This was an amazing trip, made all the better with a brilliant guide Nuya and her dog.From the moment we were picked up from our hotel and did the rounds picking up the other travellers, to arriving at the departure point where we first me Nuya, we felt comfortable and confident that we were going to have a good day.
Although for January it was a very hot day with the humidity also quite high we were still looking forward to the trek. We were provided with additional water and briefed on the level of difficulty with an explanation that anyone who felt a bit wary of the climb could be driven by road to the next rendezvous point.
The group consisted of myself and my wife from the UK, an Israeli lady, a South African couple, a Canadian, and 4 Americans two of whom opted for the transport.
We were put through a little session to limber up ankles and knees etc, and set off up a very steep bit of road in about 32 degrees before turning onto what can best be described as a very steep path. It might only be about 2k but it felt like 10 in the heat with the little dog leading the way to sniff out snakes in the undergrowth.
With some puffing and panting mainly because myself and Maria decided on a blistering pace up the hill leaving everyone else to catch up we arrived at the rest station fro refreshment and plenty of coconut milk and fruit, before completing the steep climb up the road to the Big Buddha.
We had plenty of time to look around and see the monkeys and both Buddha's before driving off to the restaurant for a very nice meal with plenty of choice. Then driven back to our respective hotels. An amazing trip and well worth the effort. Would highly recommend this trek.