MIDDLE EARTH PROMOTES ECO-ADVENTURE PACKAGES IN EAST COAST TOWN

By Mohd Azhar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Jerantut, which is the largest district
in east coast state of Pahang, is known as the main gateway to the National Park
in Kuala Tahan.

Tourists mainly visit the Kota Gelanggi Cave, Tekam Plantation Eco Resort
and the Meraung Waterfall near here before proceeding to the National Park.

However, hidden deep in the indistinguishable mix of recreational and
permanent forest reserves, interspersed with fast flowing rivers and waterfalls,
lay sequestered nooks and crannies.

Locals have named these obscure waterfalls Lata Telur, Lata Selesa, Lata
Manik and Lata Lebah (Bees Fall).

Fish is abundant and the water in these rivers is categorised as Class
1 under the Department of Environment's (DOE) Water Quality Index. This means it
is safe to drink straight from the river.

In colonial times, these jungles had provided asylum to revered Malay
warrior Mat Kilau who used their cover as a training ground, hideaway and
getaway after his frequent skirmishes with the British.

These same locations could now be the perfect backdrop for eco-adventure
activities.

"It is a shame that only we locals and a select few are privy to these
pristine locations. I would like more visitors to enjoy them," said Jerantut
born businessman cum restaurateur, Marodzuan Abdul Ghani.

As a precursor, Marodzuan, who also heads the Jerantut based Gaharu 4x4
Team, organised the Sungai Salan 4x4 Challenge and Kembara Merdeka 4x4, last
year.

The former was a competition while the later was a familiarisation
programme in which a convoy of 4WD vehicles was used to ferry participants to
remote villages in the district.

Following these teaser events, Marodzuan and teammates Osmadi Osman and
Amiruddin Sabri formed an event management company called Middle Earth to
promote eco-adventure packages in the district.

They also set up a board and lodging establishment for backpackers called
Middle Earth Motel & Café, located a stone's throw away from the Jerantut
railway station.

Being a Land Rover enthusiast Marodzuan invested in three Land Rover
Defenders, which are used as a chuck wagon as well as to ferry camping
paraphernalia. These official vehicles are called Godfather, Lost Boy and Blues
Brother.

A crew of seven takes care of the housekeeping and logistics.

Middle Earth offers comprehensive eco-adventure packages in Jerantut, apart
from day trips to remote villages, geological locations and historical
sites.

Eco-adventure packages have different signature themes printed on T-shirts
that must be worn by participants during the trip.

Depending on the destination chosen, these have the company's logo with
catchy phrases like 'Lost Boy Trail', 'Run to the Hill', 'Monsoon Trail' and
'Wet and Slippery' printed at the back.

That such apparel is exclusive to participants make them a much coveted
souvenir.

Middle Earth eco-adventure trips are a memorable experience as well as a
gastronomic delight.

Getting back to camp after a physically exerting activity, it is amusing to
see your guide cum instructor don an apron to prepare your meal, with recipe
book placed next to the stove.

Lunch can be anything from traditional Pahang Malay cuisine to
catch-of-the-day steamed fish with vegetables, prepared in Chinese style.

Event & Marketing Manager Osmadi, is also a deft hand at whipping up an
array of Western cuisine ranging from steak, barbequed chicken wings, Coney
Island Dog, spaghetti bolognaise to venison stew.

Middle Earth dinners are delightful jungle soirees which can be full of
surprises. During a 'Lost Boy Trail' package organised for the media recently,
the company even held a special 'Jungle Wedding Reception' as a show of
appreciation for crew member Mohd Ghazali Onn.

Middle Earth has also conducted specially tailored adventure programmes for
private television station, TV9, Akademi Nasyid participants, Nissan Frontier
and X-Trail owners in Kuantan, apart from 4x4 off-road driving skills training
for Land Rover owners from across the causeway (Singapore).

According to Pahang Tourism Action Council (MTPN) general manager Idros
Yahya, the company's activities are in tandem with the Council's aspiration to
promote new eco-adventure locations in Jerantut.

"Middle Earth logistic support has greatly contributed towards the success
of our promotional programmes," Idros said.

For more information, contact Middle Earth Motel & Café at: 603-6188 9990
(Tel), 603-61889950 (fax); or Marodzuan at: 012-9819 145.
-- BERNAMA