kedah and the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 will give visitors the perfect opportunity to discover and explore Kedah," added Dato' Izham.


Also were present, Mr Damian Cheah from Brooks Running Malaysia. 
The BDB Extreme Jitra 2016, occurring on 10 September 2016, will have participants go through a 7km obstacles challenge course that are both man-made and natural at Darul Aman Park in the serene town of Jitra while the inaugural BDB Marathon Jitra will complete the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 set to take place on 26 November 2016. The Marathon is divided into four categories, 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km, expects to attract more than 5000 runners, features a combination of flat road and rolling hills with runners experiencing scenery of paddy fields and discovering the beautiful rural ambiance of Jitra as well as other parts of Kedah.
Mesmerizing Gunung Keriang
Unique Paddy Museum in Keriang surrounded by the serene paddy fields...
Known as the "rice bowl of Malaysia", Kedah Darul Aman offers a kaleidoscope of natural beauty ranging from amazing limestone mountains to luscious rainforest to serene paddy fields for tourists and visitors alike. And in line with the Discover Kedah 2016 campaign, a plethora of activities has been planned throughout the year in addition to the BDB Triple Challenge 2016. Several local fruits festivals, arts and cultural outreach programme and festivals, motorsports events and traditionalgames festival are just amongst the activities that will surely attract visitors and tourists from both locally and internationally. 


"Kedah has a rich culture and a very prominent history as one of the oldest civilization in Southeast Asia. Combines with the challenges and thrills that we have concocted for the participants, the BDB Triple Challenge 2016will not only benefit the communities in Jitra and Langkawi but the whole of Kedah in general as the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 will seea continuous flow of tourists and visitors to Kedah. They will experience the vibrant culture and attractive sceneries Kedah has to offer while engaging in healthy activities at the same time," commented Kedah Aman Makmur CEO, Datuk Zulkifli Bin Mohamad. 

The BDB Triple Challenge 2016is expected to boost Kedah's tourism, economic growth, and provide further opportunities for local businesses as well as the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kedah. It is the first event organized by Minds@work, with Bina Darulaman as the title sponsor. 
Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) is an investment holding company responsible for the development of township, construction, road works, quarry, gold and leisure via its subsidiaries in Kedah. Incorporated on 7 February 1995, BDB has been a key player in Kedah's development contributing to many landmark achievements such as Bandar Darulaman, Trans Eastern Kedah Interland Highway (TEKIH), Langkawi International Airport, and Darulaman Golf and Country Club.

For more information on the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 is available at www.facebook.com/bdbtriplechallenge2016 and for full list of activities for Discover Kedah 2016 is available at www.discover-kedah.my

P/S: You can also log on to https://home.hooha.asia/BDBTripleChallenge2016.aspx for more details and registration for all three events. 

It was a great experience to be able to join the route review session before will all 15 running and lifesyle bloggers last month. Feel free to read all about my unique breathless experience HERE.
Let's counting the stair (Read: STARS) together shall we.. huhuhu....
After the press conference, Astro Arena interviewed me for sharing my experience climbing up all 4,287 steps of Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan to the top of Gunung Raya and ran the downhill tarmac part not even half way hehee... Boy I was a bit nervous.... It's been a long time since my last media interview hohoho... Main hantam sajala eh! Hopefuly I've answered her questions correctly huhu...
My interview session with Astro ARENA....Fuhhh cuak bin neves woo...
So, I'll see you guys in Langkawi next week yaa.... Langkawi Aku Datang Lagik! =D

Thank you Ms Lotfi from Minds@work for inviting me to this Press conference session... 


Friday, April 29, 2016

BDB CLIMB & RUN LANGKAWI 2016 - ROUTE PREVIEW 😍


I was so lucky & truly honoured when Kak Lina asked whether I was interested to join the preview route in Langkawi last week. It's definitely too good to resist offer so I immediately agreed to join the bandwagon. For your information, this was my first preview route as a running blogger. Therefore I was totally thrilled & excited to participate in this short Langkawi trip.

Moreover, the haze situation in Klang Valley was getting worse with ongoing dry spells. So I guessed it was about time for me to go for a quick runcation/getaway from the neverending haze.

So in total there were 15 runnners/bloggers for preview route mission. We took FireFly to Langkawi on Saturday. It was my first time moment too flying with FireFly from Subang Airport (SZB).
Safely landed at Langkawi International Airport.... Excited xhengat nih...
We came, We see, We will conquer this 4,287 steps tomorrow! Today was just for sightseeing only hehe =)
Once we reached the Langkawi International Airport, Ariff Syafik the Race Director himself took us to check on the starting venue in Hutan Simpan Lubuk Semilang. It was an ideal place for local & foreign tourists to chillax, have picnic with family & take a dip in the pristine water during this hot & dry season. 😁
Our home for one night stay there.... Super comfy bed & spacious twin beds room....
We could see Pulau Dayang Bunting from the balcony of GeoPark Inn... Super awesome scenery
After the simple briefing & some photo session, we went back to GeoPark Inn, our official hotel for the trip and getting ready for dinner with the representatives from Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) PR Team and  the sponsors.
Happy group photo session after our tummy were so full! Scrumptious dinner buffet! Pic credit to Sis Marlina
Please Do Not Disturb... Bed Time Already... Zzzzz...
I slept soundly during my short stay in GeoPark Inn & woke up to get ready for the route preview session. I just had Runbananaz energy balls & Syco Bar energy bar from Marathonbaker to fuel my climb & run. Did not feel like having a hearty breakfast.
Ritual pre-run group photo as always.... Pic credits to Misz Ella...
After the group photo session with the team & organizers, off we go into the woods to tackle the 4,287 steps of Thousand Memories of Eagle Stairs (Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan). We were flagged off by 8am sharp.
Let the climb began!
You will seel so many beautiful natural architecture & art along the way up
 The first 1,000 stairs were doable. Easy and not so steep. There were hand rails too along the climb. You know you've reached the Check Point A 1,000 stairs mark once you saw the red signage on your right. Just look for this huge jungle tree.
1,000 stairs mark on my LEFT, while 2,000 stairs mark on my RIGHT side... Had to wear the buff since some nasty jungle fly kept on buzzing on my ears hahaaa!
You can see some of the steps marker along the way up. Count as you wish...
After that, I kept on climbing & counting the stairs too. It was be daunting at some time but you just had to enjoy the fascinating view of the jungle along the way. Right before I know it, I reached the Check Point B 2000 stairs mark. Yayyy! Another 2,287 stairs to go!
Here got some railings.... Easier for you to climb the dreadful mental stairs hahaa!
We still got time to take a breather & took photo together. Pic courtesy of Ariff Syafik
 Along the way up, I was lucky enough to hear the flapping sound of the giant hornbill. It was loud! Heard some noise from the dusky leak monkeys or long tail macaque too hooting from the tree top hehee.
Feeling2 Diva of the Jungle/Stairs on top of the lying trunk.... Hohoho! Thanks to Misz Ella for the awesome shots!
Could not resist to pose on this big tree trunk lying in the middle of the stairs. Hehee... I was totally drenched in sweats! Could already hear my heartbeats pounding so fast hahaa... It was a great cardio workout nonetheless! I would like to suggest you to bring at least 500ml of drinking water/isotonic drinks with you. A hydration vest or bag would be a great option so that your hands are free to use the railings at some stretch.
Self timer pose ala2 dramatik padahal tengah semput ciked time nih hahaaa!
I could not find the 3,000 stairs marks anywhere but I saw the number of stairs on every 10 stairs. That "distance" marker kept me going to finish this climb asap. Quite a motivation I must say.
Wajah pasrah tak berapa nak insaf time nih... Selfie bersama anak tangga ke 3920 dulu hehee!
 When you thought that you have to climb all the way up, you were wrong. There was a nice temporary descent of stairs before you had to climb up again. Ideal spots for me to take a breather & soldier on. From there onwards, it was getting a lot steeper and some uneven steps.
Doing down for a while, felt so relieved a bit.... hihii
Honestly the last 20 steps were the steepest but I could not wait to end my misery as quickly as possible. Hahaa! That's where the photographer was stationed to capture our suffering look. LOL!
Almost there, ho yeahhh! No suffer face please hahahaa!
Finally I reached the top in 2h10min, inclusive of taking pic stops, hydration breaks & selfie pace..  I read the estimated time to reach the top was 2h15min from the information board. Yayyy! Still within the estimated time then. By right we could be able to see Tempur Island from the top but it was not visible due to misty gloomy weather. I drank cold mineral water provided by the organizer & off I go to run downhill.
I`m at the top of the world! So many clouds in the background too...
Unfortunately I could not see the Pulau Tempor from here.... Too misty at that time.... Wajib repeat!
It was already around 10.30 am when I started running downhill. The weather was just perfect for a run. Totally overcast with some fog coming up the mountain. Thus the route was not that steep to run too.
Running downhill was so much fun! Sejuk dan nyaman weh udara di sinih....
 Met some smiling "mountain" cows along the way down. Saw some monkeys too. Me & Abg Zaini walked - ran - walked together while having some chats. The downhill route reminded me of Route 68 challenge. It's totally runnable even for a newbie.
Even the cows were very friendly & grazing happily up here....
Unfortunately my downhill run was cut short due to time constraint. Boohoo... :( We need to be ready to checkout by 1pm.  Plus I started to have a hunger pang after the extreme climbing workout... With my super wet socks, I hopped on the organizer's sweeping van. I wished to climb & run here again soon for the unfinished business hehee... I always love to finish what I've started before.
The elevation profile... Courtesy of Mr Razif yahya....
Thank you so much Marathonbaker Runbananaz & Syco Bar Energy Bars for fuelling me up along the challenging climb...
In total, I've covered 10.5km++ distance starting from the entrance of Lubuk Semilang Reserve Forest and went all the way up & ran downhill. The actual distance for BDB CLIMB & RUN LANGKAWI 2016 were 3.1km stairs & 15.5km downhill run. So I owed this route 8km++ then hehee...

All in all, I had so much fun time traversing the trails of Hutan Simpan Lubuk Semilang via 4,287 stairs Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan. It felt like climbing the iconic KL Towerthon twice! Hahaa... Minus the stuffiness claustrophobic suffocating climb. Hehee... I love the beauty of Mother Nature here...Even pictures won't do justice... You have to come here to experience it yourself.

For those who wants to push your limit & yearning for some challenges in the nature, feel free to sign up by clicking the link below

 https://home.hooha.asia/BDBLangkawiClimbRun.aspx

Here's some extra info about BDB TRIPLE CHALLENGE 2016. Check it out folks!
  https://home.hooha.asia/BDBLangkawiClimbRun.aspx
https://home.hooha.asia/BDBExtremeJitra.aspx  
 https://home.hooha.asia/BDBMarathonJitra.aspx

Now they are offering a promotional rate for those who signed up for all three challenges for only RM200. That's right, Climb & Run Langkawi (Any Waves) + Extreme Jitra (Any Waves) + Jitra Marathon (FM = 42.195KM Category Only) That's quite a bargain & good news I must say....

Just follow their Facebook or Instagram @ BDB Triple Challenge 2016 for more updates and announcement.

 Thank you so much to the PR team, BDB as the Organizer for your great warm hospitality, Ariff Syafik the RD & Brooks Running Malaysia for the awesome running tee & Pure Grit 4 trail shoes giveaway prizes, the sponsors and all the sporting running/bloggers group for making this short getaway a memorable one indeed.
 Till then, toodles! Langkawi I'll Be Back in 4th June! :P


P/S: Thank you for reading my humble blog entry. For more updates, do refer and please follow these links to several channels of my social media. =D #bdbtriplechallenge2016 #bdbclimbnrun2016 #discoverkedah2016 #brooksrunningmy


https://www.facebook.com/hafizaizat7
http://www.instagram.com/aizatyanan
http://twitter.com/aizat147

- See more at: http://www.missyblurkit.com/2016/04/bdb-climb-run-langkawi-2016-route-review.html#sthash.udDlZUQT.dpuf


- See more at: http://www.missyblurkit.com/2016/04/bdb-climb-run-langkawi-2016-route-review.html#sthash.udDlZUQT.dpuf