IT’S true that a farm is a magical place. A sense of calmness overcomes me as I hold out my hands to a herd of curious but hungry deer at the Batas Ubi Deer Farm in Kampung Batas Ubi in Yan, Kedah.
Perhaps sensing that I mean no harm, a few approach and nudge me forward. From the feeding bag, I grab a fistful of feeds — a concoction of grated coconut, grass and other nutritious grains — and offer to the deer, which they gladly accept. As they feast, a few of the deer nudge me away with their heads, as if telling me to get away from their food.
BALANCING ACTS
Finding this rather amusing, I retreat back into the shelter, which also doubles as a barbecue restaurant. Here, I meet with owner Mazlan Jaafar, who explains why he started the farm seven years ago.
“I spent most of my time in the office and I barely had time for my family,” says Mazlan, who was an architect before switching to deer farming. This was in 2011 and Mazlan wanted a more balanced life with his family, especially with his five kids.
Thus, Mazlan and his family relocated to Kampung Batas Ubi, where he acquired a two-hectare piece of land.
Mazlan decided to take up deer farming after some research and bought 10 deer.
The project soon took off and now Mazlan has over 60 deer on his farm. On a good day, you can see the stunning Gunung Jerai in the distance from his farm. If you’re lucky, he may take you on a jungle trekking trip to Hulu Sungai Teroi, not too far from the farm.
Before leaving the farm, Mazlan invites me for a sumptuous lunch that includes DIY barbecue with deer, chicken, beef and goat meat.
There are also garlic bread, rice, fruits and salads to go with the meat and a refreshing drink made from sweetened canned fruits.
All the meat dishes are prepared ahead of time. The well-marinated meat is presented on a bed of fresh lettuce that sits on a wooden slate. Although still full from the breakfast earlier, I find it hard to resist the juicy meat.
Taking a dollop of garlic butter from the container, I slather it all over the non-stick pan that the chef prepares for each table. As the garlic butter sizzles in the hot pan, I lay the meat on top and leave a small space for my roasted vegetables later.
It doesn’t take long for the meat to cook. Except for the occasional oil splatter that lands on my face, it is a fun experience. It makes me appreciate the food more.
With a full belly, I bid Mazlan and his workers farewell and proceed to my next stop — Gunung Jerai Botanical Park, in the Regency Jerai Hill Resort, where I will be spending a night.
MISTY MOUNTAIN AIR
From the Batas Ubi Deer Farm, it takes the tour bus 30 minutes to get to the foot of Gunung Jerai, from where we get into a van that will take us to the resort. It is another 20 minutes driveto the peak (1,217 metres above sea level) where the resort is located.
The driver skillfully manoeuvres around every tight corner throughout the winding road. Just as I say a silent prayer that we reach the resort safe and sound, a thick fog envelopes the road ahead.
Our van comes to a slow stop,halfway through our journey. The thick fog is none other than a passing cloud, a natural occurrence when you’re in a mountainous area.
It takes no time at all for the fog to clear and we continue with our journey and reach the resort. The air smells fresh and I can’t wait to get down and stretch my legs. Besides hydrangea bushes, there are also herbal plants all around the resort.
After a quick lunch at the resort’s cafe, I join a group of visitors for a walkabout. We are heading to the Gunung Jerai Botanical Park, which shares the same vicinity as the resort. The park is spearheaded by Ooi Leng Sun Orchids Nursery and Laboratory in collaboration with the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK).
The park is home to several rare orchid species as well as the world’s largest orchid, the tiger orchid. On our visit, the epigeneium treacherianum, a type of orchid that’s commonly found in high altitude regions like Gunung Jerai, is in full bloom. A spray of pink flowers dangles from its stem as we marvel at its beauty.
A slight breeze stirs a plant nearby and it gives off a slightly sweet jasmine scent. On closer look, the Coconut Pie Orchid (scientific name Maxillaria Tenuifolia) has small, whitish flowers which emit a delicious coconut oil-like scent.
Just as we exit the park, we catch another penetrating scent. The rich aroma of the Magnolia Champaca reminds me of a certain expensive perfume, with its spice and floral notes.
PEAK OF MYTH AND MYSTERY
On my way back to the hotel, I take a different route through a short hiking trail near the botanical park. Before entering the trail, the guide reminds me and the other guests to be mindful of our actions.
For the uninitiated, Gunung Jerai is a place full of wonder. The highest peak in Kedah, Gunung Jerai has its fair share of stories of mystery and legends.
There are stories of mythical creatures that disappear as soon as anyone tries to get close to it; sounds of beating drums that echo through the quiet nights, and a serpent as big as a grown man. There are also stories of hikers going missing in the mountain.
“All these are real stories. They’re not made-up to scare little kids,” says AJ, the guide. Suddenly, a gust of wind blows in our direction, sending a chill down our spines. The group falls silent.
Without delay, we follow AJ down a steep path that takes us back to the hotel. However, none of us expected the forest trail to be difficult. We start to hike uphill along a narrow path. Halfway through, someone in front shouts that they have found an animal carcass. There is a collective “yer” and “yuck” from a couple of youngsters in front. AJ makes a quick gesture to shush everyone and tells us to quickly walk off and not say a word.
As I pass the carcass, I take a quick look at it and note that it is the remains of a goat. Every inch of the animal is intact, including the skull. Question is, who or what left it there?
Soon, we emerge from the forest trail and come across the famous Tok Sheikh’s Well. Based on historical records and stories from the local community, Tok Sheikh was a famous religious figure who lived in the 11th century.
Tok Sheikh or Sheikh Abdullah Al Qumairi arrived in Old Kedah from the Middle East. It was said that he was responsible for propagating Islam to Kedah’s ninth king, Sultan Muzaffar Shah, in 1136.
There’s a small well that is said to be able to cure all sickness, including migraine. The water from the underground source runs through a small rubber pipe before it is collected near the stone well. Legend has it that the water has never dried up, not even once, even during the hottest season.
I feel refreshed and energised after gulping down some of the well water, and almost forget the long hike it took to get here.
So, are the claims real? Well, let’s just say that the world is indeed a mysterious place.
TRAVEL FILE
BATAS UBI DEER FARM
Lot 2679, Kampung Batas Ubi, Teroi, Yan, Kedah
TEL 012-431 3635 (Mazlan)
GUNUNG JERAI BOTANICAL PARK
PAY RM10 (adult) and RM5 (child)
HOUR Thursday – Sunday and Public Holidays
WEBSITE www.facebook.com/GJBotanicalPark/
THE REGENCY JERAI HILL RESORT
Jalan Kaki Bukit, Lebuhraya Gurun, Gurun, Kedah Darul Aman
TEL 04-466 7777
WEBSITE www.theregency.com.my/TheRegencyJeraiHillResortV2.0/Default.aspx