Category: Places

Hiking 2.0

Matsuda MashimaruLeave a comment

We made a pact to have at least one adventurous hiking trip every year, no excuses, just a bunch of us pretending to be outdoorsy for a weekend.

We’re not hardcore hikers by any stretch; we hike for the snacks, the laughs, and that glorious moment at the peak when we can finally say, “Yeah! Totally worth it!” (and later goofing around with our limping legs for days). This year marks my second time organising our annual hiking trip with a bunch of thrill seekers, but not ‘physically fit’ best friends.

This time around, I decided to spice things up for our 5-day, 4-night adventure. One mountain? Too easy. I told the team, “We’ve got five days gais, let’s make our legs regret it!” So, we set our sights on 2 mountains around Gerik, Perak, and another one at Baling, Kedah.

(Click each link ⬆️ for more stories)

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The Tree of Life at Pedu Lake

Matsuda MashimaruLeave a comment

I will be at the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival (KLPF) 2025 (15-17 August 2025/ 11AM to 8PM), proudly showcasing my work at the Profile Exhibition, Booth A16.

For this special occasion, I’m exhibiting 31 photographs from my ongoing project, The Tree of Life: A Tualang Tree of Pedu Lake, Kedah. This project has been a labour of love. A journey into the heart of the forest to document one of Malaysia’s tallest and most awe-inspiring trees, the Tualang.

For over three decades, this very tree has been home to colonies of Tualang honey bees, cared for by local honey hunters who practice a centuries-old tradition of sustainable harvesting. Through my lens, I’ve sought to capture not only the tree’s towering beauty, but also the intricate web of life it sustains, from the buzzing of bees to the stories of the people who protect it.

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Trying on Street Photography

Matsuda MashimaruLeave a comment

Have you tried Street Photography before?

As a photographer who loves photographing places and moments, I find this genre challenging. It is not about snapping random photos while walking on a busy street in Bangkok but you require more of the “art of seeing” skill here. Before, I had the impression any photo captured on the street could be categorised as a street photo. Of course, there is no right or wrong technique for capturing street moments. Some argue that a street photo needs to have distinguished criteria or techniques to qualify as a REAL street photo.

Whatever the technique is, the best street photo is the one that tells stories.

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Lake Temenggor of Royal Belum State Park

Matsuda MashimaruLeave a comment

Have you been to the Royal Belum State Park, Gerik, Perak?

I was at Lake Temenggor, Royal Belum State Park in late September last year, my second time visiting this place. Unlike my first visit, the water level was visibly low as the reservoir operator prepared the dam for the unpredictable volume of rain. The water from Lake Temenggor Dam was released to its lowest point in anticipation of the high volume of rainwater from the upcoming monsoon season.

The lake is man-made and constructed along the Perak River. The structure of the Temenggor Dam was completed in 1974. It stretches over 15,200 hectares, submerging valleys, hills and dense rainforest to create the reservoir.

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Hiking Gunung Fakir Terbang

Matsuda Mashimaru2 Comments

Gunung Fakir Terbang is located at Tasik Pedu, Padang Terap, Kedah.

It sits next to the Malaysia and Thailand border. You will witness a golden panorama view of Pedu Lake during sunset on Malaysia’s side and a gorgeous view of the green forestry landscape of the Yala province of Thailand during sunrise. The easiest entrance to the trail is through the Mutiara Tasik Pedu main gate. Mutiara Tasik Pedu Resort has long ago closed for business (closed in 2010) but the landowner is still actively guarding the area.

  • Location: Gunung Fakir Terbang, Mutiara Pedu Lake, Tasik Pedu, Kedah (570 meter)
  • How to go: Waze for “Seri Mahawangsa Boathouse” or “Gate Mutiara”, Tasik Pedu
  • Attraction: Thailand and Malaysia border. Panorama view of Tasik Pedu during sunset
  • Difficulty: Moderate hike
  • Distance out and back: ~ 4 km
  • Time spent: half-day trip
  • Caution: Kutu babi/ tick and leeches during the rainy season
  • Tips: Gorgeous view during sunset and sunrise. Discuss with your guide how to maximize your experience while hiking the mountain
  • Leech level: Minimal during the dry season
  • Entrance Fee: No
  • Require Permit: Yes
  • Local Guide: Abang Long Naser 019-506 8667
  • Hiking date: 27 January 2024
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