This was my fourth trip with the MNS Perak members since I joined the society about 2 years ago. As usua1 I was the earliest man to wait at the gathering point in front of the Ipoh Garden Plaza. After me were two young ladies. This was my first meeting with Mr. Liew, our trip leader that day.

We started our journey at about 8-40AM and reached Gopeng around 9.00 am. Another stop was made in front of the old folks home where our chairman, Mr. Cheaw was already there with 2 members from Selangor.

From the old folks home it took about 15 minutes before we stopped again. The place was just like a picnic-spot. A travel bus was there. All the members parked their car until Mr. Liew said that there was still a long way! Well, everybody started their vehicles, wasted no time and off we went.

Another 10 minutes passed and after zig-zagging the tar road (the scenery was like Bukit Kledang) all of us stopped again. By this time a decision had to be made between 2 choices, walk for one hour or you have to replace the absorbers, tie rod end, ball joints and even the springs of your car if you make it back in Ipohl Well all the drivers chose the first option except for some '4WD' owners.
9.47am. The search began. Somehow there was still a short walk before we could enter the deep forest. At first I was in the last group with Mr. Cheaw. This trip really gave me a good look at our Perak MNS chairman (usually I just know Mr. Cheaw from the Chairman's Desk). I thought Mr. Cheaw was only a bird-watcher until I found he was a butterfly expert too. 1 was introduced to such words like Dragontail, Jamides, .... etc (too many such that I can't remember all).

My group started uphill around 10.00 am. Leeches were the first thing in my mind but they wouldn't be much trouble if we kept walking, Mr. Cheaw assured us. Everything was fine at first as the path was quite easy. The ecosystem was the best based on my experience from the three previous trips I had participated in. A wide variety of flora was observed all the way but my mind was only filled with images of Rafflesia - so anxious that it kept my legs moving.

Our group was left quite far behind until a stop at the water point helped us catch up with the faster group. The members were slower now because the track was getting tough and difficult. .Slipperiness was everywhere. My arms fully depended on the branches, trunks and even the roots. At places where nothing could be found, rocks and harder soils were my source of help to make my "wish" came true.

I was then among crowd. Mr. Liew said someone from the faster members had yelled that the Rafflesia was spotted! I was thinking to myself, why so fast? I was not even sweating yet! I reached the spot where the Rafflesia was claimed to be found but what I know was just the imaginary one! A member told us that it was something of a "semangat" phrase ¾ a motivational password to keep the members going. Arrggh!

Anyway there was indeed the Rafflesia but a very rotten one! I didn't miss the chance. I thought a rotten one was better than nothing! It was already noon that we decided to make the return journey. Well, luck was still on our side as Mr. Ong who was already far ahead of us managed to pass a message that a "real" small Rafflesia was spotted! My spirit was 'awaken' and those which were already downhill quickly made their way back.Up we went!

It really took us some time before we succeeded and yes, buds were seen everywhere on the groun4 and even between branches! A small going-to-rot one was also spotted. It was blackish-red. No strong small was detected. Mission half accomplished! I guessed.

It was already 2.00 pm. and we decided to turn back and again I was in the last batch of trekkers. In my group were Mr. Cheaw, Mr. Ong and a family member. We took another trail for the journey back. There were parts along the track so steep that Mr. Cheaw claimed it to be 70-80 degrees. I agreed. It started to rain by the time I rode out to Gopeng town with my new friend, Chong, behind my back.

Well, these are my Gopeng's notes. This might be my last trip with the Perak's members. I shall say thanks for everything to the branch committee. Last but not least a sincere thanks from my heart to Ramli, Chong, Mr.Louis, Yoon (who was so kind in showing me the haven of the Rajah Brookes) and 2 female members (sorry I don't know their names); first was the so excited aunty "bouncing" with me on my C70 and second, the Mercedes-driver memberl Not forgetting all the "In Search of Rafflesia" participants.