OBJECTIVE 1: To improve and create immediate alternative livelihood among Orang Asli located within Upper Kinta Basin
Activity 1: Construction and enhancement of Mount Korbu eco-trail
The total distance traveled from the gate to the peak of Mount Korbu using the legendary Korbu track route is 12.6km. There are 6 camps have been identified along this track, but based on expedition team observation, only three camps are really suitable to be us which is Kem Malas, Kem Balak, Kem View and Kem Permatang. The most suitable camp site is Kem View due to its larger site area, flat ground surface and added with outstanding sceneries.
There are many highlights and attraction can be found along the trail to Mount Korbu through Makmur village:
- For the first 220meters, there's few checkpoint where tourist or hikers can visit which is Pos Telu.
- Tourist and hikers can stop by this area to rest or do some activities such as river bath and have a picnic.
- There are also different species of amazing flora species such as pitcher plants (Nephentes sp.), (Labisia Pumila sp.) and medicinal plants used by the indigenous people in their daily life.
- In terms of Fauna, varieties of bird species were spotted such as Oriental Magpie Robin, common Myna, Buff-Breasted Babbler, Radde’s Warbler, Red-eyed Bulbul, Black Hornbill and Kingfisher (but not sure type specific Kingfisher).
- The expedition team also managed to record Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) fresh footprint on their way back to the village.
- There are many rivers and waterfall can be spotted throughout the trail to the Mount Korbu. There’s one attractive waterfall can be founded which is Kem Balak. Hikers also can enjoy the outstanding sceneries along Mount Korbu trail especially at the peak.
GEC has taken some action based on safety and feasibility tests of the route which is by inviting expertise on trekking and identifying differences biodiversity to the auditing and monitoring evaluation of the trail. First auditing was done by Mr. Sanusi from Copenhagen Zoo on 18th December 2020 while second auditing was done with Forest Rangers of Kinta/Manjung on 22nd February 2021. GEC has taken advice and opinion from the expert for the restoration work of the trail. The overall trail from Makmur Village to the Korbu Mountain is ready to use and safe for professional trekkers.
As a conclusion, the establishment of the Mount Korbu (Legendary Korbu) eco-trail has been fully completed. It was a successful project towards empowering community on generating side incomes and alternatives livelihood initiatives due to the pandemic Covid-19. The programme also received good support and cooperation especially from JAKOA and Forestry Department. Besides generating side incomes, the eco-trail establishment also can distribute to the additional of eco-tourism in Ipoh, Perak. Furthermore, it can also be an added value to the OA villages especially for Kampung Makmur other than attracting visitors or hikers to the village.