Jungle Trek

Friday 14, January 2011, 8.45 a.m., courtroom No 4, Federal Courts. The gallery is empty save for my wife, her client (the defendant) and a few court officials. I guess the criminals are still recovering from their year-end revelry. Very boring. What seemed to be a potentially fiery pre-trial discussion with the DPP fizzled out like a damp fire-cracker. Disappointing, time to put to good use the valuable time. Afterall, we farmers do not really have that much free time.

Last weekend we took time off to scout some new trails in the nearby hills. After a ten minutes drive we arrived at the jungle fringe and started the hike at 5.00 pm. The terrain was fairly hilly with the vegetation ranging from overgrown clearing to secondary jungle. As we get deeper however, it gave way to primary jungle. We arrived at the campsite after about forty minutes trekking, round about 6 pm. Just nice, it gets dark much earlier in the jungle, what with the overhanging canopy. Further its been raining heavily the past few days. Don't feel like slushing around in the mud too much tonight.

Time to set-up camp and get dinner ready before we start the real activity, fishing!!!. There was no need to bring out the tents. The locals, maybe aboriginals, have taken the trouble to put up a two story jungle hut. Not the Hilton but certainly a welcomed sight. Food was a simple affair, especially after we threw out half of the kitchen which my wife prepared for us. Her idea of camping was what she saw of the safari camp in Africa, with the whole house in tow. Fine if she is caring half the load, not bl***y likely. After all its only an overnight trip.

Dinner done we settled down for the fishing, whilst our guide decided to disappear into the pitch black to try his luck with the landlocked animals. Adib and I exchanged glances. No, no,  not that we are afraid, of course not. Its just that I kept remembering Snoopy's opening line..."it was a dark and stormy night...". It better not storm tonight.

Now this location is said to be a fishing secret. The legendary Kelah (Malaysian mahsere a.k.a. the Malaysian anglers Holy Grail) and the Tengas weighing upto 2 to 3 kilos are said to be the happy local residents of the rivers and streams. Hearts in our throats, trembling like virgins on their wedding night, we set up gear, bait and everything else and waited... and waited. The night bore on uneventfully, with a few intermitten nibbles. Our hearts gradually settled in their rightful places, whilst the virgins trembled no more as the bridegrooms seemed to have got the dates mix-up.

1.00 a.m. Sunday morning. Still no meaningful bite, whilst our last biscuit has been bitten off. Our guide has since returned with a some luck. Good for him. We settled down for the night, not entirely disappointed as the location is as original and beautiful as one can get within an hour or two from KLCC. Just to be here itself is a privilege. Never mind the fish. We have been fishing long enough to know that on some days they just don't feel like playing ball. Could be the weather (promise of storm) or just normal everyday reasons like pesky neighbors or mother-in-laws.

We broke camp early and by the time we got back to the farm my brother had just finished taking King for his morning ride.

Well, well what do you know, the Magistrate called in sick. Postponed again. The last time my wife was sick.

ULUHATI: Loui's Puppies

ULUHATI: Loui's Puppies: "Now, you may know that Loui is the Head of our Security Dept. Hailing from the faraway place called Belgium, Loui is known by his official b..."

Loui's Puppies

Now, you may know that Loui is the Head of our Security Dept. Hailing from the faraway place called Belgium, Loui is known by his official breed as the Malinois (short hair), otherwise simply known as the Belgian Shepherd Dog.

Loui's came to us slightly over two years ago, a young exuberant pup then, who got himself totally bewildered with the expanse of his playground and the variety of playmates around. He soon learned  that whilst some are willing friends, others with like the billy goat  and the male deer have long, sharp pointed sticks on their forehead which can bring about some serious grief. To his credit though, he stood his ground when threatened by a full grown male deer. A slight to behold, a 3 month old pup, hackles raised, canines bared, snarling down a full antlered deer. Others like the chickens are great fun. They are fun to chase until one of them accidentally ran into his open mouth. It was not his fault, he seemed to say, with his mouth full of feathers. He has since learned they are off limits. Now he is more concerned in making sure that our four cats too observe the prohibition. One withering look from Loui and they would give that "what chicken?" look. Horses tails are also great fun, especially if you can get a mouthful between your teeth. The only problem is their hind legs which can send you flying up the durian tree if you are not careful. So far he has not got his flying colors yet. By the way, Loui and his pack love durians, which can be duty distracting when the fruit is in season. Nights are often spent sniffing out fallen fruits and opening them instead of guard duty.

Yes, Loui is a fast learner, typical of his breed. Teaching him how to round up goats took only two lessons. Very methodological, he would round up the main herd and then go back to the bushes for the straggles. The only problem was, when we decided the goat should now feed in the compound, he rounded them up the moment they leave the goat house and herd them up the goat house again. A wailing protest from the now hungry goats alerted us that Loui needed retraining. Again easily done.

As Head of Security, Loui is cut out for the role, totally fearless and alert. A strict disciplinarian, his understated authority is enormous. No bite or threatening bark is required to keep his squad of eight guards in check. One cold stare is enough to get the offender whimpering and grovelling. One erstwhile guard actually whimpered for 15 minutes whilst Loui gave her that cold stare.The other members of the Guard Detail are Siti (also our resident GRO "guest relation officer"), Fifi, Suede, Paco, Midnite, Socks and Lucky (Loui's earlier daughter).

Evenso, Loui loses his marbles to children. The sight of children playing would see him somersaulting in the air like a foolish pup and he would stick by their side until playtime is over. Very reassuring.

Now, Loui's mate is Lucy, also a Belgian dame. Before the arrival of Loui, Lucy was the Alpha Female. Now that Loui is fully grown she gladly passed on the Alpha baton to Loui, and devoted her life to raising beautiful pups, though when duty calls you could see her charging with the rest of the pack. Some two months ago, Lucy gave birth to 5 beautiful puppies, 2 males (Duke and Baron) and 3 females (Duchess, Lady and Countess).

Since we already have 9 dogs in the security detail, it is our intention to sell of one of the male and all of the females. If there is anyone out there looking for a highly intelligent, devoted and fearless dog do call us for further details. Our only request is that you must really be a dog person who would take these puppies as your lifelong loyal companion apart from your spouse, of course. Do call either Din (012-2716262) or Eliza (012-2787722)

Fashion shoot at ULUHATI for Surreyya

On 29 October 2010 Uluhati had the privilege to be chosen as the location of choice for the shooting of various fashion designs for the House of Surreyya. The shooting was to have started at 7 a.m. but a light rain delayed it till about 8 am. Nevertheless the morning rain was a blessing of sorts for it provided a cooler environment and tempered the outdoor lighting somewhat, so the professional photographers told us. We photography illiterates could not tell the difference. The shooting crew had a great time and worked up a good appetite by lunch time.

In afternoon they asked for King (our thoroughbred horse) to be readied as a prop. Slightly apprehensive we got King ready and led him to the paddock. Lo and behold King lived up to his name. He showed great manners, fine courtly behavior and the best of cooperation. The only thing he did not do was lie on his back and waved his four legs in the air. But then again, that's King. "don't ask me to do any heavy duty stuff, just let me admire the grass as I crop them leisurely blade by blade and I will do anything else you want. Just let me know when there is an earthquake".

Yes, all the animals on this farm have their individual personality. In fact, we very often think of them as persons, instead of animals and visitors sometimes have this quizzed sceptical look on their faces when they see us chatting with the animals. We had to assure them that we are still safe company.

Anyway King had his show, then they asked for the farmer to show his stuff. I won't comment on that one. See for yourself.

 

They wrapped up by sundown, completely exhausted but fully contented,  full of "oohs" and "aahs" at how great their shots had been. We'll take their word for it.

OTHERS AT ULUHATI

AND IF ALL THE ABOVE DO NOT PEAK YOUR INTEREST TRY OUR FISH PONDS AND HERBAL GARDEN. OUR FISH ARE REARED IN SPRING FED MOUNTAIN PONDS WHILST OUR HERBAL GARDEN IS BOUND TO START SOME INTERESTING DISCUSSIONS ON THE NATURAL APPROACH TOWARDS IMPROVING OUR HEALTH.

KIDS OUTDOOR

AS SOCIETY BECOMES MORE URBANIZED THE CHALLENGE IS TO PROVIDE OUR YOUNGER GENERATION WITH AN ALL ROUND EXPOSURE. TO EQUIP THEM WITH ALTERNATIVE LIVING SKILLS TO BETTER PREPARE THEM FOR THE GREAT UNKNOWN TO COME. TO DISCOVER FIRST HAND THAT THINGS WHICH THEY SEE ON THE TV SETS ACTUALLY DO EXIST REAL LIFE. TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ORIGINAL FORM OF THE THINGS WHICH APPEAR IN NEAT AND ATTRACTIVE PACKAGES IN THE NEAT SUPERMARKETS. TO LEARN FIRST HAND THE ENTIRE JOURNEY OF THE FOOD CHAIN AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE VARIOUS ACTORS AND PLAYERS AND THE DYNAMICS AND TEAMWORK REQUIRED FOR THE SYSTEM TO WORK.  WITH THIS IT IS HOPED THEY WILL BETTER APPRECIATE THE PIECE OF CHICKEN OR THAT LEAF OF SALAD ON THE DINNER PLATE.IN SHORT THE CHALLENGE IS TO PROVIDE OUR CHILDREN WITH THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPOSURE WITH WHICH WE HOPE THEY CAN BECOME BETTER MEMBERS OF SOCIETY, BETTER THAN WE EVER DID.
THE IDEA HERE IS TO GIVE SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY THEY HAVE HAD BEFORE, UNLESS OF COURSE THEY HAVE BEEN RAISED ON A FARM. FOR THEM IT WILL BE A RARE EXPOSURE TO ENCOUNTER FIRST HAND THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES WHICH TAKE PLACE ON A FARM IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FUN, LEARNING AND TEAMWORK.

THIS PROGRAM OPENS TO KINDERGARTENS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ONLY. IT CAN BE EITHER ON A DAY VISIT BASIS OR OVERNIGHT CAMP STAY. 

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GOATS, RANGE CHICKEN AND TURKEYS

HAVE YOUR CHILDREN SEEN RANGE CHICKEN OR TURKEYS IN REAL LIFE, OR FOR THAT MATTER LOCAL KAMPONG GOATS?  THEY ALL GRAZE FREELY ON THE FARM.