PART 2 - CLOSE ENCOUNTER AT BUKIT LARUT (MAXWELL HILL)

The story below is Part 2, a continuation of the earlier post under "Filming in Perak - Part 1". (All pictures featured below are snapshots taken of the film on Perak we produced).

Bukit Larut 
We proceeded to Bukit Larut, only a short distance from Taiping. This is the oldest resort in Malaysia, founded in 1884, and named after William George Maxwell, a British Assistant Resident in Perak. The hill is about 1,250 meters above sea level, and located in the wettest part of Malaysia.

Private vehicles were not allowed within the premise. We left our vehicles at the foot of the hill and took a 30-minute ride in government-owned 4-wheel drives. The 13 kilometers uphill road to Bukit Larut was narrow, steep and winding.
This is a protected area. There were many jungle trails accessible for people to view and explore the National forests with its flora and fauna, numerous species of birds and wildlife. When we approached the hilltop, I observed the place retained much of its colonial charm. But, most of the wooden-structured buildings were not maintained, and some badly neglected.


We stayed at the government-owned Rest House for several days. The weather was cool, breezy and the air fresh cooler during the nights. The clouds passed by the varandah and occasionally right into the hall.

Unusual changes
When we arrived, I spotted a change in one of the girls. We presumed she was home-sick, or upset with someone. When comforted, she confided she could not understand why she was depressed. We adjourned for an early night. The following morning, some complained of restless sleep, unusual dreams and nightmares. I did not have a good sleep either because I often take time to settle-in, especially in new places.

Most memorable 

This was unanimous. The hot spicy chicken curry, mutton curry, vegetables, and fried fish, etc. prepared by the Rest House caretakers were the most delicious meals that we had tasted throughout the duration of our filming. Perhaps it was the environment, or the cold weather that made us exceptionally hungry, that everything we consumed here was truly the "best".

Special props

Many props were created for filming purposes, and one in particular was a campfire scene in the compound, where the girls enjoyed a barbecue, and another lazing by the fireplace.

Close Encounter
Filming continued throughout the duration. Then came the final day. I wanted to enjoy my last evening here walking in the mist, and breathe-in the cool air rather than be cooped up indoors.

Dusk was approaching and no one wanted to follow me, not even my husband, or daughter. They wanted to play some indoor games before dinner was served. I was reassured that it was perfectly safe to be on my own.

I joyously ventured into the woods, and I could feel the cool mists brushing my skin. While walking,  I felt extreme serenity surrounding me. I walked further and further, with no concern for time or where my foot would lead me to. I then noticed from afar, an empty bench overlooking the jungle. I sat down relishing the beauty of nature around me. My eyes were content just soaking in the greenery around me, as I watched the sky slowly changing colours, far across the horizon. The feeling of being surrounded by nature with the mists occasionally clouding my vision was an experience that I had never known before in my life.

Suddenly, I was overtaken by a sudden depression. All kinds of depressive thoughts raced through my mind - of death, and misery, and I began to cry.

Then, behind me from afar, I could hear footsteps of someone shuffling and dragging the feet over dry leaves that dropped on the ground. The footsteps were heading towards my direction. I did not turn around because I assumed that it was my husband's footsteps. I felt silly, and quickly wiped away my tears, as I did not want him to see me crying, for no known reason.

I then realized that the shuffling footsteps sounded more like the footsteps of an old, or sick person, and had just stopped right behind me. I felt a sudden gush of cold wind brushing down the back of my neck and arms. I immediately turned around, and to my utter horror I could see no one. My feet were frozen. I sat rigid, and my mind was blank. It took 5 seconds for me to realize that the situation I was in was REAL -  that something invisible was actually standing right behind me. I jumped out of the bench and ran as fast as I could, occasionally turning my head to see if I was being followed.

I had ventured further than I imagined, and had difficulty finding my way back to the Rest House. I also did not realize that I was away for quite a awhile and my worried husband was searching for me. When he found me, I was in a dumbfounded state. I rushed straight into the Rest House, where all eyes were on me. Everyone looked anxious, as the hot food on the table was beginning to get cold. The following day, the girl confided that her depression was similar to what I felt when I was sitting on the bench.

Would I visit Bukit Larut and walk the same path again - alone? Needless to say, it would be a surprise if I do venture alone again. However honestly, the experience really did me no harm. The reason that I may not visit the place again is that, I now prefer to avoid uphill rides, and winding roads to begin a stress-free holiday, and not for any other reason.

Epilogue
Mysteries of Nature do exist, even though in many instances cannot be proven scientifically. Believe or not to believe, matters of the supernatural  continue to intrigue inquisitive minds. (I've written my views on these topics).